Our Research Programs

What does it take to outsmart cancer? Research. The American Cancer Society is the largest nonprofit funder of cancer research in the United States outside of the federal government. We've invested more than $5 billion in cancer research since 1946, all to find more – and better – treatments, uncover factors that may cause cancer, and improve cancer patients' quality of life.

ACS Research News and Highlights

"We need to invest more in research to uncover the causes of the rising trends and to discover new treatment for advanced-stage colorectal cancer to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with this disease in this younger population, who are raising families and supporting other family members." - Ahmedin Jemal, DVM, PhD, Senior Vice President Surveillance & Health Equity Science, ACS

Press Room: Colorectal Cancer Facts Statistics

close up portrait of Ahmedin Jemal, DVM, PhD, Scientific Vice President, Surveillance and Health Services Research ACS

Finding Answers That Save Lives

We support the full realm of cancer research from basic science in the lab to translation of evidenced-based practices in cancer clinics. Some of the work we're best known for includes in-depth surveillance statistics, large studies with adults to learn about cancer prevention, and grants to support cancer researchers across the United States.