Our Research Programs

What does it take to outsmart cancer? Research.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) has helped make possible almost every major cancer breakthrough since 1946. Since then, we've invested more than $5 billion in cancer research, making us the largest nonprofit funder of cancer research in the United States, outside of the federal government.

Our Discovery Science department remains committed to finding more – and better – ways to improve the quality of life for cancer patients.

Save the Date: June 25-27, 2025 Cancer Prevention Research Conference in London

Investing in Research Pays Off

See how. Check out easy-to-understand summaries of recent studies.

ACS Research Highlights

How We Fund Research

Featured Research Studies

Find highlights of cancer disparities research conducted or funded by the American Cancer Society.

With data from ACS CPS-II and 44 more studies, scientists found genetic markers that interact with fruit and high-fiber foods to lower colorectal cancer risk.

All ACS Research Highlights

All ACS Research News

We're Finding Answers That Save Lives

Whether we're conducting research or funding it, our goal remains the same: to free the world from the pain and suffering of cancer.

covers of all 2021 cancer facts and figures publications with a narrow wooden background

Learn 2023 estimated new cancer cases and deaths, and stats for breast, colorectal, and global cancer, as well as for African Americans and Hispanics/Latinos.

Study participants enrolling in the American Cancer Society's Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3) at the Northwest Family YMCA, Kennesaw, Georgia, March 8, 2013.

See how 300,000 volunteer participants in this active population study are helping us move closer to a world without cancer.

circular pie chart with yellow, red, green, blue and pink pie slices

Learn more about our substantial current spending on research.

Explore Our Research Programs

Our work in the ACS Discovery Science group covers the full realm of cancer research.

A closeup shot of multi-racial hands stacked on top of one another.

We conduct and publish research on cancer prevention, surveillance, health services, and disparities, including the ACS Cancer Facts & Figures reports.

We conduct and publish research about cancer risk factors and the quality of life of cancer survivors, including the ACS Cancer Prevention Studies, CPS-II, and CPS-3.

A young male scientist in a white lab coat looks at a vial of blood in a laboratory.

We fund high impact and innovative research for any type of cancer and from bench to bedside by supporting scientists across the United States with research grants.

We oversee the development, review, and update of evidence-based cancer screening guidelines using rigorous international standards.

2 teenage Black students using the microscope in the laboratory

We fund hands-on research programs for some of today's minority and disadvantaged students to improve the diversity of cancer research and care in the future.