American Cancer Society Fights Back

           The American Cancer Society, ACS, is a health organization whose mission states they intend to “eliminate cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service.”

           One way that the American Cancer Society is able to accomplish their mission is by helping people stay well. According to the organization, it is estimated that over seven million people, worldwide die from cancer every year. It is the organizations belief that if they can help people stay well, this number will decrease significantly. The way that ACS is able to do so is by first encouraging people to live healthier lifestyles. A healthy lifestyle can include trying to eat a diet that is limited in saturated fats, live an active lifestyle, and avoiding any tobacco products. The organization believes that if these things are done, then chances of getting caner decrease. Secondly, ACS encourages everyone to get cancer screenings. It is hard to disagree with the fact that the sooner cancer cells are found, the easier it is to treat.

           In addition to helping people stay well, the American Cancer Society also supports those who have been diagnosed, are currently going through treatment, or even those who are caretakers for someone who has cancer. The organization is there for them through every step of their journey, with hopes of making the experience go as well as it can. ACS accomplishes this aspect of their mission by offering programs, services, and resources that can help along this journey to recovery.

           Another way the American Cancer Society accomplishes their mission is by working to find a way to cure cancer. Each year, the organization spends more than $130 million dollars working towards a cure. This amount of money is more than any other non-governmental organization in the United States. The money they use is spent on not only their own research, but also given through grants and scholarships for other researchers to conduct research. Since the organization’s foundation in 1913, 46 of these researchers have later on won the Nobel Prize, based on their achievement in their research. One day, the organization has hopes that this research will allow for an elimination of cancer.

           Lastly, the American Cancer Society fights back as a way to eliminate cancer. The organization has an event, Relay for Life a nightlong event that raises money for cancer research, which is very successful in their way of fighting back. Relay for Life is an event that is not only used to raise money, but also inspire and uplift communities throughout the country. If more people are aware and feel strongly about cancer and cancer research, then the ACS believes that that brings them much close to their overall goal, eliminating cancer.