The American Association for Cancer Research and its Foundation envision a healthier world, free of death and suffering due to cancer, resulting from continued scientific advancement. As the authoritative voice and source of cancer research, with the power of major donations and the impact of corporate and philanthropic giving, the AACR and its Foundation accelerate the pace of cancer research.
Mission
The mission of the AACR Foundation supports that of the AACR - to prevent and cure cancer through research, education, communication and collaboration. Through its programs and services, the AACR fosters cancer research and related biomedical science; accelerates the dissemination of new research findings among scientists and others dedicated to the conquest of cancer; promotes science education and training; and advances the understanding of cancer causes, prevention, diagnosis and treatment throughout the world. The Foundation funds programs deemed by the AACR to be of the highest priority and impact in achieving this shared mission.
AACR Basic Facts and Figures at a Glance - 2009
The mission of the American Association for Cancer Research is to prevent and cure cancer through research, education, communication and collaboration. Providing an extensive schedule of scientific symposia, workshops, conferences and other programs, the AACR also provides essential training opportunities for the next generation of investigators. With an active government affairs agenda, the AACR seeks to increase awareness among legislators and the public about the importance of supporting cancer research.
- The AACR is the scientific partner for the Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) initiative. In 2008, SU2C raised more than $100 million for cancer research-all of which will fund cutting-edge research and bring effective new treatments to cancer patients in the shortest time possible.
- $5.4 million was disbursed by the AACR Foundation in research grants in 2008; $4.6 million is expected to be distributed in 2009; $21.8 million in research grants has been distributed since 1993.
- 88 cents of every dollar donated supports research grants, fellowships and scientific education for AACR member scientists and public education.
- Since 1961, the AACR has presented 237 prizes, awards and lectureships recognizing the achievements of scientists and physicians who have made significant contributions to the understanding, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of cancer.
- The 2008 Annual Meeting attracted more than 17,000 attendees; presented more than 6,000 proffered scientific papers, poster and oral presentations; offered 64 interactive meet-the-expert sessions and 51 educational sessions and method workshops.
- The AACR convened 28 scientific meetings, conferences and workshops in 2008.
- In 2008, the AACR conducted four international meetings in Japan, Jordan, Jerusalem and Hong Kong.
- The AACR cosponsored the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium for the first time in 2008.
- The AACR publishes six peer-reviewed scientific journals including: Cancer Research; Clinical Cancer Research; Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention; Molecular Cancer Therapeutics; Molecular Cancer Research; and Cancer Prevention Research.
- Cancer Research, AACR's oldest journal, is cited more than 100,000 times a year.
- 36 million online articles were downloaded from AACR journals in 2008.
- The Love/Avon Army of Women named the AACR as its scientific partner in its effort to recruit one million women in the fight against cancer.
- The AACR has more than 28,000 members in nearly 90 countries.
- 26 percent of members live outside the United States.
- Founded in 1907, the AACR celebrated 100 years of service to members in 2007 and held its 100th Annual Meeting in 2009.