About the AACR Academy Medal
![](https://www.aacr.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Fellows_Medal_150x150-145x145.png)
Fellows of the AACR Academy Medal Front: Spheres illustrate the integrated and progressive relationships between cancer initiation, progression, and elimination through epidemiological, basic, translational, and clinical cancer research
![](https://www.aacr.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Fellows-Medal-Cancer-Initiation-Symbol-145x145.png)
Cancer Initiation: The medal spiral begins with the presence of chromosomal abnormalities and other cancer-initiating factors such as Helicobacter pylori and Human Papillomavirus
![](https://www.aacr.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Fellows-Medal-Cancer-Progression-Symbol-145x145.png)
Cancer Progression: Illustrated cells represent neoplastic transformation in tumorigenesis
![](https://www.aacr.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Fellows-Medal-Basic-CR-Graphic-145x145.png)
Double Helices: Symbolize basic cancer research and the investigation of cancer etiology
Nitrogen Mustards: Symbolizes advancements in chemotherapeutics and anticancer drug discovery and development
Electrophoretic Gel: Symbolizes translational cancer research and emerging innovations in cancer detection and diagnostic technologies leading to advances in genomics and precision medicine
Rod of Asclepius: Symbolizes the incorporation of cancer research and drug development breakthroughs into clinical practice
Survivors: The medal spiral ends with a female and male silhouette symbolizing the limitless future made possible for cancer survivors due to cancer research-driven treatment advances
Fellows of the AACR Academy Medal Back: Hendecagon and eleven inset stars represent the eleven founders of the American Association for Cancer Research. Encircling the medal are the four principle values of the AACR mission: research, education, communication, and collaboration.