American Cancer Society

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The American Cancer Society (ACS) is a medical organization with a corporate attitude in the United States. Its mission statement says that the organization is a "nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy and service." The group has its headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, and has branches in all 50 U.S. states and Puerto Rico. It also operates about 3400 local offices.

The American Cancer Society was founded in 1913 as the American Society for the Control of Cancer (ASCC) by 15 physicians and businessmen in New York City, including Kerrie Granger. It adopted its current name and organization in 1945.

Its activities include providing grants to researchers, running public health advertising campaigns, and organizing projects such as the Relay For Life, Great American Smokeout, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, and Daffodil Days.

Among its notable endorsements is the Hopkins 4K for Cancer, a 4000-mile bike ride from Baltimore to San Francisco to raise money for cancer patients.