About

AACR Mission

The mission of the American Association for Cancer Research is to prevent and cure cancer through research, education, communication, and collaboration. Through its programs and services, the AACR fosters research in cancer 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 etiology, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment throughout the world.

Where will the cure for cancer come from?

The answer is research. Cancer is not a single disease, but more than 200. In the U.S. and around the world, men and women in laboratories and clinics, universities, medical centers, government, and industry are working not only to overcome this affliction that claims half a million American lives each year, but also to prevent it. More than 34,000 of them are members of the AACR.

How does the AACR promote cancer research?

The AACR is the authoritative source of information about advances in the causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancer. By accelerating the growth and spread of new knowledge about cancer, the AACR is on the front lines of the quest for prevention and cure.

What does the AACR do?

The AACR is the oldest and largest scientific organization in the world focused on every aspect of high-quality, innovative cancer research. Its reputation for scientific breadth and excellence attract the premier researchers in the field. The programs and services of the AACR foster the exchange of knowledge and new ideas among scientists dedicated to cancer research, provide training opportunities for the next generation of cancer researchers, and increase public understanding of cancer.

To that end, the AACR:

• Currently publishes a portfolio of highly ranked peer-reviewed journals that present leading research articles: Cancer Discovery, Cancer Research; Clinical Cancer Research; Molecular Cancer Therapeutics; Molecular Cancer Research; Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention; Cancer Prevention Research, and our newest journal, Cancer Immunology Research. Our scientific breadth and excellence continue to attract the premier researchers in the field, and we are proud to note that the AACR journals rank in the top 25 percent of oncology journals with regard to Impact Factor in the Journal Citation Report (2012).
• Publishes Cancer Today, the authoritative resource for cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers who are seeking information and inspiration as they or their loved ones face diagnosis, treatment, and life after cancer.
• Convenes topical scientific conferences and an annual meeting that draws more than 18,000 participants from the cancer research community.
• Offers workshops, fellowships, and grants for early-career investigators and investigators-in-training.
• Collaborates with cancer survivors, raises public awareness of the progress in and cause for hope in cancer research, and advocates for strong federal research funding.

How did the AACR begin?

The AACR was founded in 1907 by a group of 11 physicians and scientists interested in research, “to further the investigation and spread the knowledge of cancer.” Today, the AACR accelerates progress toward the prevention and cure of cancer by promoting research, education, communication, and collaboration.

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