Who We Are
A 60-person team of expert researchers dedicated to improving our knowledge of nearly every aspect of cancer, from what causes it to how we can end it.
What We Do
Conduct large-scale nationwide cancer prevention studies
Since the 1950s, the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Prevention Studies have helped advance our understanding of cancer so that we can ultimately prevent it. The insight we’ve gained from more than 2.5 million participants over more than half a century has informed cancer prevention and control programs, policies, and guidelines. Learn about the Cancer Prevention Study-3, our newest study.
Study cancer epidemiology and behavioral factors
The Behavioral and Epidemiology Research Group conducts original research to identify and modify cancer risk factors and behaviors, with the goal of improving cancer outcomes and quality of life among cancer survivors, caregivers, and the general population. We also seek to advance our understanding of cancer etiology, survival and long-term survivorship.
Research tobacco control to impact policies worldwide
Tobacco remains a leading cause of cancer worldwide, and our Economic and Health Policy Research program is dedicated to reducing the burden. With a focus on the economic and policy aspects of tobacco control, such as illicit trade and tobacco taxation, our researchers help educate governments and international organizations about the scope of tobacco’s impact. One highlight of such collaborative work: The Tobacco Atlas.
Analyze the cancer landscape – and work to improve it
The Surveillance and Health Services Research program produces several widely-cited reports (including our flagship Cancer Facts & Figures) on cancer incidence, mortality, early detection, and more. The team identifies critical gaps in cancer care, and takes leadership in policy initiatives to address these gaps. The group also collaborates with scientists and organizations nationally and internationally.
Assess the impact of American Cancer Society programs
The Statistics and Evaluation Center (SEC) is a shared resource of professional statisticians and evaluators that provide support to investigators in the research and cancer control departments at the American Cancer Society. The SEC has three main responsibilities: to assist Society researchers in the design, analysis, and preparation of manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals; to function as part of the Society team that evaluates selected mission delivery interventions; and to conduct methods research on cancer-related problems for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
Our Proudest Achievements
Our research has contributed to improvements across the cancer continuum.
Confirmed Link Between Smoking and Lung Cancer
Early American Cancer Society epidemiologic studies provided some of the strongest evidence linking smoking with lung cancer and higher overall death rates. This evidence led to the Surgeon General’s landmark 1964 conclusion that smoking causes lung cancer, helping drive a decline in adult smoking rates from over 40% in 1964 to less than 20% today.
Informed Air Pollution Policies
Findings from CPS-II contributed substantially to the scientific evidence associating increasing levels of specific types of air pollution with higher deaths rates from cardiovascular disease and lung cancer. These studies are cited prominently by both the Environmental Protection Agency and World Health Organization in policies and recommendations for U.S. and world-wide air pollution limits.
Provided Evidence of Obesity-related Cancer Risk
CPS-I provided the first epidemiologic evidence that obesity increases risk of premature death, and subsequent studies from CPS-II strengthened the evidence for a link between obesity and death from breast, colorectal, and other cancers.
