We Fund Forward-Thinking Cancer Research

This program focuses on genes involved in cancer and the role their alterations (mutations, deletions, and amplifications) play in the process. Of particular interest is the examination of the molecules involved in cancer (proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates) and how their activities affect these diseases. Researchers focus on new targets for prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer. 

The primary goal of this program is to provide a better understanding of the nature of cancer cells, so they can be more effectively controlled and eliminated. Emphases include:

• Understanding the fundamental controls of normal and cancer cells, with a focus on how cells regulate when to grow, when to divide, and when to die
• How cells create an identity
• How cells relate to the local environment and to other cells
• How cells regulate when and how to move from one site to another 
  

This program focuses on the interface between laboratory investigations and human testing. The program supports investigations of the:

• Role of the microbiome and infectious diseases in cancer
• Microbial-based cancer therapies
  
• Discovery, synthesis, and delivery of cancer drugs
• Creation and use of animal models of cancer
• Biomarker Identification/development

This program focuses on therapies for cancer. The scope of the program includes basic, preclinical, clinical, and epidemiological investigations of immunotherapy, inflammatory responses, immunosurvellience, and innate and adaptive immune responses. Emphases include:

• Development and application of new imaging and bioanalytical tools and techniques
• How the exposome, nutrition, physical activity, and the environment impact cancer prevention, initiation, progression, and treatment 
  

The program focuses on the development and testing of interventions to influence health behaviors and health-care delivery. Research projects in this program focus on:

• Cancer risk reduction and delivery of high-quality health promotion
• Screening, early detection, and treatment services 
• Health services, outcomes, and policy research to assess the effectiveness of interventions and the impact of polices on access to care, quality of care, and costs of care

Special emphasis is placed on health-equity research addressing disparities in disadvantaged groups and the social determinants of health that drive inequities. 

This program supports nurses, physicians, and social workers pursuing training in cancer prevention and control. The goal is to is to accelerate the wide application of research findings by increasing the number of these professionals with expertise and career commitment to cancer control. 

The American Cancer Society is honored to have given funding to 47 investigators who went on to win the Nobel Prize, considered the highest accolade any scientist can receive. This is a tribute to the Society’s Research program and the strength of its peer-review process. 

The American Cancer Society Research Professor and Clinical Research Professor Awards are the most prestigious research grants made by the national program. The title of American Cancer Society Professor can be used throughout the remainder of the scientist's career.