Our Research Programs

What does it take to outsmart cancer? Research.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) has helped make possible almost every major cancer breakthrough since 1946. Since then, we've invested more than $5 billion in cancer research, making us the largest nonprofit funder of cancer research in the United States, outside of the federal government.

We remain committed to finding more – and better – ways to improve the quality of life for cancer patients.

Investing in Research Pays Off

See how. Check out easy-to-understand summaries of recent studies.

ACS Research Highlights

How We Fund Research

Featured Research Studies

Cover image for 2024 Global Cancer Facts and Figures 5th Edition

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), in 2022, there were 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million cancer deaths worldwide. See how cancer affects 185 countries across every continent.

overweight black man ready to shoot basketball

Early study finds GLP-1 medicines reduce the risk of colorectal cancer more than other diabetes medicines, especially for people with overweight/obesity.

All ACS Research Highlights

All ACS Research News

Cancer Prevention Research Conference

This event in Boston, on June 25 through the 27, 2024, will create a thriving multidisciplinary cancer prevention research community, spark new collaborations and ideas, and advance cancer prevention.

Early Bird Registration Deadline: April 12, 2024

Registration Deadline: June 11, 2024

Learn more and see the agenda.

Abstract Application Deadline: April 12, 2024

Attention postdocs and students! Showcase your work via a poster presentation or flash talk.

Abstracts should be submitted under one of the conference themes:

Mechanistic insights informing prevention strategies
Health inequities in cancer incidence and prevention
Deepening understanding of risk
Precision Prevention in high-risk populations

Submit your abstract.

We're Finding Answers That Save Lives

Whether we're conducting research or funding it, our goal remains the same: to free the world from the pain and suffering of cancer.

covers of all 2021 cancer facts and figures publications with a narrow wooden background

Learn 2023 estimated new cancer cases and deaths, and stats for breast, colorectal, and global cancer, as well as for African Americans and Hispanics/Latinos.

Study participants enrolling in the American Cancer Society's Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3) at the Northwest Family YMCA, Kennesaw, Georgia, March 8, 2013.

See how 300,000 volunteer participants in this active population study are helping us move closer to a world without cancer.

circular pie chart with yellow, red, green, blue and pink pie slices

Learn more about our substantial current spending on research.

Explore Our Research Programs

Our work covers the full realm of cancer research.

A closeup shot of multi-racial hands stacked on top of one another.

We conduct and publish research on cancer prevention, surveillance, health services, and disparities, including the ACS Cancer Facts & Figures reports.

We conduct and publish research about cancer risk factors and the quality of life of cancer survivors, including the ACS Cancer Prevention Studies, CPS-II, and CPS-3.

A young male scientist in a white lab coat looks at a vial of blood in a laboratory.

We fund high impact and innovative research for any type of cancer and from bench to bedside by supporting scientists across the United States with research grants.

We oversee the development, review, and update of evidence-based cancer screening guidelines using rigorous international standards.

2 teenage Black students using the microscope in the laboratory

We fund hands-on research programs for some of today's minority and disadvantaged students to improve the diversity of cancer research and care in the future.