American Cancer Society Essay, Research Paper

American Cancer Society Overview

The American Cancer Society is the 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 Society is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with state Divisions and more than 3,400 local Units. The Society is the largest source of private, nonprofit cancer research funds in the United States. The Society’s prevention programs focus on tobacco control, sun protection, diet and nutrition, comprehensive school health education, early detection, and treatment. A variety of service and rehabilitation programs are available to patients and their families. Through its advocacy program, the Society educates policy makers about cancer and how it affects the individuals and families they represent. For more information contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

ACS Mission

Mission Statement

The American Cancer Society is the 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.

International Mission

Mission Statement

The American Cancer Society’s international mission concentrates on capacity building in developing cancer societies and on collaboration with other cancer-related organizations throughout the world in carrying out the strategic directions of the American Cancer Society

Public Education

In 1947 the American Cancer Society also began its public education campaign about the signs and symptoms of cancer. They were termed “Cancer’s Danger Signals”. The original 7 danger signals were:

1. Any sore that does not heal.

2. A lump or thickening in the breast or elsewhere.

3. Unusual bleeding or discharge.

4. Any change in wart or mole.

5. Persistent indigestion or difficult swallowing.

6. Persistent hoarseness or cough.

7. Any change in normal bowel habits.

Ten years later, the order was rearranged putting the “unusual bleeding or discharge” in the first place. The signals were retitled and reworded slightly through the years, until the wording was changed in 1969 to the acronym CAUTION. The first letter of each sentence was lined up to spell CAUTION.

Change in bowel or bladder habits.

A sore that does not heal.

Unusual bleeding or discharge.

Thickening or lump in the breast or elsewhere.

Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing.

Obvious change in wart or mole.

Nagging cough or hoarseness.

The warning signals remained as above until their use was discontinued in the early 1980’s.

Some of the Society’s patient service programs include:

Transportation: Trained volunteers drive patients to and from treatment. This program is called Road to Recovery in some areas.

Reach to Recovery: Trained volunteers who are breast cancer survivors visit women who have been recently diagnosed with breast cancer. The volunteers serve as positive role models, talk with women about their feelings and concerns, and provide written materials about breast cancer and related subjects.

“TLC is a “magalog” designed to provide information and special products, such as wigs, swimwear, turbans, hats, bras, and breast prostheses.

Look Good…Feel Better: In partnership with the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association Foundation and the National Cosmetology Association, this free public service program is designed to teach women with cancer beauty techniques to help restore their appearance and self-image during chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

Man to Man: This group program provides information about prostate cancer and related issues to men with prostate cancer and, in some areas, their spouse or significant other.

Children’s Camps: In some areas, the Society sponsors camps for children who have, or have had, cancer. These camps are equipped to handle the special needs of children undergoing treatment.

Hope Lodge: Temporary accommodations are provided in some areas to cancer patients during their treatment.

I Can Cope: This patient and family cancer education program consists of a series of classes. Doctors, nurses, social workers, and community representatives provide information about cancer diagnosis and treatment, as well as assistance in coping with the physical and emotional challenges of a cancer diagnosis.

All information was obtained from the Cancer Society s website at www.cancer.org

American Cancer Society

Kia Mazyck Prof. Beric

CMHL 120-06 11/ /00