American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), founded in 1907, is a prominent nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing cancer research and enhancing understanding of the disease. With over 34,000 members across more than sixty countries, it stands as one of the largest organizations of its kind. The AACR plays a critical role in funding cancer research by providing grants and awards, supporting independent and institutional researchers, and directing significant portions of its fundraising efforts—88 cents of every dollar raised in 2023—towards research initiatives.
In addition to funding, the AACR publishes a variety of peer-reviewed journals, including the highly regarded *Cancer Research*, to disseminate vital information to the scientific community and the public. The organization also hosts major conferences, including its Annual Meeting, which gathers thousands of cancer researchers to share findings and foster collaboration. Through workshops and grants aimed at early-career scientists, the AACR supports the development of the next generation of cancer researchers. By connecting researchers, clinicians, and patients, the AACR seeks to improve treatment options and contribute to the global fight against cancer.
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American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
DEFINITION: Founded in 1907, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is a nongovernmental organization of physicians, scientists, and advocates seeking to overcome the burden of cancer through research and information dissemination. With more than 34,000 members in more than sixty countries, it is one of the largest organizations of its kind.
Funding research: The AACR does not conduct cancer research but instead acts as a base of financial support for researchers. The organization provides two basic types of support: direct research funding and scholarly or travel grants. In 2023, the AACR raised $83 million, of which:
- 20 percent funded research, grants, awards, and prizes
- 26 percent went to educational conferences and workshops
- 16 percent to publications,
- 11 percent to communications and patient education
- 10 percent to education and scientific programs
From 1993-2023, the AACR provided more than $529 million in research funding since 1993.
The AACR is governed by a Chief Executive Officer, a President, a Treasurer, and a Board of Directors. The AACR and the associated AACR Foundation are 501(c)(3) public charities. In 2023, 56 members of the organization were Nobel laureates.
The AACR grants independent and university-affiliated researchers to support their cancer research. Many of the grants are focused on a specific type of cancer, including lung, kidney, breast, and pancreatic cancer. These awards pay for expenses such as laboratory equipment, materials, salaries, and travel. In 2023, AACR directed 88 cents of every dollar raised to support cancer research.
The other type of grant that the AACR provides helps students and scientists attend the many workshops and conferences offered by the AACR and other cancer research organizations. These types of grants may cover travel expenses, housing, and registration fees. With such grants, many researchers, especially those who are younger or just beginning to build a reputation in the field, can attend these collaborative events.
Publications: Because information dissemination is vital, both to researchers seeking scientific progress and to doctors and patients seeking treatment options, the AACR publishes eight peer-reviewed journals and one magazine.
The AACR’s earliest journal, Cancer Research, was first published in January of 1949. It is the most highly quoted cancer journal worldwide. It accepts work from all areas of cancer research and is published bimonthly. Clinical Cancer Research focuses specifically on innovative clinical research, especially that which bridges the gap between laboratory research and clinical application. It began in January 1995 and is also published on a bimonthly basis. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention was first published in November of 1991 and is published monthly. The journal focuses on the causes of cancer and cancer prevention. Molecular Cancer Therapeutics and Molecular Cancer Research were first published in 2001 and 2002, respectively. These journals focus on cancer research developments in molecular biology and are published every month. Cancer Discovery, published monthly since June 2011, is a unique resource featuring peer-reviewed articles, news, commentary, and debates. Cancer Prevention Research, which publishes studies on oncogenesis, risk factors, and risk assessment, is a monthly journal first published in June 2008. Cancer Immunology Research, focusing on major advances in cancer immunology, began in July 2013 and is published monthly.
Cancer Today magazine is intended not only for research scientists and physicians but also for people who have cancer, survivors of cancer, and anyone who is affected by the disease. The AACR hopes to help create community and camaraderie among people affected by cancer, providing the emotional support that many patients and family members need. The editorial board for the magazine is made up of cancer research scientists, cancer advocates, and cancer survivors. It began publication in the spring of 2006 and is published quarterly. Cancer Today also provides podcasts of cancer news stories on its Web site.
As of 2024, the AACR published ten peer-reviewed journals. These included Impact of COVID-19 on Cancer Research.
Events: To facilitate communication among scientists, the AACR holds numerous workshops, meetings, and conferences. The AACR Annual Meeting is the largest annual meeting in the field and is regarded by many cancer researchers as the most important. In April 2024, it hosted more than twenty-three thousand cancer scientists at the San Diego Convention Center in California. More than seven thousand abstracts were presented in thirteen sessions, and invited speakers gave hundreds of talks. The AACR publishes the proceedings of its annual meeting and also makes them available on its Web site, along with audio recordings and Webcasts from the event.
In addition to the annual meeting, the AACR holds several large and a dozen smaller conferences. The larger conferences usually have between five hundred and three thousand attendees and focus on topics such as racial and ethnic disparities in cancer, molecular diagnostics, and cancer prevention. Smaller conferences usually attract between one hundred fifty and four hundred people, and the topics tend to cover a wide variety of special subjects, such as oncogenomics or proteomics in cancer research.
The AACR also aids younger cancer researchers by organizing educational workshops yearly. These workshops are designed to provide opportunities for young investigators to develop essential research skills.
Bibliography
"AACR Annual Impact Report 2023." American Asociation for Cancer Research, 2024, annualreport2023.aacr.org/financial‗statement.php. Accessed 1 July 2024.
"About the AACR." American Association for Cancer Research, 2024, www.aacr.org/about-the-aacr. Accessed 1 July 2024.
Jeffries, Lee P., ed. Leading Topics in Cancer Research. New York, Nova Science, 2007.
Keating, Peter, and Alberto Cambrosio. Cancer on Trial: Oncology as a New Style of Practice. Chicago, University of Chicago, 2012.
Martakis, Ignatius K., ed. Cancer Research at the Leading Edge. New York, Nova Science, 2007.
Pereira, Larissa S., ed. Cancer Research Perspectives. New York, Nova Science, 2008.
"Where Your Money Goes." American Association for Cancer Research, 2024, www.aacr.org/ways-to-give/where-your-money-goes. Accessed 1 July 2024.