American Association of Cancer Research, Essay Example

American Association of Cancer Research is the world’s biggest specialized institution devoted to advancing cancer studies. The oldest cancer association in the world, it has by now existed for more than a century. AACR is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is primarily concerned with all phases of disease research, such as the origins, diagnosis, cure and prevention of cancer.

AACR was established in 1907 by an assembly of eleven physicians and scientists, including famous pathologist Dr. James Ewing, inventor of Ewing’s Sarcoma. United by a genuine concern for a fast growing field of cancer studies, their major intention had become to promote the research, increase and disseminate the knowledge of cancer. Devoted to own commitment to face the challenges associated with daring undertaking, the founding members held the first AACR Annual Meeting just six months after the initial gathering, on November, 1907, in New York City.

Due to the strong leadership, creativity and resourcefulness of its founding members, AACR’s number of associates has been expanding rapidly, continuing to increase exponentially as well as geographically. These days, organization has a membership of almost “28,000 basic, translational and clinical cancer researchers in 80 countries” (AACR). Starting in 1916, AACR has been publishing a journal dedicated to cancer latest researches and findings. Nowadays, “Cancer Research” is the most often cited cancer journal in the universe.

In 1999 AACR developed a Scientist-Survivor Program, which was designed to connect and provide communication channels for researchers, patients and survivor advocates. Presently this pioneering program of affiliation is instructing AACR scientist members about the significant concerns of cancer survivors, and, moreover, supplies their advocates with fresh information about disease research – data, which they necessitate to proceed with the national dialogue on cancer.

“The mission of the AACR is to prevent and cure cancer through research, education, communication, and collaboration” (AACR). By initiating innovative programs and providing worldwide assistance, the organization promotes research in cancer and associated biomedical science; encourages the distribution of new research discoveries among scientists and others committed to the fight against cancer; promotes science tuition and guidance; fosters the increasing awareness and comprehension of cancer prevention, diagnosis, etiology and treatment all over the world.

AACR is primarily focused on conducting and encouraging as much cancer research as possible. Cancer is not just some single type of disease; it takes in a compound collection of approximately two hundred different kinds of illnesses. In the U.S., as well as throughout the world, thousands of scientists in laboratories and clinics, universities, medical centers, government and industry, are struggling not only to conquer this problem, but also to avoid it (AACR). To be able to fight the cancer radically and uproot the disease at its very germinating, one has to know the enemy by sight. That is why AACR is striving to serve as a source of reliable data about progresses made in the studies of origins, diagnosis, cure and avoidance of cancer. The Association does its best to encourage the increase and dissemination of new knowledge about cancer.

AACR is well-known for its reputation as a scientifically advanced and outstanding health care activist. Its name catches the attention of the leading scientists in the field. Not only does the organization focus on research conducting, but also creates opportunities for the interchange of knowledge and original ideas among researchers dedicated to cancer conquer, fosters training prospects for the next generation of specialized scientists, and contributes to advancing public knowledge of cancer.

AACR provides exceptional prospects for the capable, competent and skilled individuals ready to make a difference by joining the organization and becoming a member of its devoted team. AACR declares: “Our progress and success depend upon the dedication of our member scientists and a committed staff to help support our mission” (AACR). For those willing to become a part of the Association’s growing staff, a comprehensive benefits package is offered, including medical, dental and life insurance, training support, etc. In order to achieve its objectives and fulfill its mission, the organization encourages its numerous member volunteers to perform the functions of officers and directors on the Council of Scientific Advisors, as well as on many other Committees. Those who are not members of the Association, but are rather freelance volunteers, are also granted with an opportunity to be involved in numerous AACR programs, attend Annual Meeting, as well as other meetings and conferences, have access to AACR journals and other academic publications.

Nowadays, the AACR is on the front lines of the pursuit of cancer prevention and treatment opportunities. The Association is continually taking a challenge of carrying out their noble mission. They foster progress toward winning over cancer by promoting research, tutoring, communication, and partnership. “Priding itself on always having its finger on the pulse of cancer research, AACR currently publishes six scientific journals (Cancer Research; Clinical Cancer Research; Molecular Cancer Therapeutics; Molecular Cancer Research; Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention; and Cancer Prevention Research) that provide targeted forums for the latest research discoveries in cancer etiology, diagnosis, treatment and prevention” (AACR).  It also publishes a CR magazine, designed to communicate necessary information to cancer survivors, patient advocates, their families, medical doctors and scholars.

Today, AACR organizes numerous scientific conferences, among which the most prominent one is an annual meeting that attracts more than 17,000 participants from the cancer research society. Moreover, it presents “workshops, fellowships and grants for early-career investigators and investigators-in-training” (AACR). The Association teams up with cancer survivor, works hard to increase public understanding of progress made in cancer research. It also endorses active federal research financial support.

The AACR’s headquarter is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 615 Chestnut Street (telephone: (215) 440-9300; e-mail: [email protected]). Science Policy & Government Affairs office is situated in Washington, the District of Columbia, 1425 K Street, NW (telephone: (202) 898-6499). Margaret Foti, Ph.D., M.D. (h.c.), Chief Executive Officer, can be contacted by email: [email protected]. To know more about the organization one can access Cancer Research Journal, either its printed or electronic version. To find more information on organization’s activities, programs and contacts, one may check all the necessary information on AACR official website: http://www.aacr.org/.

Each year cancer kills more people throughout the world than HIV, tuberculosis and malaria all together. However, the number of survivors grows continually. A great deal of the cancer research success is due to AACR numerous practices and programs being developed. The achievements made due the Association members’ initiative are tremendous and innumerable. “It’s our time”, the Association declares calling upon volunteers to join a team of qualified specialists willing and able to make a change. AACR’s hundred-year practice is what we all should be proud of and grateful for, since while no one is totally safe from danger in this world of ours, everyone can reckon upon the assistance of committed professionals, who dedicate themselves to saving lives.

Works Cited

“About Us.” American Association of Cancer Research. 19 Apr. 2010. <http://www.aacr.org/home/about-us.aspx>.

“About Cancer Research.” American Association for Cancer Research. 7 Jan. 2010. 19 Apr. 2010.  <http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/>.

“Meeting Abstracts Online.” American Association of Cancer Research. 19 Apr. 2010. <http://aacrmeetingabstracts.org/>.