AACR Mission

The mission of the American Association for Cancer Research is to prevent and cure cancer through research, education, communication, collaboration, funding, and advocacy. Through its programs and services, the AACR fosters research in cancer and related biomedical science; accelerates the dissemination of new research findings among scientists and others dedicated to the conquest of cancer; promotes science education and training; and advances the understanding of cancer etiology, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment throughout the world.

How will the cures for cancer be found?

The answer is research. Cancer is not a single disease, but more than 200. In the U.S. and around the world, thousands of men and women in laboratories and clinics, universities, medical centers, government, and industry are working not only to overcome this affliction that claims half a million American lives each year, but also to prevent it.

How does the AACR promote cancer research?

The AACR is the authoritative source of information about advances in the causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancer. By accelerating the growth and spread of new knowledge about cancer, the AACR is on the front lines of the quest for prevention and cure.

What does the AACR do?

The AACR is the oldest and largest scientific organization in the world focused on every aspect of high-quality, innovative cancer research. Its reputation for scientific breadth and excellence attract the premier researchers in the field. The programs and services of the AACR foster the exchange of knowledge and new ideas among scientists dedicated to cancer research, provide training opportunities for the next generation of cancer researchers, and increase public understanding of cancer.
 

To that end, the AACR:

• Currently publishes a portfolio of highly ranked peer-reviewed journals that present leading research articles: Cancer Discovery; Cancer Research; Clinical Cancer Research; Molecular Cancer Therapeutics; Molecular Cancer Research; Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention; Cancer Prevention Research, and the newest AACR journal, Cancer Immunology Research. The journals' scientific breadth and excellence continue to attract the premier researchers in the field. According to Clarivate Analytics' Journal Citation Report® (JCR; Clarivate Analytics 2017), the entire portfolio of AACR journals, which represent 3.7 percent of the 217 journals in the oncology category, garnered 15.5 percent of all citations in the same category. One half of the AACR journals rank in the top 8 percent in regard to impact factor in the oncology category.
• Publishes Cancer Today, the authoritative resource for cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers who are seeking information and inspiration as they or their loved ones face diagnosis, treatment, and life after cancer. 
• Convenes topical scientific conferences and an annual meeting that draws more than 21,800 participants from the cancer research community. 
• Offers workshops, fellowships, and grants for early-career investigators and investigators-in-training. 
• Collaborates with cancer survivors, raises public awareness of the progress in and cause for hope in cancer research, and advocates for strong federal research funding.  

How did the AACR begin?

The AACR was founded in 1907 by a group of 11 physicians and scientists interested in research, "to further the investigation and spread the knowledge of cancer." Today, the AACR accelerates progress toward the prevention and cure of cancer by promoting research, education, communication, and collaboration.