More than 1.6 million die from cancer each year in the U.S. The American Cancer Society (ACS) is working hard to eliminate cancer. Founded in 1913 by a group of 15 well known physicians and businessmen in New York City, it is now headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia and operates in the U.S. from more than 900 offices throughout the country under 13 chartered divisions. A recent study finds that ACS is the 10th most popular non-profit charity in the U.S. among more than 100 that operates. It is primarily a volunteer health organization dedicated to eliminate cancer. In order to do just that they intend to prevent cancer, save lives and improve quality of life through research, education, advocacy, and other related services.
Dedicated to fighting deadly cancer, the ACS spent more than 72 percent of its yearly budget on patient support, research, prevention, and detection and treatment. The remainder of the yearly budget is allocated to support services such as fund raising and general administration (less than 6.8 percent). It collects and spends just over $930 million a year. The ACS has an army of more than two million volunteers.