Cancer affects every part of your life. Patients and caregivers feel like cancer has hit them from all sides. This immutable fact has remained true throughout the American Cancer Society’s more than 100-year history.

In the early 1900s, a cancer diagnosis meant near certain death. Rarely mentioned in public, this disease was steeped in fear and denial.

Over the years, the American Cancer Society has evolved, grown, and innovated to remain relevant. We contributed to work that has resulted in a 25 percent drop in the overall cancer death rate in the United States between 1991 and 2014, equating to 2.1 million fewer cancer deaths.

And our work is not yet done. Today, we have a unique, comprehensive approach to leading the fight against cancer in every community. Get some insight into how the American Cancer Society is making a difference in and around Boston. Watch this video created through the generosity of INTHINK Agency.

Right here in New England, the American Cancer Society:

• Delivers breakthroughs: We launch innovative research and develops life-changing approaches to reduce the cancer burden for all. We’re the largest non-government funder of cancer research with about $400 million in extramural multi-year grants at work right now. About $126.5 million is invested locally at institutions such as Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Mass General Hospital, and Dartmouth-Hitchcock–just to name a few.
• Increases access to care: The National Cancer Information Center–the 24/7 helpline at 1-800-227-2345–offers a compassionate, knowledgeable information specialist any time, meeting practical needs and providing empowering resources. The Road to Recovery program, which connects drivers with patients and helps them get to treatments, removes one of the most common obstacles to completing a course of successful treatment. And Hope Lodge centers in Boston, Mass., and Burlington, Vt., provide free lodging and support for those who must travel far from home for treatment.
• Mobilizes local communities: We work to increase colon screening and HPV vaccination and to remove barriers to care and treatment so that more lives can be saved. Events like Relay For Life, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, and countless grassroots fundraisers build community relationships, helping folks come together to support those affected by cancer.

This is far from a complete list, but it is clear the American Cancer Society has a relentless commitment to attacking cancer from every angle. Donate now at Cancer.org/BostonAttacksCancer.