The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is an organization based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, that focuses on all aspects of cancer research including basic, clinical and translational research into the etiology, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. Founded in 1907 by eleven physicians and scientists, the organization now has over 24,000 members, approximately a third of which are outside the United States. Hence it is one of the largest scientific organization in the world, according to its web site.
The AACR publishes Cancer Research, one of the high rated peer-reviewed journals in the field, and also publishes four other well-respected scientific journals covering specific areas of cancer research: Clinical Cancer Research; Molecular Cancer Therapeutics; Molecular Cancer Research; and, Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, as well as CR Magazine, a communication for cancer survivors, patient advocates, physicians and scientists.
The organization holds workshops and scientific conferences throughout the year involving various disciplines of cancer research, and its key event is the AACR Annual Meeting held in the Spring of each year in a major North American city. The Annual Meeting typically draws over 17,000 attendees.
The AACR also provides information for patients, families, survivors and advocates including organ site fact sheets and Cancer Concept fact sheetsexplaining treatments, new technologies and research areas.