Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. If the spread is not controlled, it can result in death. About 1,658,370 new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed this year and in the same year about 589,430 Americans are expected to die of cancer (or about 1,620 people per day).

We believe that these statistics are unacceptable. The Cancer Research Foundation is a United States, a tax-exempt, 501(c)3, public charity that was created to raise awareness about the importance of cancer research and the ongoing need for cancer research funding. This year, we are proud to support the innovative research programs at Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation, and UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Together, the research conducted at institutions such as these has resulted in discoveries that allow for earlier diagnosis of certain cancers and improvements in treatment. According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year relative survival rate for all cancers diagnosed in 2004-2010 was 68%… up from 49% in 1975-1977. We are working to see survival rates continue to rise exponentially.

The goal of the Cancer Research Foundation is to see survival rates reach 100% and, ultimately, to become obsolete.