[6] At the time of founding, it was not considered appropriate to mention the word "cancer" in public and information concerning this illness was cloaked in a climate of fear and denial.

[citation needed] The top item on the founders' agenda was to raise awareness of cancer, before any other progress could be made in funding research.

[citation needed] In 1936, Marjorie Illig, an ASCC field representative, suggested the creation of a network consisting of new volunteers for the purpose of waging "war on cancer".

According to Durant, the two serpents forming the handle represent the scientific and medical focus of the society's mission, and the blade expresses the "crusading spirit of the cancer control movement".

[citation needed] In 1973 the tobacco industry agreed not to advertise on billboards and in cinemas, and the first health warnings were displayed on cigarette packages in 1974.

The Nobel Prize laureates include James D. Watson, Mario Capecchi, Oliver Smithies, Paul Berg, E. Donnall Thomas, and Walter Gilbert.

The ACS participates in the Hopkins 4K for Cancer, a 4000-mile bike ride from Baltimore to San Francisco to raise money for the society's Hope Lodge.

[22] The ACS recommends a healthy dietary pattern similar to the Mediterranean diet that consists mostly of plant-based foods (fruits, legumes, vegetables and whole grains) that are high in dietary fibre with fish and poultry, whilst avoiding or limiting intake of red and processed meats to reduce cancer risk.

[23] In 2020, the ACS in their "Diet and Physical Activity Guideline", stated "evidence that red and processed meats increase cancer risk has existed for decades, and many health organizations recommend limiting or avoiding these foods.

"[25] In 1994, The Chronicle of Philanthropy, a nonprofit industry publication, released the results of the largest study of charitable and non-profit organization popularity and credibility, conducted by Nye Lavalle & Associates.

The American Cancer Society responded by alleging that the economists issuing the report were working for a group funded by the tobacco industry.

[30] The American Cancer Society was criticized in 2011 for turning down participation from Foundation Beyond Belief, a nonreligious charitable organization, in its Relay For Life "National Team" program.