Download American Cancer Society

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
“WHERE THE MONEY GOES”
Money donated to the American Cancer Society goes to cancer research, education, advocacy, and services.
Montana has received over $2.6 million in research dollars since 2001. All research projects receiving ACS
funding have undergone an intensive peer review process to insure that only the most promising projects are
funded. No matter where in the country a new treatment or cure for cancer is found, everyone will benefit.
In 2008 communities throughout Montana pull together to hold
31 separate Relays which raised a total of $2.3 Million!!! 3,216 Survivors were celebrated
and 1,033 Teams relayed!
I. Patient Services
a. Cancer Resource Network - A one-stop shop for immediate support right in the hospital at time of
diagnosis and treatment. The American Cancer Society Cancer Resource Network offers
personalized information, support, and resource referrals to cancer patients and caregivers during any
stage of the cancer experience.
b. National Cancer Information Hotline –1-800-ACS-2345 ~ American Cancer Society Call Center
Coordinators are available to help people access important resources nationally and locally. Call
Center coordinators answer this hotline 24 days-a-week.
c. ACS Website – (www.cancer.org) Our website provides information on nationwide hours-a-day,
seven and local events and resources, opportunities for volunteering, and materials.
d. American Cancer Society Cancer Resource Centers – American Cancer Society Cancer Resource
Centers focus on strategic outreach to patients who are underserved and have not historically come to
the Society. In Montana we have two in Great Falls, one in Billings, one in Helena, Kalispell and
Missoula.
e. Cancer Survivor’s Network – 24-hour cancer survivor support available on the telephone or the
Internet. This service allows patients to communicate with other cancer survivors for both
information sharing and support.
f. American Cancer Society Cancer Survivor College Scholarship Program – The Cancer Survivor
College Scholarship Program provides financial assistance for young cancer survivors as they pursue
their dreams of a post-secondary education. Call 800-ACS-2345 for more information.
g. Wigs Banks - Wigs, turbans, and hats are available free to cancer patients (selection may be limited).
h. Camp Goodtimes – A free week-long summer camp for children with cancer and their siblings. It is
located approximately 18 miles east of Spokane along the shores of the beautiful Spokane River at
Ross Point in Post Falls, ID.
i. American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network – Join our sister organization for $10 annually
to receive up to date alerts and analyses on cancer-related proposals pending in state legislatures, on
Capital Hill and governmental agencies; fact sheets and flyers on cancer-related issues; and key
information on court decisions.
j. Reach to Recovery – A one-on-one support program in which women who are breast cancer
survivors meet with newly diagnosed breast cancer patients to share concerns and offer support and
understanding. The visit can occur at any time after diagnosis.
k. Look Good...Feel Better - Trained cosmetologists meet with women who are undergoing cancer
treatment in a free consultation to help these women deal with the appearance related side-effects of
treatment.
l. Road to Recovery: Transportation is provided for cancer patients to and from their treatments.
m. Housing Program - Free or discounted temporary hotel stays to cancer patients while undergoing
treatment. Patients must demonstrate a financial need for service. Call 800-ACS-2345 to find out
where we can help with hotels!
n. Clinical trial matching service – Find out how you can use our free, confidential matching service
for cancer clinical trials nationwide. Learn why a cancer clinical trial is important, how you can
benefit, and what you should ask your doctor.
o. American Cancer Society “tlc” Tender Loving Care® – This magazine supports women dealing
with hair loss and other physical effects of cancer treatment you can also access this program online
at www.cancer.org or www.tlccatalog.org.
II. Early Detection Programs
a. Advocate for Early Detection Education and Screening Programs – The American Cancer Society
actively advocates for funding at federal and state level for evidence based programs.
b. Colon Cancer Free Zone Campaign - The campaign is an incentive-based, fun, and educational
campaign to raise awareness and collect screening pledges for colon cancer. Look for it around the
track!
III. Prevention/Health Promotions Strategies
a. Great Americans Campaign – www.greatamericans.org – The Great American Health Check, the
Great American Eat Right Challenge, and the Great American Smokeout make up the American
Cancer Society’s Great American Health Challenge.
b. Employer Wellness Program – www.FightCancer.Org - Test logging in with login name: cancer
This Web site is a one-stop source for employees to learn how to improve their health and prevent
cancer. Check these sections: Active For Life, Meeting Well, Because We Care E-Newsletter.
IV. Advocacy
a. Tobacco Control – ACS advocacy staff and grassroots advocates have worked successfully to
maintain and increase funding for the Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program and increased the
cigarette tax in 2004 by $1.00 per pack for a total of $1.70 tax per pack.
b. Breast & Cervical Cancer Early Detection and Treatment – ACS staff and volunteers have worked
to maintain funding for the Montana Breast & Cervical Cancer Treatment Program so that
underinsured women have access to mammograms and pap smears and treatment when needed.
c. Pain Initiative – To improve the quality of life for cancer patients. ACS plays a leadership role in
improving pain management policies and practices here in Montana.
d. Montana Comprehensive Control Plan – Involved with the creation of the plan and will be
advocating for legislation to advance goals and objectives within the plan.
IV. Research
a. Structural Studies of the 67kDa Laminin-Binding Implicated Tumor Invasion – Dr. Valerie Copie
of MSU in Bozeman was awarded a $380,000 grant over a two year period (1/1/2001 – 12/31/2002)
to study a protein that is involved in promoting the spread of cancer cells through the human body,
particularly breast, colorectal, and lung cancers. Dr. Copie’s research focuses on how to stop these
cancers from metastasizing.
b. Messengers for Health on the Apsaalooke Reservation – Dr. Suzanne Christopher of MSU in
Bozeman was awarded a $768,000 grant over a four year period (7/1/2001 – 6/30/2005) to study
cervical cancer prevention and control on the Apsaalooke (Crow) Reservation. Crow women have a
much higher rate of cervical cancer than white women. Dr. Christopher received an additional $1.5
million dollars for 7/1/2005 – 6/30/2010 to continue her research project.
There is no finish line until we find a cure!
The American Cancer Society has some aggressive goals to reach in the upcoming years. It is
our vision by the year 2015 to make a tremendous impact on cancer, by the year 2015 we will:
a. Double the number of lives saved from cancer
b. Reduce the incidence of cancer by 25%
c. Significantly impact the quality of life for cancer patients and their families.