American Cancer Society

Whereas: The American Cancer Society has a longstanding reputation of being a nationwide leader in efforts to prevent and to control cancer and to enhance the health and welfare of the thousands of diverse communities it serves; and

Whereas: The American Cancer Society has further proven to be a pioneer in both individual and public health approaches to cancer control by leading communities towards a comprehensive approach to cancer prevention, early diagnosis, effective treatment and care; and

Whereas: The American Cancer Society recognizes that as many as two-thirds of all cases and deaths from cancer in the Unites States could, in principle, be avoided by changes involving environmental factors, broadly defined to include tobacco use, poor nutrition, physical inactivity and obesity, as well as chemical exposures, radiation, airborne and workplace pollutants; and

Whereas: A series of pioneering American Cancer Society epidemiological studies including the Hammond Horn Study (1955-57), Cancer Prevention Study I (CPSS 1, 1959-72) and Cancer Prevention Study II (CPS II, 1982-ongoing), have helped to establish the extraordinary burden of cancer and other diseases (heart disease, stroke, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and many other conditions) caused by tobacco use in the United States and worldwide; and

Whereas: The American Cancer Society contributed centrally to landmark scientific studies on the carcinogenicity of occupational exposure to asbestos and the relationship of particulate air pollution to premature death from heart and lung disease; and

Whereas: The American Cancer Society widely disseminates information on nutrition, tobacco products, infectious agents known to cause cancer, and occupational or community exposures to potential carcinogens such as asbestos, arsenic, benzene, formaldehyde, radon, vinyl chloride among others; and the American Cancer Society supports and advocates for increased research to identify and control major environmental risk factors; and

Whereas: The American Cancer Society strives to maintain an unequivocal standard of excellence by preserving the integrity of scientific discovery, policy, and community partnerships through its commitment to prevent cancer, save lives, and dimish the suffering from cancer, and to that end, the American Cancer Society must take bold, but scientifically-based steps to communicate information regarding the nature of the relationship between the environment and cancer incidence and mortality which will touch the lives of millions of Americans.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: The Board of Directors of the American Cancer Society continues to support the Society’s mission to eradicate cancer as a major health problem through sound science, advocacy, education, and service by continuing to (1) support research and related activities which will lead to the identification of environmental factors which may be related to cancer incidence and mortality; and (2) take the necessary steps to eradicate or ameliorate these environmental factors, so that the Society’s mission may be met.

November 2001