American Cancer Society

Definition

The American Cancer Society (ACS) is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer. It focuses on cancer research, education, advocacy, and providing support for patients and their families, especially in the context of nutritional support during cancer treatments, where it plays a vital role in promoting healthy dietary practices and lifestyle changes that can improve treatment outcomes and overall well-being.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The American Cancer Society funds groundbreaking research aimed at understanding cancer and developing new treatments, which includes studies on nutrition's role in patient care.
2. ACS provides resources and guidelines for cancer patients regarding nutritional support, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balanced diet during treatment to help manage side effects.
3. The organization advocates for policies that improve access to healthy foods and nutrition education, recognizing the link between diet and cancer prevention.
4. ACS offers programs like 'Hope Lodge', which provides free accommodation for cancer patients undergoing treatment far from home, ensuring access to nutritional support during their stay.
5. They run numerous awareness campaigns focused on cancer prevention strategies, including promoting healthy eating and lifestyle choices to reduce the risk of developing certain cancers.

Review Questions

• How does the American Cancer Society contribute to improving nutritional support for cancer patients during their treatment?
  • The American Cancer Society plays a crucial role in improving nutritional support by providing resources and guidelines specifically tailored for cancer patients. They emphasize the importance of maintaining a balanced diet to help manage treatment side effects, ensuring that patients have access to information about healthy food choices. Additionally, they fund research that explores how nutrition impacts treatment outcomes, helping to establish evidence-based recommendations for dietary practices during cancer care.
• In what ways does the American Cancer Society influence public policy related to nutrition and cancer prevention?
  • The American Cancer Society actively advocates for policies that promote healthier food environments and increased access to nutrition education. By working with lawmakers and public health officials, they aim to influence legislation that supports cancer prevention through improved dietary choices. Their efforts include campaigning for better food labeling, restrictions on unhealthy food marketing, and initiatives that promote healthy eating in schools and communities, ultimately contributing to a reduction in cancer risk.
• Evaluate the impact of the American Cancer Society's research funding on the understanding of nutrition's role in cancer treatment.
  • The research funding provided by the American Cancer Society significantly impacts our understanding of nutrition's role in cancer treatment by supporting innovative studies that explore various dietary interventions. This research not only sheds light on how specific nutrients can affect treatment side effects but also informs clinical practices regarding nutritional care for patients. As a result, findings from ACS-funded studies can lead to revised dietary guidelines that enhance patient quality of life during treatment, paving the way for improved outcomes in oncology.

Related terms

Nutrition Education: Programs designed to provide information on healthy eating habits and nutritional choices, particularly for cancer patients undergoing treatment.

Clinical Trials: Research studies that test new treatments or therapies for cancer patients, often involving dietary interventions as part of the study.

Palliative Care: Specialized medical care focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of serious illness, including the management of nutritional needs for cancer patients.