American Institute for Cancer Research

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AICR logo present on organizational website, January 2006

The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) is a large American cancer research organization associated with the World Cancer Research Fund umbrella organization.

AICR calls itself "the cancer charity that fosters research on diet and cancer and educates the public about the results." It has contributed more than $82 million for research conducted at universities, hospitals and research centers across the country. AICR also provides a range of educational programs to help individuals learn to make dietary changes for lower cancer risk. Its New American Plate program is presented in brochures, seminars and on its website, www.aicr.org.

1 History:
2 Research:
3 Education:
4 Funding:
5 External links

[edit] History:

Since its founding in 1982, AICR has funded research projects involving the impact of diet, nutrition, physical activity and obesity on cancer prevention, treatment and survival. These projects stimulate other private and governmental funding organizations to support ongoing, large-scale projects.

By the early 1990s, the number of studies investigating the diet-cancer link numbered in the thousands. AICR decided to conduct a comprehensive assessment of this new body of knowledge – a global assessment of research on the diet-cancer connection. The Institute and its international affiliate, the World Cancer Research Fund, convened an international panel of experts, who spent the next four years reviewing over 4,500 studies on the link between diet and cancer. In 1997, Food, Nutrition and the Prevention of Cancer: a global perspective was published. The report was a compendium of knowledge about diet and cancer prevention in 18 body sites.

Food, Nutrition and the Prevention of Cancer: a global perspective deepened the scientific and medical understanding of the role of diet in the cancer process. The report, along with the continuing AICR educational efforts it inspired, moved the study of dietary influences on cancer from the scientific "fringe" to the center of national – even global – attention. Translations have been reprinted around the world and have helped shape international health policy.

In the 10 years since the first Expert Report’s publication, a great deal of new evidence has accumulated; AICR is currently working with its international affiliates on the production of a second report. A methodology for collecting and evaluating the evidence has been created and independent research centers have conducted literature searches. An Expert Panel has convened twice a year for the past five years to review the evidence and work up recommendations.

On November 1, 2007, AICR and WCRF will publish the second expert report, Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity and the Prevention of Cancer: A Global Perspective, containing a rigorous review and evaluation of an estimated 7,000 pieces of research on diet, physical activity and weight management and their effect on cancer risk.

The report will represent the most comprehensive global report ever to be published on the subject of food, nutrition, physical activity and the prevention of cancer.

[edit] Research:

AICR funds research on the role of food, nutrition and lifestyle factors in the reduction of cancer. AICR’s funding priority is basic research in the prevention and treatment of cancer.

All AICR Research Grants are awarded under a peer review system similar to that of the National Institutes of Health. This review system has the approval of the National Cancer Institute, allowing AICR grants to be used in conjunction with NCI funding.

The types of studies and research approaches reviewed by AICR for funding fall into three general categories:

The mechanisms through which food, nutrition and physical activity act to prevent cancer throughout the life cycle.

The mechanisms through which food, nutrition and physical activity act when they are used to treat or inhibit the progression of cancer.

Food, nutrition, physical activity and the prevention of subsequent cancer and enhancement of quality of life in cancer survivors.

[edit] Education:

The publication of Food, Nutrition and the Prevention of Cancer: a global perspective generated new knowledge about diet and lifestyle changes that affect the development of cancer at 18 sites. The report and a summary were immediately made available to health professional across the country. Over the last 10 years, AICR has produced and distributed many brochures and health aids to the public and to health professionals. Through its Nutrition Hotline, AICR experts answer questions via phone or e-mail. CancerResource, a free information packet for newly diagnosed cancer patients, is also available.

The quarterly AICR Newsletter reaches 1.6 million households and gives away one million brochures a year. The AICR web site features breaking news, background information, details about AICR research, and a database of healthy recipes. Individuals can sign up to receive weekly healthy recipes and a monthly electronic newsletter via e-mail.

[edit] Funding:

The funding for AICR programs comes primarily from individual donors throughout the United States. More than 12 million Americans have contributed to the support of our programs. The Institute’s finances are audited annually, and copies of the full audit are included in its Annual Report. The Institute cooperates with all major charity monitoring groups, such as the BBB Wise Giving Alliance. A full report on AICR is available from that organization.

The Institute’s Office of Gift Planning can provide detailed information on a wide range of giving opportunities, including bequests, gift annuities, gifts of appreciated assets and charitable trusts. The Institute regularly works with donors, their attorneys and financial advisors to help establish gifts that provide the donors with the greatest financial and tax benefits, while also doing the maximum to further cancer research and prevention.