Support Cancer Research - Flawed! ???

No matter how many donations the world makes Cancer is still the number one cause of death under age 85...





(My mother is a Cancer Survivor and I am in no way opposing donating to a cure for cancer; however I would like to make sure I am donating towards a CURE for Cancer and not towards a paid vacation for all not-for-profit organizations.)





According to the financial reports of fiscal year 2006 for the American Cancer Society, Inc:





Total Revenue (unrestricted): $790,066 (in thousands)


Total Expenses (unrestricted): $963,532 (in thousands)





Cancer Research expenses are: $136,357


Fund-Raising expenses (to obtain donations): $207,333





The total amount spent toward Cancer Research (to include prevention) is a measly 14.2%!!!





Does anyone have further information on this subject? I just want to make sure donations are being allocated accordingly... not just 14.2%!





http://www.cancer.org/downloads/AA/ACS_C...

Support Cancer Research - Flawed! ???
Research isn't all they do 14.2 for research, 19.3 for prevention 15.3 for detection/treatment and 20.3 for patient support Their mission Statement:





"The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, THROUGH research, education, advocacy, and service."





Research isn't all they do! 70% of every dollar they take in goes directly toward their mission, of research, education, advocacy, and service. I think that's pretty good.
Reply:They have a lot of over head. Remember that just because they are non profit does not mean they are volunteers. They are not, they pay the majority of their employees and their top employees bring home pretty nice padded salaries. THey have to rent retail space and pay utilities. They have to pay phone lines and the people who do all the calling and they have to pay advertising specialists, they have to pay for the air time for their commercials.





They are a great org when it comes to education, but I prefer to make my donation directly to the facility, hospital or patient so there is no third party taking a cut
Reply:Do you think that research is the only thing necessary in the fight against cancer? It's not. Educating the public plays a HUGE part in the fight against cancer. People need to know what kinds of cancer there is, what the signs and symptoms are, how cancer is treated, they need to know about early detection, cancer screenings, genetics, etc. etc. etc. How is this information going to get out to the public? The American Cancer Society does so much to educate the public about cancer. They take calls everyday from people who have questions and concerns about cancer and need information about doctors, clinics, screenings, payment assistance, etc. etc. etc. They have a very awesome and informative website. Accurate cancer information doesn't come from the minds of minimum wage earners, it comes from medical professionals with years of education, training, and experience.





Cancer research may be you #1 priority and that's great, donate wherever you like. Any and all donations are greatly needed. Just be aware that the fight against cancer is far bigger than the research and the American Cancer Society knows that.