Friends of Cancer Research (Friends) is a non-profit organization that, for more than a decade, has pioneered innovative public-private partnerships, organized critical policy forums, educated the public, and brought together key communities to develop collaborative strategies in the field of cancer research. Comprised of leading members of the cancer community, Friends of Cancer Research works to engage key stakeholders in the scientific, patient, government, corporate, and media sectors to identify barriers and find solutions for the most pressing issues facing cancer research today.

“In addition to conveying the importance of federal funding for cancer research, we must also ensure a climate that is politically, socially, and intellectually conducive to maximizing the scientific opportunities for great progress. That is why, since its inception, Friends has been coordinating public, scientific, policy, and media outreach across the nation to provide education on issues related to the advancement of cancer research.”

- Dr. Ellen Sigal, Chair & Founder

• Scientific Outreach: Finding targeted ways to directly engage the scientific community in our efforts to advance cancer research, with an emphasis on innovative public-private partnerships that harness the combined power of private capital and not-for-profit scientific leadership.
• Public Outreach: Educating the public about cancer-related issues and identifying tangible steps that can accelerate advancements in cancer research. Primary vehicles include town halls and symposiums and feature senior members of Congress, cancer survivors, top officials from federal agencies, and leading scientists and physicians representing academia and industry.
• Policy Outreach: Coordinating briefings and special events designed to educate policy makers and thought leaders about the importance of cancer research.
• Media Outreach: Through our network of leading scientists and prominent advocates, Friends coordinates strategic media outreach efforts designed to provide greater understanding of complicated issues such as the discovery and development of new tools for fighting cancer.