About AACI
Accelerating Progress Against Cancer
The Association of American Cancer Institutes (AACI) is the only membership association dedicated to academic cancer centers. AACI represents more than 100 premier academic and freestanding cancer centers in the United States and Canada.
AACI Mission
AACI is accelerating progress against cancer by enhancing the impact of academic cancer centers and promoting cancer health equity.
News & Publications
Meetings & Events
AACI meetings bring together cancer center leadership with national cancer research and advocacy groups, industry, and government health agencies.
Programs & Education
AACI offers a variety of programs and educational initiatives focused on clinical research, cellular therapy, physician clinical leadership, and more.
Public Policy
AACI coordinates efforts among cancer centers to advocate for public policy that benefits patients and to educate legislators on the value of cancer research funding.
Meet the President
Joann B. Sweasy, PhD
An internationally recognized expert in the genetics, cell biology, and biochemistry of DNA repair, Dr. Joann B. Sweasy is director of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center and the Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases.
Dr. Sweasy is deeply committed to engaging rural and other underserved communities; preparing the next generation of researchers; fostering bidirectional translation; and optimizing the role of the cancer center within the academic and clinical organizational structures.
Presidential Initiative
Understanding Access to Cancer Care
A primary driver of poor cancer outcomes, including higher rates of morbidity and mortality, is limited access at key stages across the cancer care continuum, from prevention and risk reduction strategies to clinical trial participation and treatment. Barriers to accessing health services include lack of transportation, insufficient insurance coverage, and limited availability of health care facilities.
AACI President Joann B. Sweasy, PhD, leads a steering committee that is dedicated to understanding these barriers and improving access for all patients with cancer.
About the AACI Presidential Initiative
The AACI Presidential Initiative allows the president of AACI's Board of Directors to formalize a special project of broad interest and value to AACI members during their two-year term. Several of AACI's signature programs began as presidential initiatives.