A new era in cancer care: The Bay Area's role in ending cancer for all

Business Journals

12-05-2025

Across the Bay Area, momentum is building around a shared vision: ending cancer as we know it. The American Cancer Society (ACS) is privileged to work alongside forward-thinking communities from San Francisco to Silicon Valley to transform this vision into reality. With the landmark 14th annual San Francisco Discovery Gala approaching and unprecedented engagement from local innovation leaders, the opportunity for meaningful collaboration has never been more promising.
Cancer doesn't wait. Neither can we.
A legacy of Bay Area innovation and impact
Since 2011, the San Francisco Discovery Gala has channeled the Bay Area's entrepreneurial spirit into nearly $19 million to support breakthrough research, essential patient services, and effective advocacy. In 2023, it earned recognition as the American Cancer Society's Event of the Year — a testament to the Bay Area's distinctive ability to drive transformative change.
This signature event exemplifies what's possible when the region's visionary business leaders and passionate advocates unite for a common purpose. Distinguished past event chairs and sponsors represent many of the Bay Area's most influential employers, whose strategic partnerships continue to fuel ACS's life-saving work both locally and nationally.
Our mission: Measurable results
ACS stands as the largest private nonprofit funder of cancer research in the United States, with strategic investments exceeding $3.1 billion since 1991. This commitment has helped drive a remarkable 34% reduction in cancer mortality rates and prevented 4.5 million cancer deaths between 1991 and 2021. In 2024 alone, our mission positively impacted over 140.5 million lives through patient support, advocacy, and education.*
More than 80 cents of every dollar donated directly supports programs that empower people to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. ACS benefits from the expertise of over 1 million volunteers in communities across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Guam. Their invaluable contributions in 2024 represented more than $522 million in wage replacement value.*
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Cory Goodale
Prevention and detection: Progress and opportunity
The Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Facts & Figures 2025–2026 report reveals important gains while highlighting critical opportunities. Breast and colorectal cancer screening rates have successfully rebounded post-pandemic, and smoking rates continue their encouraging decline.
However, cervical cancer screening remains below optimal levels, and HPV vaccination rates have plateaued. Meanwhile, excess body weight, physical inactivity, and alcohol consumption present persistent public health challenges. ACS remains dedicated to expanding access to prevention and early detection tools, with particular focus on historically underserved populations.
"We're witnessing meaningful progress," notes Priti Bandi, Ph.D., ACS scientific director, "but now is precisely the time for Bay Area leaders to double down — especially on HPV and cervical cancer prevention."
California's strategic imperative
California faces one of the nation's most significant cancer challenges: projections indicate over 199,000 new diagnoses in 2025, with an estimated 60,000 cancer-related deaths.* These sobering numbers underscore the urgent need for continued investment and Bay Area leadership in the fight against cancer.
Bay Area innovation, national impact
Proceeds from the San Francisco Discovery Gala strengthen ACS's robust $400 million research portfolio, including more than 600 active grants nationwide — many based within premier Bay Area research institutions.* ACS-funded researchers are pioneering breakthroughs in treatment, early detection, and survivorship that will fundamentally reshape cancer care for everyone.
Our comprehensive services reached 75% of U.S. ZIP codes in 2024, providing critical transportation, lodging, and personalized support.* Our advocacy network extends across every state and territory, ensuring policy solutions that remove barriers to care and strengthen protections for everyone affected by cancer.
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Cory Goodale
Strategic partnership opportunities
ACS cultivates high-impact collaborations with health systems, nonprofits, and corporate leaders to expand access to cancer care and education. These strategic partnerships are central to our work advancing health equity, prevention, and workforce engagement.
In 2024 alone, we responded to more than 26,000 cancer information helpline calls in California, provided over 31,000 transportation services, delivered over 2,500 nights of free lodging, and facilitated direct navigation to care for thousands of residents.*
Young leaders addressing urgent trends
Cancer rates are increasing among adults under 50, a trend particularly relevant to Bay Area's young professional demographic. According to Cancer Facts & Figures 2025, cancers, including breast and colorectal, are rising among younger adults. This emerging challenge highlights the importance of initiatives like Fork Cancer Bay Area, led by the Associate Board of Ambassadors. This dynamic network of young professionals brings fresh perspective and long-term commitment to our mission, providing Bay Area companies with engagement opportunities for their emerging leaders.
Join Bay Area leaders in the fight
We invite Bay Area executives to distinguish themselves by joining the exclusive CEOs Against Cancer Bay Area Chapter. This influential network of senior leaders is advancing workplace wellness and community health through direct partnership with ACS. Members commit to building a best-in-class health culture while driving toward specific screening and prevention goals that benefit both their organizations and communities.
Membership includes:
Two annual high-level chapter meetings with fellow Bay Area executives
An appointed executive liaison to seamlessly integrate wellness initiatives enterprise-wide
Turnkey engagement toolkits and communications support to maximize impact
Access to exclusive networking and community events with the region's most influential leaders
With 83% of employers listing cancer among their top three health care cost drivers — and 74% of patients missing work, often four weeks or more — a healthier workforce isn't just a mission priority.* It's a compelling business imperative for Bay Area companies focused on talent retention and productivity.
Lead the way forward
The 2025 San Francisco Discovery Gala, taking place Sept. 27 at Chase Center, represents more than a premier social event — it's the cornerstone of a year-round movement. Strategic sponsorship connects your brand to measurable impact-driven outcomes and aligns your business with one of the most trusted and influential cancer-fighting organizations in the world.
Together, the Bay Area's most innovative companies and visionary leaders can shape a future where fewer lives are lost and every person has the opportunity to live a longer, healthier life.
Explore our comprehensive corporate partnership opportunities at cancer.org/becomeapartner or contact Leslie Irwin at [e-mail] to discuss a customized engagement strategy.
To secure your place among Bay Area leaders at the San Francisco Discovery Gala, visit sfdiscoverygala.org or reach out to Leah Malfatti at [e-mail].
*According to American Cancer Society