Cancer society warns of rivals

Not every charitable organization with cancer in its name is the American Cancer Society.
YOUNGSTOWN -- A recent increase in the number of phone calls to the Mahoning Valley American Cancer Society has prompted society officials to warn the public about other cancer organizations in the area.
The local ACS chapter normally receives several calls a week from Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana county residents concerning other groups that solicit funds for cancer.
"This is nothing new to the public. It's been going on for years. This is an ongoing issue -- we get calls every week. These organizations are not in any way related to the American Cancer Society," said Al Stabilito, the ACS communications director.
Seasonal solicitation: Stabilito attributes the rise in calls to the heavier solicitation he says takes place on a seasonal basis. There are an estimated 800 to 1,000 other cancer organizations nationwide and 20 to 25 locally.
Stabilito said these groups pattern their solicitation methods after those of the ACS. The society used to have major fund-raising drives in May and November, but now it uses different solicitation methods year-round.
Stabilito said that the other groups do their fund-raising in the spring and fall.
Use of money: The ACS uses about 70 cents of every dollar to fund cancer research, community events and other cancer-related programs. Look-alike organizations may not use as much of their funds toward cancer research or related projects.
"If you look very closely at their literature, a very small percentage of their funds is being used for the common good of cancer elimination," Stabilito said.
People considering giving donations should read literature about any cancer organization very carefully, Stabilito said. There are several indicators that a group may not be a valid non-profit society.
"Look for a toll-free number and an address, and see if it says American Cancer Society. You have to question where your donation is going," he said.
If donors are still unsure of the credibility of an organization, Stabilito suggests that they call the American Cancer Society, the National Charities Information Bureau or the Better Business Bureau to check on the validity of the group.
"If we get 30 calls a week, imagine how many people are just giving donations to these organizations and not calling," Stabilito said.
Other names: Some of the other organizations are: American Institute for Cancer Research, Cancer Fund of America, Cancer Research Foundation of America, National Cancer Center, National Cancer Coalition, National Children's Cancer Society, National Foundation for Cancer Research and the Pacific West Cancer Fund.