MAHONING VALLEY ACS warns: Agencies sound alike

There are about 20 cancer organizations that solicit by mail, an ACS spokesman says.
CANFIELD -- The Mahoning Valley Chapter of the American Cancer Society reminds residents that the American Institute for Cancer Research, which is sending information to local residents in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana Counties, is not associated with the American Cancer Society.
Al Stabilito, communications and advocacy director of the local American Cancer Society, said that sound-alike and look-alike organizations continuously send letters asking for donations.
Estimated number
Locally, there are about 20 cancer organizations that solicit by mail and between 800-1,000 cancer organizations that do the same throughout the country, he said.
"The American Cancer Society does send letters and information to households by mail," but is not related to any other cancer agency, Stabalito said.
There are local American Cancer Society offices in Canfield and Warren.
"The American Cancer Society relies significantly on the community for its support. But we want to advise residents that there is only one American Cancer Society, and to be cautious when making a donation," Stabilito said.
The largest
The ACS, which has a 96 percent approval rating, is the largest not-for-profit cancer agency in America. Each year it funds more than $100 million for cancer research, Stabilito said.
Residents with questions can call the local American Cancer Society at (330) 533-0546 or toll free at (888) 227-6446.