In January 2020, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (the Society) will launch the Association for Clinical Oncology (the Association), a 501(c)(6) professional association that will conduct expanded advocacy activities directed toward policymakers in support of high-quality patient care. Organizations with the 501(c)(6) tax-exemption have increased flexibility in how they can advocate for issues on behalf of their members—the reason many other medical specialty societies have adopted this structure.

ASCO members voted in favor of amendments to the Society Bylaws during last year’s election that make each Society member a member of the Association as well.

The Society will continue to operate as a 501(c)(3) organization with no change to its central mission and very few structural changes. Core activities—including education, research, and quality programs—will continue to be conducted by the Society. Certain activities—including Advocacy and the QOPI Certification Program—will be transferred to the Association.

Members will pay dues only to the (new) Association, but both the Society and the Association will continue to provide member benefits, including access to our journals, savings at meetings, practice improvement tools, research programs and data assets, and education and career development resources. Member benefits and services will continue seamlessly in this new structure.

Our mission is more urgent than ever in a time of fast-moving science, changes in the healthcare system, cost increases, and other pressures. The 501(c)(6) structure will give us flexibility and opportunities to significantly advance efforts to ensure that policymakers understand the current realities of the cancer care delivery system, the urgent need to support scientific research, and the potential our members have, with proper resources, to enhance their delivery of high-quality patient care.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about this development are available. Members who have additional questions may contact ASCO Member Services at 888.282.2552 or customerservice@asco.org.