Fellows of the AACR Academy Medal Front: Spheres illustrate the integrated relationships between cancer initiation, progression, and elimination through epidemiological, basic, translational, and clinical cancer research.

Cancer Initiation: The medal spiral begins with the presence of chromosomal abnormalities and other cancer-initiating factors such as Helicobacter pylori and Human Papillomavirus

Cancer Progression: Illustrated cells represent neoplastic transformation in tumorigenesis  

Double Helices: Symbolize basic cancer research and the investigation of cancer etiology

Nitrogen Mustards: Symbolizes advancements in chemotherapeutics and anticancer drug discovery and development  

Electrophoretic Gel: Symbolizes translational cancer research and emerging innovations in cancer detection and diagnostic technologies leading to advances in omics and precision medicine.

Rod of Asclepius: Symbolizes the incorporation of basic and translational cancer research and drug development breakthroughs into clinical practice.

Survivors: The medal spiral ends with a female and male silhouette symbolizing the limitless future made possible for cancer survivors due to cancer research-driven treatment advances

Fellows of the AACR Academy Medal Back: Hendecagon and eleven inset stars represent the eleven founders of the American Association for Cancer Research. Encircling the medal are the four principle values of the AACR mission at the time of the AACR Academy’s inception: research, education, communication, and collaboration.