The American Association for Cancer Education (AACE) was founded in 1947 as the Cancer Coordinators, an association of cancer educators from US medical and dental schools that met annually to discuss problems and methods of mutual interest.

The mission of the Association is to foster cancer education by individuals throughout the world who either due to professional obligations or personal interest are involved in cancer education. The Association provides a forum for health-related professionals concerned with the study and improvement of cancer education at the undergraduate, graduate, continuing professional, and paraprofessional levels. Active members include physicians, dentists, nurses, health educators, social workers, occupational therapists, and other professionals interested in cancer education. Cancer education efforts are related to prevention, early detection, treatment and rehabilitation.

Other interests of the Association include educational programs for the general public, for populations at special risk, and for cancer patients. Such efforts involve developing and evaluating new educational strategies and methods, including the examination of objectives, courses, and evaluation instruments; expanding public education; fostering international cooperative efforts in cancer education; and furthering education in cancer prevention.