American Joint Committee on Cancer

The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) is an organization that develops a standardized system for classifying the severity and extent of cancer. They create staging guidelines based on factors like tumor size, lymph node involvement, and spread to other parts of the body (called the TNM system). This staging helps doctors determine the best treatment plan, predict prognosis, and compare outcomes across patients. The AJCC's updates ensure consistent and accurate communication about cancer severity among healthcare providers worldwide, ultimately supporting better patient care and research.