CPAA was started in 1969 mainly to provide financial assistance to needy cancer patients. Over the last 54 years the organization has expanded its mission to address the root cause of the exponential increase in cancer cases in India, namely that of lack of knowledge and information. CPAA does not treat cancer but complements the work being done by medical practitioners and hospitals, concentrating on education and awareness & early detection. It has grown from a tiny Mumbai based organization surviving on small donations to one with branches in Delhi and Pune. CPAA draws its entire annual budget from corporate and individual donations.