Ten-year survival has doubled
From around 1 in 4 people diagnosed in the early 1970s to 1 in 2 today.
Cancer research changes lives
Research has changed what cancer means.
Today, 1 in 2 people diagnosed with cancer in the UK will survive for at least ten years. In the early 1970s, it was around 1 in 4.
Progress is real. The need for research remains enormous.
1 in 2now survive cancer for at least ten years
More than 403,000people are diagnosed in the UK each year
Down by more than a fifththe UK cancer death rate over 50 years
What progress looks like
More people are living longer after cancer.
Over the past 50 years, the UK cancer death rate has fallen by more than a fifth. Progress in prevention, detection and treatment has changed outcomes for millions of people.
Death rates have fallen
The UK cancer death rate is down by more than a fifth over 50 years.
Research keeps opening doors
Better prevention, earlier detection and improved treatment create more possibilities.
The scale of cancer
About 1,100 people are diagnosed every day.
More than 403,000 people are diagnosed with cancer in the UK each year. Behind every number is a person, a family and a life interrupted.
- 01The challenge remains vast
Cancer continues to affect hundreds of thousands of people across the UK each year.
- 02Earlier diagnosis matters
Survival is higher when cancer is found at an early stage.
- 03Progress is possible
Five decades of data show how greatly outcomes can change.
About Sunshine
Cancer research for public benefit.
Sunshine Cancer Research is being established to advance cancer research for public benefit. The organisation is currently in preparation.
Sources: Cancer Research UK: Cancer in the UK 2026; Cancer Research UK: 50 years of UK cancer data; NHS England: Earlier diagnosis.
Current status
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