Change is needed as number of people with cancer in the UK reaches almost 3.5 million

We know that as the number of people with cancer continues to rise, many are finding it harder to live with the disease than ever before. For example, our recent figures show that 1 in 3 people with cancer say it’s harder to have cancer now than at ‘any other time they can remember’. For people who also have a serious disability this figure rises to almost 1 in 2 people. ⁱⁱ 

We also know there are significant differences when it comes to people’s experiences of diagnosis, treatment and care linked to factors such as where they live and who they are.  

This is causing an unacceptable cancer care gap across the UK. 

Data from the NHS suggests many people with cancer are reporting poorer experiences across several areas of care ⁱⁱⁱ, particularly some people who face the highest risk of health inequalities, such as those with mixed or multiple ethnicities, and those from the LGBTQ+ community. ^iv

Meanwhile, people with cancer in England who are Black, LGBTQ+, autistic or have other long-term health conditions or a learning disability, are all significantly less likely to get the support they need with their health and wellbeing while receiving hospital treatment. They also face more barriers when it comes to involving their friends or families in their care. ^v

The reasons for the growing number of people living with cancer are complex and include a growing and ageing population, a gradual increase in some survival rates, and some increases in the rates of people diagnosed with certain cancer types. ^vi

Read more about why the number of people living with cancer is rising and access Macmillan’s cancer prevalence estimates.

Macmillan’s Chief Executive Gemma Peters said: “The number of people living with cancer in the UK is rising, and for many, things are getting worse. There are unacceptable gaps between the best and worst cancer experiences, and people are being left behind. 

“Behind these figures are individuals with unique challenges and needs. At Macmillan, we support people living with cancer every day, helping them to manage the various ways in which cancer affects their lives. We see how cancer impacts peoples’ relationships, jobs, finances and more, and how this can be even worse for some, simply because of who they are or where they live. This must change. 

“Better is possible, but only if we approach cancer care differently. Governments across the UK have a unique opportunity to revolutionise cancer care for the future. By addressing the cancer care gap and ensuring every patient – no matter who they are or where they live – can access world-class care, we can set a new standard for the UK. This is the government’s chance to shape its legacy for generations to come.” 

We'll do whatever it takes to help everyone living with cancer across the UK get the support they need right now and transform cancer care for everyone who will be diagnosed in the future. 

Our new organisational strategy sets out how we’ll fight even harder to make every pound you raise count for even more. With your help, we’ll transform cancer care for good.   

We’re getting to work right away to reach everyone today by:  

• Providing support, information and advice for all. This includes our cancer information available online and in other languages and formats, and our advisers on our Support Line who are just an email, message or phone call away. 
• Expanding our network of cancer care professionals. Growing our community of nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals.  
• Doing more where people with cancer need us most. Evolving the information and support we provide and adapting how we deliver it so more people across the UK get the help they need. 

We’re transforming the cancer care of the future through: 

• Fairer care for all. Working with other professionals in cancer care, we’ll promote best practice across the UK to make better cancer care available for everyone, no matter who or where they are. 
• More personal, joined-up care. Giving people a bigger say in their care. Looking beyond their cancer diagnosis to other long-term conditions that impact their lives to offer the care they need. 
• Working in partnership with partners across public services, business and the charity sector, to innovate and test what works to improve cancer care. 

Read more about our new strategy, our objectives and how we're taking action today and in the long term.

• Our strategy
• Our objectives

We’re doing whatever it takes. But without your help we can’t support everyone who needs us. Find out more about how you can get involved by:

• donating life-changing funds
• volunteering your time
• raising funds at an event or challenge
• campaigning for change with us.  

We understand that hearing about cancer in the news can make some people feel worried. Find support and information if you are worried about cancer or if you have been diagnosed with cancer. 

For information, support or just someone to talk to, call the Macmillan Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00 or chat with an adviser online.

i Macmillan Cancer Support. Cancer prevalence. Accessed January 2025.  

ii Macmillan Cancer Support/YouGov online survey of 2,078 adults in the UK who have had a cancer diagnosis, including 370 people with cancer with a serious disability. Fieldwork was undertaken between 11th and 30th June 2024. The figures have been weighted and are representative of people living with cancer in the UK (aged 18+). For more details see: Macmillan Cancer Support. Number of people with cancer in the UK reaches record high of almost 3.5 million. January 2025 
  
iii Macmillan Cancer Support analysis of the 2023 National Cancer Patient Experience Survey for England. For more details see: Macmillan Cancer Support. Number of people with cancer in the UK reaches record high of almost 3.5 million. January 2025  

iv Macmillan Cancer Support analysis of the 2023 National Cancer Patient Experience Survey for England. For more details see: Macmillan Cancer Support. Number of people with cancer in the UK reaches record high of almost 3.5 million. January 2025 

v Macmillan Cancer Support analysis of the 2023 National Cancer Patient Experience Survey for England. For more details see: Macmillan Cancer Support. Number of people with cancer in the UK reaches record high of almost 3.5 million. January 2025 

vi Data showing the UK population is growing and ageing is available from the Office for National Statistics, such as this report on the profile of the older population living in England and Wales in 2021. Analysis showing the gradual increases in many UK cancer survival rates and increases in the rates of cancer types is available from the Cancer Research UK website.