Our commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is not only the right thing to do, but also essential to our work

News
Published: 21 February 2025

Macmillan has always been here to help everyone with cancer to get the support they need. This will never change.

Gemma Peters with long brown hair, smiling at the camera in a blue outfit.

Gemma Peters Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Macmillan

We’re here for everybody living with cancer in the UK

We’re here for everybody living with cancer across the UK. In person, over the phone, or just an email message away. We’re in hospital wards across all four nations. Our nurses and advisors are available on our Support Line 7-days a week. Our online community is there around the clock, helping people with cancer to find the comfort and support they need from other people who are in the same position.   

As we’ve done throughout our 100-year history, we will continue to evolve to offer the care and support that has the greatest impact on the lives of people with cancer. Recently, this has meant that we’ve had to make some difficult decisions and unfortunately say goodbye to valued colleagues to ensure we can continue to do whatever it takes to support the growing number of people who are living with cancer in the UK. We’re now in a strong position to support even more people with cancer for as long as we are needed. 

The number of people living with cancer is rising and for many, their care is getting worse

The reality is that the number of people living with cancer in the UK is rising. Evidence shows that many are receiving poorer experiences of diagnosis, treatment and care - simply because of who they are or where they live.  

We hear from people struggling to access the information they need in the language they speak or in a format they can read, or who may struggle to get to their treatment. Only recently I heard about an ex-army veteran who lives in the Rhondda Valley and has to walk 25 miles a day to his nearest hospital for his cancer treatment, and then he has to walk 25 miles back home again. Cancer is already tough enough; nobody should have a tougher time because of who they are or where they live. 

At Macmillan, we know that we are all different with a unique set of needs and we believe that the care we receive should reflect this. Our unwavering commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is essential to us achieving our mission of ensuring everyone has the best care that is right for their individual needs. And having colleagues who bring the strong skills and experience needed to lead us in this ambitious approach is essential.