A diverse group of smiling Macmillan Cancer Support volunteers wearing green vests cheer and wave at runners.

What does Macmillan Cancer Support do?

Macmillan has spent more than 100 years helping people living with cancer. From the moment someone is diagnosed with cancer, we're there with all the information, support and guidance they need, to help everyone with cancer live life as fully as they can.

How we help people

We know that cancer can disrupt your whole life, and affects everyone differently. Cancer impacts more than your physical health, it can impact relationships, jobs, finances, emotional wellbeing and so much more. It can be made worse simply because of who you are and where you live. 

But we’re here to change that. 
A Macmillan Support Centre staff is listening to a person talking. They are sat down in the Macmillan Horizon Centre. A Macmillan Support Centre staff is listening to a person talking. They are sat down in the Macmillan Horizon Centre.
We provide services
We provide services for people living with cancer at every stage of their cancer experience. 
A Macmillan volunteer is cheering at the London Marathon. They have both arms in the air and are holding Macmillan branded balloons. They are wearing a long dark blue top and a Macmillan branded vest on top of it. The volunteer also has on a headscarf and sunglasses. There are other people cheering near them at the event.A Macmillan volunteer is cheering at the London Marathon. They have both arms in the air and are holding Macmillan branded balloons. They are wearing a long dark blue top and a Macmillan branded vest on top of it. The volunteer also has on a headscarf and sunglasses. There are other people cheering near them at the event.
We raise money
We're 98% funded by donations, so fundraising is vital to support people living with cancer.
Two Macmillan Professionals, a Consultant Urological Surgeon and a Urology Advanced Nurse Practitioner, standing on a staircase in front of a clinic. Both women are smiling for the photograph.Two Macmillan Professionals, a Consultant Urological Surgeon and a Urology Advanced Nurse Practitioner, standing on a staircase in front of a clinic. Both women are smiling for the photograph.
We support the cancer workforce
We provide healthcare professionals with resources, tools, and training to support people living with cancer.
A group of people are sitting down around a square table. People are listening to one person in the group talking. They appear to be indoors.A group of people are sitting down around a square table. People are listening to one person in the group talking. They appear to be indoors.
We research into cancer care
Understanding the needs and experiences of people with cancer helps us target support and advocacy where it's needed most.
Macmillan staff gathered on Westminster Bridge outside the Houses of Parliament. They are wearing green Macmillan t-shirts. Macmillan staff gathered on Westminster Bridge outside the Houses of Parliament. They are wearing green Macmillan t-shirts.
We influence decision makers
We campaign, build partnerships, and influence cancer policy across the UK.
Two colleagues are standing together in the lingerie section in an M&S store. They are standing side to side and the person on the left is holding up a selection of bras. The person on the left has short blond hair. The person on the right is wearing a black head scarf.Two colleagues are standing together in the lingerie section in an M&S store. They are standing side to side and the person on the left is holding up a selection of bras. The person on the left has short blond hair. The person on the right is wearing a black head scarf.
We help employers support staff
Macmillan at Work provides training and resources to help managers support employees affected by cancer.
Macmillan Funding Grants for professionals and community groups
Visit our new pages to understand what funding is available for healthcare professionals and community groups. Discover who can apply, and how to get started.
Apply now

Our mission

There are almost 3.5 million people living with cancer in the UK. That number is rising and by 2030 this figure will rise to 4 million.

Right now, cancer care isn’t fair across the UK and there are unacceptable differences in the care and support people are getting. Some people aren’t getting the treatment or support they need because it isn't available where they live, or it is only available for certain types of cancer.

We're doing whatever it takes to help more people with cancer get the best care the UK has to offer, whoever and wherever they are.

In this video learn how Macmillan was founded and how we’ve had an impact on cancer care throughout the UK (6 minutes).

Our impact in 2025

An unfolded map with a pin on a light green background.

476,000 people


In 2025, we supported 476,000 people with cancer through one or more of our main information and support services

A dark green stethoscope on a light green background.

11,000 cancer experts


We grew our community of Macmillan professionals to more than 11,000 cancer experts across the UK.

A dark green lanyard on a light green background.

103,000 hours


Our brilliant community of more than 31,000 volunteers gave more than 103,000 hours of their time.

A dark green money collection tin on a light green background.

£265.4 million


Thanks to our supporters, we raised £265.4 million, the highest total in our history.

Read more about our Annual Report

You may also be interested in

Our values
Find out how we are using our values to guide our actions, our behaviours and the way we work.
Five big issues
Data from our research shows the five big issues affecting people with cancer in the UK right now.
Our innovation
We're investing in the most innovative ideas and pioneering products that will make the biggest difference to quality of life.
Information about professional fundraisers
Learn about our face to face fundraisers, where they may fundraise and how to get in touch if you have any questions.