Campaigners queueing outside UK parliament

General Election 2024


Cancer care is at a tipping point and real people’s lives are in the balance. But it doesn’t have to be this way.  

This General Election marks a critical moment to transform people's experience of living with cancer. Together, with politicians and partners, we can revolutionise cancer care for people now and in the future.

The next UK Government must prioritise a long-term strategy that reimagines how we treat people with cancer. Not only treating the cancer, but the impact on every aspect of a person’s life, including healthcare, finances, work and housing, so that their care truly revolves around who they are and what they need. Making sure they can access the right care and support every step of the way.

For this to happen we need dedicated campaigners like you to make your voice heard. Our simple tool will write to all your local candidates standing in this election and ask them: will you transform cancer care in the next Parliament? 
Write to your local candidates

Why cancer care must be a priority

Cancer is the word nobody wants to hear, but the tough reality is almost everyone will be impacted by cancer at some point, either being diagnosed themselves or seeing someone they care about go through it.
Jules sits in a waiting room and is in pain.

More people being diagnosed

Every 90 seconds, someone in the UK is diagnosed with cancer. Today, more than 3 million people are already living with the disease, and 1 in 2 of us will face it in our lifetimes.
A photo of a healthcare professional in a blood test department (Phlebotomy).

Rising demand on services

With an ageing population with more complex needs, demands on cancer services will continue to rise. In 2023, over 100,000 people affected by cancer turned to Macmillan’s free Support Line.
Jai and Mandeep are sitting in chairs in a waiting area. Jai is wearing a long, dark coat and is holding open a booklet. Next to him is Mandeep who is wearing a long sleeved white top. Both appear to be talking to each other.

Waiting lists hitting record highs

In 2023, almost 90,000 people with cancer across the UK waited more than two months to start treatment from the point of either urgent referral or first suspicion of cancer.

Inequalities in healthcare

There are also huge differences in people’s cancer experiences – often made worse because of who they are or where they live. For example, research has shown people from ethnically diverse backgrounds in the UK wait longer to be diagnosed for several types of cancer. This is unacceptable.

Jackie on waiting too long for tests and treatments

Two women with dark hair smiling and hugging. One is wearing white and the other is wearing red
Image: Jackie and her mum Rosemary

"MPs need to commit to making real change so that patients like my mother do not have to wait." 

Jackie's mum, Rosemary, had to wait 8 months to be diagnosed with lung cancer as a result of delayed appointments.

In January she finally had treatment for her tumour but is yet to be told the results, so has no idea if it was successful. Her follow-up appointment has now been pushed back to October.

Read Jackie's story

Macmillan General Election blog series

Stay up-to-date with the latest information and find out about new ways to get involved in our General Election blog series.
Male nurse and woman
Cancer care is ‘stuck in the noughties’

We have published new analysis revealing that cancer survival rates in the UK are as much as 25 years behind other European countries. 

The Houses of Parliament, UK
Manifesto breakdown

All major UK parties are now publishing their manifesto commitments, but what do they each include on cancer care? Here are some key takeaways.

Lady wearing Macmillan lanyard taking notes
5 things you can do now

Have you been inspired to campaign in your local community and don’t know where to start? We have you covered with these five simple steps.

More blogs about the General Election

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How you can help

There are lots of ways you can get involved to help us call on the next UK Government to revolutionse cancer care for everyone.
The Houses of Parliament, UKThe Houses of Parliament, UK
Write to your local candidates
Use our simple form to email all the candidates in your area standing in this election, and ask them: will you transform cancer care?
Macmillan campaigners stood in the street holding signsMacmillan campaigners stood in the street holding signs
Join our campaign network
Become a part of a movement campaigning for better support for people living with cancer.
Jules, a person with incurable cancer, sitting in a parkJules, a person with incurable cancer, sitting in a park
Share your story
Sharing your experience of cancer can help us to influence politicians and decision-makers to create a better world for people affected by cancer.