Cancer Research UK brings together leading scientists to call for urgent investment as global cancer cases predicted to rise

Today, Cancer Research UK has joined forces with a coalition of the world’s most renowned voices in the research community to call on high-value donors and philanthropists to help tackle the disease.

In a ‘Letter to the World’, signed by 54 scientists, including three Nobel Prize Winners, they say that cancer is a ‘defining health issue of our time’ that requires a united and collective worldwide response on a par with Covid-19.

Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK. Image credit: David Vintiner

“We are on the cusp of making discoveries that have the potential to save and improve countless lives,” says Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK.

“We’re partnering with more philanthropists than ever before, all of whom share our appetite for discovery and translating results into real patient benefit.

“But we need to go further.”

‘Letter to the World’

To those with the means and vision to bring about change.

The threat posed by crises such as climate change and the Covid-19 pandemic have required a massive global response. The threat posed by cancer is no different.

Cancer is the defining health issue of our time. Globally, 18 million people are diagnosed with cancer every year. And 10 million die from the disease.

Alarmingly, by 2040 – just 17 years from now – the number of cancer diagnoses is set to increase by over 55%. This represents an untold amount of pain and suffering to families across the world. Your help can change that.

Many cancers can be prevented, and even more could be overcome if detected early and treated effectively.

As leading representatives of the global scientific and research community we know we’re standing at a tipping point of discovery that could transform how we understand and overcome cancer.

Fuelled by advancements in AI and technology – the next decade presents a unique opportunity to beat the disease. That is why we’ve come together to ask you to help accelerate a new golden age of cancer research.

Read the full letter and list of signatories

The letter is published as Cancer Research UK launched its More Research, Less Cancer campaign – the largest ever philanthropic campaign by a UK charity which aims to raise £400m.

The money raised by the campaign will focus on work at the Francis Crick Institute, support Cancer Grand Challenges, support scientists at every stage of their careers and enable more innovation that translates into effective therapies and diagnostics for patients.

Sir Paul Nurse, director of the Francis Crick Institute — Sir Paul Nurse, director the Francis Crick Institute. Image credit: David Vintiner

“With the changes that we are witnessing with technological innovations, work can now be carried out much more quickly,” says Sir Paul Nurse, director of the Francis Crick Institute.

“In the next decade, therapies for children’s cancers can be revolutionised, blood tests and personal health data will allow for earlier detection of cancer whilst those with complex cancers will benefit from access to personalised, life-saving treatments.”

“But, if we are to continue making huge leaps in how we prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, we need the funds.”

- Sir Paul Nurse, director of the Francis Crick Institute

£1 billion funding gap

Cancer Research UK’s recent report Longer, Better Lives: A Manifesto for Cancer Research and Care said that urgent action was required to address a more than £1 billion funding gap for research into cancer over the next decade. The report said that excluding research funded by industry, charities fund 62% of cancer research, compared to government’s 38%.

Through the More Research, Less Cancer campaign, Cancer Research UK is looking to partner with philanthropists to support transformational research.

The campaign has already seen significant investment from philanthropic donations, including generous support from The Chris Banton Foundation and The Kamini and Vindi Banga Family Trust.