2025 has been a year of ambition and progress. Like many charities, Cancer Research UK has faced challenges and had opportunities throughout the year, and I’m deeply grateful to our researchers, supporters, people living with cancer and their families, and staff for their resolute in their focus and determination and commitment to our mission. 

This year, rather than looking back, I want to look ahead. 

I believe 2026 can be a defining year, where innovation drives impact, excellent science moves faster into practice, and people feel the impact of progress in their diagnosis, treatment and care. 

Below are five predictions for the next 12 months – and beyond. 

Prediction 1: AI and data will accelerate detection and decision-making in cancer care 

Technology is reshaping how we diagnose and treat cancer. Used responsibly, artificial intelligence can help clinicians read scans more consistently, triage cases faster and identify patterns that are hard to see with the human eye. Technology will not replace human expertise: it will amplify it.   

Secure, integrated data environments and shared standards will help information flow safely and efficiently. This will help connect our scientists, clinicians and data scientists to work side by side better than ever before. 

In the near term, I expect targeted benefits rather than wholesale transformation. This could include shorter waiting times, more consistent imaging decisions and fewer unnecessary repeat appointments. Over a longer timeframe we should expect risk models that combine clinical, genomic and lifestyle data to support more personalised screening and earlier interventions, as evidence, infrastructure and trust grow. 

Prediction 2: Personalised treatments move closer to everyday practice 

The era of ‘one size fits all’ is ending.  

We now understand more about the biology of cancer than ever before, and our ability to use these insights is helping teams tailor treatment to the unique biology of each person’s disease.   

Treatment and care will become more personalised with wider use of whole genome sequencing in defined settings. For example, we’ll see increased use of liquid biopsy – simple blood tests that can detect cancer signals – to inform decisions after surgery or systemic therapy. 

But progress will only happen if we continue to invest in discovery science alongside the clinical infrastructure and workforce needed to deliver personalised care at scale.   

Adoption across entire systems will take time, but momentum is building. The golden age of cancer research is here, 2026 can bring discoveries closer to the clinic so people receive the right care at the right time.

Prediction 3: International research collaboration will help define the next wave of breakthrough

The biggest challenges in cancer, from early diagnosis, improved access and sustainable innovation, are complex, interconnected and global. No single organisation, sector, or country will solve them alone.  

In 2026, collaboration should deepen beyond shared funding, with greater integration of expertise, infrastructure and data across borders and disciplines.  

Initiatives such as Cancer Grand Challenges, which unites world-leading teams to tackle cancer’s hardest problems, show what’s possible when ambitions and resources align. Deeper collaboration attracts the support required to take bold risks and accelerate progress. Ultimately giving more people more precious time with their loved ones.  

Prediction 4: Cancer waiting times will continue to stall without bold action 

Cancer services remain under severe strain despite the dedication of health professionals. Long waits for tests and treatments cause stress, can limit options and risk worse outcomes. England hasn’t met all its cancer waiting time targets in over a decade, and our outcomes lag international comparators. With a growing and ageing population, demand will rise unless the Government acts decisively.   

Every delay matters. Every improvement makes a difference. That’s why we must see a National Cancer Plan for England in early 2026, backed by investment in staff, equipment and reform to deliver faster, fairer care. Elections in Scotland and Wales in 2026 also present critical moments for clear commitments to end long waits, alongside sustained action in Northern Ireland. In 2026, action cannot wait. 

Prediction 5: Charities with purpose and personalised, proof-of-impact experiences will lead 

Supporters expect clarity of mission, transparency and evidence that their contribution makes a difference. This isn’t about more communication, but smarter, more meaningful connection, built on data, trust and respect for individual preferences.   

Charities that combine unwavering purpose with personalised engagement will deepen relationships, close the engaging gap and build resilience in an increasingly competitive landscape. Done well, supporters become advocates and partners in progress. 

Progress depends on all of us. And I hope 2026 will be shaped by even more innovation, collaboration, and connection.