Cancer Research UK (CRUK)

What is radiotherapy? Where did it come from? And what is it like to experience it? Find out in the latest episode of #ThatCancerConversation 🗣 Our science engagement manager, Hayley Brown, shares life-changing milestones in radiotherapy development that we've been a part of. We're also joined by Nevo, an image consultant, whose experience of breast cancer has shaped her business and outlook on life. Watch the full episode: https://cruk.ink/4kOXl96 #Podcast #CancerPodcast #Health #Radiotherapy #Research

This World Lung Cancer Day, we’re spotlighting our Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence (LCCE), supported by ScottishPower. Since 2015, the LCCE has been at the forefront of lung cancer research, uncovering the disease’s unique complexities and driving real-world impact. At the heart of this progress is a collaborative network of scientists and clinicians across London and Manchester. Among them is Annabel Peachey, a Higher Scientific Officer at the Cancer Research UK National Biomarker Centre in Manchester, whose work focuses on finding new ways to detect lung cancer sooner. “We focus on translational research, which aims to bridge the gap between understanding how lung cancers behave and using this knowledge to develop new tests, treatments or technologies that benefit people with cancer,” she said. “Ultimately, we want our research to give people more time with their loved ones.” From our flagship TracerX study that discovered air pollution can cause inflammation leading to non-small cell lung cancer, to scientists who’ve developed tools to help us understand how tumours evolve and develop, LCCE researchers are driving progress in new ways to prevent, detect and treat lung cancer. Last November, ScottishPower committed up to £4 million over the next five years to help fund our Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, supporting scientists like Annabel. Read the full interview with Annabel below.

We are heartbroken by the loss of our colleague and dear friend, Sophie, who sadly passed away from stage 4 breast cancer. Sophie was a passionate fundraiser and advocate for our work to beat cancer. She was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer when she was 31, just a few months after getting married. In the following years, while having treatment, Sophie shared her experience to inspire others and drive support for our research. She was kind, resilient and unwavering in her dedication to helping others diagnosed with cancer. Sophie was a true force of nature, and she will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with her family, friends and colleagues ❤️

Our researchers have found that the bacteria in someone’s gut can affect how well treatment works. So, now they’re turning bugs into drugs to help immunotherapy save more lives from melanoma. Working with the immune system has already revolutionised skin cancer treatment. Half of the people who receive immunotherapy for advanced melanomas survive for at least 10 years. This project is designed to help make sure the other 50% of people also get to lead longer, better lives beyond cancer. “Using bugs to fight cancer sounds far out, and we’re so grateful that Cancer Research UK believed in our project and came in early to support us,” says Dr Trevor Lawley, who’s helping develop the new drugs at biotech company Microbiotica. “We’re very excited about the future. The potential is huge.” Read the full story below 👇

Could cervical screening become more comfortable? We've awarded £457,000 to support researchers in Cambridge trialling a disc technique to collect cervical cells to test for HPV. Around 3 in 10 people in England are currently overdue for their cervical screening appointments, with experiencing pain being one of the top barriers. This pioneering study that could play a pivotal role in minimising discomfort and encourage more people to attend their cervical screening appointment. Read the full article below 👇

Our latest study, conducted by UCL, shows that more than 78 million cigarettes are smoked daily in Britain, which amounts to around 28 billion cigarettes every year. Although rates of smoking have decreased in recent decades, tobacco consumption remains high, and smoking continues to be the leading cause of cancer and premature death in the UK. It is responsible for more than 100 cancer deaths each day, and smoking-related illnesses cost the NHS approximately £1.8 billion in England alone, according to Action on Smoking and Health (UK). The data also highlights stark inequalities in cigarette consumption, with smokers from lower socioeconomic backgrounds smoking an average of 11 cigarettes daily, compared to 9.4 cigarettes among those from higher socioeconomic backgrounds. Regionally there is disparity too, with Scotland and the North East having the highest average number of cigarettes smoked per day (11.7 each), while London and the South West have the lowest (8.4 and 9.5). Although significant progress has been made in reducing consumption in recent decades, more needs to be done to help people quit smoking and tackle the inequalities associated with it. In particular, we're calling on the governments of all four UK nations to pass the Tobacco and Vapes Bill urgently. Cancer Research UK’s executive director of policy Ian Walker said, “Tobacco is a toxic product that should have no place in our future, and I urge all parliamentarians to back a smokefree UK and prioritise this Bill when it returns to the House of Lords. This world-leading legislation has strong political and public support that can’t be ignored.”

Exciting news in the world of bowel cancer 🔬 Deep in a lab in London, our researchers are growing tiny, living copies of 50 people's bowel tumours. These mini-tumours, or 'organoids', created from samples donated by patients, are helping us get one step ahead of bowel cancer. Professor Christopher Tape and his team at University College London are using them to uncover the underlying rules that determine how bowel cancers behave, so we can find new ways to stop the disease for good. The team’s biggest breakthrough so far? Discovering a completely new type of ‘revival’ stem cell bowel tumours can activate to protect themselves from treatments. Now the team are using organoids to work out how to take that defence mechanism away. Find out more below 👇

After six impactful years, Philip Almond, our executive director of fundraising, marketing and engagement, has announced his retirement from full-time employment and will be leaving Cancer Research UK at the end of May 2026. Since joining in 2019, Phil has been a driving force behind some of CRUK’s most transformative achievements — including a bold brand refresh, leading our digital transformation, and building a strong foundation for future impact, engagement, innovation and growth. Under his leadership Cancer Research UK has been named the UK’s Most Loved Charity Brand by Savanta in 2024 and 2025. We are on track to exceed our £1.5bn research investment commitment and the charity is undergoing a digital transformation, deepening supporter engagement to help ensure future success. Phil’s passion and commitment to the cause, the charity and its people, will leave a lasting legacy — not just in the numbers, but in the culture and community he’s helped shape at CRUK. From taking part in many fundraising events including Race for Life and Stand Up To Cancer, as well as sponsoring the Pride Network, reflecting his commitment to inclusion. We’re incredibly grateful for everything Phil has contributed and wish him a fulfilling and well-deserved retirement when the time comes. We will be looking for an outstanding successor to lead our Marketing, Fundraising and Engagement directorate and help us continue our mission to beat cancer together. #Leadership #CancerResearchUK #Fundraising #Marketing #DigitalTransformation #CharityLeadership #ThankYouPhil

We joined Pride in London last weekend 🌟 We want equal access to cancer care for everyone. But right now, the LGBTQIA+ community experience inequalities throughout their cancer journey from access to screening and diagnosis, clinical care, communication and overall experience. Thanks to everyone who joined us - we were feeling the love from the crowd and the hosts! We’ll continue to tackle cancer inequalities so everyone can live longer, better lives. Because beating cancer means beating it for everyone ❤️ #Pride #PrideInLondon #LifeAtCRUK

Ever wondered about royal protocol when it comes to cancer? Find out in the latest episode of #ThatCancerConversation 🗣 We interviewed royal correspondent Katie Nicholl, who spoke about her personal experience with liver cancer, as well as reporting on the King’s and Princess of Wales’ cancer diagnoses. Stream wherever you get your podcasts, or watch on our YouTube: http://bit.ly/4lFgV8f 🔗