Macmillan responds to the estimated increase in cancer cases in the UK by the World Cancer Research Fund

Ciarán Devane, Chief Executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, says:

'We know the numbers of people getting this disease is increasing and these figures by the World Cancer Research Fund should signal alarm bells for the NHS and how we plan future cancer services. Macmillan Cancer Support’s own research showed that four in ten people will now get cancer in their lifetime. Cancer treatment is the toughest fight many will ever face and patients are often left with long-term health and emotional problems long after their treatment has ended.

'After treatment ends, many patients feel abandoned by the NHS as they struggle to cope with the long-term effects of cancer treatment. The NHS really needs to recognise cancer’s long-term impact on people’s lives, to plan better services and to develop more personalised care. We need services which keep people well and at home.

'There are currently two million people living with cancer in the UK and that number is doubling to four million over the next twenty years. Yet no one thinks the country can afford to double its spending on cancer. We’ve therefore got to become twice as effective in how we spend that money.

'We have a massive challenge ahead if we are to keep up with the relentless toll cancer takes on people’s health, and the NHS must rise to it.'

For further information, please contact:

Claire Keuls, Media & PR Officer
020 7840 4872 (out of hours 07801 307 068)
ckeuls@macmillan.org.uk

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About Macmillan Cancer Support:

Macmillan Cancer Support improves the lives of people affected by cancer, providing practical, medical, emotional and financial support.  Working alongside people affected by cancer, Macmillan works to improve cancer care. One in three of us will get cancer. Two million of us are living with it. If you are affected by cancer Macmillan can help.