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Macmillan funds focussed research to understand and improve the quality of life for people affected by cancer, and turn the results of our research into practical, cost-effective solutions and better quality services.
We do research into health services and the numbers, needs and experiences of cancer patients and their carers. Last year our research spend totalled £1.9m, representing 1.8% of our total charitable spend.
We evaluate cancer services to help us understand what models of care and support work best. We also carry out research which helps us to better understand our key stakeholders and supporters.
What we don't fund is medical research or research to find cures for cancer. We don't get involved with clinical trials of drugs or equipment. This is because we know that these areas are comprehensively covered by other organisations.
Access to our latest research and evaluation reports, including summaries and download our rich pictures.
Find out more about some of Macmillan's key collaborators and research partners.
Why is it so important that we invest in research into cancer patients and better cancer care?
The story about cancer is changing. Macmillan’s own research reveals that the number of people living with cancer diagnosis in the UK today is 2 million. That number is set to double to 4 million by 2030. Cancer patients are living longer after their diagnosis than they did 30 years ago, cancer is increasingly about living with cancer with many people experiencing issues which require support several years after initial diagnosis and treatment.
We need to recognise cancer’s long term impact on people’s lives, plan better services and develop more personalised care. The Changing Story of Cancer| infographic outlines some of the big numbers we’re talking about, and provides references to some of the key research we’ve commissioned.
Find out more about our Not Alone campaign| and the research we've done into isolation amongst people affected by cancer.
Macmillan took part in the 2012 National Cancer Research Institute annual conference.
There are so many ways you could help us to continue our research into the needs of cancer patients and better cancer care, from one-off donations to legacy giving.
Take a look at our latest research summaries of the numbers, needs and experiences of people affected by cancer.