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We draw on the best sources of data and generate our own insights to understand more about people affected by cancer and the two million people living with cancer in the UK and their experiences.
Two million people in the UK today have had a cancer diagnosis. If this number continues to rise by over 3% a year, this could see four million people living with cancer by 2030.1
The proportion of people living longer after cancer will increase, and the number of people alive and more than 5 years from initial diagnosis will more than double to 2.7 million in 2030.1
Download our infographics on the cancer population [PDF]|.
People now live nearly six times longer after their cancer diagnosis than was the case 40 years ago.2
Download the research briefing paper: Living after diagnosis median cancer survival times [PDF]| for more information.
The number of older people| living with cancer is set to treble by 2040, and the number of older women with a breast cancer diagnosis| will be more than one million .1
Find out more| about our work to improve cancer treatment, assessment and support for older people.
1.6 million cancer survivors could be at greater risk of serious long term health problems and some are at greater risk of recurrence of cancer because they are not physically active| enough.3
Nine of London’s NHS Trusts are at the bottom of a league table| measuring cancer patient experience across England.4 We can help develop, deliver and improve existing cancer services for patients and their families. Find out more about our services for commissioners|. Find out more about the cancer patient experience survey in England.|
Around 1.1 million people in the UK aged 15+ are carers [PDF]| of someone with cancer.5
Half of them support a person with cancer currently undergoing treatment.
Carers are most likely to support a middle-aged person, aged 45–64. Carers are more likely to look after women (61%) and most often support a member of their family. A third of carers say they care for a friend or neighbour.
Carers of people with cancer give an average of almost 15 hours of support each week, and the most common type of support is emotional. This is followed by helping with errands or offering transport.
Half of carers say they get no support.
Download the comprehensive report on carers [PDF]|
Updated December 2012.
Find out the numbers, needs and experiences of different groups within the two million people in the UK living with cancer in our rich pictures.
Discover the facts and figures which support our campaigns:
National Cancer Intelligence Network |
Cancer Stats for England |
Cancer Stats for Regions in England |
Cancer Stats for Wales |
Cancer Stats for Scotland |
Cancer Stats for Northern Ireland |
Cancer Stats for the UK |
Public Health Stats|