A two minute introduction to Macmillan Cancer Support

Watch our video to hear MPs and Peers at We are 100, our centenary reception in parliament, talking about what Macmillan means to them.

Macmillan Cancer Support's history

In 1911, Douglas Macmillan watched his father die of cancer. His father's pain and suffering moved Douglas so much that he founded the Society for the Prevention and Relief of Cancer. Now, Macmillan Cancer Support is the UK’s top charity brand.

Why is Macmillan worth listening to?

There are more than two million people living with and after cancer in the UK today. By 2030 there will be four million.

• One in three people will get cancer at some point in their lives.
  
• Cancer is regularly voted the public’s most important health priority.
  
• In the past decade Macmillan has invested £320 million (in today’s values) in the NHS and we plan to invest a similar amount over the next 10 years.
  
• We have more than 4,700 Macmillan nurses and other specialist professionals working in the health and social care system across the UK today.
  
• Macmillan has a track record of championing health innovations which dramatically improve patient experience, outcomes and value for money.
  
• We are an effective campaigning organisation - most recently we secured an end to prescription charges for cancer patients.

What do we believe?

We believe that every person affected by cancer, no matter who they are, where they live, or what cancer they have, should have access to the highest quality cancer treatment, care and support.

What is our role?

Macmillan’s sole purpose is to improve the lives of people affected by cancer - cancer patients, their carers and families. We do this in two main ways - by being a ‘source of support’ and by being a ‘force for change’.

Source of support

Our source of support| activities include providing face-to-face help to over 430,000 people each year. Our helplines and information centres help well over 250,000 people per year. 

We also give nearly £10 million in grants per year to help patients and their families pay for the extra costs that go with a life-threatening disease - costs like higher heating bills. Every year we help secure tens of millions in benefits for people affected by cancer.

Force for change

We act as a force for change| by campaigning to improve cancer care and treatment, and supporting cancer patients who need to get their lives back on track after a life-threatening disease.

Next steps?

Find out more about Macmillan services and campaigning activities by going to www.macmillan.org.uk/parliament|.

For more information:

Gus Baldwin, Head of Public Affairs, ABaldwin@macmillan.org.uk|, 020 7840 4625.