Macmillan reveals someone in the UK is now diagnosed with cancer at least every 75 seconds

• New analysis released today by leading cancer charity shows nearly 1,200 people are given a cancer diagnosis each day around the UK 
• CEO Gemma Peters says, “A cancer diagnosis can feel like a wave crashing over you. We're there for what happens next. Every 75 seconds.”

To mark World Cancer Day 2026 on Wednesday 4 February, Macmillan Cancer Support has released a new UK figure showing just how common cancer has now become, with nearly 1,200 people diagnosed every day on averageⁱ. In the 75 seconds it takes to make a cup of tea, put a load of washing on, or water the plants, at least one person in the UK will get the news they have cancer. 

Cancer diagnoses are happening in every community across the UK, but right now, cancer care in the UK isn’t fair. It can depend on where you live, when you need help, and the type of cancer you have. Accessible, quality cancer care for everyone has never been more urgent, yet many are navigating a confusing and overwhelming system.   

This World Cancer Day, Macmillan has joined forces with well-known figures – including Adele Roberts, Al Murray, Amy Dowden, Charlene White, Colin McFarlane, Davina McCall, and Victoria Derbyshire – in a powerful new 75-second long film highlighting the stark reality that in the UK, someone now is diagnosed with cancer at least every 75 seconds.

Together, the celebrities speak candidly about the current state of cancer care, and the vital work Macmillan is doing to revolutionise the future of support for people living with cancer.

The latest research from Macmillan comes as the Government in England is set to release its National Cancer Plan today. The charity has voiced that making cancer care fairer must be a priority and will require every part of society working together to achieve this.  

Wales is now the only UK nation without a long-term dedicated cancer strategy – and with Senedd elections fast approaching in May 2026, the next Welsh Government must address this as a priority. 

Whoever is elected to the Scottish Government in May 2026 must also deliver for the growing number of people living with cancer in Scotland, particularly those with the worst outcomes and experiences.

And with the numbers of people living with cancer in Northern Ireland on the rise, we need the Northern Ireland Executive to prioritise cancer through actions that support the implementation of the Cancer Strategy and Health and Social Care Reset Plan.

Roger Snipes, from London, was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2024. He said: 

“As a bodybuilder, I spent years encouraging others to look after their health. When I was diagnosed with cancer, I felt shock and disbelief. Where would I even start with sharing this publicly?

“But opening up transformed everything – people flooded my DMs with their own stories, showing how many people suffer in silence. Cancer can feel incredibly lonely, Although you might have your loved ones, only you can really walk this path.

“Cancer care has to be made more personal to each of us going through cancer. The support from Macmillan was a lifeline, connecting me to counselling services and linking me up with fitness equipment that I still use to this day.Havingmy Macmillan nurseby my side throughout my treatment made the entire experience a lot less lonely. She felt like family.”

Gemma Peters, Chief Executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, said: 

“A cancer diagnosis can feel like a wave crashing over you – and someone in the UK now faces that moment at least every 75 seconds. 

“But how that news lands, and the care and treatment you receive, won’t be the same as the person diagnosed just before you, or just after you. There’s still a clear gap between the best and worst cancer care. Yet whoever you are, and wherever you live, you deserve the best chance of surviving and getting excellent support. 

 “At Macmillan, we know the scale of the challenge. We are dedicated to making cancer care fairer, for everyone, everywhere. A call, a message, a click – we’re there for what happens next. Every 75 seconds.”

For information, support or just someone to talk to, call Macmillan’s free, confidential support line 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 or visit macmillan.org.uk.   

Key facts: New Macmillan analysis on cancer diagnoses

• Increases in the rates and numbers of cancer diagnoses mean someone is now diagnosed with cancer at least every 75 seconds in the UK. Just 10 years previously it was around every 90 seconds ii.
• The latest available official statistics for cancer diagnoses in each UK nation (for 2023 in England and Scotland, and 2022 in Wales and Northern Ireland) show that around 424,000 people are now diagnosed with cancer each year in the UK – almost 1,200 people every day, or one person at least every 75 seconds on average.
• This is an increase of more than 70,000 people compared with 2012, when the number stood at around 352,000 people a year. 

Key facts: the gaps between the best and worst cancer care and treatment 

• Recent figures from Macmillan show almost 1.4 million people with cancer across the UK (40%) have been affected by local variation in cancer care, with many struggling to get the treatment they need simply because of where they live iii 
• At its most extreme, the UK’s so-called “cancer postcode lottery” could be putting an estimated 100,000 lives at risk. Macmillan’s figures show that some people with cancer (3%) have had to turn down vital tests or treatment simply because they lived too far away iv. 
• People’s experiences of cancer care also show significant gaps between the best and the worst. For example, in England, some groups of people with cancer are still statistically significantly more likely to report a poorer experience of NHS care than others, particularly people who are from an ethnically diverse background, people who are LGBTQ+, and people who have another long-term health condition as well as cancer v.  

i All figures derived from the sources below. Figures include all malignant neoplasms excluding non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) (ICD-10 codes C00-97 excl. C44. Scotland does not use C97): 
- NHS England 
- Public Health Scotland 
- Public Health Wales 
- Northern Ireland Cancer Registry, Queen’s University Belfast 

ii As per ref 1 

iii Macmillan Cancer Support/YouGov survey of 2,002 adults in the UK who have had a cancer diagnosis. Fieldwork was undertaken between 30th May and 24th June 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of people living with cancer in the UK (aged 18+). Survey question was as follows: “For each of the following statements, please state whether you have experienced this or not in relation to your cancer tests or treatment.” Answer options were as follows: Had to travel for an hour or more to have a test or scan; Had to travel for an hour or more to have treatment; Found out from a friend/family about other types of test or treatments for your cancer that are only offered in another part of the UK; Had to ask repeatedly to get a particular test or treatment that is not available in your local area. By local area we mean the area where you live; Considered not having a test or treatment because of the travel time; Had to turn down a test or treatment because of the travel time; Chose to travel to a hospital more than an hour away because it had shorter waiting times; Chose to travel to a hospital more than an hour away because it had better treatment options. 40% of respondents selected one or more of these options. ‘Almost 1.4 million’ figure estimated by applying the 40% figure to the 3.4 million people living with cancer in the UK, sourced from: Macmillan Cancer Support. Cancer prevalence. Accessed July 2025 

iv As per ref 3. Relevant option referenced here: Had to turn down a test or treatment because of the travel time. 3% of respondents selected this option. 100k figure estimated as per ref 3 by applying the 3% to the 3.4 million people living with cancer in the UK. 

v NHS England. 2024 National Cancer Patient Experience Survey. Accessed July 2025. For more details see: Macmillan Cancer Support. Macmillan responds to National Cancer Patient Experience Survey in England (CPES) data release. July 2025