World Cancer Day

This year, we’ve teamed up with well-known faces, including Adele Roberts, Al Murray, Amy Dowden, Charlene White, Colin McFarlane, Davina McCall and Victoria Derbyshire, for a powerful new 75-second film. 

The film highlights a stark new reality: in the UK, someone is diagnosed with cancer at least every 75 seconds.  

Watch and share to spark conversation about the current state of cancer care, and the vital work Macmillan is doing to transform support for people living with cancer. 

The Government in Westminster launched the new National Cancer Plan for England on World Cancer Day 2026. 

We have been closely involved in shaping this Plan, and are ready to play our part in delivering it. That’s how we can revolutionise cancer care for the future. 

Right now, cancer care isn’t fair. Too many people are missing out on the treatment, care, and support they need because of who they are or where they live. Patients desperately deserve change.

Read our blog to learn more about how the National Cancer Plan for England will redesign care around the person.

Our CEO Gemma Peters has also written an opinion piece on why the National Cancer Plan must deliver for the communities who have been left behind.

 

The sad news of Nathaniel Dye MBE leaves a profound void in our community, yet his legacy ignites a call to action that we are determined to uphold.  

Nathaniel raised over £52,000 through legendary feats, from running John O’Groats to Land’s End, to playing the trombone during the London Marathon, while simultaneously advocating for early diagnosis and political reform in cancer care.  

His honesty and bravery earned him "The Douglas Macmillan Award – Volunteer of the Year" in 2025 and an MBE – a true testament to his tireless work in demanding shorter waiting times and more personalised treatment for all.  

With his family’s blessing, we remain fully committed to making his ‘Not Today, Cancer! event on World Cancer Day (Wednesday 4th February 2026) a monumental success.  

Cancer is when abnormal cells multiply and grow out of control. Over time, these cells can grow into a lump called a tumour. We have information to help understand what cancer is, how cancer starts and how we can help. See our information about cancer types, diagnostic tests, cancer treatments and drugs. 

If you need cancer information or support in your language, we have resources in other languages to help you. You can ask for some of our information to be translated into your language, or use our interpreter service on the Macmillan Support Line. 

You can also get information in other formats such as easy read and British Sign Language.