Cancer Research UK

Who we are

We’re the world’s leading cancer charity, dedicated to saving and improving lives with our research, influence and information.
In our centres and institutes across the country, more than 4,000 scientists, doctors and nurses are working together on lab studies and clinical trials to discover more about cancer. And we partner with organisations in the UK and across the globe to unite powerful teams and networks of researchers across borders, disciplines and diseases. We also give people up-to-date information about cancer to help them reduce their risk and spot signs and symptoms. And we use our influence to drive policy changes that will lead to better prevention measures, tests and treatments for everyone, no matter who they are, where they live or what type of cancer they have. 

We've been working to beat cancer for more than 100 years. We launched some of the earliest studies into risk factors for the disease. Our scientists led the development of chemotherapy and radiotherapy and improved the way surgery is used to tackle cancer. And more than 8 in 10 people who receive cancer drugs in the UK receive a drug developed by or with us.*
Over the past 50 years, our work has helped double cancer survival in the UK. But there’s so much more to do. Cancer remains a defining health issue of our time. More people are surviving cancer than ever before, but the number of cases is increasing year on year. Nearly 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime.** Our vision is a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer. A world where more cancers are prevented. Where people with cancer are diagnosed at the earliest possible stage and given kinder, more targeted treatments. And where everyone shares in this progress equally. Step by step, day by day, our researchers are making this vision a reality. And they’ve got our whole community behind them: supporters, partners, donors, fundraisers, volunteers and staff.

Together we are beating cancer.

* estimated based on Cancer Research UK analysis of England data
**cruk.org/lifetimerisk

Our culture and values

Our values represent who we are and will help us to bring our best to what we do and ensure Cancer Research UK is a great place to work.

Bold

Act with ambition, courage and determination

Credible

Act with rigour and professionalism

Human

Act to have a positive impact on people

Together

Act inclusively and collaboratively

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

Our vision is to create a diverse charity where everyone feels they belong and benefits from the work we do. We're committed to funding research into cancer inequalities, diversifying our research community and developing an inclusive culture for all staff.

This is how we'll beat cancer for everyone.