Our work in the UK
World Cancer Research Fund is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to examining how diet, body weight and physical activity affect your risk of developing and surviving cancer.
While society continues searching for a cure, our prevention and survival work has been relentless in helping people to live longer, happier and healthier lives – free from the devastating effects of cancer.
Our impact in the UK
World Cancer Research Fund is a UK cancer prevention charity. We look at how diet, weight and physical activity affect the risk of developing and surviving cancer, and share the evidence with the public, health professionals and policymakers.
“We must reduce the number of preventable cases of cancer diagnosed each year, saving thousands of people the heartbreak that cancer can bring.”
Rachael Hutson, CEO
What World Cancer Research Fund does in the UK
We work at the intersection of science, public health and behaviour change.
In the UK, we:
- Fund and translate world-leading cancer prevention research
- Provide trusted, evidence-based health information
- Support people living with and beyond cancer
- Equip health professionals with practical guidance
- Influence UK policy to create healthier environments
Our work helps individuals make informed choices – and supports systemic change so healthier choices are easier for everyone.
“Many people believe that getting cancer is only down to your genes, fate or just bad luck, but our Cancer Prevention Recommendations outline what you can do to reduce your cancer risk.”
Dr Giota Mitrou, Executive Director of Research and Policy, World Cancer Research Fund International
Our science and evidence
Evidence that changes lives
We are the only UK charity solely dedicated to researching how diet, body weight and physical activity affect your risk of developing and surviving cancer.
We created the Global Cancer Update Programme (CUP Global) – the world’s most comprehensive and authoritative source of evidence on cancer prevention and survivorship.
This evidence underpins our Cancer Prevention Recommendations, used globally by:
- Governments and policymakers
- Health professionals
- Researchers and public health bodies
Despite £628 million being spent on cancer research each year in the UK, only 5.5% goes towards prevention. We’re working to change that.
From research to real-world impact
“Our strategy will reach people to promote our prevention message as well as support those living with and beyond cancer.”
Steven Greenberg, UK Director
Preventing cancer through evidence, action and support
Practical action for individuals, communities and professionals.
In the UK, we work to reduce cancer risk by empowering people with evidence-based guidance and supporting those who help others live healthier lives. Our work spans prevention research, practical health advice and professional education – ensuring that individuals and communities can make informed choices, while health professionals have the tools and confidence to support them.
How we help prevent cancer:
- Preventing cancer – Our evidence-base has informed our Cancer Prevention Recommendations which are used throughout our work with individuals, health professionals, communities and policy makers.
- Living well – We provide practical, accessible guidance to help people eat well, move more and maintain a healthy weight with tools, recipes, health checks and advice that support healthier everyday choices.
- Health professionals – We support health professionals with evidence-based learning, patient resources and professional networks, helping translate cancer prevention science into real-world practice across the UK.
Be part of preventing cancer in the UK
Your support helps fund life-saving research, trusted guidance and policy change to prevent cancer before it starts.
Our Strategy: Preventing Cancer. Saving Lives
Our strategy brings together World Cancer Research Fund’s ambitions for our work in the UK, it builds on our past and uses our strengths and uniqueness with clear goals for the future.
Latest news and blogs
Preventing cancer. Saving lives
While society continues to search for a cure, our prevention and survival work helps people to live longer, healthier lives – free from the devastating effects of cancer.