The race will mark the halfway point in Val Aguilar’s effort to complete the original World Marathon Majors – a challenge in memory of her best friend who lost her life to brain cancer at just 18 years old.
The TCS London Marathon marks the third of Val’s six races, placing her midway through the series which also includes Tokyo, Boston, Berlin, Chicago, and New York.
In London, Val will be running for World Cancer Research Fund – a charity that examines how diet, nutrition, weight and physical activity affect risk of developing and surviving cancer
Val met Mary Katherine in the first year of high school where they formed a friendship that would last a lifetime.
“With her, everything felt like an adventure. Even the simplest or the silliest of things felt like the coolest thing to be doing,” Val shared.
Just four years later, in March 2009, Mary Katherine was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour. Despite doctors’ best efforts to save her life, she survived just 14 months after her diagnosis.
“Having such a special meaning behind my miles after losing a best friend to cancer makes each run a little bit easier, and each race experience a little bit sweeter,” Val explained.
Through years of training, international travel and physical challenges, Val is fundraising to support organisations committed to understanding, preventing, and treating cancer.
“When I’m racing, I think about who Mary Katherine would be now almost half our lives later. It makes me feel close to someone who I can no longer grow closer to,” she shared.
Val’s London Marathon bid for World Cancer Research Fund highlights the importance of evidence-based prevention strategies and global collaboration to reduce cancer risk.
World Cancer Research Fund’s UK Director, Steve Greenberg, commented:
“We are incredibly grateful to Val for her determination and dedication to supporting cancer research. Her efforts not only raise vital funds but also inspire others to take action in the fight against cancer. By completing the world’s most iconic marathons, Val has transformed her grief into action, proving that one person’s determination can help drive change.
Val hopes her story will encourage others to fundraise for cancer research, live healthier lives, and spark vital conversations about the importance of prevention.
You can show Val your support by donating or sharing her story below:
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Nicole Latini is running the TCS London Marathon this April after training in her native US – raising vital awareness and funds for World Cancer Research Fund on both sides of the Atlantic.
Her London Marathon bid began in 2022 after her dad, Alan Latini, died following a three-year battle with bowel cancer.
Following her dad’s diagnosis, Nicole became committed to transforming her health by losing over five stone (70lbs), running three half marathons, and ‘completely changing’ her diet and lifestyle to help reduce her own cancer risk.
Despite endless rounds of treatment including immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery and clinical trials, Nicole’s dad faced his cancer with what she described as “gratitude and grace” before sadly passing away on 4 February 2022.
“Anyone who knew my father knew him as charismatic, witty, caring, loving, and someone who would do anything for his family. I miss my dad more with every passing day. Every milestone, holiday, and birthday is a reminder that he’s not here with us and should be.” Nicole added.
Nicole began running one week after her father’s death to cope with her grief, and soon set her sights on the 26.2-mile route to stop other families facing the same heartbreak.
“Running quickly became an instrumental part in coping, even though I was awful at it. Over time, I made it my goal to use my running through grief to give hope to others in honour of my dad,” she shared.
Reflecting on the challenge ahead, Nicole commented:
“Everyday, we have a choice to show up for our family, community and society. My dad showed up every single day for all of us. I’m choosing to train and show up everyday, even when I don’t want to, for him, for all those facing cancer, and for everyone experiencing grief.”
Running the London Marathon holds a special meaning for Nicole. She studied to become a vet in the city, often returning to the US for the holidays and staying close to her dad through regular video calls. He was determined to see her graduate, but heartbreakingly never made it to London.
World Cancer Research Fund’s UK Director, Steve Greenberg, added:
“We are in awe of Nicole’s commitment to improving outcomes for others in her father’s memory. Channelling her grief in a way that will offer hope to future generations is so selfless, and every step Nicole takes this April will make our vital work possible. We cannot wait to cheer her on and congratulate her at the finish line.”
You can show Nicole your support by donating or sharing her story at the link below:
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Rates of childhood obesity have increased from 4% to 20% over the past 50 years. From a cancer prevention perspective, this is worrying news: childhood obesity often continues into adulthood, and our work shows that excess body weight in adults is linked to at least 13 different types of cancer. What’s more, our research has shown that higher body weight in childhood, adolescence and young adulthood is linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer in later life.
To maintain a healthy weight, children need more support to eat a nutritious diet. Policy can help foster systems and structures that make healthy diets easier and, for kids, schools are a great place to start.
The morning bell
My apartment in London overlooks a primary school attended by about 130 students. Waiting for my morning bus to WCRF’s offices, I see parents accompanying their children along the bustling road to the school gates. From a nutrition perspective, this particular route must feel a bit like running the gauntlet: a rotating billboard in view of the bus stop advertises burgers and fries, while every other business sells fast food. UNICEF’s Feeding Profit report, published last year, highlights this as a global problem.
To tackle the food environment around schools, several local authorities in the UK have chosen to restrict the opening of new fast food restaurants around schools. Cities such as Leeds and Manchester have opted to either reduce the number of new outlets near schools or prohibit them entirely.
Elsewhere in the world, governments have chosen to implement school-focused marketing restrictions. Latin American countries are leaders in this space, with countries like Chile and Mexico banning unhealthy foods from being advertised in schools. In 2021, the local congress in Lima, Peru went further, passing a law to prohibit the marketing of unhealthy foods within 200 metres of schools.
Lunchtime
From my own childhood in Canada, memories from the school cafeteria include slices of pizza, chocolate chip cookies and a freezer selling ice cream and popsicles. Although we occasionally managed to bargain for a few dollars for pizza, my parents worried that this menu wasn’t healthy enough. We mostly packed our own, a task added to already busy mornings.
Comparing notes with my partner who grew up in Sweden – where school lunches have been free for all children regardless of income for over 70 years – he remembers a self-service soup and salad bar to go with the daily mains. That didn’t stop students from complaining – tarragon fish day was particularly disliked. In high school, they would occasionally head over to the local pizzeria for lunch when their pocket money stretched to it.
Our memories reflect not only the cross-cutting appeal of pizza but the variation in school meals, even in high-income contexts. Until last year, Canada was still the only G7 country without a school food plan. However, we are not the only ones that have struggled to provide schoolchildren with nutritious lunches. Only 37% of school meal programs have an objective to prevent overweight and obesity, and wealthier countries are more likely to provide unhealthy foods.
Meanwhile, school food superstars like Brazil show us what can be done, successfully establishing legislation for coverage, quality, and procurement practices, emphasising local foods. In Japan, procurement policies also favour local producers, and pair school meals with food and nutrition education.
Recess
Beyond lunchtime, countries are developing innovative approaches to improving the quality of snacks sold on school premises. In Chile, a suite of policy measures aiming to reduce the consumption of foods high in calories, sugar, sodium or saturated fat has included banning their sale in schools. This has led to an impressive reduction in the sale of these unhealthy foods in school kiosks.
In January of this year, the World Health Organization published its new guideline providing evidence-based recommendations to support countries in creating healthy school food environments. This cites evidence from countries like Chile, as well as measures to directly provide children with healthy alternatives, like the European Union’s school scheme to support the distribution of milk, fruit and vegetables. Meanwhile, the School Meals Coalition, a global multi-partner initiative, facilitates country commitments to initiate or strengthen school food programmes, and fosters collaborations to support their efforts.
From the morning bell to lunchtime to recess, every part of the school day offers an opportunity to shape healthier futures. World Obesity Day calls on us to advocate for stronger food policy and equitable access to nutritious foods. If we get this right in schools, we don’t just change what children eat today – we help reduce their cancer risk tomorrow.
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Scott Molumby will run three marathons over three months in memory of his best friend, Dan Logan-Thomas, who sadly died in December 2025 after living with cancer for eight months.
Scott’s challenge began with double ultra marathon along the Tarka Trail in his home of North Devon – which starts in Ilfracombe and finishes in Dartmoor National Park on 28 February 2026.
Just four weeks later, on 28 March, Scott will run an ultra marathon across the snowcapped mountains of Snowdonia in his Native Wales. The route will begin on the north coast at Conwy and will see him head up and down sixteen of the highest mountains in the range – all of which are over 3,000 feet high.
Finally, Scott’s challenge will conclude with the iconic 26.2-mile TCS London Marathon on 26th April, marking 58 relentless days for World Cancer Research Fund in Dan’s memory.
After meeting at Swansea University, Scott and Dan struck up a close friendship which spanned multiple continents – with the pair living together in Wales, Australia, and New Zealand.
“Dan was such a happy-go-lucky guy.” Scott said. “He made his own luck because he was so positive, right until the very end.”
Over the last five years, Dan lived with multiple brain tumours which were non-cancerous (benign), undergoing multiple surgeries and radiotherapy while continuing to live a full and adventurous life. However, after losing feeling down his left side in April 2025, scans showed a new, large tumour.
Following major surgery, Dan received the devastating news it was cancerous, and began intensive chemotherapy which he faced with the same quiet courage that defined him:
“Dan wasn’t afraid of dying, he was more upset about how it would affect everyone else. That’s just the kind of person he was,” Scott shared.
Reflecting on the challenge ahead, which was once part of the plans they made together, Scott added:
“Dan helped me decide on the runs, and I always assumed he would join me at the finish line to celebrate. Now, I’m determined to complete this challenge in his memory and give it my all. It gives me an opportunity to remember a great friend in my own way with a lot of hard work, determination, and dedication.”
World Cancer Research Fund’s UK Director, Steve Greenberg, commented:
Taking on three marathons in three months shows Scott’s extraordinary strength and courage, and running in memory of his best friend is a reminder of the love and loyalty that shapes the best of us. His determination is raising funds to fuel our research that helps saves lives, continuing Dan’s proud legacy. We are deeply moved and profoundly grateful for Scott’s commitment to cancer prevention research.
For Scott, this challenge is about honouring the way Dan lived. He hopes that Dan’s story will inspire others to grab life with both hands.
“Don’t hang around if there’s something you want to do or something you need to say,” Scott said. Do it while you can, while you have the chance.”
You can show your Scott your support by donating or sharing his story below:
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This could help many people stay healthy, as there are 3 million vegetarians in the UK and interest is growing in many parts of the world.
The research, led by scientists at Oxford Population Health’s Cancer Epidemiology Unit, pooled data from more than 1.8 million people across three continents through the Cancer Risk in Vegetarians Consortium – the largest ever study of non-meat diets and cancer risk.
They compared the risk of 17 different cancers across five diet groups: meat eaters, poultry eaters (do not eat red or processed meat), pescatarians (fish eaters), vegetarians (eat dairy and/or eggs), and vegans.
Compared with meat eaters, vegetarians had:
- 21% lower risk of pancreatic cancer
- 9% lower risk of breast cancer
- 12% lower risk of prostate cancer
- 28% lower risk of kidney cancer
- 31% lower risk of multiple myeloma.
However, vegetarians had:
- Nearly double the risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus.
Tim Key
Dietary patterns that prioritise fruit, vegetables, and fibre-containing foods, and avoid processed meat, are recommended to reduce cancer risk. Our study helps to shed light on the benefits and risks associated with vegetarian diets.
Aurora Perez Cornago,
The higher risk of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma in vegetarians and bowel cancer in vegans may relate to lower intakes of certain nutrients more abundant in animal foods. Additional research is needed to understand what is driving the differences in cancer risk found in our study
Dr Helen Croker
The results suggest non-meat diets are linked to lower risks for some cancers, though not all, highlighting important differences between cancer types and the role of different dietary patterns. To increase your overall protection from cancer, our advice is to build meals around wholegrains, pulses, fruit and vegetables, and avoid processed meat and limit red meat.
Yashvee Dunneram
Among the 72,000 vegetarians and vegans included in our study, the numbers of cases for some cancers were small, which limits the certainty of some findings. Moreover, nutrient intakes and overall diet quality vary substantially within and between vegetarian populations. Our next challenge is to collect more data on vegan diets and more data from other parts of the world.
There were no statistically-significant differences in risk for colorectal, stomach, liver, lung (in never smokers), endometrial, ovarian, mouth and pharynx, or bladder cancers, or non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leukaemia, and oesophageal adenocarcinoma in vegetarians.
Vegans had a statistically significant higher risk of colorectal (bowel) cancer when compared with meat eaters. For the other cancers studied, there was no evidence that risk in vegans differed from meat eaters, and for some less common cancers there were too few vegan cases to analyse. Further studies are needed to confirm these results in the vegan population.
Pescatarians had lower risks of breast and kidney cancers, as well as a lower risk of bowel cancer. Poultry eaters were found to have a lower risk of prostate cancer.
The full findings were published on 27 February 2026 in the British Journal of Cancer.
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Best known for his viral comedy sketches and no-nonsense ‘Mum’ character, Richard is encouraging his fans to swap laughter for legwork in support of breast cancer research.
The social media star is supporting the challenge in memory of his mum, who sadly lost her life to cancer in 2014. Richard said:
Comedy is about bringing people together, and this challenge is no different. Cancer affects so many of us, either personally or through someone we love. I’m supporting this campaign for everyone whose lives have been impacted by this devastating disease.
Through his involvement, Richard hopes to inspire his followers and beyond to embrace healthier lifestyles that reduce cancer risk, while also fundraising for life-changing research.
In February, Richard will release a video featuring his ‘Mum’ character – showing support for the charity and encouraging fans and fellow creators to donate, share, and get involved with World Cancer Research Fund.
Reflecting on his much-loved character, Richard shared:
My mum was quite a character herself! She’s the inspiration behind ‘Mum’, and I’m proud to honour her memory in this way.
Funds raised from the challenge will be used to support the CANDO project – a five-year research programme at the University of Southampton exploring how body composition affects breast cancer treatment outcomes and side effects.
Ultimately, this research hopes to find kinder, more effective treatments for breast cancer patients.
Rachael Hutson, CEO at World Cancer Research Fund, commented:
On social media, he’s the ‘mum’ you should listen to and laugh along with! So, who better to raise awareness of cancer prevention and the importance of research in this area? We’re incredibly pleased that Richard is supporting this challenge. Around four in ten cancers are preventable, and with the help of Richard and everyone who donates, we’re taking important steps to reduce that risk.
You can follow Richard on TikTok at @richardfrankscomedy, and find out how to get involved with the challenge below:
More about Richard
Richard Franks is a comedian and writer who rose to prominence on TikTok and Instagram through short-form comedy videos, building an online community of over 1.3 million followers.
He is best known for his popular “Mum” sketches, portraying a sharp-witted, no-nonsense mother navigating everyday life.
Originally from High Wycombe and raised in Folkestone, Richard Franks began honing his comedy craft in 2011, before expanding his reach to social media in August 2020 with the launch of his channel @richardfrankscomedy.
Find out more about Richard: His work | Follow him on Instagram
We commend the UK Government for setting out an ambitious 10-year strategy with a strong focus on survival, innovation, and patient experience.
Yet the Plan misses a chance to put prevention front and centre, with stronger alcohol policy, breastfeeding protection, and a dedicated focus on the modifiable risk factors that drive cancer
A bold ambition on survival and care
We particularly welcome the Government’s bold target that 75% of people diagnosed with cancer from 2035 will be cancer-free or living well five years after diagnosis – a genuine step change in ambition. The Plan’s emphasis on earlier diagnosis, reducing emergency presentations, expanding evidence-based screening, and improving access to innovative treatments has the potential to deliver meaningful improvements for patients across England.
We also welcome commitments to improve patient experience and outcomes, including personalised care, better coordination, and stronger accountability for delivery through a reformed National Cancer Board.
Progress on prevention – but a missed opportunity to go further
We welcome the Plan’s commitments on cancer prevention, including action to crack down on the illegal use of sunbeds and harmful UV exposure, progress towards a smoke-free generation, and expanded access to HPV vaccination as part of the ambition to eliminate cervical cancer. These are important, evidence-based interventions that will prevent cancers and reduce future pressure on the health system.
However, prevention deserves greater prominence. New global evidence shows that up to four in ten cancers worldwide are linked to preventable causes. Tackling the lifestyle and environmental factors that increase cancer risk is one of the most effective and affordable ways to prevent cancer in the long term.
Crucially, modifiable risk factors are not evenly distributed. Tobacco use, harmful alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets and obesity disproportionately affect people in lower socio-economic groups, driving stark and persistent inequalities in cancer incidence, survival and mortality. Strong, population-level prevention policies are therefore essential not only to reduce cancer overall, but to narrow health inequalities and ensure the benefits of progress are shared fairly.
We believe the Plan would have benefitted from a dedicated chapter on prevention, helping to drive a necessary mindset shift and embed the principle that diet, alcohol, and breastfeeding policies are cancer policies.
Action on alcohol and breastfeeding is lacking
The Plan does not expansively build on the wider prevention measures announced in the Government’s 10 Year Health Plan, particularly in relation to alcohol policy. Alcohol remains a leading avoidable cause of cancer, yet the Plan does not commit to minimum unit pricing (MUP) or restrictions on alcohol advertising and marketing, including where it reaches children and young people – among the most effective and evidence-based tools for reducing population-level alcohol harm and cancer risk.
We also note the absence of strengthened action to protect breastfeeding, including full compliance with the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes. Breastfeeding reduces cancer risk for mothers and improves long-term health outcomes for children, and stronger implementation of the Code should form part of a comprehensive, life-course approach to cancer prevention.
Partnerships with food manufacturers must also be approached with caution, given past experience of policy dilution. Where voluntary approaches fall short, Government must not shy away from mandatory measures. Strong governance, transparency, and protection from undue commercial influence are essential to ensure prevention policies deliver for public health.
Biomedical innovation matters but it is not enough
We are pleased to see the Plan’s commitment to biomedical prevention, including continued rollout of the HPV vaccine, trials of preventative vaccines such as LungVax, and plans to accelerate uptake of GLP-1 medicines for those who clinically need them. These innovations are hugely important and represent real progress in reducing cancer risk and improving outcomes.
But vaccines and medicines alone are not sufficient. We must also tackle the environments that make us sick. We cannot continue to treat people only to send them back to the same food, alcohol, and physical environments that drove ill health in the first place. Population-level prevention policies remain essential to reducing cancer incidence at scale.
Crucially, prevention is not only about avoiding diagnosis. It also supports survival and quality of life, contributing directly to living well with and beyond cancer. Good nutrition, physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight are fundamental to recovery, rehabilitation, and long-term wellbeing. Prevention and survivorship are not competing priorities – they are mutually reinforcing.
Digital innovation as a driver of prevention
We welcome the ambition to harness digital innovation through the NHS App. By 2028, the App will allow patients to manage screening invitations, appointments, treatment plans, and prehabilitation, with personalised prevention advice drawing on genomic, lifestyle, and wearable data.
This creates a major opportunity to establish the NHS App as a trusted, accessible source of cancer prevention information, supporting people to understand and act on behaviours that can influence cancer risk over their lifetime. We would welcome the opportunity to contribute evidence-based, tried and tested prevention resources, developed and evaluated for public audiences, to support this ambition and ensure alignment with the best available science.
Prehabilitation, rehabilitation and supportive oncology
We strongly welcome the Plan’s focus on prehabilitation, rehabilitation, and supportive oncology, including dietary and physical activity advice, psychological support, and acute oncology for those with more complex needs. The evidence is clear: these interventions improve treatment tolerance, recovery, and long-term outcomes. We believe the ambition should be for these services to be available to all patients, where appropriate, as standard.
Research and the cancer workforce
Research and the cancer workforce will be central to delivering the Plan’s ambitions. While we acknowledge the focus on accelerating clinical research and innovation, there is a clear opportunity to strengthen investment in cancer prevention research, including implementation research on modifiable risk factors. Healthcare professionals must also be supported with the time, training, and tools to deliver prevention, behaviour change, and survivorship support alongside treatment.
Children and young people
We welcome the Plan’s commitment to improving nutrition for children and young people undergoing cancer treatment in acute settings. Good nutrition is fundamental to treatment tolerance, recovery, and survival. We hope this approach will be extended to all patients, and that public procurement across health settings consistently meets the highest nutritional and sustainability standards through the upcoming NHS food standards review.
Matching survival ambition with prevention action
We welcome the ambition and scope of the National Cancer Plan. The integration of prehabilitation, rehabilitation, supportive oncology, digital innovation, and prevention advice into the cancer pathway is a significant step forward.
However, there remains a missed opportunity to embed prevention at the heart of the Plan, through stronger alcohol policy, breastfeeding protection, and a dedicated focus on the modifiable risk factors that drive cancer incidence.
A Plan that matches its ambition on survival with bold, population-level prevention action will reduce cancer incidence, improve outcomes, and deliver a financially sustainable cancer strategy for generations to come.
We stand ready to work with Government, healthcare professionals, and partners to help make this ambition a reality.
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World Cancer Research Fund – part of the World Cancer Research Fund network – welcomes many of the recommendations in the new US Dietary Guidelines for Americans that support healthier diets and reduce the burden of diet-related disease.
When it comes to cancer prevention, we have some concerns with the guidelines relating to alcohol and red and processed meat.
The strong emphasis on healthy dietary patterns, including increased consumption of fruits, vegetables and wholegrains, is very helpful – as are the recommendations to limit highly processed foods and products high in added sugars. The clear inclusion of plant-source protein foods – such as beans, lentils, nuts, seeds and soy – is also positive.
The guidance to drink mainly water and to avoid sugar-sweetened beverages and consume less alcohol is helpful, as we know there is no safe level of drinking alcohol when it comes to cancer prevention. Finally, we strongly welcome support for breastfeeding.
These Guidelines help to translate evidence into clear public advice and shape future policies. However, from a cancer prevention perspective, the Guidelines’ increased emphasis on animal-source proteins, and particularly the emphasis on red meat, is at odds with the scientific evidence linking higher intakes of red and processed meat to increased cancer risk.
Similarly, the promotion of whole-fat dairy raises concerns, given the potential contribution to excess weight gain. In light of such issues, we remain committed to informing the public with authoritative advice, which we develop based on the latest scientific evidence from leading researchers worldwide.
Below is a more detailed summary of the what the Guidelines mean for cancer prevention.
Important takeaways from the guidance
- Clear guidance is provided to prioritise whole foods and limit highly processed products, including advice to avoid salty and sweet packaged snacks and to favour nutrient-dense, home-prepared meals. This approach is closely aligned with our emphasis on limiting fast foods and processed foods high in fat, starches and sugars, and on reducing overall dietary energy density as a pathway to achieving a healthier body weight and lowering cancer risk.
- The Guidelines strengthen the stance on added sugars and sugar-sweetened beverages, including explicit recommendations to limit consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks and to limit added sugars at meals. This aligns well with our evidence of sugar intake as a contributor to excess weight gain and poorer overall diet quality.
- Plant foods remain important to the guidance, with daily targets for fruit and vegetable intake and a clear recommendation to prioritise fibre-rich whole grains. This maps directly onto our emphasis on dietary and lifestyle patterns and core cancer prevention recommendations.
- Breastfeeding is explicitly encouraged, with guidance to breastfeed exclusively for the first six months and to continue breastfeeding for two years or beyond. This is consistent with our recommendation that mothers breastfeed where possible and complements the focus on breast cancer prevention.
Important clarifications based on our global scientific research
- The Guidelines place a strong emphasis on increasing protein intake, explicitly including red meat and setting a higher quantitative protein target.
From a cancer prevention perspective, this emphasis would benefit from clearer direction to prioritise plant-based protein sources such as tofu, beans, lentils and other legumes, as well as nuts, seeds, fish and poultry, while reiterating World Cancer Research Fund guidance to limit red meat consumption and avoid processed meat altogether. - Furthermore, the Guidelines promote protein-rich foods, in relation to meat; specifically, meat with no or limited added sugars, refined starches or chemical additives is recommended. Avoidance of processed meat aligns with our recommendation to eat little, if any, processed meat based on strong evidence of an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
- While the Guidelines prioritise fibre-rich wholegrains, they do not have significant prominence in the new ‘Real Food’ pyramid, which undermines their importance.
- The Guidelines adopt a general recommendation to consume less alcohol. For cancer prevention, it is best not to drink alcohol at all, as there is no safe threshold of consumption for cancer risk for at least seven cancer types.
- The explicit endorsement of full-fat dairy, with guidance to consume three servings per day, warrants careful interpretation given its contribution to excess weight and some variation in evidence by cancer site. Framing dairy as one possible option, rather than a central or universal recommendation, may therefore be more appropriate.
- The Guidelines’ discussion of “healthy fats” includes foods such as butter and beef tallow, while still recommending that saturated fat remain below 10% of total energy intake.
This recommendation needs careful explanation because butter and beef tallow are high in saturated fat and can affect overall energy balance. Maintenance of a healthy weight is important, as overweight and obesity increase the risk of at least 13 cancers.
Three important policy implications for the future
- Affordability and access: Achieving the dietary pattern outlined in the guidelines will require targeted policy measures to improve the availability and affordability of fresh and whole foods. At present, such diets remain out of reach for many Americans, particularly those on lower incomes. Without significant structural interventions there is a risk that the guidelines may exacerbate existing health inequalities.
- Clarity and implementation: Greater clarity is needed on how “highly processed foods” are defined within the guidelines and how this definition will be operationalised. Clear definitions are essential to inform coherent policy action, regulation, monitoring and public communication.
- Policy alignment and delivery: It remains unclear whether new or strengthened policy measures will be introduced to support the recommended dietary changes, or how these guidelines will be embedded across food, agriculture, procurement and public health policies to enable meaningful implementation. In addition, the guidelines should also consider broader factors such as sustainability and planetary health.
Explore our research
More useful information
Understanding the origins of bowel cancer risk
Our funded research showed greater birthweight or body size during childhood, adolescence or young adulthood was linked with higher risk of bowel cancer in later life.
It was the first CUP Global review to analyse and judge all the research examining how factors such as weight, height and body size in early life relate to our risk of bowel cancer as we get older.
Brisk walking cold reduce your cancer risk
Our funded researchers published evidence that brisk walking is linked to a lower risk of 5 cancers, including anal, liver, small intestine, thyroid, and lung.
Smaller waist or more exercise? For cancer prevention, both is best
In the world’s first study looking at the effectiveness of combining maintaining a smaller waist with staying active, we found that only doing one is not enough to lower our risk of cancer.
The study found that people not meeting World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on waist circumference are at 11% greater risk, even if they are physically active.
And people not meeting WHO guidelines for physical exercise are at 4% greater risk, even if “abdominally lean” (i.e. they have a smaller waist). Achieving neither means a 15% greater risk.
The simple rule that cuts cancer risk by 23%
We released a first-of-its-kind study into how the number of different food types consumed, measured as Dietary Species Richness (the number of species an individual consumes per year) affects the risk of developing gastrointestinal cancer.
The study found that individuals with the most diverse diets had a 23% lower risk of developing gastrointestinal cancers compared with those with the least variety. The risk decreased by 6% for every 10 extra species per year added to their diet.
The growing need for your support
Your generous donations have enabled us to fund 19 new research grants this year, worth a total of £5 million, bringing our network’s achievements over the last 20 years to more than 200 research grants awarded and over £50m invested in research overall.
Over the past year, 13 projects came to a close, delivering inspiring new findings. These completed studies explored many ways to prevent cancer, improve treatment, and support people living with and beyond the disease. They examined how factors like body weight, nutrition, inflammation, and even sleep patterns may influence cancer risk, treatment side effects, and recovery.
Some looked at how early-life infections, obesity, and physical activity can affect cancer risk later in life, while others tested promising treatments or searched for new ways to use cancer drugs. There were also studies researching how to help people living with and beyond cancer live healthier lives, from technology-based tools and personalised vitamin D supplements to culturally tailored support for Indigenous communities and families of children with cancer.
As the number of cancer diagnoses grows worldwide, research into cancer prevention is more vital than ever. Thanks to your continuing support, we can continue to fund novel and innovative research and push the boundaries of knowledge on cancer research so that fewer people die from a preventable cancer.
Donations from our fantastic supporters are smartly invested into the most impactful opportunities in science, guided by our wide network of independent leading experts.
Each year, millions of people hear the words “you have cancer” – and millions more are quietly edging towards a preventable diagnosis because of factors like diet, weight, inactivity or environmental exposures.
There’s a huge opportunity here: we know that 40% of cancer cases could be prevented. But there are still major gaps in the evidence that our latest round of awards will help to fill.
The three charities – World Cancer Research Fund, the American Institute for Cancer Research and Wereld Kanker Onderzoek Fonds – have funded 19 grants through our Regular Grant Programme (12 awards) and INSPIRE Research Challenge (7 awards), backing researchers who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in cancer prevention and cancer survivorship.
In total, £5,115,693.43 will be awarded from our network to projects led from 9 countries across the world. Of these 19 awards:
- 12 (63%) are focused on preventing cancer
- 7 (37%) are focused on helping people live better and longer after cancer
These grants range from global cohort studies using cutting-edge ‘omics’ technologies, to clinical trials testing exercise during chemotherapy, to innovative lifestyle interventions that survivors can use right now.
This year, their specific interests span everything from microplastics and air pollution, to insect-based fibre, ultra-processed foods in childhood, and exercise woven into cancer treatment.
Rethinking what’s on our plates (and in our environment)
Food, drink and environmental exposures are shaping cancer risk in ways science is only beginning to understand. Several of our new projects are tackling this head-on.
- Hidden DNA ‘typos’ in food and bowel cancer
At the University of Oxford, Professor Skirmantas Kriaucionis is investigating whether modified DNA building blocks can ‘sneak’ into our cells and damage our DNA, increasing the risk of bowel cancer. If certain cooking methods or ingredients generate these building blocks, this research could ultimately help people – and food producers – make safer choices. - Wholegrains vs refined grains across 20 cancers
At the Cancer Registry of Norway, Dr Dagfinn Aune is using data from more than 480,000 people to understand how whole grains and refined grains affect the risk of 20 different cancers. The findings will help show how many cancers might be prevented if more people swap refined grains for wholegrain options. - Sugar, soft drinks and pancreatic cancer
At the University of Padova, Dr Alessandro Carrer is exploring how fructose from sugary drinks may fuel early pancreatic cancer development. By pinpointing this pathway, the team hopes to clarify whether cutting back on certain sugary drinks could lower risk and inform future prevention strategies. - Ultra-processed foods in childhood and lifetime cancer risk
At Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Dr Sherly (Xueyi) Li is leading the first comprehensive study to estimate how much ultra-processed food children are eating in Australia and 25 European countries, and how this might impact their future cancer risk. This project aims to provide crucial evidence for dietary guidelines and policies aimed at protecting children from unhealthy food environments. - Microplastics, air pollution and colorectal cancer
At IFOM in Milan, Dr Vito Amodio is asking whether microplastics, nanoplastics and tiny air pollution particles (like PM2.5) contribute to colorectal cancer by driving inflammation and disrupting the immune system. The results could inform both environmental policy and personal risk reduction. - Reducing colorectal cancer risk with cricket powder and chitin
At the University of Almeria, Dr Carmen Rodriguez Garcia is exploring whether chitin, a dietary fibre found in cricket powder, can help protect the bowel. By analysing samples from a completed dietary trial, the team will see how chitin affects gut bacteria, inflammation and chemical tags on DNA in the colon – all early warning signs for colorectal cancer. This innovative project links sustainable diets with cancer prevention and could inform future trials and dietary guidance.
Protecting people where the burden is highest
Cancer prevention isn’t just a high-income country issue. Several of our new awards are designed to address urgent evidence gaps in regions where the burden is particularly severe.
- Mycotoxins, infections and Burkitt lymphoma in African children
At IARC, Dr Rita Khoueiry is investigating how mycotoxins – toxic substances produced by moulds in staple foods – and Epstein-Barr virus combine to cause Burkitt lymphoma, a fast-growing childhood cancer in sub-Saharan Africa. By following a mother-child cohort from pregnancy and analysing biological samples over time, this work aims to identify modifiable risk factors and lay the groundwork for prevention strategies that protect children now and in future generations. - Oesophageal cancer precursors in the African Oesophageal Cancer Corridor
At IARC, Dr Valerie McCormack is leading a community-based study in Malawi to understand how dietary N-nitrosamines – carcinogens found in some traditional foods and drinks – and other lifestyle factors contribute to early changes in the oesophagus that can precede cancer. By identifying high-risk exposures, this work can inform local prevention strategies in one of the world’s highest-risk regions.
These projects are about levelling the playing field so that advances in cancer prevention benefit people everywhere – not just those living in wealthier countries.
Turning treatment time into healing time
Six of our new awards are focused on cancer survivorship – helping people with cancer live longer, better lives by embedding lifestyle support into care.
- Exercise during chemotherapy infusion for metastatic colon cancer
At the University of Sydney, Dr Kate Edwards is testing a simple but powerful idea: what if patients cycle on a stationary bike during their chemotherapy infusion, instead of sitting still. The EXERTION-mC trial will test whether this approach can improve tumour response, side effects and quality of life for people with metastatic colorectal cancer. - Exercise during immunotherapy for melanoma
At Australian Catholic University, Dr Eva Zopf is investigating whether a structured exercise programme is safe and feasible during adjuvant immunotherapy for people with melanoma – and whether it can improve side effects, wellbeing and immune responses. With immunotherapy now used widely for many cancers, this work could help shape future exercise-oncology recommendations. - Long-term benefits of exercise in metastatic breast cancer
At UMC Utrecht, Professor Anne May is following up participants from the large PREFERABLE-EFFECT trial to see whether the benefits of a 9-month supervised exercise programme – such as less fatigue and better quality of life – can be sustained 2–3 years later. Understanding long-term impact and cost-effectiveness is vital for integrating exercise as part of standard care for metastatic breast cancer. - Better sleep and support for people with primary brain tumours
At the University of Sydney, Dr Megan Jeon is testing telehealth group cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) for people living with primary brain tumours. Sleep problems are common and debilitating in this group yet often go untreated. This feasibility study will explore whether CBT-I, which is the gold standard nonpharmacological treatment, can safely improve sleep, mood and daily functioning in a population that has been largely overlooked in survivorship research. - Integrated lifestyle programme for cancer survivors
At the University of Colorado, Dr Emily Hill is developing and testing an integrated nutrition and exercise programme for post-treatment survivors that also includes sleep education, stress management and wearable technology such as smart watches and connected scales. By tracking stress, immune markers and behaviour change together, the study aims to show how lifestyle interventions improve health – and how to design programmes that survivors value and actually use. - Dietary fats and response to lung cancer immunotherapy
At the University of Torino, Professor Chiara Riganti will map “good” and “bad” fats in non-small cell lung cancer tumours to see which lipid patterns predict response to immunotherapy. The team will then test whether diets rich in “good” (mono- and poly-unsaturated) fats can boost treatment effectiveness in advanced laboratory models – enhancing immunotherapy and exploring other potential health benefits. - Balancing protein and fibre to support bowel cancer treatment
At Wageningen University, Dr Dieuwertje Kok is studying how the balance of protein and fibre in the diet affects recovery and long-term outcomes for people with bowel cancer. Using data from over 2,100 participants in the COLON study, plus a new dietary intervention, the team will examine how different combinations of protein and fibre relate to treatment complications, cancer recurrence and blood markers. The findings will help shape practical nutrition programmes to support patients through treatment and beyond.
Cracking the biology that links lifestyle to cancer
Several grants are focused on understanding how lifestyle factors ‘get under the skin’ to influence cancer risk, progression and response to treatment.
- Thyroid hormones, lifestyle and liver cancer risk
At IARC, Dr Mazda Jenab will investigate how thyroid hormone metabolism and lifestyle combine to influence liver cancer risk, using large international cohorts and genetic data. - Metabolic health, blood proteins and lifestyle-related cancers
At IARC, Dr Komodo Matta will use proteomics (large-scale protein profiling) to understand how metabolic health drives a range of lifestyle-related cancers – and identify blood protein signatures that could become targets for prevention. - Body composition, inflammation and multiple myeloma
At the University of Bristol, Dr Lucy Goudswaard will explore how body fat distribution and inflammation influence the development of multiple myeloma from its precursor condition, MGUS, helping to identify high-risk individuals and new intervention targets. - Exploring selenium and lung cancer risk
At the University of Southern Denmark, Professor Paolo Ceppi is investigating how selenium, a dietary mineral found in foods like nuts, meat and grains, influences the development of non-small cell lung cancer. By combining advanced lab studies with analysis of long-term selenium intake human populations, the goal is to provide clear, evidence-based guidance on selenium intake that could help reduce the burden of this deadly disease.
Together, these projects will help turn broad advice like “improve metabolic health” into precise pathways and actionable strategies.
Why this matters – and how donors make it possible
All of this science has one simple goal: fewer people getting cancer, and better lives for those who do.
From children growing up surrounded by ultra-processed foods and environmental pollutants, to adults at high risk of bowel, liver, pancreatic or oesophageal cancer, to people navigating life with metastatic breast cancer, brain tumours, melanoma or myeloma
These 19 projects are designed to produce the kind of robust, practical evidence that changes guidelines, shapes policy and transforms care.
None of it would be possible without the generosity of people and organisations who choose to support our work. Every donation – whether it’s a monthly gift, a legacy in a Will, or a fundraising challenge – helps us award more of this high-impact, prevention and survivorship-focused research. Thank you for supporting us.
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Full list of research grants
Regular Grant Programme
1. Professor Anne May, University Medical Centre (UMC) Utrecht (UCMU), the Netherlands: Long-term effects of exercise on quality of life in patients with metastatic breast cancer: a follow-up study of the randomized PREFERABLE-EFFECT study – £224,213.65
2. Professor Paolo Ceppi, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark: Exploring Selenium and Lung Cancer Risk – £384,944.00
3. Dr Dagfinn Aune, Cancer Registry of Norway, Norway: Whole grains and refined grains and cancer incidence: habitual intakes, changes in intakes, substitutions and risk of 20 cancers in four Scandinavian cohort studies and a large American multiethnic cohort – £500,000.00
4. Dr Dieuwertje Kok Wageningen University, the Netherlands: Balancing dietary protein and fibre intake to improve outcomes of colorectal cancer treatment £464,411.00
5. Dr Rita Khoueiry, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), France: Studying the impact of in-utero and early life exposure to mycotoxins on viral infections and the epigenome: unveiling the risk factors of endemic Burkitt Lymphoma in African children – £498,285.25
6. Dr Valerie McCormack, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), France: Diet, N-nitrosamines and Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma precursors in the African Esophageal Cancer Corridor: EndoSCCAPE – A community-based cross-sectional study in Malawi – £413,400.00
7. Professor Skirmantas Kriaucionis, University of Oxford, United Kingdom: Modified Nucleic Acids in Diet and Bowel Cancer Risk – £489,531.32
8. Dr Mazda Jenab, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), France: Investigating the Role of Thyroid Hormone Metabolism in Liver Cancer Development: Integrating Lifestyle and Omics Data from Large Cohort Studies (HepaThyroid-omics) – £498,196.61
9. Dr Kate Edwards, University of Sydney, Australia: EXERTION-mC: EXERcise during chemoTherapy infusION to improve outcomes for people with metastatic Colon cancer – £499,242.00
10. Dr Alessandro Carrer, University of Padova, Italy: Interrogating the impact of fructose-to-acetate conversion for nucleolus organization and pancreatic cancer predisposition – £500,000.00
11. Dr Eva Zopf, Australian Catholic University, Australia: Safety and feasibility of exercise in patients with melanoma undergoing adjuvant immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy – £59,519.00
12. Professor Chiara Riganti, University of Torino, Italy: Polyunsaturated fatty acids improve immunotherapy efficacy in non-small cell lung cancer – £60,000.00
Inspire Research Challenge
13. Dr Carmen Rodriguez, Garcia University of Almeria, Spain: Reducing Colorectal Cancer Risk with Cricket Powder and Chitin: Analysis of Epigenetic and Inflammatory Biomarkers from a Randomized Controlled Trial – £75,000.00
14. Dr Lucy Goudswaard, University of Bristol, United Kingdom: Characterising the role of body composition and inflammation in multiple myeloma – £74,950.60
15. Dr Komodo Matta, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), France: Understanding the role of metabolic health in lifestyle related cancers through proteomics – £74,100.00
16. Dr Sherly (Xueyi) Li, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Australia: Ultra-processed food intake in childhood and their link to future risk of cancer – £75,000.00
17. Dr Vito Amodio, IFOM ETS – The AIRC institute of Molecular Oncology, Italy: Dissecting the impact of exposure to environmental pollutants on chronic inflammation and colorectal cancer onset – £74,900.00
18. Dr Megan Jeon, University of Sydney, Australia: A phase II single-arm feasibility study of telehealth group cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) in adults with primary brain tumours using a novel online platform for a stepped clinical pathway for sleep disturbance – £75,000.00
19. Dr Emily Hill, Regents of the University of Colorado, United States: Impact of an integrated nutrition and exercise program for post-treatment survivors on sleep quality, perceived stress, and biomarkers of immune dysregulation – £75,000.00
Latest news and blogs
The UK government published its 10-year Health Plan on 3 July, setting out its ambitions to reform the health system and shift the focus from sickness to prevention.
As a cancer prevention charity with a vision of a world where no one dies from a preventable cancer, we welcome the Plan’s direction but there are many key areas of health policy where it simply falls short of what the public needs.
Positive inclusions
Many of the commitments in the Plan had already been announced and were warmly received, such as the expansions of free school meals and the Soft Drinks Industry Levy.
Encouragingly, the Plan also includes new mandatory measures that mark a meaningful step towards creating healthier environments for all.
These include:
- Mandatory healthy food sales reporting for all large companies in the food sector.
- Mandatory healthy food standard to improve the healthiness of sales.
- Updates to the nutrient profile model, used to set marketing restrictions on junk food.
- 10% uplift to restore the value of the Healthy Start scheme from 2026–27.
- Mandatory labelling on alcoholic drinks to include consistent nutritional information and health warning messages.
- Place-based approach to physical activity, including £250m for 100 places via Sport England, at least £400m for local community sports facilities, and new school sport partnerships.
- National walking and running campaign led by Sir Brendan Foster.
- Development of a new physical activity strategy.
These measures are welcome steps forward in improving our food and drink environment and enabling people to be more physically active.
We hope the forthcoming National Food Strategy will drive deeper systemic changes to ensure affordable, accessible healthy food for everyone in England.
Critical missed opportunities
On alcohol, the Plan falls short of prioritising the range of evidence-based policies proven to reduce alcohol consumption, which causes around 17,000 UK cancer diagnoses each year.
Notably, it fails to include minimum unit pricing (MUP) for alcohol in England, despite the success of MUP in reducing alcohol-related deaths in Scotland and Wales. Worryingly, England continues to lag the devolved nations on this crucial policy.
The Plan also makes no mention of strengthening marketing restrictions on alcohol, and so enables industry to continue to normalise drinking as an aspirational lifestyle choice.
Given the rising number of alcohol-related deaths each year, we are urging the UK government to deliver a National Alcohol Strategy for England. As outlined in our recent letter to the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, during Cancer Prevention Action Week, we continue to call for bold action on alcohol-related cancer.
Equally disappointing is the absence of action to strengthen protections and support for breastfeeding and infant feeding. There are no new mandatory, independently enforced regulations on the composition, marketing and labelling of baby and toddler foods. This is a missed opportunity, particularly in light of the UK government’s stated goal to raise the healthiest generation of children ever.
We will continue to urge the government to adopt the recommendations of the Competition and Markets Authority’s market study on infant and follow-on formula.
Turning ambitions into action
This Plan arrives as Labour marks its first year in government under Starmer. This government now has the opportunity – and responsibility – to turn its prevention agenda into lasting structural change that improves the nation’s health.
The upcoming National Cancer Plan for England presents a further chance to address modifiable risk factors and fill the gaps left by the 10-year Health Plan.
We welcome the Prime Minister’s willingness to challenge accusations of “nanny statism” and urge the government to ensure all health strategies are protected from undue industry influence.
We want prevention to be the foundation of all health strategies. We stand ready to bring our scientific and policy expertise to the table – and we’re calling on the UK government to work with us to turn bold ambition into real change, helping millions live longer, cancer-free lives.
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Further reading
We’re excited to announce that World Cancer Research Fund has joined Our Future Health, the UK’s largest health research programme, as an affiliate partner.
With cancer rates rising and modifiable factors contributing to around 40% of all cases, the partnership represents a bold step in harnessing large-scale health data and decades of scientific insight to prevent more cancers before they start.
The UK Director at World Cancer Research Fund, Steven Greenberg, said:
“It’s tremendously exciting to be a part of the UK’s largest, most diverse health research programme. We know that 40% of cancers can be prevented through modifiable factors such as diet and exercise. With a growing rate of diagnoses, collaboration to better understand these risks is more important and timelier than ever.
“By working together, we’ll be able to combine our own extensive knowledge and experience on cancer prevention with the knowledge and insight coming from Our Future Health to further understand how cancer risk can be affected by diet and lifestyle.
As an affiliate partner, we’ll contribute our global expertise in the links between diet, weight, physical activity and cancer risk, helping guide Our Future Health’s work in identifying preventable risk factors. In turn, we’ll benefit from collaborating with the UK’s largest health research programme – enabling new insights into early detection and public health strategies.”
About Our Future Health
Our Future Health is the UK’s largest ever health research programme. It is designed to help people live healthier lives for longer through the discovery and testing of more effective approaches to prevention, earlier detection and treatment of diseases. Our Future Health is inviting millions of people, from all backgrounds and from across the UK, to take part. Volunteers are providing information about their health and lifestyles to create an incredibly detailed picture that represents the whole of the UK.
Dr Raghib Ali, CEO and Chief Medical Officer of Our Future Health, said:
“We’re so pleased to welcome World Cancer Research Fund as our newest affiliate charity partner. We know that cancer will affect half of us in our lifetimes, and together we want to improve cancer prevention, so more people can live longer, healthier lives. Their expertise in funding life-saving research will be really valuable for Our Future Health.”