At an event to mark World Cancer Day, the Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, announced the development of a National Cancer Plan for England.
He also launched of a new, world-leading trial that is testing AI tools to diagnose breast cancer cases earlier. More than 700,000 women are expected to take part.
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, with more than 59,000 people being diagnosed in the UK in 2021.
Alongside this, Streeting announced a new initiative called the UK Collaborative for Cancer Clinical Trial Research, which will help to maximise opportunities for the UK to lead in clinical research.
It is being hosted by the Association of Medical Research Charities, of which World Cancer Research Fund is a member.
Responding to the launch of the Government’s consultation on the National Cancer Plan for England, World Cancer Research Fund’s Executive Director of Research and Policy Dr Giota Mitrou, said:
“Around 40% of cancer cases can be prevented by making our lives and the environment we live in healthier.
“We therefore warmly welcome the UK Government’s consultation on the National Cancer Plan for England and commitment to publishing the Plan this year. Marking a pivotal opportunity to shift the dial from sickness to prevention, the Government must ensure the Plan is truly transformative and achieves a step change in cancer prevention so that more people can live free of cancer.
“The launch of a new UK Collaborative for Cancer Clinical Research also provides a welcome focus to maximise opportunities for cancer research. As a member of the Association for Medical Research Charities leading this work, we stand ready to share our expertise on research in cancer prevention and survivorship.
“Overall, the Government’s announcement is a huge step in the right direction. We look forward to working with the Health Secretary and others to make the Plan a reality.”
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Despite the advances in cancer research over the past 40 years, including World Cancer Research Fund’s evidence on cancer prevention, and dramatic advances in cancer treatment, one question remains to be answered: why does one person get cancer when another, who lives a similar lifestyle, does not?
Experts estimate that up to 40% of cancer cases are preventable, if people didn’t smoke, avoided the sun, avoided alcohol, ate a healthy diet, maintained a healthy body weight and stayed physically active. But that doesn’t mean we can reduce our own risk of cancer by 40% if we follow this advice. It’s not easy to estimate an individual’s cancer risk because so many biological and genetic factors are also at play.
And that’s where large databases about our health can make a big difference. One of these is the UK Biobank, which contains details about the health – and increasingly, as the participants get older, the ill-health, of 500,000 people in the UK. The longevity of this data – not just at one point in a person’s life but repeatedly measured over a long period of time – helps us understand what influences cancer risk throughout someone’s life.
Heel bone density to house size
Since 2006, the UK Biobank has been collecting environmental, lifestyle and genetic information about the participants. For scientists, the size, range of information – from heel bone density to blood pressure to the size of their house – and duration of information collected is a gold mine.
It has been described as “the world’s most important health database” yet it’s not the only resource of this type. Another large database established as part of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study has grown into a massive project involving 10 countries, with 521,000 participants and data collected over more than 30 years.
Of the 30,000 registered researchers from 100 countries who have used data from the UK Biobank, some are funded by the World Cancer Research Fund network, and are using the data to investigate a range of cancer risk factors:
- Sleep, sleep patterns, and risk of prostate and endometrial cancer
- Fat tissue and advanced prostate cancer risk
- Social inequality and cancer risk
- Physical activity, sedentary behaviours, and cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes
- Plant-based diets
- Ultra-processed food
- Following our Cancer Prevention Recommendations
- Obesity and insulin
- Vegetarian diets
- Links between diabetes and cancer
- How many cancers are linked to obesity and physical activity?
Some of the things our scientists have found out using UK Biobank data include:
- Physical activity across the day – with a peak early in the morning and late in the evening – linked to lower risk of colorectal cancer
- Ultra-processed food increases cancer risk
- Following our Cancer Prevention Recommendations reduces the risk of all cancers
The UK Biobank allows researchers around the world to look at biological and medical data and “supports a diverse range of research intended to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of illness, and the promotion of health throughout society”.
And it’s not easy to get hold of such large amounts of data. It’s hard to get half a million people to consent to sharing their personal data in this way, and even harder to get them to keep filling in surveys and undergoing procedures over many years. This type of research can only be done with people’s support and willingness to consent, and without it, finding ways to prevent and treat diseases such as cancer will be so much harder.
The wealth of data the UK Biobank contains could have drastic implications for cancer research, perhaps even finally helping realise World Cancer Research Fund’s ambition of living in a world where no one dies of a preventable cancer.
What do our grant holders say about UK Biobank?
Prof John Mathers
The scale, rich detail of participant characteristics and behaviours, and robust long-term information on health outcomes make UK Biobank a world-leading resource for studies of many aspects of nutrition and health including cancer risk and survival.
Dr Emma Allott
Whole body imaging data available in UK Biobank has enabled our team to measure the amount of fat surrounding the prostate in a large number of cancer-free men. These men are followed over time by the UK Biobank, giving us the opportunity to explore how the quantity of this fat type is related to future risk of prostate cancer. Studies like UK Biobank are critical for this type of research as the imaging required to measure this fat type is not otherwise available in healthy individuals. The results of our study will provide the first evidence for or against periprostatic fat as a risk factor for aggressive prostate cancer.
Dr Dagfinn Aune
We are using the UK Biobank to study the association between adiposity and physical activity and cancer risk. The very large sample size and the detailed assessment of adiposity measures, physical activity, other risk factors and a range of biomarkers are of major importance for our analyses. All this information helps us study associations with a range of cancer outcomes as well as exploring potential biological mechanisms that may explain or contribute to cancer development.
Dr Fiona Malcomson
Our studies using UK Biobank data have shown that people who adhere more closely to the WCRF/ AICR Cancer Prevention Recommendations have lower risk of developing cancer and, specifically, lower risk of cancer of the breast, bowel, kidney, oesophagus, ovary, liver and gallbladder. UK Biobank data has also enabled us to identify lifestyle and dietary patterns according to sociodemographic factors that will help guide public health strategies for cancer prevention.
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The International Agency for Research on Cancer estimates that, by 2050, the world will see 35 million new cancer cases each year, up by 15 million annual cases in 2022. Yet with the right policies to prevent cancer, 14 million of those people could avoid their diagnosis. These policies would need to address a variety of factors, including tobacco, alcohol, overweight and obesity, breastfeeding and unhealthy diet.
Cancer places increasing burden on society
As the cancer burden increases, the strain on our health systems, economies and families becomes harder to meet. Unhealthy weight – just one risk factor – is projected to cost the global economy more than $4 trillion a year by 2035. Our food systems make eating a healthier diet harder. High production and consumption of red and processed meat, and low consumption of wholegrains, vegetables, fruit and beans, plays a role in increased cancer risk and the risk of other diseases such as diabetes. This misalignment also contributes to unhealthy natural environments, as diet-related greenhouse gas emissions are significant contributors to global warming. Most of these are related to production of animal-based foods. This is why prevention is the only sustainable way forward – with resilient populations and food systems working together for public health.
Prevention the sustainable way forward
We believe that prevention must be prioritised and is the only sustainable way forward. We also need to better explain:
- The science around cancer risk and diets, weight, breastfeeding, physical activity, and alcohol – as summarised in our Cancer Prevention Recommendations.
- Which policies should be prioritised to shape healthier environments that minimise these cancer risks for populations.
- How cancer prevention policy can have positive cascading effects for our health, but also for our health systems, our societies and our shared natural environment.
Cancer prevention policies can have ripple effect
We also know that cancer prevention policies can touch on and improve other areas beyond health. For example, diets high in red and processed meat increase people’s risk of colorectal cancer, and that healthier diets made up of more wholegrains, fruit and vegetables can protect people from the same type of cancer. This is why our Cancer Prevention Recommendations say people should limit red and processed meat, and eat a diet rich in wholegrains, vegetables, fruit and beansAt the same time, if our food systems produced less red and processed meat, and animal- food in general, and instead moved towards producing plant-based foods, this would have a significant impact in lowering diet-related CO2 emissions. Policymakers need to make sense of these connections, and our guidance shows what they need to do to promote such positive cycles – or co-benefits.
Why we created the Blueprint
Our well-established Cancer Prevention Recommendations cover 10 ways in which individuals can minimise their risk of preventable cancers. A growing body of evidence is showing that adherence to these Recommendations is associated with lower risk of developing cancer and other NCDs, but also lower risk of dying from cancer.
However, the Recommendations have not – until now – been presented alongside population-level policy advice. We need to promote an integrated approach to preventing cancer, otherwise policymakers may risk formulating repetitive but disconnected policy strategies across these areas that do not speak to or build on each other. For example, marketing restrictions can be a useful tool to encourage healthy diets but are also relevant for promoting breastfeeding and limiting alcohol consumption. Even though the targeted products are different, there are lessons to be learned from policy efforts across different cancer risk factors.
By joining the dots in these different areas, we can create greater awareness of how different policy approaches can contribute to cancer prevention. Our new blueprint makes a compelling case for action, especially for prevention to be included in national cancer plans. The blueprint also reinforces the need for a whole-of-government approach that puts public health goals before commercial interests.
What’s inside the Blueprint?
The Blueprint is accompanied by factsheets on specific cancer risk factors.
Our policy blueprint makes the case for population-level policy action and focuses on 5 factors: diet, weight, breastfeeding, physical activity and alcohol – in line with our Cancer Prevention Recommendations. We also look at how these factors can support people living with and beyond cancer
Our blueprint is an essential, evidence-based guide for policymakers and advocates, pulling together tools and resources to provide a comprehensive resource on cancer prevention. It pulls together existing tools and resources to support efforts on cancer prevention, including key guidance for World Health Organization, but also our existing NOURISHING nutrition and MOVING physical activity policy frameworks. All this information is distilled in a package of resources:
- An outline of 8 policy areas – including marketing restrictions, fiscal and legal, procurement, planning and incentives in communities– and how they apply to diet, weight, breastfeeding and physical activity.
- 10 factsheets with in-depth technical detail on how to roll out each Recommendation at population level.
- An exploration of the co-benefits of cancer prevention policy: addressing health inequities; meeting climate and sustainability targets; addressing commercial determinants of health; and fulfilling human rights.
- 7 strategies to help policymakers take action.
The goal of these resources is to strengthen understanding of how environment shapes cancer risk, and what policymakers can do about it.
How it was developed
To develop these resources, we built on our policy work, we reviewed existing key policy documents, and asked experts in the science and policy of cancer prevention, as well as lawyers, advocates for non-communicable disease prevention or breastfeeding what is most important in their respective areas. We then brought all the main elements together.
What’s next?
The Policy blueprint for cancer prevention will now be a centrepiece of our conversations with policymakers going forward – from Member States at the World Health Organization to the UN High-Level Meeting on Non-communicable diseases.
We invite you all to get involved: download the blueprint, share it, and use it in your work.
> Download our factsheets and other policy tools in our resource library
> To give us feedback and share how you want to use the blueprint, write to policy@wcrf.org
Eating a wide variety of food may reduce the risk of gastrointestinal cancers, according to research funded by the World Cancer Research Fund network* and published in the European Journal of Cancer.
Little is known about how eating a wide variety of food species, also known as food biodiversity, may benefit our health or affect our cancer risk. Food species refer to a distinct type of plant or animal, such as wheat, chicken, or salmon. For example, salmon, mackerel, and tuna are all separate food species, even though they share some biological traits and belong to the same food group. Similarly, rocket, lettuce and spinach count as separate food species, even though they are all leafy green vegetables. However, chicken and a chicken’s egg belong to the same food species even though they are different types of food.
This study is the first to examine 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 the following gastrointestinal cancers:
- Oesophagus
- Throat
- Stomach
- Bowel
- Colon
- Rectum
- Gallbladder
- Pancreas
- Liver
The study followed 450,111 cancer-free adults in 9 European countries from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition cohort for 14 years. The researchers, from the International Agency for Research on Cancer, found that individuals with the most diverse diets, by including more food species in their diet, 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. People can do this by including more variety in the types of fruit and vegetables they eat, for example, choosing to eat local and seasonal fruit and vegetables of different colours.
Food biodiversity includes eating different types of food that provide the necessary nutrients for maintaining health. Investigating food biodiversity is important because it has the potential to benefit public health and sustainable food systems.
Dr Helen Croker, our Assistant Director of Research and Policy, said: “Diets have become more limited in the types of foods eaten and they are often high in fat, sugar and salt. However, for cancer prevention, it’s important to eat a healthy, balanced and varied diet with plenty of wholegrains, pulses, vegetables and fruit.”
Dr Helen Croker
This study is particularly interesting because it looks at the number of different foods people eat and the impact it can have on their cancer risk, in particular gastrointestinal cancers. More research is now needed to confirm these findings and further explore the link between dietary diversity and cancer prevention.
Dr Inge Huybrechts
This study shows how a more diverse diet, including a large variety of species, could lower the risk of gastrointestinal cancers, emphasising the importance of eating a wide variety of foods. The idea behind a diverse diet consisting of many types of plants and animals species may provide essential nutrients for the body while also strengthening ecosystems, making them more resilient, productive, and sustainable.
This study was funded by Wereld Kanker Onderzoek Fonds based in the Netherlands, as part of the World Cancer Research Fund International network.
Achieving a balanced combination of exercise and controlling our waistline is far more effective in reducing our risk of cancer than doing just one or the other, according to a study funded by World Cancer Research Fund.
In the world’s first study looking at the effectiveness of combining these measures, we found that only doing one is not enough to lower our risk of cancer. The study, which looked at more than 300,000 people, found that:
- People not meeting World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on waist circumference are at 11% greater risk, even if they are physically active.
- People not meeting WHO guidelines for physical exercise are at 4% greater risk, even if “abdominally lean” (ie they have a smaller waist).
- Achieving neither means a 15% greater risk.
The study – WHO guidelines on waist circumference and physical activity and their joint association with cancer risk (Lead researcher: Prof Michael Leitzmann, University of Regensburg) – was published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Prof Michael Leitzman
We're excited about the insights we’ve uncovered regarding the interplay between waist circumference and physical activity in reducing cancer risk. Our findings highlight the value of addressing multiple factors together, showing that both maintaining a recommended waist size and being physically active are critical for cancer prevention. This research reinforces the importance of practical, achievable changes that can have a meaningful impact on health over time.
Dr Helen Croker
This is the first study to examine the independent and combined impact of waist circumference and physical activity levels. The findings underscore the importance of a holistic approach instead of focusing on a single factor to reduce cancer risk. Maintaining a healthy weight and, in particular, having a waist circumference within the recommended level and being physically active, along with eating a healthy diet, are all crucial steps to reduce cancer risk. People can start by making small, sustainable changes like incorporating regular movement into daily routines or choosing healthier food options.
World Cancer Research Fund has been at the forefront of cancer prevention in the UK and globally for decades. We developed Activ8, a free 8-week programme to encourage people to move more, eat well and reduce their cancer risk. Every step is backed by science and brings our Cancer Prevention Recommendations to life.
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At World Cancer Research Fund, our mission is to live in a world where no one dies from a preventable cancer, so of course they’re all designed to help you live a healthier, happier cancer free life!
25 things for 2025
1. Drink more water!
The human body comprises around 60% water, so drinking enough water will help improve your physical performance and increase your energy levels.
2. Eat more beans, legumes and pulses
They’re a great source of protein, iron and fibre, they’re much cheaper than meat and good for the climate.
3. Move more!
Being physically active is important to live a healthy life and it’s one of our Cancer Prevention Recommendations.
There’s also strong evidence that being active protects against cancers of the colon, breast and endometrium.
4. Eat more fibre
We should consume at least 30g of fibre a day. Eating a healthy balanced diet that contains plenty of fibre-rich food helps to support your general health and it helps to reduce your risk of bowel cancer.
5. Drink less alcohol
We have strong evidence to show consuming alcoholic drinks is a cause of 7 types of cancer and that there is no “safe” level of alcohol. Why not try a new mocktail recipe instead?
6. Eat more fruit
Fruit is a vital part of a healthy and balanced diet. It contains a variety of important vitamins, minerals and natural chemicals that our body needs.
7. Check your body regularly
Get into the habit of performing regular self-checks at home. As soon as you see or experience something new or something unusual, see a doctor. Even if it’s nothing, getting checked earlier is always better.
8. Eat more vegetables
Just like fruit (No6), it’s important to eat a range of vegetables. We have some evidence that eating non-starchy vegetables helps protects against some cancers of the mouth and throat.
9. Drink fewer fizzy or sugar-sweetened drinks
There’s strong evidence that regularly having sugar-sweetened drinks lead to weight gain over time, which can increase the risk of 13 types of cancer.
Stick to water or other unsweetened drinks, such as tea and coffee.
10. Eat less processed meat
There is strong evidence that consuming processed meat is a cause of bowel cancer. Ideally, you should cut back on all the bacon, sausages, pork pies and ham that you eat.
Research in 2023 showed that 8,500 bowel cancer deaths per year could be prevented if people stop eating processed meat.
11. Eat less red meat
Just like with processed meat, there’s evidence that too much red meat increases your risk of bowel cancer. But we don’t suggest you completely cut out red meat – it’s a good source of nutrients such as protein, iron, zinc and vitamin B12 so can form part of a healthy, balanced diet.
Our Recommendation is to eat no more than 3 servings of red meat a week. Opt for white meat and fish instead, or go meat-free.
12. Get better sleep
Sleep is vital for a healthy life, so whether it’s ditching screens before bed or establishing a routine, better sleep will have many benefits.
13. Opt for more wholegrains
Wholegrains are the seeds of cereal plants, such as wheat, barley, quinoa, oats, rye, maize (corn) and rice.
There’s evidence that they can decrease the risk of bowel cancer, as well as being a rich source of copper, zinc and dietary fibre.
14. Sign up to Activ8
If you’re looking to get more healthy – whether that’s increasing your activity levels, maintaining a healthy weight or eating better, why not join our FREE 8-week interactive programme?
It will be sent straight to your inbox 📧
15. Eat less fast food
There’s strong evidence that diets containing high amounts of “fast food” and processed foods high in fat, starches and sugars are a cause of weight gain, overweight and obesity, which has been linked to cancers.
A study in 2023 linked ultra-processed food to an increased risk of mouth and throat cancers.
16. Wear SPF and protect yourself from the sun
Each year, around 332,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer globally, but a high-factor suncream, the right clothing and avoiding the sun between 11am–3pm can help decrease your risk.
17. Try a new recipe
Not only is it fun to cook new dishes, but it also introduces you to new flavours and can get you out of a rut of always cooking the same thing.
We have more than 350 healthy recipes to try – many of which are budget friendly, so you don’t have to break the bank.
18. Eat more protein
Protein is important for us maintaining our health and plays a role in maintaining your muscles, repairing any injuries, keeping your weight down (it keeps you fuller for longer), and it provides energy.
You don’t even need to eat lots of red meat to keep your levels up – nuts, seeds, eggs, wholegrains and pulses are all good sources of protein.
19. Get outside more
Keeping active is important and taking a break from screens and connecting with nature is good for both our mental and physical health.
Plus, spending 15 minutes a day in the sunshine helps restore the body’s vitamin D levels.
20. Ditch the sunbeds
If you want to get a tan, faking it is much safer.
21. Walk an extra 10 minutes a day
Get off the bus/train a stop early, or leave the car at home and walk to the shops. Small things add up quickly and soon you’ll prefer two legs over four wheels.
22. Sign up to our monthly newsletter
Get regular updates on our cancer prevention work, the latest research, health tips, new recipes and much more…
23. Have a meat free day
Or, why not try Veganuary? We’ve already mentioned that limiting red and processed meat is important for cutting your cancer risk.
And a 2022 study showed that following a vegetarian diet could cut your risk of cancer by 14%, so why not explore meat-free recipes.
24. Try a new sport or activity
If you’re in a slump or feeling generally demotivated, why not try something new? And, if sport isn’t your thing, gardening or yoga could get you moving more.
Alternatively, why not join a local group, such as a choir or a craft meet-up. Not only will you be learning something new, but you become part of a community, which provides multiple health benefits.
25. Change one thing
If this list has made you feel overwhelmed, don’t feel as you have to do them all. Start by picking just one thing to do differently and then build up from there. Before you know it, you’ll be thriving!
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Science and football – while they may not seem like they have much in common, the disciplines meet in the person of Dr Frankie Brown. Frankie is an immunologist and former member of Scotland’s women’s team who has represented her country 96 times on the international stage.
Our funding helped Frankie realise her other dream of researching ways exercise can benefit those living with and beyond cancer.
Helping people with blood cancer
Frankie Brown with her Scotland team-mates
Under Dr Campbell from the University of Bath, Frankie worked in a team on a project funded by us investigating the effects of exercise on the health of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, a form of blood cancer that affects around 4,000 new people every year in the UK.
The team evaluated the safety and feasibility of a progressive exercise programme for these patients – many who were over 60. Essentially, they tested a “recipe for how to run a big study” more effectively, and even adapted it to continue successfully during the COVID pandemic.
She was inspired by her own background as a professional footballer, as well as her personal experience with cancer:
“When I was finishing up my PhD, my mum died of breast cancer. That was a real trigger moment for me to look more into oncology. I just couldn’t get my head around it – she had been so healthy. I would wonder, what’s going on here?
“I already knew a lot about health and monitoring my body for football. I started playing football very young, playing with my little brother, and I haven’t stopped since. I was in the Scotland under 17s, then the under 19s, and got into the full squad when I was 21 and was there for 10 years.
“Having spent my whole life in a high-performance environment, with everything being tested and monitored, I became more aware of how my body reacts to even very small shifts in circumstances and situations. It wasn’t hard for me to see how those tiny changes that are so important to athletes can be important for everybody.”
This inspired Frankie to become a researcher, where she found herself on the team led by Dr Campbell and funded by us. There were, however, some setbacks along the way – the biggest being the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to the flexibility of our funding programme, Frankie says she and the rest of the team were able to pivot from designing the programme to be in-person, to buying the participants exercise bikes and running a group session over Zoom.
“We had to shift the whole design of the exercise sessions to be home-based and World Cancer Research Fund allowed us to deliver exercise bikes to the participants’ homes. Without that, the trial would have fallen apart.“
‘The more muscle mass you have as you get older, the more independent you will be’
The data showed a 2% increase in lean mass in the exercise group compared with a 0.4% decrease in the control group. This is a significant benefit, as Frankie explains: “The data we have now and the study we’ve done shows that any gain a patient can make with their performance can make a huge difference to their own wellbeing.
“An increase in lean mass – in other words, in muscle mass – in these patients is a huge thing, especially in people over 60. The more muscle mass you have as you get older the more independent you will be. One of our participants lived up some stairs, and whenever I think about the study, I think about them and hope that my work has made it easier for them to get the shopping up and down to their home.”
These results have informed the design of a larger study where Frankie and her team will assess the tumour-suppressing effects and mechanisms of exercise in humans.
Frankie is very vocal about the impact of our support on her work: “In my experience, World Cancer Research Fund has been incredibly supportive of me as a young academic. They’ve provided amazing flexibility at a very uncertain time. I wouldn’t have been able to achieve any of this without you.”
What do people who took part in the study say?
I was really unfit when I started the trial and in the battle with the bike I came near to collapse! But the research team were watching and got me sorted me out. So I didn't collapse and in fact went on to add 2kg to my muscle mass.
What do people who took part in the study say?
I’m pleased that I took part in the study as although I already did some exercise it pushed me out of my comfort zone and has left me feeling more positive about the future giving me a way to ‘fight back’.
New UK statistics from World Cancer Research Fund show a 3.7% rise in the total number of cancer cases diagnosed in women in 2021 compared with 2019, while cases in men remained relatively stable.
In the UK, 395,181 cases of cancer were diagnosed in 2021, the latest year for which data is available for all 4 devolved nations: 200,870 in men, and 194,311 in women. These figures were compiled using data from the 4 UK cancer registries and include the latest overall UK incidence, as well as information about cancer within each of the 4 devolved nations.
Cancer cases in men remained stable (increasing very slightly by 0.2% to 200,870 in 2021 from 200,386 in 2019), while among women there were approximately 6,800 more cases in 2021 than in 2019 (194,311 up from 187,434 in 2019) – an increase of 3.7%. This means that although men still experience more cases than women, the difference is rapidly narrowing. The difference in the number of cases falling from approximately 12,900 in 2019 to 6,500 in 2021.
Why are UK cancer cases rising in women but not men? Dr Vanessa Gordon-Dseagu explores the evidence
Find out moreAlthough the number of cases significantly increased among women but not men, this still meant an overall increase of 2%. There could be several reasons for this, for example, changes in behaviour that began decades ago. An example of this would be rates of smoking declining earlier in men than women, with lung cancer incidence subsequently peaking much earlier in men than women.
Behaviour and prevention key
This shows that behaviour and prevention remain a key factor in reducing cancer risk: 40% of cancers could be prevented through changes in modifiable risk factors and behaviours. These include eating a healthy diet, limiting alcohol, maintaining a healthy bodyweight, and not smoking. Therefore around 158,000 cancer cases in the UK could be prevented a year.
Breast cancer remains the most common type of cancer among women in the UK, and the most common overall, with 59,115 new cases in 2021. This means that 3 in 10 new cases of cancer in women in 2021 were breast cancer (30%). Meanwhile, prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the UK. In 2021, 51,575 cases of prostate cancer were diagnosed – accounting for just over a quarter (26%) of all new cases of cancer in men in the UK.
Dr Vanessa Gordon-Dseagu, a consultant with our Research Interpretation team, said:
“While the total number of cancers is still higher among men than women, the latest increases among women, and decreases among men, suggest that this difference is declining quite rapidly.
“It is likely that any changes in the number of new cases are partially explained by behaviour. This will be particularly true for those cancers for which there is strong evidence that behaviour increases risk. For example, smoking increasing lung cancer risk or processed meat and alcohol increasing bowel cancer risk. Following our Cancer Prevention Recommendations can help people reduce their cancer risk.”
About World Cancer Research Fund
World Cancer Research Fund examines how diet, nutrition, weight and physical activity affect people’s risks of developing and surviving cancer. As part of an international network of charities, we fund life-saving research, influence policy and raise public awareness. Our work helps prevent cancer and enables people to live longer, healthier lives.
Preventing Cancer. Saving Lives
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Governments, researchers and organisations (including World Cancer Research Fund) need to keep track of how the number of cancer cases in the UK changes from year to year. This helps with the planning, development, and undertaking of cancer research and evidence-based policy.
Each of the 4 devolved nations of the UK (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales) regularly report cancer incidence, as well as mortality, through their Cancer Registries. World Cancer Research Fund then uses these data to produce detailed cancer incidence and mortality tables and publishes this information on our website. At the same time, we analyse the data to see how cancer numbers are changing.
Comparing cases of cancer in the UK from 2019 to 2021
In 2021, the most recent year for which data are available, there were 395,181 cases of cancer in the UK. Of these, 200,870 were in men (up very slightly from 200,386 in 2019) and 194,311 in women (up from 187,434 in 2019).
Cancer cases: 2019 and 2021
| Men | Women | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 200,386 | 187,434 | 387,820 |
| 2021 | 200,870 | 194,311 | 395,181 |
In terms of percentage changes, cancer incidence among women increased by 3.7% between 2019 and 2021 but stayed pretty much the same for men (increasing by only 0.2%). This means that while the number of cases only increased significantly among women, there was still an overall increase of approximately 7,400 cases, or 2%.
So, although men still experience more cases of cancer than women, the difference in the number of cases between the sexes fell from approximately 12,900 in 2019 to approximately 6,500 in 2021.
How are cases of the most common cancers changing in men and women?
Breast cancer remained the most common type of cancer among women in the UK, with 59,155 new cases in 2021 – approximately 30% of all cancers. This was followed by lung (23,972) and colorectal cancer (21,945). Our analysis shows that, between 2019 and 2021, cases of all 3 increased in women.
Among men, prostate cancer was the most common cancer in the UK. In 2021, 51,575 cases of prostate cancer were diagnosed – approximately 26% of all new cases of cancer – followed by colorectal (27,969) and lung (24,932). While cases of prostate and lung cancer decreased, colorectal cancer cases increased.
Cases of the top 3 site-specific cancers in the UK in 2019 and 2021
| 2019 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Women | ||
| Breast | 56,601 | 59,115 |
| Lung | 23,614 | 23,972 |
| Colorectal | 20,759 | 21,945 |
| Men | ||
| Prostate | 55,068 | 51,575 |
| Colorectal | 25,303 | 27,969 |
| Lung | 25,140 | 24,932 |
Why is the overall number of cancer cases increasing in women but not in men?
There could be several reasons for this. One of the most important is that approximately 40% of all cancers could be prevented by changes in modifiable risk factors – things in our behaviour or environment that can be changed and make the development of cancer more or less likely. For 2021, this would equate to approximately 158,000 cases of cancer prevented.
When we talk about modifiable risk factors for cancer, these include not smoking, avoiding the sun, maintaining a healthy body weight, being physically active, and eating a healthy diet.
> More information about what is included in a healthy diet
Simply put, it is likely that any changes in the number of new cancer cases are partially explained by changes in the rates of these behaviours. This will be particularly true for those cancers for which there is strong evidence that behaviour increases risk. One recent example of this is rates of smoking declining among men while still increasing among women. As a result, it is predicted that cases of lung cancer among women will outnumber those among men in the next couple of years.
The links between modifiable behaviours and cancer are supported by a growing body of research demonstrating that following our Cancer Prevention Recommendations can help people reduce their cancer risk.
More news and blogs on cancer stats
Here is our year in numbers
1 shared vision to stop preventable cancer
Estimated figures show that approximately 40% of cancers could be prevented by modifying key risk factors such as smoking, poor diets, obesity, low physical activity levels, and alcohol consumption.
Our Research Interpretation team have worked hard to deepen our understanding of the factors influencing the risk of developing, and the chance of surviving, a cancer.
5 CUP Global Panel meetings on the risk factors cancer incidence and survivorship
We have met with our CUP Global Expert Panel (a group of world-renowned independent experts from a variety of disciplines) to discuss the scientific evidence that early life body measurements affect later risk of developing breast cancer, as well as the evidence of the impact of physical activity, diet and adiposity (fatness) has on quality of life after a colorectal cancer diagnosis.
We have also formulated new recommendations for the public on the impact of various dietary lifestyle patterns on cancer incidence, following our discussions with the CUP Expert Panel.
99 associations reviewed by the CUP Global experts
There are many modifiable factors that may be associated with developing cancer, or worsen cancer prognosis after diagnosis. This year, we reviewed 99 of them from across the cancer survivorship and cancer incidence evidence.
2 reports published on cancer survivorship
This year, we released 2 reports that summarise the complex evidence on diet, nutrition, physical activity and body weight for people living with and beyond breast and colorectal cancers. Drawing on that evidence and additional inputs from experts, health professional and patients, we produced practical guidance for patients.
We now recommend that, “after a breast cancer diagnosis, people are physically active. However, physical activity should be increased under the supervision of healthcare professionals”. We also outline recommendations for future research, as lots remains to be done in this field.
9 peer-reviewed papers; 5 published, 4 under review.
Five CUP Global peer-reviewed papers have been published this year in academic journals, to share our findings with the scientific community.
Three of them reported on the impact of sedentary behaviour, body fatness, or dietary factors and supplement use after a colorectal cancer diagnosis, while a 4th paper summarised the strength of this evidence. Our CUP Global findings on the effect of dietary and lifestyle patterns and breast cancer incidence were also published in 2024.
Another 4 manuscripts are under peer review. They report on the latest CUP Global work, including the effect of both dietary and lifestyle patterns and early life body size on colorectal cancer risk.
1 new gateway on Health Open Research
Keeping our work transparent is important. A benefit of having a gateway on a site such as Health Open Research is that it allows a central space for us to hold our research outputs and makes them openly available to everyone interested in our work. Check it out here!
16 conferences and events dissemination events
Professor TH Lam speaking at the Chinese Anti-Cancer Conference
Our CUP Global findings were presented on many occasions and to various audiences (the scientific community, health professionals, the public, students and our supporters) across the globe this year.
- At both the World Cancer Congress during a symposium, a rapid firerapid-fire session and a symposium, the 4th Nutrition and Cancer Conference, the Oncology Professional Care conference, and the Chinese Anti-Cancer Conference.
- Throughout 8 lectures at UCL, ICL, and Oxford Brookes, and a 3-day course at Wageningen University & Research
- During a webinar hosted by Breast Cancer Now
- At 2 WCRF supporters’ events in Manchester and Exeter
1 European Code Against Cancer
We contributed to the development of the European Code Against Cancer, an initiative of the European Commission to inform people about key risk factors for cancer.
2 strengthened methodologies
- We have strengthened the way we draw on our collaborators’ expertise when exploring the biology underpinning the link between diet, nutrition, physical activity and body weight, and cancer. This will deepen our understanding of how nutrition-related factors operate inside the human body to influence the onset of cancer.
- CUP Global is also now equipped with a new way of identifying what evidence, among all the research being produced globally, is worth looking at to best strengthen or expand our recommendations for cancer prevention and survival. We have identified 6 topics whose influence on cancer risk will be explored further within CUP Global:
- ultra processed foods,
- tea,
- coffee,
- sugary drinks (including artificial sweeteners),
- soy (isoflavones) and
- sedentary behaviour.
Looking forward to 2025
We will keep disseminating our CUP Global outputs on cancer survivorship dietary lifestyle patterns and on our imminent early life anthropometry findings. This is to ensure that the public, patients, health professionals, researchers and policymakers are informed about actions they can take. We are looking forward to presenting some of this work at the International Congress of Nutrition in Paris, in August 2025.
We won’t stop trying to further our understanding of the modifiable factors that shape the risk of developing, and the chances of surviving, cancer. With the 6 topics identified for CUP Global in 2025, we can’t wait to share findings from this research and learn more about the best way to prevent cancer.
Latest news and blogs
This year, we’ve been driving policy change to prevent cancer and improve public health globally and locally. Here are some of our highlights:
Global advocacy and engagement
Kendra Chow at WCC 2024
As part of our official relations status, we continue to work closely with the World Health Organization (WHO). This year was exceptionally busy as we expanded our engagement across 6 WHO teams and attended the Executive Board and World Health Assembly, where we made interventions (“statements”) across many agenda item areas.
- WHO Executive Board Statements: 7, including on wellbeing and health promotion, and social determinants of health.
- WHO World Health Assembly: delivered 6 impactful statements, 6 meetings with WHO officials and 5 meetings with civil society.
- WHO meetings: 5 meetings throughout the year with WHO staff to discuss collaboration.
- WHO consultations: contributed to 5 consultations including the WHO Director General report for the fourth UN High-Level Meeting (HLM) on non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and on Non-State Actors in official relations.
- Mission meetings and briefings: held meetings with 7 different country missions and developed 1 detailed mission briefing on our key priorities for the World Health Assembly.
Policy development and thought leadership
Our Alcohol and Cancer Risk brief
We advanced our policy work by publishing a major policy position, monitoring emerging issues, responding to consultations, contributing to a parliamentary inquiry, and launching new advocacy priorities in the UK. We’ve also continued to promote and advance our CO-CREATE project outputs.
- Published our comprehensive Alcohol and Cancer Risk policy position (which has been downloaded over 2,000 times!), along with a new dedicated section on our website.
- Monitored developments and engaged experts on the links between ultra-processed food and cancer.
- Responded to 1 international (on Norway’s forthcoming marketing restrictions) and 5 UK consultations (including the National Planning Policy Framework, which looks at how planning system can help our communities to be healthier).
- Provided evidence (PDF) to the House of Lord’s Select Committee on Food, Diet and Obesity.
- Introduced new policy priorities in the UK, strengthening our cancer prevention advocacy.
- 3 external partners utilised our NOURISHING and MOVING policy frameworks and tools, including the OECD, which used data from our NOURISHING and MOVING policy briefs for its 2024 report Beating Cancer Inequalities in the EU.
Communications and awareness
We enhanced our communications by redeveloping our website, producing podcasts and blogs, publishing newsletters, and co-signing advocacy letters to key policymakers.
- Redeveloped and revised all the Policy pages on our new website and developed a new resource library to house our statements, consultations, reports and policy tools.
- Featured in Movendi International’s podcast episode on How WCRFI Wants to Galvanize Governments to Address Alcohol’s Direct Link to Cancer.
- Published 10 blogs including a closer look at alcohol labelling, infant formula and baby foods, commercial determinants and this 2024 wrap-up.
- Published 13 monthly newsletters and newsflashes to over 1,100 subscribers.
- Endorsed 9 letters to the Prime Minister, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Public Health and Prevention advocating policy change in the UK.
Collaboration and representation
We strengthened our advocacy by participating in major conferences, maintaining global research partnerships, hosting advisory meetings, and contributing to the development of key policy recommendations.
- Participated in 5 major conferences (European Congress on Obesity, World Cancer Congress, World Health Summit, International Society for Physical Activity and Health, European Public Health Conference). We also attended the Labour Party conference in the UK for the first time.
- Maintained valuable research partnerships with organisations around the world and hosted 2 Policy Advisory Group meetings.
- Continued contributing to the development of the policy recommendations that will accompany the forthcoming 5th European Code Against Cancer.
Team updates
We’ve had some changes in our team too.
Hellos and goodbyes: said farewell to Jennifer O’Mara, our Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer, and Rebecca Taylor, our maternity cover Head of Policy and Public Affairs; and welcomed back our Head of Policy and Public Affairs Kate Oldridge-Turner. We look forward to our new Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer, Melissa Dando, joining us in the new year.
Looking ahead to 2025
- We’re excited to launch our Policy Blueprint for Cancer Prevention in the new year – a new resource that draws together our Cancer Prevention Recommendations with our policy recommendations. Join us at the launch on 29 January 2025.
- Cancer Prevention Action Week: Join us for our week-long awareness raising campaign on alcohol and cancer risk in June 2025.
- We’ll be actively engaged in the 4th UN HLM on Non-Communicable Diseases, taking place in September 2025. Our focus will be for cancer prevention commitments to be included in the Political Declaration.
- 5th European Code Against Cancer: we’ll be supporting the launch of the new code in September 2025.
Thank you for your continued support – we are grateful for all the collaborations with our partners. Here’s to another year of impactful advocacy and policy work in 2025! Don’t forget you can sign up to our monthly newsletter straight into your inbox.
Latest news and blogs
Missing someone special is always difficult, but the “hype” we hear as others plan ahead for Christmas can make 25 December even more difficult for those of us who are missing loved ones who have died and who we would have spent this special day with.
Every bereavement is unique, as is every person, so there’s no magic formula for how best to deal with bereavement. We could feel a mix of emotions – sadness, anger, guilt or even moments of joy when we think back to happier times when we enjoyed the time of year with the person, or people, we now miss.
At World Cancer Research Fund, we have a memorial bauble, which we supply primarily to our supporters but can give to anyone who is remembering someone special this Christmas. We understand many of our supporters are bereaved, and that Christmas can be a difficult time of the year, and one where the loss of someone loved is felt very strongly.
Remember that healing takes time, and the first holiday season is often the hardest. Be patient and gentle with yourself. If you’re really struggling, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a grief counsellor or mental health professional for additional support, or visit one of the helpful websites listed below.
Love that turns to grief
We’ll never forget those who have been a part of our lives who have died, but while grief doesn’t diminish, over time, our world instead gradually grows larger around it. A bit like a river that doesn’t narrow but carves new channels and finds new paths to go forward while still carrying those deeper waters.
It’s nice to have memories of people who brought you joy in previous Christmasses’, even if tinged with sadness that they’re no longer here. It’s OK to be sad at their absence, but it’s also important to try to embrace the spirit of the season they would want for you. You don’t have to feel guilty if you do find moments of joy, and you don’t have to apologise to yourself or others if, in a quiet moment of reflection, you are sad.
When we love someone and they die, that love turns to grief. Sharing memories of them, speaking about them, and perhaps using one of our memorial baubles, allows us to keep their memory alive and remember those we love as we take our own journey through life.
“Be happy that we met, not sad that I am gone” is a sentiment used much in bereavement and captures the essence of what enduring love means. It’s like they’ve left you one final gift of wisdom: to treasure the blessing of having had them in your life at all.
- We encourage people in need of extra support to contact Cruse Bereavement Support on 0808 808 1677 or Mind on 0300 123 3393.
