Cancer diagnoses in the UK have reached an all-time high, with one person being diagnosed every 80 seconds, according to a new report from Cancer Research UK. The charity revealed that more than 403,000 people are now diagnosed with cancer each year, driven largely by a growing and ageing population.
The NHS is struggling to cope with the rising demand, with cancer waiting times among the worst on record. Incidence rates have risen to 620 per 100,000 people, up from 610 a decade ago, partly due to increasing obesity levels. The proportion of cases detected early has remained nearly static, inching from 54% to 55%.
Despite some successes, such as falling death rates and rising ten-year survival, Cancer Research UK warns that progress is at risk of stalling because of pressure on cancer services. The charity welcomed the government's national cancer plan for England but stressed that it requires adequate funding and resources to make a real difference.
Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, said: 'More people are being diagnosed with cancer than ever before. Although cancer survival has doubled since the 1970s, progress has slowed over the last decade.' She emphasised that the plan must translate into earlier diagnoses, meeting waiting time targets, and improved treatment.
The report also noted that about 107,000 cancer patients waited more than 62 days to start treatment across the UK in 2025. The charity called for wider rollout of screening programmes, such as for lung cancer, and accelerated introduction of innovative tests.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson highlighted a record number of diagnostic tests and extra funding, but acknowledged more work is needed. Meanwhile, a separate BMJ report found over 13,000 patients waited more than three days in England's emergency departments last year.
