Cancer cases in the UK have reached an all-time high, with approximately one person diagnosed every 80 seconds, according to new analysis by Cancer Research UK. The charity’s Cancer in the UK Report 2026 reveals that more than 403,000 people are now diagnosed with the disease each year, driven largely by a growing and ageing population.
The report shows that cancer incidence has risen to 620 per 100,000 people over the past decade, up from 610. Meanwhile, the proportion of cases diagnosed at an early stage has barely changed, moving from 54% to 55%. The charity warned that NHS services are struggling to cope with rising demand, with cancer waiting times across the UK among the worst on record.
Cancer Research UK noted that while death rates have fallen and survival rates have improved, progress risks stalling due to pressure on services. Around 107,000 cancer patients were waiting more than 62 days to start treatment across the UK in 2025. The charity praised the Government’s recently published National Cancer Plan for England but called for adequate funding and resources to turn ambitions into reality.
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 National Cancer Plan must lead to tangible improvements in early diagnosis, waiting times, and treatment.
An NHS spokesperson countered that early diagnosis in England is at a record high and that staff are delivering 30% more cancer checks than in 2021, with survival also at an all-time high. However, they acknowledged the need to go further. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson highlighted a record number of diagnostic tests and extra funding, alongside the upcoming Tobacco and Vapes Bill to protect future generations.
Natalia Norori of Prostate Cancer UK noted that prostate cancer, the most common cancer in the UK, plays a big part in the rising numbers. With over 1,000,000 men expected to be living with the disease by 2040, she stressed that early detection must be a priority.
