Our research in London
In London
- 34,100 people are diagnosed with cancer each year.
- 50-59% of cancers are diagnosed early.
- We spent over £136m in 2021/22.
We receive no government funding for our research. Our life-saving work relies on the money you give us.
Last year, Cancer Research UK (CRUK) spent over £136m in London on cancer research to find better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, where 34,100 people are diagnosed with cancer annually.
We fund ground breaking work at the Francis Crick Institute, where researchers are looking into the fundamental biology underlying health and disease to uncover new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses.
We also fund two major research centres in London:
Connecting research in London
Across the capital, Cancer Research UK is fostering relationships between researchers to tackle cancer from all angles, as well as funding initiatives throughout London to help beat cancer.
What we're doing now
How we've made a difference so far
Scientists in London developed new cancer drugs
Our scientists developed a molecule that later became the drug abiraterone, which can be used to extend the lives of men with prostate cancer. UK’s National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE), approved the drug in 2012. Our scientists also helped develop and trial the drug temozolomide, which can treat patients with glioblastoma brain tumours. NICE approved the drug in 2001 for treating patients whose disease has returned after standard treatment. In 2007, NICE then approved it as a treatment for newly diagnosed patients with glioblastoma.
Scientists in London Improved Cancer Screening
Our scientists at Imperial College London discovered an innovative way to screen for bowel cancer, which could reduce an individual’s chance of developing this disease by 33% through the removal of precancerous ‘polyps.’
Our scientists studied the impact of cervical screening as part of crucial work in the development of the UK national cervical screening programme, which saves thousands of lives each year.
Scientists in London Introduced a New Field of Cancer Research
Our scientists discovered what role the molecule EGFR plays in cancer development, overturning widely held ideas on the causes of cancer in the scientific community. This discovery also led to the development of several cancer drugs that are being used today to treat cancer patients.
Volunteer in London
The energy, passion and support of our volunteers is helping make sure that 3 in 4 people survive cancer by 2034. Join us and help beat cancer sooner.
Our strategy to beat cancer
For the past 120 years, we’ve been making discoveries that have saved countless lives. But we have so much more to do. Our strategy sets out how we'll accelerate progress towards a better future.
