简体中文
EnglishWhat is Cancer Research UK?
Updated
Cancer Research UK is a cancer charity that describes itself as "the world's leading cancer charity," dedicated to saving and improving lives through research. It funds and carries out research into more than 200 types of cancer, provides trusted cancer information and support, and offers ways for the public to donate, fundraise, and volunteer. This overview is for anyone who wants to understand the organisation's purpose, activities, and how to engage with it.
What the charity does
Cancer Research UK's work centres on research to beat cancer, with three connected roles:
- Research: It carries out and funds research across more than 200 cancer types. Its science effort involves over 6,000 scientists, doctors, and nurses working on research intended to save and improve lives.
- Information and support: Its cancer information is used by millions of people every week, covering topics from symptoms and screening to coping after treatment. It also runs Cancer Chat, a forum where people affected by cancer can share experiences and find support.
- Public involvement: It invites people to support its research through donations, fundraising, volunteering, and gifts in wills.
The charity states that over the past 50 years its work has helped double cancer survival in the UK.
How to use the site
The site is organised around a few main areas, which you can use depending on what you need:
| If you want to… | Go to |
|---|---|
| Learn about cancer types, causes, or coping with cancer | About cancer |
| Find support or talk to others | Cancer Chat forum (linked from the support section) |
| Donate, fundraise, or volunteer | Get involved |
| Read about research by cancer type or topic | Our research |
| Find funding or career information as a researcher | For researchers |
| Shop or find a shop | Shop |
| Learn about the organisation | About us |
Donating
The donation section offers monthly and single donation options, with suggested amounts shown on the page (for example, £6, £15, or £30 monthly, or £10, £20, or £30 as a single gift) alongside an option to enter another amount. Payment methods listed on the page include Apple Pay, Google Pay, Direct Debit, MasterCard, PayPal, and Visa. The page does not state whether donations are tax-deductible or subject to other conditions, so check the donation flow for any details that apply to you.
Getting involved beyond donating
The Get involved section lists several routes: fundraising (including leaving a gift in your will or taking part in an event), volunteering, and doing your own fundraising, such as a bake sale or bingo, with resources provided to help.
What to keep in mind
- The site is a general information and charity resource, not a substitute for personalised medical advice. For questions about your own health, speak with a qualified healthcare professional.
- If you are looking for research funding or career development as a researcher, the For researchers section covers research strategy, applying for and managing funding, and developing a research career.
- Details such as current donation amounts, payment options, and event listings can change; confirm them on the relevant page before acting.
In short, Cancer Research UK is a research-focused cancer charity that combines funding and conducting research with public information, support services, and opportunities to donate, fundraise, and volunteer.