This Year, 3.4 Million People are Expected to be Living with Cancer

Statistics suggest that the number of people in the UK living with cancer will reach 3.4 million this year, marking the highest figure ever recorded.

An analysis conducted by Macmillan, a cancer support charity, indicates that approximately half a million more individuals will be dealing with cancer in 2025 compared to five years ago.

The increase in cases is attributed to factors such as a growing and aging population, improved survival rates for certain types of cancer, and an uptick in diagnoses of cancers like thyroid, liver, and melanoma.

Macmillan has raised concerns about the deteriorating experience of cancer patients, pointing out issues such as treatment delays and disparities in care quality.

The estimated 3.4 million individuals living with cancer by December 2025 include approximately 890,000 women with breast cancer, 610,000 men with prostate cancer, 390,000 individuals with bowel cancer, and 120,000 with lung cancer.

A survey conducted by YouGov last year revealed that a third of respondents feel that living with cancer now is more challenging than at any other time they can recall, a percentage that rises to 48 percent among those with serious disabilities.

The analysis of NHS data indicates that many cancer patients are reporting deteriorating experiences across various aspects of care, particularly individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds and the LGBT community, according to Macmillan.

Gemma Peters, the chief executive of Macmillan, expressed concern, stating: “The number of individuals living with cancer in the UK is on the rise, and for many, things are taking a turn for the worse.

“Disparities between the best and worst care experiences are unacceptable, leaving some individuals behind.

“Behind these statistics are people facing unique challenges and needs.

“We at Macmillan support individuals living with cancer daily, helping them navigate the various ways cancer impacts their lives.

“We witness how cancer affects relationships, employment, finances, and more, with some facing even greater challenges simply due to their identity or location. This needs to change.

“Improvements are possible, but only if we approach cancer care differently.”

Data from the NHS for England reveals that the percentage of patients receiving their first definitive treatment for cancer within 62 days of an urgent referral or consultant upgrade in November was 69.4 percent, up from 68.2 percent in October, with the target being 85 percent.

In November, GPs in England made 259,563 urgent cancer referrals, a decrease from 279,063 in October and a decline from 270,549 in November 2023.

Additionally, 77.4 percent of patients urgently referred for suspected cancer were diagnosed or had cancer ruled out within 28 days, surpassing the target of 75 percent, with a slight increase from the previous month’s 77.1 percent.

Dame Laura Lee, chief executive of cancer support charity Maggie’s, emphasized the importance of the upcoming government cancer strategy, stating: “With a record number of individuals living with cancer, it is crucial that this plan prioritizes supporting them to live well and remain valued members of society, in addition to focusing on early diagnosis and outcomes.”

In response, an NHS spokesperson highlighted the progress made in early cancer diagnosis, increasing referrals, improved waiting times, and positive patient feedback. However, there is still much work to be done to further improve cancer care.

The spokesperson advised individuals experiencing unusual or concerning symptoms to consult their GP and to attend screening appointments when invited.