Number Of People With Cancer In The UK Reaches Record High Of Almost 3.5 Million
Image by Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay
The number of people living with cancer in the UK has surged to almost 3.5 million, the highest figure ever reported for the UK, a leading cancer charity has revealed today. The latest analysis from Macmillan Cancer Support shows there will be almost half a million more people living with cancer in 2025 than there were just five years ago.
The charity is warning that as the number of people with cancer continues to rise, many are finding it harder to live with the disease than ever before, and there are significant differences when it comes to people’s experiences of diagnosis, treatment and care. This is causing what Macmillan is calling an ‘unacceptable cancer care gap’ across the UK.
The charity is also warning that these growing numbers reflect the scale of the government’s challenge to ensure everyone with cancer can access the best care possible, whoever and wherever they are, through upcoming Cancer Plans.
The estimated number of people who will be living with cancer in the UK in 2025 includes the following approximate breakdowns:
1.9 million women and 1.5 million men with cancer
2.8 million people with cancer in England
290,000 people with cancer in Scotland
190,000 people with cancer in Wales
98,000 people with cancer in Northern Ireland
890,000 women with breast cancer
610,000 men with prostate cancer
390,000 people with bowel cancer
120,000 people with lung cancerIn addition, many people’s experiences of cancer seem to be getting worse. For example, recent figures from Macmillan show one in three people with cancer say it’s harder to have cancer now than at ‘any other time they can remember’, with this figure rising to almost half of those who also have a serious disability.
Analysis of NHS data also suggests many people with cancer are reporting poorer experiences across several areas of care, particularly some people who face the highest risk of health inequalities, such as those with mixed or multiple ethnicities, and those from the LGBTQ+ community.
Meanwhile, cancer patients in England who are Black, LGBTQ+, autistic or have other long-term health conditions or a learning disability, are all significantly less likely to get the support they need with their health and wellbeing while receiving hospital treatment, and face more barriers when it comes to involving their friends or families in their care.
Ameena Westwood, 53, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017. After undergoing a mastectomy and radiotherapy treatment, she was given the all-clear. However, in March of last year, she received the devastating news that her cancer had returned. Ameena, from Smethwick, West Midlands, was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer.
As someone who has faced a cancer diagnosis and recurrence, I know that living with cancer is not just about the medical challenges - it’s about navigating a system that doesn’t always meet everyone’s needs equally.
As someone who is half-Yemeni, I do a lot of work within my own community and others to raise awareness of genetic risk, and the signs and symptoms of cancer. English is my first language, and I’m aware that I can advocate for myself where others can’t. I know that cancer is a topic that’s not spoken about very often. It’s so important that we make cancer a normal conversation in marginalised communities and help people to act on any concerns.
Sadly, in December 2023, I started getting a bad cough and shortness of breath when I walked up the stairs. I knew these could be signs of a cancer recurrence, but I was given antibiotics and told not to worry. I went back to my GP three times before I was finally sent to hospital for an X-ray. It turned out that my lung had collapsed, and I spent 17 hours in A&E.
When I reflect on my journey, every time something like that happens, I sit and think; ‘But what if I couldn’t speak English? What would’ve happened to me?’ If my symptoms had carried on and I wasn’t listened to, and I’d just been sent home with an inhaler, I could’ve died. That’s how serious it was. I’m British and I speak English very well, but I still struggled, and I had to find my voice. I had to fight to be listened to. If I didn’t speak English, or I couldn’t speak up for myself, would I still be alive now?
Ameena Westwood
Reasons for the growing number of people living with cancer are complex and include a growing and ageing population, a gradual increase in some survival rates, and some increases in the rates of people diagnosed with certain cancer types.
Macmillan’s Chief Executive Gemma Peters said:
“The number of people living with cancer in the UK is rising, and for many, things are getting worse. There are unacceptable gaps between the best and worst cancer experiences, and people are being left behind.
“Behind these figures are individuals with unique challenges and needs. At Macmillan, we support people living with cancer every day, helping them to manage the various ways in which cancer affects their lives. We see how cancer impacts peoples’ relationships, jobs, finances and more, and how this can be even worse for some, simply because of who they are or where they live. This must change.
“Better is possible, but only if we approach cancer care differently. The government has a unique opportunity to revolutionise England’s approach to cancer in its upcoming Cancer Plan. By addressing the cancer care gap and ensuring every patient – no matter who they are or where they live – can access world-class care, we can set a new standard for the UK. This is the government’s chance to shape its legacy for generations to come.”
For information, support or just someone to talk to, call Macmillan Cancer Support on 0808 808 00 00 or visit //macmillan.org.uk/whateveryouneed