Two million reasons

What we believed in the past

Research published in 2003 revealed an estimated 1.2 million people living with or beyond cancer in the UK. The estimation was based on data from 1992. Macmillan was concerned that the number of cancer survivors was not accurately recognised and their long term needs were not being met. So we commissioned the Thames Cancer Registry to complete a new overview of cancer prevalence in the UK.

What we know now

According to our research, by the end of 2008 there will be 2 million people living with or beyond cancer in the UK, almost double the previous estimate of 1.2 million. This evidence is based on the most up to date cancer registry data available, although figures for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have been estimated, and will be based on exact data by the end of the year. Macmillan will be updating these figures annually to ensure that they remain accurate.

The findings also revealed that:

• There are over three quarters of a million people of working age with a cancer diagnosis
• 60.5% of people with a cancer diagnosis are over 65
• 10% of people in the UK aged over 65 have a cancer diagnosis.

Find out more with our prevalence figures and statistics [PDF, 49kb]

Why has this number increased?

The number of people living with or beyond cancer has increased for a number of reasons:

• People are living longer, so cancer incidence is increasing
• Healthcare has improved, so people are better able to manage cancer
• Mortality rates are decreasing

What is Macmillan doing to help?

Macmillan Cancer Support is working with governments and assemblies across the UK to highlight the issues affecting people living with or beyond cancer and to try and improve current standards of support. Find out what Macmillan wants to achieve.

Find out more in our survivorship publication, Two Million Reasons [PDF, 756kb]