Spotlight on Cancer Research UK (CRUK)

Who are we?

Cancer Research UK is the world’s largest independent organisation dedicated to cancer research, with a research spend of over £315 million in 2006/07. Our vision is that together we will beat cancer. We carry out world-class research to improve our understanding of cancer and to find out how to prevent, diagnose and treat different types of the disease. We support research into all aspects of cancer through the work of more than 4,250 scientists, doctors and nurses. We were recently ranked among the top three biomedical research organisations in the world.

What is our vision and purpose?

Our vision

Our purpose

 We carry out world-class research to improve our understanding of cancer and find out how to prevent, diagnose and treat different kinds of cancer
 We ensure that our findings are used to improve the lives of all cancer patients
 We help people to understand cancer, the progress we are making and the choices each person can make
 We work in partnership with others to achieve the greatest impact in the global fight against cancer

What do we do?

At Cancer Research UK we are working hard to improve our understanding of cancer and develop better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease. Our key activities include:
 Research– Cancer Research UK supports scientists, doctors and nurses across the UK, who are working together to investigate all aspects of cancer. We are a European leader in the development of novel anti-cancer therapies and our extensive programme of research in clinical units ensures that new treatments reach patients as quickly as possible.
 Providing cancer information– millions of people have benefited from information provided by Cancer Research UK. We produce information for audiences including cancer patients and their families, the general public and health professionals; Working with government– Cancer Research UK works with politicians and policy-makers to make sure that cancer stays at the top of the health agenda.