Cancer Research UK
Notable UK charityAlso known as: Cancer Research United Kingdom
Cancer Research UK is dedicated to saving lives through research. Our mission is to prevent, control and cure cancer through our ground-breaking research and in the last 40 years our work has helped double survival rates. But there is more work to be done. The only charity fighting over 200 types of cancer, we rely on every pound donated to help get us closer to beating cancer.
Activities & Mission
Cancer Research UK is dedicated to saving lives through research. Our mission is to prevent, control and cure cancer through our ground-breaking research and in the last 40 years our work has helped double survival rates. But there is more work to be done. The only charity fighting over 200 types of cancer, we rely on every pound donated to help get us closer to beating cancer.
Areas of Operation
Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.
Country
Region
Financial Information
Financial Efficiency
Higher than 19% of UK Health charities with income over £10M (sample: 307). How is this calculated?
Higher than 18% of UK Health charities with income over £10M. How is this calculated?
Lower overhead than 41% of UK Health charities with income over £10M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?
Latest Financial Breakdown
Income Sources
Expenditure Categories
Financial Trend
Annual Returns
As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2025.
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | £734,753,802 | £714,723,789 | £452,798,075 | £363,401,796 | £363,401,796 | 5169 / 26000 |
| 2024 | £684,207,447 | £692,424,949 | £431,898,103 | £402,392,519 | £346,417,393 | 4879 / 25200 |
| 2023 | £718,793,137 | £640,845,146 | £425,012,576 | £381,749,016 | £327,457,136 | 4591 / 25000 |
| 2022 | £668,369,451 | £665,948,138 | £470,842,859 | £377,942,295 | £325,328,746 | 4312 / 30000 |
| 2021 | £582,083,475 | £570,560,852 | £419,453,652 | £292,008,395 | £232,146,175 | 4386 / 30000 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about Cancer Research UK
What does Cancer Research UK do?
Cancer Research UK is dedicated to saving lives through research. Our mission is to prevent, control and cure cancer through our ground-breaking research and in the last 40 years our work has helped double survival rates. But there is more work to be done. The only charity fighting over 200 types of cancer, we rely on every pound donated to help get us closer to beating cancer.
How much income did Cancer Research UK report in 2025?
Cancer Research UK reported total income of £734.75m and reported expenditure of £714.72m for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
How efficient is Cancer Research UK?
Cancer Research UK has a program ratio of 61.6%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 19% of UK Health charities with income over £10M (sample of 307 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.
When was Cancer Research UK registered as a charity?
Cancer Research UK was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 23 November 2001 as charity number 1089464. It has been registered for 25 years.
Who runs Cancer Research UK?
Cancer Research UK is governed by a board of 13 trustees. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does Cancer Research UK operate?
Cancer Research UK operates across 3 areas: Northern Ireland, Scotland and England And Wales.
Is Cancer Research UK a registered charity?
Yes — Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 1089464.
Details
2 Redman Place
LONDON
E20 1JQ
Registry Information
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Major UK charities in the same primary sector, drawn from the curated priority cohort.
Trustees
Also governs 1 other charity
Also governs 2 other charities
Also governs 1 other charity
Sectors & Classifications
Also Known As
- Cancer Research United Kingdom
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 14 May 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated