The hidden assassin: Cancer in the UK

Dinah McKenzie, Justin Alexander & Iona Joy

September 2004, 84 pages

Download full report

Download summary

Christie Hospital Cancer accounts for one in four of all deaths; 150,000 people die from the disease each year in the UK alone. Yet there are ways to improve the quality and sometimes the length of people’s lives.

NPC's report, The hidden assassin, explores the extent of the disease in Britain, and looks at the various interventions to treat and support cancer patients.

Did you know?

Cancer accounts for one in four of all deaths in the UK., including:
Despite the number of people being diagnosed with cancer rising over the last 25 years, less people now die from the disease. In the last quarter of a century mortality rates have dropped by 12%.

The report highlights a number of areas donors could consider funding, including:

Therapies to combat the physically demanding nature of cancer treatments, including massage, art therapy and spiritual support
Lifestyle courses on how to help live with cancer and counselling and drop-in support centres for patients and families
Information, including publications and helplines for people living with cancer and their families and carers.

‘One woman commented that after being diagnosed with cancer she felt as though she had lost control, and was helpless and isolated. Charities do absolutely essential work providing emotional support, on top of the medical care. One charity runs centres where people with cancer and their families can have a cup of tea and a chat with a counsellor, which can make a huge difference to their wellbeing.’

Dinah McKenzie, Research analyst

Charity insight

“Around 1,500 teenagers and young adults are diagnosed with cancer each year in the UK.''

TEENAGE CANCER TRUST provides purpose-built wards for teenagers and young people and is the only specialist care provider and advocate for teenage patients in the world.