Preventable cancer cases diagnosed in 2023 alone cost the healthcare system £3.7 billion.
We’re calling on the next government to prioritise cancer prevention by acting on our 5 priority areas.
> Our Top 3 priorities for the first 100 days
> Top 10 priorities for the first year
Around 1 in 2 people will face cancer in their lifetime, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups.
Approximately 40% of cancers are preventable by addressing key risk factors such as poor diets, obesity, low physical activity levels, and alcohol consumption, alongside socio-economic disparities and funding shortages.
Obesity increases the risk of over 13 different cancers, while alcohol consumption increases the risk of seven cancers. All these factors also impact outcomes and long-term health after a cancer diagnosis.
The Office of Budget Responsibility identifies economic inactivity due to ill health as a significant economic risk.
In 2023, 184,000 potentially preventable cancer cases were diagnosed in the UK (out of an estimated 375,000 new annual cases), costing an estimated £113bn or 5.07% of annual GDP.
From 2023 to 2040, the cost is projected at £113tn with an annual cost of at least £90bn, excluding 2023.
Preventable cancer cases diagnosed in 2023 alone cost the healthcare system £3.7bn, with secondary care accounting for 95% of these costs.
With a healthcare system under strain, preventing cancer is essential.
Reducing preventable cancer cases and increasing survival rates is crucial as the population grows and ages.
Evidence-based policies, protected from commercial influence, can promote healthy diets, breastfeeding, physical activity, and reduced alcohol intake and reduce preventable cancer cases.
These policies also support broader health, economic, and societal goals, including addressing other preventable diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, meeting environmental targets, and reducing inequalities.
> Download our full policy priorities for further details and references (PDF 203KB)
> On the blog: Supporting the next UK government to address cancer risk for all
> Our letter to the editors of the UK’s national newspapers
