How the analysis was instigated, and information about the National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) and Cancer52.
The National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) and Cancer52 have long worked in partnership for the benefit of research on rare and less common cancers in the UK, and previously conducted analyses in 2012 and 2013 on research spend by Cancer52 charity members. In this analysis, 10 years on, the focus of Cancer52 members’ research spend is analysed and placed in the wider context of rare and less common cancer research funded by NCRI partners. NCRI partners includes cancer charities and government funding organisations. This allows for a snapshot of non-industry research spend on rare and less common cancers, separate to the spend on the four most common cancers, lung, breast, bowel and prostate. It also looks at the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic during the financial year 2020-2021. Commercial research spend, such as by pharmaceutical companies, is not covered in this analysis.
Rare and less common cancers are defined as any cancer other than the four most common cancers; lung, breast, bowel and prostate. They include cancers like pancreatic and leukaemia, through to rare cancers such as salivary gland cancer or Wilms tumour
Who are the NCRI?
The NCRI is a UK wide partnership between the government, charity and industry which promotes co-operation in cancer research amongst member organisations for the benefit of patients, the public and the scientific community. The NCRI work to address some of the challenges identified in cancer research and deliver activities to advance the progress of cancer research. These activities include NCRI Groups for researchers to collaborate, and a range of initiatives and partnerships to boost activity within particular areas. NCRI hosts the renowned Consumer Forum and a rapidly growing Forum for early career researchers. More information can be found at www.ncri.org.uk
Who are Cancer52?
Cancer52 represents over 100 cancer charities united by their vision of seeing a better future for everyone affected by rare and less common cancers, which account for more than half of all cancer deaths in the UK. Its aim is to promote improved diagnosis, treatment and support for those affected by rare and less common cancers. Cancer52 works on matters that impact on the rare and less common cancer community – defined as all cancers outside the ‘big four’ of breast, prostate, lung and bowel. More information can be found at www.cancer52.org.uk