Cancer and cancer research explained

General cancer research
Why haven't we cured cancer yet?

We explain the reasons why cancer is especially hard to cure, but also the reasons to be optimistic for the future of cancer research.

Brain cancer
I was diagnosed with the most aggressive, incurable brain cancer - glioblastoma

Jesse was told she had 18 months to live, after originally being assured that people her age didn't get this type of brain cancer - grade four glioblastoma. 

Sam poses in yellow Worldwide Cancer Research t-shirt on a cobble street in front of red brick buildings
Liver cancer
If it wasn't for cancer research I might not be here today

Sam was only 11 years old when his parents were told that he had stage 4 liver cancer, after suffering pain during a family holiday.

General cancer research
How are my donations used to start cancer cures?

How does your money help start new cancer cures? Our short guide will take you behind the scenes of Worldwide Cancer Research.

Victoria Robb and Matilda play in a park together, Victoria is lifting Matilda above her head and both are laughing
Breast cancer
I’m hopeful Matilda and I will have our happy ending

Victoria was just 34 when she was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. One year after her devastating diagnosis, Victoria credits research and early detection for giving her a future with her little girl, Matilda.

Breast cancer
Thanks to research Dad and I are still here but we miss Mum every day

1 in 2 of us will get cancer. But it's something that you don't necessarily think about — not until it affects you. That's why Cathy has chosen to leave a gift in her Will to Worldwide Cancer Research.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
We had twenty more wonderful years together thanks to cancer research

In 2015, Pat sadly lost her beloved husband Alistair to cancer. This is her story of how pioneering cancer research gave them many more happy years together.

Oesophageal cancer
I lost my best friend and love of my life

Dealing with her own cancer diagnosis just four months after her husband passed away was terrifying. But Elinor feels fortunate that she was able to benefit from years of research. 

Breast cancer
I still cry every day for the loss of Cathrin

Anne's daughter Cathrin was just 34 when she was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer. Devastatingly, treatment couldn't stop the cancer from spreading to her brain.