every moment countS Our Highlights 2013/14

FOR EVERYONE TOUCHED BY CANCER, EVERY MOMENT COUNTS. ONE DAY WE WILL BEAT CANCER. THROUGH RESEARCH WE WILL MAKE IT SOONER.

BEATING CANCER SOONER

Half of people diagnosed with cancer today now survive for 10 years or more. Our ambition is to accelerate progress and see three-quarters of patients surviving cancer within the next 20 years.

To make this happen, we’ve developed an ambitious strategy to help us find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.

It’s been an exciting year for us. Our landmark trials are finding new ways to tackle cancer – from preventing breast cancer to treating children with neuroblastoma.

We’re also investing in a groundbreaking study of lung cancer that will unlock the secrets of how tumours develop and evolve. And our researchers are developing new tests to spot aggressive bladder and prostate cancers.

‘ With your help we will beat cancer sooner.’

Thanks to you, we’ve helped double cancer survival rates in just 40 years.

Smoking remains the biggest preventable cause of cancer. We believe standardised packaging will give millions of children one less reason to start. We’re hopeful that regulations could be introduced in England by 2015.

We are also increasing our focus on earlier diagnosis. This could save many more lives in the future, by diagnosing more cancers at a point when they can be successfully treated.

Thank you for your support. You are helping beat cancer sooner.

Harpal S Kumar Chief Executive

29 May 2014

UNLOCKING CANCER’S SECRETS

The better we understand cancer, the sooner we can stop it in its tracks.

Tackling lung cancerOur scientists are working to revolutionise the way we treat lung cancer. Through an unprecedented study called TRACERx, they’re investigating how the disease adapts over time to become resistant to treatment.

The UK-wide collaboration involves taking blood and tumour samples to spot changes as the cancer responds to treatment, giving us a level of understanding we’ve never had before.

The results will lay the foundations for treatment that’s tailored to the genetic makeup of each person’s cancer.

Play to cureSpend a few minutes guiding a spaceship through an intergalactic assault course collecting ‘Element Alpha’ and you could help our scientists find cures for cancer.

Play to Cure is a world-first mobile phone game. Players find the best route to pick up the most Element Alpha, and at the same time they’re helping to analyse cancer-causing genetic faults in DNA.

In just one month ‘citizen scientists’ analysed DNA data that would have taken a scientist six months, helping speed up cancer research to bring benefits to patients sooner.

Steven’S Story ‘The moment I dipped my foot in the freezing water, I wondered what I was doing. I’m training for an Iron Man to raise money for Cancer Research UK and every Friday at 6am I swim in my local reservoir.

What keeps me going is thinking about my parents. No matter how much my muscles ache or I’m struggling for breath, I think “It’s never going to be as bad as what they have gone through”. My mum died of lung cancer two years ago – 10 days after it was diagnosed. Now my dad has terminal brain cancer.

Mum had been having back pain that got so bad she couldn’t stand, and then a scan revealed advanced lung cancer. It was a terrible shock. Looking back, I remember she’d had a cough for a while.

It’s essential to keep researching cancer treatments, and telling people about the symptoms. Perhaps if we’d been more aware my mum would still be with us.’

‘ I don’t want anyone else to go through what mum did.’

Steven Honeyman, Scotland

SPOTTING CANCER SOONER

No one should be diagnosed too late to have treatment that might save their life.

Detecting aggressive cancer soonerResearchers have spent years searching for a way to tell which prostate cancers are life-threatening and which are unlikely to grow or spread. Now our scientists are one step closer.

Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that higher levels of a protein called NAALADL2 can indicate when someone’s prostate cancer is more aggressive.

The discovery could change the way doctors decide how to treat each patient, and help researchers develop new drugs too.

Teaming up to spot cancer earlyAn average GP appointment is less than 10 minutes – not long to decide whether a symptom could be cancer.

GPs see fewer than eight new cases of cancer a year. Symptoms are often vague and can be different even when people have the same type of cancer.

Our teams of experts are working with doctors around the UK to boost their knowledge of tools and tests, and how to spot symptoms. The early signs are promising – already more patients with possible signs of cancer are being referred to specialists.

colin’S Story‘I never used to hear the blackbirds sing. I was always too busy. Now I notice how happy they are, just as I’m happy to wake up each morning. I’m soaking it all up because every day means so much to me.

When the doctor told me I had prostate cancer I felt numb. I didn’t have common symptoms, like needing the loo in the night. I just had a slight pain in my groin and my wife Gill persuaded me to go to the doctor.

Following tests, the consultant said “I’m sorry, but it’s not curable.” It was advanced, and had spread to the lymph nodes in my stomach. But he offered me the opportunity to go on a trial called STAMPEDE, which is supported by Cancer Research UK.

‘ A test to detect aggressive cancer is absolutely vital. The earlier it’s diagnosed, the better the chance of a cure.’ Colin Fuller, Cheshire

I had six months of docetaxel chemotherapy, which isn’t normally used for my stage of prostate cancer.

I still have cancer, but it’s in remission. I am grateful for the opportunity I had on the trial, because there’s no doubt in my mind that without it I would not be here today. I’m looking to the future now.’

 FUNDING RESEARCH ACROSS THE UK

4,000Thanks to supporters like you we fund over 4,000 scientists, doctors and nurses across the UK.

Our locations

Our InstitutesOur CentresSome of the locations where we fund research and clinical trials

PIONEERING NEW TREATMENTS

Breaking barriers to cure brain tumours One of the biggest challenges brain tumour researchers face is the blood-brain barrier. There to protect the brain from infection, it also stops drugs getting through to treat tumours.

Now our scientists have found a way to cross the barrier, using a protein that recognises a biomarker – a biological signpost – found only in blood vessels near the tumour. The protein temporarily opens the barrier, allowing drugs to pass through but leaving the healthy parts of the brain untouched.

It’s early days, but this discovery could lead to game-changing new treatments for brain tumours.

Every day our scientists are searching for new ways to save lives.

Finding cures for childhood cancerProfessor Andy Pearson is leading a groundbreaking trial to help children with neuroblastoma, a cancer that develops from cells left behind from a baby’s development in the womb.

The international BEACON trial aims to find the best treatment for children with neuroblastoma that’s returned.

Andy’s team at London’s Institute of Cancer Research is searching for the best combination of chemotherapy, and finding out if it’s possible to stop the tumours growing by attacking their blood vessels using a drug called Avastin.

Andy says, ‘I want to do everything I can to improve children’s chances of surviving cancer.’

2/3Thanks to research, around two-thirds of children with brain tumours will survive their disease beyond 10 years.

Parminder’S Story‘I’d been waking up with intense headaches and getting a funny metallic taste in my mouth for several months. My GP put it down to sinus problems, stress, even the weather. In 2011, a scan showed a growth in the right side of my brain.

I went through eight hours of surgery to remove the tumour, and was in hospital for 10 days. I was given the chemotherapy drug temozolomide, which was developed by Cancer Research UK, and also radiotherapy.

When the doctors said I was in remission, I felt like I’d been given a second chance at life. I don’t want to waste it – I want to live every moment to the full.

I’m so grateful for the treatment I had. It’s fantastic how organisations like Cancer Research UK are developing treatments for the future. We must keep doing research. It’s the only way this disease will be cured.’

‘ I used to think: “Oh I’ll do that another day”. But not any more. Now I live every moment to the full.’

Parminder Sangha, London

CREATING MORE TOMORROWS

Our work is helping to stop cancer before it starts.

New ways to prevent breast cancerOur scientists have shown that drugs already used to treat breast cancer can also help prevent the disease in thousands of people at high risk.

Our IBIS-1 trial showed that tamoxifen can reduce the risk of breast cancer by 38%. And our IBIS-2 trial showed that the drug anastrozole could be even more effective for high-risk women who have gone through the menopause.

These discoveries give people at risk more options to help prevent the most common cancer in the UK.

Protecting the next generationAround 410 children under 16 start smoking in the UK every day, lured by glitzy packs into a deadly addiction. We’re helping to stop this.

Our research showed that 15-year-olds describe slim-line cigarettes as ‘cute, classy and feminine’.

Following our campaigning, the Government has backed the independent review of evidence that showed standardised packaging is likely to have health benefits for children. By the next general election in 2015, cigarettes could be sold in plain, standardised packs, protecting children from the tobacco industry’s marketing.

Gower’S Story ‘I remember collecting cards from inside cigarette packets with my dad. I started smoking when I was 13 because I thought it was cool.

My dad died from lung cancer. He’d stopped smoking just three years before, sadly too late. I had desperately tried to quit myself, but I couldn’t – even after he died. I eventually stopped four years ago.

I support the campaign for standardised cigarette packaging. I’ve realised how it makes smoking look attractive to children. I’m determined that my nine-year-old son William and 13-year-old daughter Olivia aren’t going to smoke and I’ll do everything I can to influence that.

I ran the 2014 Virgin Money London Marathon to raise money for Cancer Research UK. My dad ran the first London Marathon in 1981. I regret that he never saw me run one. Cancer has affected other members of my family too but I believe that if we all join together we will beat this disease.’

‘ I’m determined that my children aren’t going to smoke and I’ll do everything I can to influence that.’

Gower Tan, London

YOUR MONEY IS SAVING LIVESResearch is cancer’s ultimate enemy. Every moment counts and with your support we will beat cancer sooner.

Our annual research activityIn 2013/14, we spent £351 million on research in institutes, hospitals and universities across the UK. We also spent £21 million on providing information for people affected by cancer, raising awareness of risks and symptoms, and influencing health policies.

Every pound raised countsNine out of 10 donations we receive are for £10 or less, proving that small amounts make a big difference. Whatever the size of your donation, we will put your money to the best possible use in our fight against cancer.

80pFor every £1 donated, over 80p was available to spend on beating cancer. The rest was used to raise funds for the future.

£351m

£37m Breast

£34mIncludes cervical, kidney, stomach,

testicular and over 100 other

cancers

£33m Bowel

Leukaemia £21m

£18m Skin

Prostate £17m

£16m Lung

Ovarian £12m

Brain £6m

Pancreatic £6m£5m Bladder

£6m Oesophageal

£8m Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

£132mResearch that underpins all types of cancer

THANK YOU FOR MY LITTLE STAR

Ben’S Story ‘When I watch Ben run, I light up the sky because I’m so proud of him,’ says mum Dawn Sowden.

‘I knew something was wrong when Ben didn’t want to play football because of pain in his leg. Tests showed it was osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer.

Ben had intense chemotherapy every day for 10 months. But his leg kept getting infections and the cancer was aggressive. It was his decision to have it removed. Just 24 hours after his operation, Ben was out of bed and using his crutches. I knew then he’d be all right.

Ben O’Brien is one of our Little Stars. After losing his leg to osteosarcoma, he’s set his sights on the 2020 Paralympics.

‘ It thinks it’s clever, that cancer, but it hasn’t beat me.’

Ben O’Brien, Sheffield

Ben’s learned to box, and he’s got a special running blade too. He’s determined to compete in the 2020 Paralympic Games.

Without research there would be no chemotherapy and Ben wouldn’t have got to where he is now. Cancer Research UK saves lives. Thank you so much to everyone who supports their work.’

OUR YEAR IN NUMBERS

Every step we make towards beating cancer relies on you. It’s been an incredible year…

55,000By giving up alcohol

for January more than 55,000 Dryathletes

raised over £5 million.

£45mYou’ve now pledged

£45 million towards the Francis Crick Institute, where around 1,200 scientists will

work to beat cancer and other major diseases.

More than 600,000 of you walked, ran,

swam and cycled to raise vital funds.

3.5 millionYou donated over three and a half million bags of goods to our shops so we could turn

things you no longer wanted into life-saving research.

£100mOver one million regular

donors gave us gifts totalling £100 million, proving that

small amounts add up.

200We’re fighting over 200

different types of cancer, including the one that matters most to you.

600,000

Over two million people texted a donation in support of #nomakeupselfie, raising over £7 million to help fund

our research.

2 million

Around 40,000 volunteers gave seven million hours of their time.

40,000

65,000 Our Cancer Awareness

Roadshow helped almost 65,000 people make healthy

lifestyle choices to reduce their risk of cancer.

33,000Over 33,000 patients join our trials each year – helping us

develop new treatments.

11,000

Our specialist nurses answered over 11,000 queries about cancer.

More than 16 million people visited our patient

information website CancerHelp UK.

16 million

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