Cancer Research UK began on the 4th February 2002 with the merging of Cancer Research Campaign with the Imperial Cancer Research Fund. The idea behind Cancer Research UK is to fund the work of doctors and nurses throughout the UK who are researching cancer, and to fund laboratory research. Their vision 'Together we will beat cancer' is what they aspire for, and what they work towards.
Cancer Research UK
Cancer Research UK carries out world class research to understand cancer and to find ways to prevent diagnose and treat different cancers. They also help people to understand cancer, and inform them of the choices they can make.
In May 2007 Cancer Research UK launched their 10 goals they want to meet by 2020, these goals are to measure their success, and these are:
Cancer Research UK fund over 5,400 scientists, doctors and nurses across the UK, putting them at the forefront of cancer research, they also train doctors and scientists. They are also among the top 3 biomedical research organizations in the world, as well as being the European leader in the development of novel anti-cancer treatments.
Their previous work also boasts some amazing achievements, they have developed and helped to develop many drugs which improve cancer survival rates, in fact their work has contributed to 19 of the top 20 drugs used to fight cancer. They have also changed the way that cancer is diagnosed and treated, including early detection of cancer from national screening programs. On top of this they have worked on ways to reduce the risk of cancer, from genetic/inherited cancers, to being a part of the largest study studying the links between diet and cancer.
As well as working with scientists and researchers Cancer Research UK also works closely with the NHS, and with the government itself. They campaign to keep cancer at the top of the health agenda and to raise awareness of cancer and all its effects to the general public.
In 2009 Cancer Research UK's income was £498,211,000. The majority of this, £353.42 million, was from voluntary donations. Their expenditure for the same year was £460,418,000 with the majority of this spent on charitable activities. This money not only funds the 4,500 researchers etc. it also supports over 100 clinical trials and studies around the UK. 40% of their expenditure goes towards laboratory research relevant to all cancers, with the rest used to support research on over 100 specific cancer types.
There are many ways to help raise money for Cancer Research UK, from donations such as monthly donations or one off donations. Regional and national activities such as the 'Race For Life' and other similar sponsored runs and activities. Cancer Research UK also have over 600 charity shops which sell donated items such as clothing, books, toys etc. Legacies also make up a big proportion of their funding, with their website stating that legacies 'are the largest single source of income'. www.cancerresearchuk.org