Cancer in the UK: A snapshot of the 2025 report and what it means for early detection

Cancer Research UK’s Cancer in the UK Overview 2025 report offers a detailed, sobering analysis of the state of cancer care in the UK. Despite notable strides in reducing mortality over the decades, the growing prevalence of cancer and stark inequalities in outcomes paint a challenging picture.

At Check4Cancer, we strongly believe early detection must play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges. Below, we unpack key insights from the report and emphasise the importance of proactive, patient-focused cancer services.

A rising tide of cancer prevalence

The number of people living with cancer in the UK has risen from nearly 3 million in 2020 to almost 3.5 million today, and this figure is set to climb further as the population ages and life expectancy increases.

Cancer Research UK projects that by 2040, more than 500,000 people will be diagnosed with cancer annually, with over 200,000 expected deaths.

Almost 1,100 new cases are diagnosed each day, with more than half (53%) being breast, lung, prostate, or bowel cancers.

While around 50% of all new diagnoses occur in people aged 70 and over, incidence rates have risen fastest, by 23%, in those aged 20–49 since the early 1990s.

This growing prevalence underscores the urgent need for rapid, accessible diagnostic pathways to enable earlier detection and improve patient outcomes.

Falling death rates still leave gaps

Since the 1970s, cancer death rates in the UK have dropped by an encouraging 22%. Advances in treatment, early screening programmes, and innovative research ensure more people are surviving longer after a diagnosis. Ten-year survival rates have improved dramatically over the last five decades.

But while this progress is worth celebrating, it’s not shared equally, casting a long shadow over these positive headlines.

Deep inequalities in cancer outcomes

The report reveals unequivocal and deeply concerning disparities in cancer care. Those living in England’s most deprived areas face cancer death rates that are almost 60% higher than those in the least deprived areas. This equates to 28,400 preventable deaths per year directly linked to socioeconomic disadvantage.

Access to timely diagnosis, efficient treatment pathways, and sustained care often falls short for underserved communities, creating unacceptable barriers to better outcomes. How can we champion meaningful progress when so many are left behind?

Gaps in treatment delivery

Treatment delays remain an alarming issue. By March 2025, only 91.4% of patients began treatment within 31 days of a treatment plan being agreed, falling below NHS-stated goals. Delays such as these can cost lives, particularly in aggressive and fast-growing cancers where every week matters.

Efficient, patient-centric systems must bridge these gaps and elevate care standards to meet the rising demand.

The case for early detection

At Check4Cancer, we’re committed to supporting individuals, insurers, and employers with rapid access to high-quality cancer screening and diagnostic services. Our clinical model is designed to complement NHS services, provide choice, and help address gaps in timely access, for those who wish to self-pay, have private medical insurance or employer-funded benefits.

Early diagnosis saves lives.

Diagnostic pathways that are more accessible, timely, and patient-focused can dramatically increase survival rates, reduce the strain on the healthcare system, and provide hope to thousands.

What can we do now? The time for action is now. Policymakers, healthcare providers, and organisations must prioritise investment in advanced diagnostic tools, targeted education campaigns, and specialised support for underserved communities. By working together, we can ease the burden of this growing crisis and ensure every patient, no matter their background, has the opportunity for the best possible care.