15042026Wed
Last updateThu, 02 Apr 2026 9am

Cancer

Ovacome - Ovarian Cancer Charity

Ovacome is the UK’s national ovarian cancer support charity, focused on providing support and information to anyone affected by ovarian cancer. This includes people who have either been diagnosed with the disease or think that they might be at risk, as well as their friends and family and healthcare professionals. We are a strong community of many thousands of people, all working together with the aim of reducing isolation, sharing information, promoting knowledge and supporting anyone affected by ovarian cancer.

Around 7500 people are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year in the UK, and there isn’t a recognised screening test for the disease. This means detection is often at the later stages of cancer, which leads to very low survival rates. Ovacome champions awareness to try and help people get potential symptoms investigated much earlier, leading to better patient outcomes. We also use patient experience to help inform policy work, helping towards making meaningful change for those affected by ovarian cancer, now and for future generations.

We provide a range of support services, including: a telephone support line, a 24-hour online forum, and an online programme of support groups, workshops and webinars which offer interactive sessions and the chance for our members to speak directly with experts. Additionally, we also offer a range of expert accredited information booklets and resources, all packed with support and information that people with ovarian cancer need.

Joyce has received support from Ovacome for over 20 years, after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer back in 2002. She has attended some of our in-person Health and Wellbeing events that take place across the UK - Ovacome visited 13 different cities to deliver these events in the last financial year.

Speaking of the importance of Ovacome’s support, Joyce said:

“Ovacome has been such an important help - providing a mix of information and support to me for over 20 years now. I see Ovacome as a lifeline – and with ovarian cancer you need as many lifelines as you can get.”

As a charity Ovacome receives no government funding. We’re entirely reliant on fundraisers and donations to keep our support services running – every donation makes a difference.

In the last financial year:

  • We supported over 4,000 people through our support line and our Staying Connected programme.
  • We increased our membership to 5683 people.
  • We trained 1,725 medical professionals on the signs and symptoms of the disease.
  • We launched a new website that provides a growing hub of clear, easy-to-access information and resources.
  • We reached 780,000 people with our targeted awareness-raising resources.

For further information on donating to this charity tel 020 7299 6654 or visit their website at www.ovacome.org.uk

Melanoma Fund

Melanoma is the UK’s 5th most common cancer, and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common cancer globally. Both are largely preventable through effective sun protection, and early detection significantly improves survival rates. At the Melanoma Fund, we focus on education, awareness, and prevention, particularly for those at highest risk. Our work promotes sun safety, early detection, and behaviour change, especially within sports and outdoor communities.

Founded in 2000 by Harry Townsend in memory of his wife, Myfanwy, the charity has grown into a leader in sun protection advocacy. We collaborate with national organisations and the media to reduce skin cancer rates and ensure people are equipped with the knowledge to protect themselves from harmful UV exposure.

Our Mission

We raise awareness about melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers, empowering individuals to spot these cancers early. Our focus is on those at greatest risk—sportspeople, outdoor workers, gardeners, and adventure seekers—providing tools, education, and resources for sun protection.

Our Work

We work with the sports and outdoor sectors to create change, shape policy, and save lives. Key initiatives include:

  • Outdoor Kids Sun Safety Code: Improving sun protection practices for Key Stage 2 children.
  • Sunguarding Sport: Protecting athletes from harmful UV exposure.
  • Sunguarding Outdoors: Providing sun safety guidance for outdoor workers and enthusiasts.
  • Slip! Slap! Swing!: Promoting sun safety and skin checking in golf clubs.
  • Sunguarding Course: Educating student and professional outdoor leaders on sun and heat protection.

Keeping children safe

A single sunburn in childhood can double the risk of melanoma later in life. We work with charities, schools, and local authorities to ensure children, particularly those at high risk, have access to sun protection and education.

Impact

In 2023, through our accredited campaigns, we educated over 10,000 individuals, distributed thousands of free sun kits, and trained 1,500 sports and outdoor leaders, creating a national impact. Our work continues to grow these numbers, and we will not stop until we have raised greater awareness and support to prevent unnecessary deaths.

Partnerships & collaborations

We partner with charities, schools, sports clubs, and organisations such as England Golf, the Youth Sport Trust, the ECB, the Association for Physical Education (afPE), England Athletics, and UK Coaching to extend our reach and raise awareness.

Get involved

Join us in making a difference through donations, volunteering, or partnerships.

Contact us

Website: www.melanoma-fund.co.uk
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: 07989 551046
CEO: Michelle Baker

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The British Association for Cancer Research (BACR)

Promoting the advance of research in relation to all aspects of cancer.

The British Association for Cancer Research (BACR) is a professional membership association for all those working and studying in cancer research within the United Kingdom and beyond.

The BACR aims to promote the advance of research in relation to all aspects of cancer and encourage the exchange of information.

We provide educational and training opportunities for all those involved in the cancer field, particularly the next generation of cancer research professionals.

We do this by organising scientific conferences and workshops, and offering meeting bursaries and fellowships, to enable our membership to attend cancer focused events around the world. Over the past three years, the BACR has provided over £150,000 in bursaries, fellowships and awards.

For further information on donating to this charity tel 0113 206 5611 or visit www.bacr.org.uk

World Child Cancer

Founded in 2007, World Child Cancer is dedicated to creating a world where all children have an equal chance to survive cancer.

The World Health Organisation estimates around 400,000 children develop cancer every year, with almost 90% of these children living in low- and middle-income countries. For these children, even receiving the correct diagnosis can be a challenge. With a lack of specialist oncologists, the right support is hard to find, and care often takes families away from everything they know. Getting to hospital can be an expensive challenge that prevents children from completing treatments, and many die without effective pain relief. In low- and middle-income countries, survival rates can be lower than 30%, compared to over 80% in high income countries.

Advancements in cancer care have the potential to save thousands of lives over the next decade, so it is vital that children can access the treatments they need. Your legacy gives children the chance of a future by making the best quality care available in areas where it is currently out of reach

For further information on donating to this charity tel 020 3176 7892, visit www.worldchildcancer.org, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

World Child Cancer Charity Commission number 1084729

 

Heartburn Cancer UK

Most people don’t know that persistent heartburn (for more than three weeks) is a common symptom of oesophageal cancer and of a pre-cancerous condition called Barrett’s Oesophagus.

Heartburn Cancer UK is a small charity working to raise public awareness of the link between persistent heartburn and oesophageal cancer. We aim to increase early diagnosis, improve prognosis and ultimately, save lives. We also provide support to those living with this disease and with Barrett’s oesophagus.

Around 8000 people die from oesophageal cancer every year in the UK. It is the seventh biggest cancer killer with an appalling prognosis of only 15% of those diagnosed surviving for 5 years, mainly due to late diagnosis. The most common symptom is persistent heartburn.

During 2021 we launched a really exciting new project which has the potential to make huge advances in the care of those with persistent heartburn, those taking anti reflux medication prescribed by their GP and in the early diagnosis of Barrett’s oesophagus and oesophageal cancer.

Heartburn Cancer UK have provided a specialist mobile unit to facilitate the pilot of an innovative new test called The Cytosponge. The test is designed for use in a community setting such as a GP surgery or nurse-led clinic. It is much less invasive and quicker to perform than the current option and will save the NHS vital funds. Estimates suggest that, with appropriate use of this test, rates of oesophageal cancer could be reduced by up to 50%. We will be continuing this project during 2022 and are fundraising to establish a longer term mobile diagnostic service and to make the test available to as many as possible UK wide.

Heartburn affects 1 in 10 UK adults and it is estimated that around 500,000 people will have Barrett’s oesophagus, most of whom are unaware of it. 10% of these cases will progress to oesophageal cancer, but early diagnosis will save lives.

Don’t Ignore Persistent Heartburn – See Your Doctor.

Heartburn Cancer UK is a recognised and trusted authority in the field of oesophageal cancer and Barrett’s. With your kind donations HCUK can continue to raise awareness and change the future.

For further information on donating to this charity tel 01256 338 668 or visit www.heartburncanceruk.org

Cancer Prevention Research Trust

Since 1973 the Cancer Prevention Research Trust has been supporting pioneering research into the prevention of cancer and has developed a cancer education programme to educate the general public and help reduce their risks of developing cancer. The trust is an organisation dedicated solely to cancer prevention research.

The Cancer Prevention Research Trust’s dream is to create a better world without this deadly disease and to promote a healthier lifestyle for all. Being a medical research charity, we rely solely on your donations, memoriam gifts and legacies. Even the smallest contribution can make a difference.

Through your kindness and generosity, we are able to continue our work. You make it possible to fund research at universities and teaching hospitals throughout the UK, so together we can prevent cancer for future generations.

For further information on donating to this charity tel 020 8785 7786 or visit www.cancerpreventionresearch.co.uk

Brain Research UK

The brain is the most complex organ in our body. It weighs just 3lb, yet it controls our emotions, senses and actions. Every single one of them. It is how we process the world around us. So when it breaks down, we break down.

It doesn’t have to be this way.

There are hundreds of neurological conditions including Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia, Brain Tumours, Stroke, Parkinson's Disease and Epilepsy.

We fund the best research to discover the causes, develop new treatments and improve the lives of those affected.

Help loved ones live better, longer.

For further information on donating to this charity tel 020 7404 9982 or visit www.brainresearchuk.org.uk

Registered Charity no. 1137560. A company limited by guarantee. Registered in England no. 7345516.

Prostate Cancer Research Centre

The Prostate Cancer Research Centre carries out research into the causes of and treatment for the UK’s most frequently diagnosed male cancer.

The Centre is based at the University College London and is under the leadership of Professor John Masters. It now employs a team of scientists and support staff who need over £1.5 million every year to fund its highly respected research programme. This site sets out what we do, how prostate cancer patients and their families benefit from our work and how you can help to support it.

The Centre's mission is to raise funds to undertake research that will improve the survival and quality of life of men with prostate cancer.

Our current research programmes focus on three key areas:

• Understanding prostate cancer development and progression
• Managing prostate cancer – identifying the men who will benefit from treatment
• Treating prostate cancer – to bring results from the laboratory bench to the bedside

For further information on donating to this charity tel 020 7848 7546 or visit our website at www.prostate-cancer-research.org.uk or click here to watch a video on the work we do.

Pancreatic Cancer UK

Pancreatic cancer is tough. Tough to diagnose, tough to treat, tough to research.

For too long this disease has been sidelined. We want to make sure that everyone affected by it gets all the help they need.

We provide expert, personalised support and information via our Support Line and through our range of publications. We fund innovative research to find the breakthroughs that will change how we understand, diagnose and treat pancreatic cancer. We campaign for change; for better care, treatment and research, and for pancreatic cancer to have the recognition it needs.

Pancreatic Cancer UK relies on the generosity of people like you to fund our vital work. We couldn't do it without you. Donate now and help us to develop our Support and Information services so that we can be there for even more people affected by pancreatic cancer, as well as fund innovative research into early diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Together we can take on pancreatic cancer. We won’t stop until we transform the future for patients.

For further information on donating to this charity tel 020 3535 7090 or visit their website at www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk