Our research into lung cancer
120 years of life-saving discoveries
Our scientists have been at the forefront of cancer research since 1902.
Thanks to you, we’ve come so far. And we will go much further.
Together, we will beat cancer.
Our research is saving lives
Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK. We played a vital role in reducing the burden of lung cancer through our work to lower smoking rates and protect people from second-hand smoke, but it's still the leading cause of cancer deaths in the UK. Lung cancer survival has lagged behind other cancers, so our scientists are leading the quest for better treatments to bring hope to patients.
Lets make #MakeLungScreeningHappen
We are also launching a new lung cancer screening campaign - #MakeLungScreeningHappen.
Targeted lung screening can help save lives. England started to roll out these programmes this summer, but access is currently not available across all the UK. Most people with lung cancer in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are diagnosed at later stages (stages 3 and 4), leaving fewer treatment options.
This Lung Cancer Awareness Month in Northern Ireland we’re highlighting how vital early diagnosis and screening is. In Scotland and Wales, we’re calling on the governments to commit to and deliver national lung cancer screening programmes as soon as possible.
Targeted lung cancer screening can help reduce some of the 6,900 lung cancer deaths each year* across these nations so more people can live longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.
Current research
From studying the biology of lung cancer cells in the lab to leading clinical trials testing cutting-edge treatments, our researchers are working hard to ensure more people survive lung cancer.
Past research
Thanks to research, we’ve helped change the outlook for people with lung cancer.
Patients' stories
Meet people like Jennifer who have experienced first-hand how our research is making a difference. The life-saving research we do wouldn’t be possible without your support.
Further information
Our strategy
Over the last 40 years, cancer survival in the UK has doubled. In the 1970s just 1 in 4 people survived their disease for 10 years or more. Today 2 in 4 survive.
We want to accelerate progress and see 3 in 4 patients surviving the disease by 2034.