North West Cancer Research

Who we are

North West Cancer Research is the region’s leading cancer charity, dedicated to putting the region’s cancer needs first by funding world-class research and campaigns to tackle the cause, improve the care and find the cures for cancer.

Living in North West, we are 25% more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than elsewhere in the UK and many cancers are much more common across the region. Incidences of head and neck cancer for example are 21% higher than the rest of England, lung cancer is 20% more common and liver cancer is 19% above the national average.

The region also suffers from extreme social-deprivation and health inequalities which, when combined, lead to a lower-than-average life-expectancy and poorer quality of life for its communities. 

Our award-winning engagement work tackles these inequalities through education, raising awareness and encouraging early diagnosis.

The Charity operates across the North West and North Wales, with a strategy focused on three key deliverables:

• Understanding our region – understanding why cancer is more common in our region
• Undertaking research – understanding the cause, improving the care and ultimately, finding cures for cancer
• Outreach and education – improving people’s knowledge of cancer, its symptoms and risk factors to improve the health of future generations

As a dynamic regional charity, the organisation has consistently punched above its weight, achieving an impact beyond its size.  Since 2000, we have invested over £45m in vital research activities in the region’s top hospitals and universities, constantly pushing the boundaries forward in the fight against cancer.  We have also launched influential, region-wide initiatives, including award-winning public health campaigns, a leading-edge annual Regional Report on cancer and creating the innovative Lab-Coat Learning education programme for the region’s schools.

We are driven by the difference we are making in the fight against cancer.  If this is a fight which excites and inspires you, then step forward: we’d love to hear from you.