Introduction – a step closer to beating cancer

This year we have brought greater focus to our vision of beating cancer – developing 10 goals that, by working closely with our partners, we aim to achieve by 2020.

These goals help to explain our vision and our role in beating cancer. They link our vision to the progress we are making, and they also set out our priorities and the impact we hope to have over the next ten years and beyond.

World-class research

We continue to lead the field in cancer research. Since Cancer Research UK was formed five years ago, our annual spend on research has almost doubled to £315 million. This has enabled us to further our understanding of cancer and how it can be prevented, diagnosed and treated.

Much of this research takes place at our world-class institutes. This year, our London Research Institute had a successful five-year review, which confirmed its status as one of the top five basic cancer research institutes in the world. Her Majesty The Queen opened our new Cambridge Research Institute in February 2007, which will be dedicated to leading-edge cancer research, providing a strong link between the laboratory and the clinic.

More ways to beat cancer

We are also involved in a range of other activities, which allow us to work in many more ways to tackle cancer and support those affected by it. For example, we have helped to secure commitments from the Departments of Health in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to develop new cancer strategies. And we have piloted mobile cancer awareness units, which help to raise awareness about cancer in communities across the country.

Funding our vision

Of course, none of our work would be possible without the boundless energy and inspirational efforts of our supporters. This year, these efforts brought in £411 million – a staggering achievement that is testament to their dedication and an inspiration to us all. Well over half of this sum came from small gifts and regular donations, which shows how reliant we are on gifts of all sizes. To pursue our ambitious plans and continue our lifesaving work, we will need the support of as many people as possible.

More than a third of our research is funded by legacies. We also raise a significant part of our income through lively, rewarding fundraising events that take place across the country. Our flagship event, Race for Life, is just one example – it raised over £59 million this year with 740,000 women taking part. We'd like to thank every person who gives their time, money and effort to Cancer Research UK.

Our thanks also go to Professor Alex Markham for his three and a half years of hard work and achievement in his role as Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK. We wish him every success as he returns to full-time academic and clinical work at the University of Leeds. And we look forward to the coming year as we move ever closer to our vision of beating cancer.