This policy describes how and why Cancer Research UK uses your personal information, how we keep it safe, and the choices you have. We promise to respect and protect and personal information in our care. Whenever we collect your details, we’ll be clear about what we will do with it and why. We are a large charity with relationships with thousands of fundraisers, volunteers, supporters and researchers, so we use personal information on a day-to-day basis in lots of different ways. Our use of personal information means we can meet the needs of our beneficiaries, make better decisions, raise money for research and continue to beat cancer. This policy was last updated in March 2026.
In this Privacy Policy, “Cancer Research UK”, “CRUK”, “we”, or “our” means
Cancer Research UK (registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666) and the Isle of Man (1103), a company limited by guarantee in England (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F)); and
its group companies Cancer Research UK Trading Limited (company number 4355631 in England) and Cancer Research Technology Limited (company number 01626049 in England).
This Privacy Policy is designed to reflect the different ways we use personal data depending on the nature of your relationship with us. It also includes information that applies to everyone, regardless of how you interact with us. Additional and more specific information will normally be provided on the form used to collect your data.
Below you can read more detailed information about how we use your data in specific circumstances.
Volunteers – privacy information - This page applies if you volunteer with Cancer Research UK, including in shops, at events, or as part of fundraising collections.
Campaigners and story volunteers – privacy information - This page explains how we use personal information if you campaign on behalf of Cancer Research UK or share your cancer story with us.
Trustees and committee members – privacy information - This page applies if you are a Trustee, a non-Trustee committee member, or part of a research or fundraising committee.
Staff and contractors – privacy information - This page explains how Cancer Research UK uses personal information about current members of staff, contractors, and secondees.
Working with Cancer Research UK professionally – privacy information - This page explains how we use personal information if you work with Cancer Research UK in a professional capacity, for example as a supplier, partner, or health professional.
Applying for a job at Cancer Research UK – privacy information - This page applies if you are applying for a role at Cancer Research UK and explains how we use personal information during the recruitment process.
Donors, fundraisers, shoppers and event participants – privacy information - This page explains how Cancer Research UK uses personal information if you donate to us, fundraise on our behalf, buy from us, take part in events, or have been contacted about supporting our work.
Leaving a gift in your will – privacy information - This page applies if you are thinking about leaving, or have left, a gift to Cancer Research UK in your will.
Fundraising, profiling and use of public information - This page explains how Cancer Research UK uses public information and profiling to support fundraising and tailor communications.
Looking for cancer information – privacy information - This page explains how we use personal information when you visit our website to read cancer information or give feedback on our content.
Cancer support services – privacy information - This page applies if you use Cancer Research UK’s cancer support services, including our nurses’ helpline or the Cancer Chat forum.
Using CRUK's Cancer Chat forum - This page applies if you use Cancer Research UK’s cancer support services, including our nurses’ helpline or the Cancer Chat forum.
Clinical trial participants – privacy information - This page applies if you are taking part in a clinical trial sponsored by Cancer Research UK. It explains how your personal and health information is used during and after the trial.
Cancer researchers – privacy information - This page explains how Cancer Research UK uses personal information if you apply for, receive, or are involved in research funding or related research activities.
How and when we contact you - This page explains how and why Cancer Research UK may contact you, and the types of messages you may receive from us.
Choosing how we contact you - This page explains the choices you have about how Cancer Research UK contacts you, and how you can update your preferences.
Working with other organisations and sharing data - This page explains when and why Cancer Research UK may share personal information with other organisations.
How we use external sources to keep your information up to date
Advertising, analytics and cookies - This page explains how we use personal information for advertising, analytics, and similar technologies, and how you can control these activities.
How we keep your data safe - This page explains the measures we take to protect personal information and keep it secure.
Lawful basis for processing - This page explains the legal bases Cancer Research UK relies on to use personal information, as required under UK data protection law.
Your rights under UK Data Protection Law - This page explains your rights in relation to the personal information we hold about you, and how you can exercise them.
