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Young Woman Receiving Radiation Therapy Treatments for Cancer.

Our research into radiotherapy

Our research is saving lives

Our pioneering use of radiotherapy in the 1920s and '30s established it as a one of today's main treatments for cancer. Millions of people worldwide benefit from radiotherapy every year.

Manchester Laboratory Image - Brand shoot 2024.

Current research

From making radiotherapy more precise to finding ways to personalise the treatment, our researchers are working hard to ensure more people survive cancer.

Find out more about our current research

Linear Accelerator Radiotherapy Machine at the Royal Marsden Hospital.

Past research

Thanks to research, we’ve helped shape modern radiotherapy that's used to treat patients today.

Find out more about past research

Explore our timeline of cancer research

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Patients' stories

Meet people like Oliver 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.

Read stories from cancer patients

Our strategy to beat cancer sooner

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.

Read more about our strategy

Cancer News

Cancer News

Browse the latest news, analysis and opinion from Cancer Research UK.

Further information

Want to find more information about our research or radiotherapy?

Find out more about clinical trials

If you're a researcher, find out how we can support your research