Key facts about Cancer Research UK

• Cancer Research UK launched in February 2002 following the merger of The Cancer Research Campaign and Imperial Cancer Research Fund.



• We are the world's leading independent organisation dedicated to cancer research.



• The charity supports research into all aspects of cancer through the work of more than 4,250 scientists, doctors and nurses.



• Cancer Research UK is the European leader in the development of novel anti-cancer treatments.



• We are training the next generation of cancer scientists and doctors.

Our research portfolio

• In the financial year 2007/08 our total scientific spend was £344 million.



• Cancer Research UK employs its own scientists as well as supporting grant-funded researchers based in UK universities, hospitals and institutes.



• We support research in more than 35 towns across the UK.



• All the research we support is subject to stringent peer review by external specialists in the relevant fields.

Find out more about our research.

Fundraising and supporters

• Cancer Research UK is almost entirely funded by donations from the public.



• The charity has a network of around 600 shops and 1,000 local fundraising groups.



• Over 45,000 volunteers give their time freely to support Cancer Research UK.



• Legacies are our single largest source of income and fund around a third of our work.



• More than a million people donate regularly to Cancer Research UK.



• Over one million women have walked, jogged or run in one of our Race for Life events.



• We have an event to suit everyone from charity runs to golf days to hosting a breakfast party.

Find out more about how we are funded or visit our Support Us section to find out how you can make a difference.

Download our 'Facts about us' leaflet for more information about our work and how we fundraise.