Cancer breakthroughs

We pioneer discoveries across cancer prevention, detection and treatment to improve outcomes for people affected by the disease.

The Manchester difference

At The University of Manchester, we cultivate multi-disciplinary teams from areas including biology, maths, physics, big data, AI and immunology to spark new ways of thinking about tackling cancer across the whole spectrum of the disease.

Explore the themes below to discover how our researchers are working to tackle one of the world’s biggest health challenges.

Our cancer research activities embody the multi-disciplinary, collaborative and entrepreneurial values that lie at the heart of our University.

Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell / University President and Vice-Chancellor

Prevention

Research over the past two decades has estimated that more than half of cancer cases could have been prevented by applying knowledge that we already have. Smoking and tobacco use, inactivity, and obesity are modifiable causes of cancer.

Our research aims to deliver effective strategies to help stop the disease before it starts.

Andrew Renehan

Influencing public health policy

Our research has provided the evidence base used by clinicians to prevent obesity in the population.
Dr Emma Crosbie

Predicting cancer through genetic testing

University researchers have used genetic testing to prove an increased risk of developing cancer later in life.

Earlier detection

Cancer remains the leading cause of death in the UK, with rates projected to increase to more than half a million annual cases by 2035.

Early detection is key to transforming the prospects for patients diagnosed with cancer – the earlier it is detected, the higher the chance that treatment will be successful.

Our research focuses on developing innovative detection methods and technologies for diagnosing cancer earlier.

Professor Gareth Evans

Reducing the breast cancer risk

Our research in cancer genetics is identifying those most at risk of developing the disease.
Dr Philip Crosbie

Transforming lung cancer screening

An innovative screening approach established at Manchester allows for an earlier detection of lung cancer.

Treatment

Effective cancer treatments are fundamental to improving outcomes for patients, however, not all populations have the same access to treatment and standards vary depending on location. Of the patients whose cancer is treated successfully, many will experience long-term adverse effects from their treatment, including increased risk of developing a secondary cancer.

Our research includes improving the effectiveness of treatments; developing ways to prevent or lessen side effects; making treatments more personalised; and striving to ensure that research developed in Manchester is shared across the world to improve outcomes for everyone.

Professor Vaskar Saha

Childhood leukaemia trials

Breakthrough drug trials led by our researchers are helping more children across the globe survive leukaemia.
Helping more women to survive the most common form of cancer.

Breast cancer treatment

Research at Manchester has revolutionised breast cancer treatment and helped more women to survive the most common form of the disease.
Professor Ananya Choudhury

New technologies for radiotherapy

Manchester is harnessing one of the world’s most innovative radiotherapy treatment machines to transform patient outcomes.

Cancer research

Find out more about cancer research at The University of Manchester.

Read more

Manchester Cancer Research Centre

The MCRC was formed in 2006 by the University, CRUK and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust.

Visit the MCRC website