Michelle Mitchell, Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK (CRUK), shared a post on LinkedIn:
“2025 has been a year of ambition and progress. Like many charities, Cancer Research UK has faced challenges and had opportunities throughout the year, and I’m deeply grateful to our researchers, supporters, people living with cancer and their families, and our staff for their determination and commitment to our mission.
This year, rather than looking back, I want to look ahead. I believe that 2026 can be a defining year: where innovation drives impact, excellent science moves faster into practice, and people feel the impact of progress in their diagnosis, treatment and care. It’s also my hope that we will see the landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill pass into law across the UK, creating the first ever smoke-free generation.
Below are five predictions for the next 12 months – and beyond.
Prediction 1: AI and data will accelerate detection and decision-making in cancer care
Technology is reshaping how we diagnose and treat cancer. Used responsibly, artificial intelligence can help clinicians read scans more consistently, triage cases faster and identify patterns that are hard to see with the human eye. Technology will not replace human expertise: it will amplify it.
What will drive progress:
- Secure, integrated data environments and shared standards, so information can flow safely and efficiently.
- A skilled multi-disciplinary workforce – scientists, clinicians, data scientists and researchers working side by side.
- A clear and strong focus on privacy, equality and public trust.
What this could mean for patients and their families:
Expect targeted benefits rather than system‑wide change overnight: shorter waits for imaging and follow‑up, more consistent decisions, and fewer unnecessary repeat appointments. Over a longer time-frame we should expect risk models that combine clinical, genomic and lifestyle data to support more personalised screening and earlier interventions, as evidence, infrastructure and trust mature.
Prediction 2: Personalised treatments move closer to everyday practice
The era of ‘one size fits all’ is ending. We now understand more about the biology of cancer than ever before, and our ability to use these insights is helping teams tailor treatment to the unique biology of each person’s disease.
What will drive progress:
- Improved access to genomic testing and a more integrated health data infrastructure.
- Continued investment in discovery science, alongside clinical infrastructure and workforce to deliver personalised care at scale.
- Partnerships that ensure innovation reaches across health systems, not just leading centres.
What this could mean for patients and their families:
We will see wider use of genomic testing in defined settings and increased use of liquid biopsies – simple blood tests that can detect cancer signals – to inform decisions after surgery or systemic therapy (and in some cases replace tissue biopsies). This is not about replacing the critical mainstays of cancer treatment – chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery – but rather considering each patient as an individual and tailoring their treatment accordingly.
Adoption across entire systems will take time, but momentum is building. The golden age of cancer research is here; 2026 can bring discoveries closer to the clinic so people receive the right care at the right time.
Prediction 3: International collaboration will help define the next wave of breakthroughs
Cancer’s biggest challenges – early diagnosis, improved access and sustainable innovation – are complex and interconnected. No single organisation, sector, or country will solve them alone. Deeper cross‑border collaboration brings the skills, facilities and data needed to take bold risks and accelerate progress.
What will drive progress:
- Global collaboration – bringing together bespoke interdisciplinary teams to tackle specific problems.
- Long-term, mission-driven commitment across public, private and philanthropic partners.
What this could mean for patients and their families:
Initiatives such as Cancer Grand Challenge, which unites world-leading teams to tackle cancer’s hardest problems, show what’s possible when ambitions and resources align. International teamwork can help discoveries move faster from lab bench to bedside, ultimately giving more people more precious time with loved ones.
Prediction 4: Cancer waiting times will not improve without bold action
Cancer services remain under severe strain despite the dedication of health professionals. Long waits for tests and treatments cause stress, can limit options and risk worse outcomes. England hasn’t met all its cancer waiting time targets in over a decade, and our outcomes lag international comparators. With a growing and ageing population, demand will rise unless the Government acts decisively.
What will drive progress:
- Publication of England’s National Cancer Plan in early 2026, which is prioritised within the system, right sized with capacity, and backed by investment in staff, equipment and reforms to deliver faster, fairer care.
- Clear commitments to end long waits from all parties in Scotland and Wales ahead of their elections in 2026, and sustained action from the Executive in Northern Ireland.
What this could mean for patients and their families:
A health service equipped for demand, with shorter waits and fairer access. Every delay matters. Every improvement makes a difference. Action cannot wait.
Prediction 5: Charities with clear purpose and personalised, proof-of-impact experiences will lead
Supporters expect clarity of mission and evidence of impact. They want to understand how contribution makes a difference and engage in ways that reflect their preferences and values.
What will drive progress:
- Data-driven insights to design personalised supporter journeys that respect preferences and build trust.
- Transparent impact reporting that turns powerful stories into reasons to believe.
- Experiences that reflect supporter values – ethical, inclusive and accessible.
What this could mean for supporters:
Charities that combine unwavering purpose with personalised engagement will deepen relationships, close the engaging gap and build resilience in an increasingly competitive landscape. Done well, supporters become advocates and partners in progress.
Over to you
I believe 2026 will be shaped by innovation, collaboration, and connection. Progress depends on all of us. What changes do you think will make the biggest difference in the year ahead?”
More posts featuring Michelle Mitchell on OncoDaily.