Fewer new cancer research projects funded during the pandemic

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New figures from the National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) show that fewer new cancer research projects were funded in 2020/21. This is the first time NCRI’s cancer research funding database has shown a drop in funding.

The lifetime value of new projects has decreased by 57%. The NCRI, of which Brain Tumour Research is a proud partner, is concerned that the amount spent on cancer research will continue to decline over the next five years if this trend continues. This decline in funding will significantly impact the ability to improve outcomes for people affected by cancer.

Data collected by NCRI shows that in the financial year 2020/21, NCRI Partners spent a total of £634m on cancer research. This is a decrease of 9% compared to 2019/20. The five years before the Covid-19 pandemic showed an upward trend in cancer research spending.

Sue Farrington Smith MBE, Chief Executive at Brain Tumour Research, said: “Our campaigning efforts to increase the national investment in brain tumour research are making an impact. Today’s figures show spending on brain tumour research has increased by £2m to £17.6m including our own contribution thanks to our amazing supporters. However, since records began in 2002, brain tumour research remains at just 1% of total spend to date.

“We continue to campaign for an increase in the national investment in brain tumour research to £35m a year and a levelling up fund of £105m to stop the devastation.”

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