"Cancer continues to affect one in two people in the UK, so we are proud to be working in partnership with Cancer Research UK to help save lives and improve cancer outcomes for all"
The new partnership with Cancer Research UK aims to strengthen Royal London's existing charitable giving strategy, helping people cope with unexpected life events as well as further supporting those in financial crisis.
One in two people in the UK will develop cancer at some point in their lifetime, according to research, with inequalities stemming from socioeconomic status, gender, ethnicity, and even where you live, impacting cancer outcomes. 65% of Royal London’s cover for critical illness claims were related to cancer last year alone, according to the insurer.
The funding from Royal London will further support research undertaken by Cancer Research UK into 'hard to treat' cancers as well as initiatives to improve early diagnosis pathways.
Michelle Mitchell, Cancer Research UK chief executive, said the support from Royal London will help the charity to continue its "vital research and further our bold ambitions to improve cancer survival for all.
She added: "This new partnership will help fund programmes across early diagnosis and screening to new innovations for hard-to-treat cancers. This is such an important area as ensuring that everyone affected by cancer has access to the care they need and deserve will ultimately save more lives."
Barry O'Dwyer, group chief executive at Royal London, said: "Cancer continues to affect one in two people in the UK, so we are proud to be working in partnership with Cancer Research UK to help save lives and improve cancer outcomes for all.
"Aligned with our purpose, our partnership will focus on increasing awareness, funding research into hard-to-treat cancers, and helping to reduce cancer inequalities, which have a significant impact on the outcome for those affected, for this and future generations."
