Cancer timebomb: One Briton will be diagnosed every two minutes by 2040 - regions facing the sharpest rise revealed in disturbing report

Cancer cases will soar to record highs by 2040, with one Briton told they have the disease every two minutes, a leading charity has warned.

A coalition of 60 cancer organisations, known as One Cancer Voice, today published a stark forecast estimating 6.3 million new diagnoses over the next two decades.

The analysis shows the most common cancers – breast, prostate and lung – will hit unprecedented levels, while more than 63,000 cases are predicted in children and young people.

The figures also reveal the areas set to be hit hardest, with the South East leading the way – more than one million people there are expected to receive a diagnosis between now and 2040.

Experts blame spiralling obesity rates linked to poor diets, falling vaccine uptake and a rise in smoking for fuelling the surge.

Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK and representative of the One Cancer Voice coalition, warned: 'Nearly one in two of us will be diagnosed with cancer in our lifetime – everyone will be impacted by the disease, whether they receive a diagnosis themselves, or have a friend, family member or loved one who does.'

She added that England risks falling behind other nations in cancer outcomes unless decisive action is taken now.

A new National Cancer Plan is expected later this year, and the coalition has set out six 'musts' for ministers – from tougher prevention policies to tackling smoking and obesity, to widening access to clinical trials.

Tobacco remains the single biggest cause of cancer and premature death in the UK.

Regionally, the North East is expected to experience the smallest increase in diagnoses, with just 340,000 cases by 2040.

Experts have previously told the Daily Mail the difference in cancer rates up and down the country is likely due to the demographic of people living in some areas, which makes them more at risk of cancer.

For example, cancer risk has been well established as being closely linked with age, as damage in cells that can trigger the disease builds-up over time—meaning areas with a more densely populated, ageing population are likely to be hit hardest.

One Cancer Voice is also urging ministers to commit to meeting all cancer waiting-time targets by 2029, set a new earlier diagnosis goal, tackle inequalities in patient care and ensure better support for those living with and beyond the disease – including embedding emotional support within NHS services.

Ms Mitchell said: 'The National Cancer Plan for England could be a defining moment. If the UK Government delivers an ambitious, fully funded strategy, we could save more lives and transform cancer outcomes.

'Meeting these six tests will show how serious the Government is about improving cancer care. We've seen progress before – now is the time to act again, and make a difference for cancer patients.'

In the first six months of 2025, more than 50,000 patients waited longer than they should to begin treatment – delays that can significantly reduce the chance of remission.

Current rules state that 85 per cent of patients should start treatment within two months of an urgent referral, but this target has not been met for a decade.

Campaigners warn that without 'bold reform and investment' the delays will persist – and lives will be lost.

While improving screening programmes and supporting GPs to spot cancers earlier will help reduce late-stage diagnoses, experts stress that prevention remains vital.

In line with the six tests outlined by the One Cancer Voice coalition, they are calling on ministers to pass the Tobacco and Vapes Bill without delay, to stop future generations from ever taking up smoking.

Other policies will also be essential if the NHS is to position itself as a world leader in cancer research and innovation, campaigners said. These include boosting HPV vaccination rates to help eradicate cervical cancer.

Professor Sir Mike Richards, former national cancer director at the Department of Health and now chair of the National Screening Committee, said: 'Our previous NHS Cancer Plan was instrumental in improving cancer outcomes, and this one gives us a huge opportunity to make England one of the best countries for cancer survival.

'But to make this happen it's essential the plan has consistent funding, so that the changes we know will save lives from cancer are able to be introduced.

'This will save money in the long term and ensure a better future for generations to come.'

Responding to the calls, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said: 'This government is prioritising cancer care as we turn around more than a decade of neglect of our NHS.'

The DHSC pointed to data showing 95,000 more people received a cancer diagnosis – or had the disease ruled out – within 28 days between July 2024 and May 2025.

Officials said this progress would be built on by the new National Cancer Plan, setting out how cancer care will improve by 2040.

The spokesperson added: 'We're also making it easier for people to get tests, checks and scans, with DIY cervical screening kits, new radiotherapy machines in every region, and by creating the first smoke-free generation.'

Experts have warned the dire state of NHS cancer services—which repeatedly fail to reach crucial performance targets—is exacerbating the crisis.

NHS figures released this month show just one of the three national cancer targets were met in June this year, with just 67.1 of newly diagnosed patients referred for urgent treatment within the two month target.

Meanwhile less than 92 per cent of patients started life–saving treatment within a month of being booked in, below the goal of 96 per cent.