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 group of 60 cancer-related organizations, collectively known as One Cancer Voice, has released a concerning prediction that anticipates 6.3 million new cancer cases in the next 20 years.

The study highlights that the most prevalent types of cancer—breast, prostate, and lung—are expected to reach record numbers, with over 63,000 cases projected among children and young adults.

The data identifies the regions expected to be most affected, with the South East predicted to lead, as over one million individuals there could receive a diagnosis by 2040.

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

Michelle Mitchell, CEO of Cancer Research UK and spokesperson for One Cancer Voice, cautioned: ‘Almost half of us will face a cancer diagnosis at some point in our lives – it’s a disease that will affect everyone, whether directly or through someone we know.’

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

A new National Cancer Plan is anticipated later this year, and the coalition has outlined six essential actions for lawmakers, including stronger prevention measures, addressing smoking and obesity, and increasing 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. 

Specialists have previously informed the Daily Mail that variations in cancer rates across the country are likely linked to the demographics of certain areas, which may increase the risk of cancer for those populations.

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.