UK's NCRI warns of relative underfunding for lung cancer, praises prevention R&D rise

The UK National Cancer Research Institute spent L393.0 million ($684.9 million) on cancer research in 2006, an increase of L135.0 million compared to 2002 funding levels. However, the NCRI, which is a collaboration of the UK government and charity partners, warned at a cancer conference it hosted in Birmingham that progress was happening faster in some cancers than in others.

An analysis of cancer research spend by the NCRI reveals that, between 2002 and 2006, its 20 member organizations spent a total of L1.6 billion on such work in the UK.

During this period, the NCRI saw an increase in spend from its members on most types of cancer, and a doubling of investment in cancer prevention work. But its analysis also revealed that some cancers fared better than others. Of particular concern were lung, pancreatic and esophageal cancers, which remain difficult to treat and research, largely due to the fact that symptoms often present late, resulting in the cancer being at a more advanced stage at diagnosis.