Two thirds of adults in London hold ‘outdated’ views about cancer that could risk patients missing out on vital support and being more
vulnerable to health misinformation, a leading charity is warning today.

New data from Macmillan Cancer Support shows 66% of adults in London believe one or more common misconceptions about the diseasei,
which almost one in two people will get in their lifetimeii.

The 114-year-old charity, which once successfully campaigned to change the dictionary definition of cancer for failing to reflect progresses
in treating and understanding the diseaseiii,
is warning misconceptions and misinformation can negatively shape people’s thoughts of cancer and could lead to those in need missing out on accessing vital support.

The new data – which has come from one of the charity’s biggest ever polls of the UK public – also highlights ‘alarming’ differences between
generations. An estimated 4 million young adults across the UK hold one or more outdated views about cancer
(71%)iv,
with 18–24-year-olds also more likely than average to trust internet search results, social media or WhatsApp for information about health (22% compared to 15% of all UK adults)v.

Common misconceptions about cancer include:

That hair loss is the most common side-effect of treatment (49% of adults in London) –
previous research by Macmillan shows fewer than one in four people with cancer in the UK (22%) experience hair loss as a result of their cancer or its treatment, with other impacts such as severe fatigue and scarring being more commonvi

That cancer is still a death sentence for most people
(37% of adults in London) – advancements in cancer detection and treatment have significantly improved survival rates for many types of cancer

That you can’t live a good life with cancer (10% of adults in London) -
Macmillan works with and sees many people who continue to lead active, meaningful lives during and after cancer treatment.

That average survival following a cancer diagnosis is less than a year (6% adults in London) –
while there is still much room for improvement, other data shows average survival rates for cancer patients in the UK have increased in recent decades

Additional misconceptions include the idea that cancer only really happens in old age (10% of adults in London), and that cancer is something
to be ashamed of (5% of adults in London).

The new research also shows misconceptions can be even higher within some communities, with almost four in five (77%) people from ethnically
diverse backgrounds in the UK holding one or more common misconceptions about the diseasevii.

In addition, Black (23%) and South Asian (20%) UK adults are twice as likely to believe cancer can be triggered by a negative mindset,
compared to 10% of all UK adults. They are also more likely to believe some types of cancer are contagious – with around one in 10 Black and South Asian adults believing this (10% and 9%), compared to 4% of all UK adultsviii.

Macmillan is working with a wide range of community groups across the UK to understand how these perceptions could be impacting people’s
access to support, with the data showing that people from some ethnically diverse backgrounds are also less likely than average to trust healthcare professionals as a source of information (62% of South Asian adults and 69% of adults with mixed or multiple
ethnicities, compared to 77% of all UK adults), and are also less likely to trust cancer support organisations or charities (58% of South Asian adults, 66% of adults with mixed or multiple ethnicities and 68% of Black adults, compared to 76% of UK adults)ix.

As part of its work to address these misconceptions, the charity is today launching its new
campaign, Whoever You Are, Whatever it Takes –
backed by broadcaster Chris Stark. The campaign is being fronted by 10 people with cancer from across the UK who have joined forces to shine a light on what it really means to be living with a cancer diagnosis in the UK today and to encourage more people to
access accurate information and support.

Broadcaster Chris Stark, 38, revealed he had been diagnosed with testicular cancer, in March 2025. Now, he’s using his experience to urge
other men to get themselves checked, tackling cancer misconceptions, as testicular cancer can be more prevalent in younger populations.

“I decided to open up about my experience because there’s still a stigma attached, especially around testicular cancer, as it can be a
difficult subject to talk about. It’s actually very common among men aged 18-49, something that genuinely surprised me when I heard that, but it’s treatable if caught early.

“It’s crucial to have these conversations to reduce the stigma. If being open about my own experience helps make it easier for other men
to talk about theirs, encourages someone to check themselves and potentially saves a life, then I’m more than willing to share my story.”

Richard Simcock, Chief Medical Officer at Macmillan Cancer Support,
is urging people to seek out accurate information and support from trusted sources. He said:

“It’s worrying to see millions of people hold on to outdated views about cancer, and alarming to see this issue is even higher for
young adults and people from ethnically diverse backgrounds. These misconceptions could prevent people from reaching out and getting the right support for them which could have a devastating impact on their health and wellbeing. We want people to use reliable,
trusted and accurate sources of support like those provided by Macmillan. Quite often people will say ‘I know I shouldn’t, but I googled’, which can be a negative experience leaving people frightened and confused. This is extremely concerning when these sources
aren’t reliable, trusted and accurate.

“Every day we hear from people whose lives have been turned upside down by cancer and for some the impact is even greater simply
because of who they are or where they live. It’s vital everybody with cancer gets the right care for them and that’s why we’re here. Whatever the question or need, big or small, Macmillan can provide reassurance, information, and support.”

Roger Snipes, a health enthusiast from London was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2024. The 46-year-old wants to share his experiences
to tackle common misconceptions. He said:

“People think only unhealthy people get cancer – that’s simply not true. No matter who you are it’s so important to be aware of signs
and symptoms and seek help when needed. I ignored pains for months and didn’t feel a strong sense of urgency to have a check-up at the GP, thinking it would go away on its own as I was healthy and I didn’t think it would be anything serious. I guess I had
my own misconceptions around cancer and who it affects.

“There’s this expectation that men need to be strong in the face of adversity. I think we should support each other a little more.
It’s said men are less likely to seek help when needed and are less likely to visit the doctor if they think something is wrong, and that needs to change.”

Macmillan is warning that with more people living with cancer than ever before – almost 3.5 million people in the UKx
– it’s never been more important for people to be aware of the accurate and trusted support available.

For information, support or just someone to talk to, call Macmillan’s free, confidential Support line 7-days a week on 0808 808 00 00
or visit //macmillan.org.uk/whateveryouneed.