Cancer charity cuts research funding by £45m due to Covid-19

The coronavirus pandemic threatens to set back progress against a disease which will affect half the population of the UK during their lifetime, writes Peter Stubley

A scientist works at the Cancer Research UK laboratories in Cambridge (Getty/Cancer Research UK)

The world’s largest independent cancer research charity has slashed its budget by a further £45m after a “devastating” drop in income during the coronavirus pandemic.

Cancer Research UK (CRUK) said the cuts mean dozens of potentially life-saving projects will not receive funding this year, slowing down future breakthroughs for people with the disease.

It also “seriously reduces” the chances of meeting the charity's target of 75 per cent of people surviving cancer by 2034.