World Cancer Research Fund

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It’s been a busy year for World Cancer Research Fund as we continue to fund pioneering new research into cancer prevention. Here’s how your generous donations have made a difference in 2025

Author: World Cancer Research Fund

Published: 17 December 2025

Understanding the origins of bowel cancer risk

Our funded research showed greater birthweight or body size during childhood, adolescence or young adulthood was linked with higher risk of bowel cancer in later life.

It was the first CUP Global review to analyse and judge all the research examining how factors such as weight, height and body size in early life relate to our risk of bowel cancer as we get older.

Read more about the research into bowel cancer risk

Brisk walking cold reduce your cancer risk

Our funded researchers published evidence that brisk walking is linked to a lower risk of 5 cancers, including anal, liver, small intestine, thyroid, and lung.

Walk your way to lower cancer risk

Smaller waist or more exercise? For cancer prevention, both is best

In the world’s first study looking at the effectiveness of combining maintaining a smaller waist with staying active, we found that only doing one is not enough to lower our risk of cancer.

The study found that people not meeting World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on waist circumference are at 11% greater risk, even if they are physically active.

And people not meeting WHO guidelines for physical exercise are at 4% greater risk, even if “abdominally lean” (i.e. they have a smaller waist). Achieving neither means a 15% greater risk.

Learn more about the research

The simple rule that cuts cancer risk by 23%

We released a first-of-its-kind study into how the number of different food types consumed, measured as Dietary Species Richness (the number of species an individual consumes per year) affects the risk of developing gastrointestinal cancer.

The study found that individuals with the most diverse diets had a 23% lower risk of developing gastrointestinal cancers compared with those with the least variety. The risk decreased by 6% for every 10 extra species per year added to their diet.

More about the simple rule

The growing need for your support

Your generous donations have enabled us to fund 19 new research grants this year, worth a total of £5 million, bringing our network’s achievements over the last 20 years to more than 200 research grants awarded and over £50m invested in research overall.

Over the past year, 13 projects came to a close, delivering inspiring new findings.  These completed studies explored many ways to prevent cancer, improve treatment, and support people living with and beyond the disease. They examined how factors like body weight, nutrition, inflammation, and even sleep patterns may influence cancer risk, treatment side effects, and recovery.

Some looked at how early-life infections, obesity, and physical activity can affect cancer risk later in life, while others tested promising treatments or searched for new ways to use cancer drugs. There were also studies researching how to help people living with and beyond cancer live healthier lives, from technology-based tools and personalised vitamin D supplements to culturally tailored support for Indigenous communities and families of children with cancer.

As the number of cancer diagnoses grows worldwide, research into cancer prevention is more vital than ever. Thanks to the continuing support of our generous donors, we can continue to fund novel and innovative research and push the boundaries of knowledge on cancer research so that fewer people die from a preventable cancer.

Donations from our fantastic supporters are smartly invested into the most impactful opportunities in science, guided by our wide network of independent leading experts.

Each year, millions of people hear the words “you have cancer” – and millions more are quietly edging towards a preventable diagnosis because of factors like diet, weight, inactivity or environmental exposures.

There’s a huge opportunity here: we know that 40% of cancer cases could be prevented. But there are still major gaps in the evidence that our latest round of awards will help to fill.

Across the World Cancer Research Fund International network; the three charities – World Cancer Research Fund, the American Institute for Cancer Research and Wereld Kanker Onderzoek Fonds – have funded 19 grants through our Regular Grant Programme (12 awards) and INSPIRE Research Challenge (7 awards), backing researchers who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in cancer prevention and cancer survivorship.

In total, £5,115,693.43 will be awarded from our network to projects led from 9 countries across the world. Of these 19 awards:

12 (63%) are focused on preventing cancer

7 (37%) are focused on helping people live better and longer after cancer

These grants range from global cohort studies using cutting-edge ‘omics’ technologies, to clinical trials testing exercise during chemotherapy, to innovative lifestyle interventions that survivors can use right now.

This year, their specific interests span everything from microplastics and air pollution, to insect-based fibre, ultra-processed foods in childhood, and exercise woven into cancer treatment.

Rethinking what’s on our plates (and in our environment)

Food, drink and environmental exposures are shaping cancer risk in ways science is only beginning to understand. Several of our new projects are tackling this head-on.

Hidden DNA ‘typos’ in food and bowel cancer

At the University of Oxford, Professor Skirmantas Kriaucionis is investigating whether modified DNA building blocks can ‘sneak’ into our cells and damage our DNA, increasing the risk of bowel cancer. If certain cooking methods or ingredients generate these building blocks, this research could ultimately help people – and food producers – make safer choices.

Wholegrains vs refined grains across 20 cancers

At the Cancer Registry of Norway, Dr Dagfinn Aune is using data from more than 480,000 people to understand how whole grains and refined grains affect the risk of 20 different cancers. The findings will help show how many cancers might be prevented if more people swap refined grains for wholegrain options.

Sugar, soft drinks and pancreatic cancer

At the University of Padova, Dr Alessandro Carrer is exploring how fructose from sugary drinks may fuel early pancreatic cancer development. By pinpointing this pathway, the team hopes to clarify whether cutting back on certain sugary drinks could lower risk and inform future prevention strategies.

Ultra-processed foods in childhood and lifetime cancer risk

At Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Dr Sherly (Xueyi) Li is leading the first comprehensive study to estimate how much ultra-processed food children are eating in Australia and 25 European countries, and how this might impact their future cancer risk. This project aims to provide crucial evidence for dietary guidelines and policies aimed at protecting children from unhealthy food environments.

Microplastics, air pollution and colorectal cancer

At IFOM in Milan, Dr Vito Amodio is asking whether microplastics, nanoplastics and tiny air pollution particles (like PM2.5) contribute to colorectal cancer by driving inflammation and disrupting the immune system. The results could inform both environmental policy and personal risk reduction.

Reducing colorectal cancer risk with cricket powder and chitin At the University of Almeria, Dr Carmen Rodriguez Garcia is exploring whether chitin, a dietary fibre found in cricket powder, can help protect the bowel. By analysing samples from a completed dietary trial, the team will see how chitin affects gut bacteria, inflammation and chemical tags on DNA in the colon – all early warning signs for colorectal cancer. This innovative project links sustainable diets with cancer prevention and could inform future trials and dietary guidance.

Protecting people where the burden is highest

Cancer prevention isn’t just a high-income country issue. Several of our new awards are designed to address urgent evidence gaps in regions where the burden is particularly severe.

Mycotoxins, infections and Burkitt lymphoma in African children

At IARC, Dr Rita Khoueiry is investigating how mycotoxins – toxic substances produced by moulds in staple foods – and Epstein-Barr virus combine to cause Burkitt lymphoma, a fast-growing childhood cancer in sub-Saharan Africa. By following a mother-child cohort from pregnancy and analysing biological samples over time, this work aims to identify modifiable risk factors and lay the groundwork for prevention strategies that protect children now and in future generations.

Oesophageal cancer precursors in the African Oesophageal Cancer Corridor

At IARC, Dr Valerie McCormack is leading a community-based study in Malawi to understand how dietary N-nitrosamines – carcinogens found in some traditional foods and drinks – and other lifestyle factors contribute to early changes in the oesophagus that can precede cancer. By identifying high-risk exposures, this work can inform local prevention strategies in one of the world’s highest-risk regions.

These projects are about levelling the playing field so that advances in cancer prevention benefit people everywhere – not just those living in wealthier countries.

Turning treatment time into healing time

Six of our new awards are focused on cancer survivorship – helping people with cancer live longer, better lives by embedding lifestyle support into care.

Exercise during chemotherapy infusion for metastatic colon cancer

At the University of Sydney, Dr Kate Edwards is testing a simple but powerful idea: what if patients cycle on a stationary bike during their chemotherapy infusion, instead of sitting still. The EXERTION-mC trial will test whether this approach can improve tumour response, side effects and quality of life for people with metastatic colorectal cancer.

Exercise during immunotherapy for melanoma

At Australian Catholic University, Dr Eva Zopf is investigating whether a structured exercise programme is safe and feasible during adjuvant immunotherapy for people with melanoma – and whether it can improve side effects, wellbeing and immune responses. With immunotherapy now used widely for many cancers, this work could help shape future exercise-oncology recommendations.

Long-term benefits of exercise in metastatic breast cancer

At UMC Utrecht, Professor Anne May is following up participants from the large PREFERABLE-EFFECT trial to see whether the benefits of a 9-month supervised exercise programme – such as less fatigue and better quality of life – can be sustained 2–3 years later. Understanding long-term impact and cost-effectiveness is vital for integrating exercise as part of standard care for metastatic breast cancer.

Better sleep and support for people with primary brain tumours

At the University of Sydney, Dr Megan Jeon is testing telehealth group cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) for people living with primary brain tumours. Sleep problems are common and debilitating in this group yet often go untreated. This feasibility study will explore whether CBT-I, which is the gold standard nonpharmacological treatment, can safely improve sleep, mood and daily functioning in a population that has been largely overlooked in survivorship research.

Integrated lifestyle programme for cancer survivors

At the University of Colorado, Dr Emily Hill is developing and testing an integrated nutrition and exercise programme for post-treatment survivors that also includes sleep education, stress management and wearable technology such as smart watches and connected scales. By tracking stress, immune markers and behaviour change together, the study aims to show how lifestyle interventions improve health – and how to design programmes that survivors value and actually use.

Dietary fats and response to lung cancer immunotherapy

At the University of Torino, Professor Chiara Riganti will map “good” and “bad” fats in non-small cell lung cancer tumours to see which lipid patterns predict response to immunotherapy. The team will then test whether diets rich in “good” (mono- and poly-unsaturated) fats can boost treatment effectiveness in advanced laboratory models – enhancing immunotherapy and exploring other potential health benefits.

Balancing protein and fibre to support bowel cancer treatment

At Wageningen University, Dr Dieuwertje Kok is studying how the balance of protein and fibre in the diet affects recovery and long-term outcomes for people with bowel cancer. Using data from over 2,100 participants in the COLON study, plus a new dietary intervention, the team will examine how different combinations of protein and fibre relate to treatment complications, cancer recurrence and blood markers. The findings will help shape practical nutrition programmes to support patients through treatment and beyond.

Cracking the biology that links lifestyle to cancer

Several grants are focused on understanding how lifestyle factors ‘get under the skin’ to influence cancer risk, progression and response to treatment.

Thyroid hormones, lifestyle and liver cancer risk

At IARC, Dr Mazda Jenab will investigate how thyroid hormone metabolism and lifestyle combine to influence liver cancer risk, using large international cohorts and genetic data.

Metabolic health, blood proteins and lifestyle-related cancers

At IARC, Dr Komodo Matta will use proteomics (large-scale protein profiling) to understand how metabolic health drives a range of lifestyle-related cancers – and identify blood protein signatures that could become targets for prevention.

Body composition, inflammation and multiple myeloma

At the University of Bristol, Dr Lucy Goudswaard will explore how body fat distribution and inflammation influence the development of multiple myeloma from its precursor condition, MGUS, helping to identify high-risk individuals and new intervention targets.

Exploring selenium and lung cancer risk

At the University of Southern Denmark, Professor Paolo Ceppi is investigating how selenium, a dietary mineral found in foods like nuts, meat and grains, influences the development of non-small cell lung cancer. By combining advanced lab studies with analysis of long-term selenium intake human populations, the goal is to provide clear, evidence-based guidance on selenium intake that could help reduce the burden of this deadly disease.

Together, these projects will help turn broad advice like “improve metabolic health” into precise pathways and actionable strategies.

Why this matters – and how donors make it possible

All of this science has one simple goal: fewer people getting cancer, and better lives for those who do.

From children growing up surrounded by ultra-processed foods and environmental pollutants, to adults at high risk of bowel, liver, pancreatic or oesophageal cancer, to people navigating life with metastatic breast cancer, brain tumours, melanoma or myeloma

These 19 projects are designed to produce the kind of robust, practical evidence that changes guidelines, shapes policy and transforms care.

None of it would be possible without the generosity of people and organisations who choose to support our work. Every donation – whether it’s a monthly gift, a legacy in a Will, or a fundraising challenge – helps us award more of this high-impact, prevention and survivorship-focused research. Thank you for supporting us.