Macmillan Cancer Support

Living with and beyond cancer in 2045: See the future, support the people

More people than ever are living with cancer and living for longer. That’s encouraging progress, but it also means the support people rely on will continue to evolve. 

Working with Macmillan Cancer Support, this report that looks at how many people may be living with cancer by 2045, and what this could mean for families, workplaces and communities across the UK. 

By combining Macmillan’s lived‑experience insights with our own actuarial modelling, the report offers one of the clearest pictures yet of how cancer prevalence may change in the years ahead. And with that clearer view comes an important opportunity: to help more people feel prepared, supported, and financially resilient when they need it most.

 

What the report shows

 

More people will be living with cancer and surviving in the future.

As treatments improve and survival continues to rise, more people will live with cancer for longer. Understanding this shift helps us put the right support in place, from emotional and practical help to long-term financial resilience. 

Why this matters

A cancer diagnosis can bring unexpected costs, changes to work, and time away from everyday routines. Planning ahead can ease financial worry, helping people focus on what matters most: their health and wellbeing. 

 

A partnership with purpose

This work brings together Macmillan’s frontline expertise and our own deep understanding of financial resilience. Together, we’re working to help people feel informed, prepared and supported for whatever tomorrow brings. 

 

Download the report

  • Living with and beyond cancer in 2045: See the future, support the people. 
    Download full report (PDF, 1MB)
  • A detailed look at the data sources and modelling approach behind the analysis.
    Download methodology (PDF, 300KB)

Download the press release 

  • For journalists and media partners: read the announcement and key statistics from the report. 
    Download press release (PDF, 200KB)

 

About our partnership

Scottish Widows and Macmillan Cancer Support work together to help people feel supported through and beyond a cancer diagnosis - emotionally, practically and financially. This report is the next step in our shared mission to strengthen support for the future. 

Support available today

Macmillan Support Line

Free, confidential support from cancer specialists - 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm. 

Call 0808 501 3600

Helping you stay financially resilient

If you’re worried about money because of a cancer diagnosis, Macmillan has advice on benefits, workplace rights and navigating the financial impact.

Scottish Widows customers can also explore guidance on managing your pension, protection cover and overall wellbeing.

Scottish Widows and Macmillan: With you all the way