News and updates

Latest news and updates from World Cancer Research Fund International.

Bottles of alcohol with alcohol warning labelsAlcohol, weight and education linked to early onset bowel cancer – new evidence

A new study has shed light on the possible reasons for the rise in bowel cancer in people under 50 years old.


Becky CamenzuliCelebrating women and girls in science

To mark International Day of Women and Girls in Science, some of the women at World Cancer Research Fund talk about their careers and inspirations – plus the barriers they’ve experienced along the way.


broccoliEating leafy greens decreases bowel cancer risk

New study shows that eating foods with higher folate levels reduces the risk of colorectal cancer.


Men running on a path in the countrysideAI cancer support and prostate cancer exercise trial among projects awarded new funding

16 projects awarded funding in our Regular Grant Programme, plus 6 INSPIRE grants for early career investigators


A selection of ultra-processed foods including donuts and pizzaNew study reveals ultra-processed foods linked to increased risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes

A study co-funded by World Cancer Research Fund International has shown that the more UPF we eat, the greater the chance we’ll suffer from two or more long-term health conditions


World Cancer Leaders' SummitWorld Cancer Research Fund International nominated for Outstanding Contribution to Cancer Control Award

Nomination comes in recognition of our work leading the field in cancer prevention research for more than 30 years.


Sugary drinksStatement on aspartame

We respond to the recent reports released by IARC and WHO concerning the artificial sweetener and its cancer risk.


BM4 cover imageNew study links overweight and obesity to more cancers than previously shown

A cohort study of 2.6 million adults, has found that overweight and obesity during early adulthood could be linked with up to 18 cancers.


BM4 cover imagePrimary healthcare can help increase physical activity levels and reduce cancer risk

New report highlights how, with robust policies, GPs and nurses can help people do more physical activity and reduce their risk of cancer.


Map of Europe

New tools show big gaps in nutrition and physical activity policies in Europe

Our new indexes assess how well 30 European countries are doing in policies that combat childhood and adolescent obesity.


Sugary breakfast cereals are classified as ultra-processedUltra-processed food increases cancer rates, new research shows

Nearly 20% rise in ovarian cancer for UPF-heavy diets, worrying research funded by World Cancer Research Fund shows.


CO-CREATE logoCO-CREATE project publishes novel methods for youth engagement and benchmarking of national obesity prevention policies

WCRF International collaborated on 3 papers presenting new tools providing insights into nutrition and physical policies across Europe.


A woman drinks water while exercising

Physical activity improves quality of life in those living with and beyond breast cancer

A comprehensive analysis of existing research has found strong evidence of the benefits of physical activity following a breast cancer diagnosis. It demonstrated improved quality of life in women who were living with and beyond cancer.


A researcher looks into a microscopeWCRF announces new research grants for 2022

This year’s grant programme has awarded a record total of £5.1 million in funding for its vital research into how diet, nutrition and physical activity can prevent cancer, as well as help people survive cancer.


Lower body weight and being physically active could reduce risk of dying from breast cancer

A major review of published research has found that certain key factors could impact the risk of death for women after a breast cancer diagnosis.


New WHO report shows high cost of physical inactivityWorld Health Organization

We welcome a new World Health Organization report which highlights a global lack of progress in implementing physical activity policy recommendations.


International Cancer Organisation Launches New Flagship Research Programme

The Global Cancer Update Programme identifies critical gaps in cancer science as well as advancing new knowledge.


An older woman exercising outdoorsFollowing Cancer Prevention Recommendations improves survival among older adults

New study finds WCRF/AICR’s Cancer Prevention Recommendations are associated with reduced mortality risk from all causes, cancer and heart disease.


World Health OrganizationWHO renews WCRF International’s official relations status

We look forward to working in partnership with the WHO to help people reduce their risk of cancer and NCDs, and contribute to the health and wellbeing of cancer survivors.


Bottles, jugs and glasses of cow milk

World Cancer Research Fund announces record grant funding

World Cancer Research Fund is delighted to announce its largest ever level of funding in its 30-year history with £4.4m in grants awarded to 19 new research projects


Call to protect children from the marketing of nutritionally poor food

Key demands for EU action


International Journal of Cancer logoNew awareness campaign launches with IJC editorial

WCRF’s UK charity aims to highlight evidence for cancer prevention


Cancer research not on lockdown

World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) is delighted to announce it has awarded funding to 13 new research grants


New funding partnership with Cancer Australia

This exciting new collaboration will enable us to co-fund cancer research in Australia


Someone ironingBeing lightly active may help after colorectal cancer

Doing light-intensity physical activity was associated with better quality of life and less fatigue in colorectal cancer survivors two years post-treatment, according to new research


Laptop with databases showingNew tool to help governments get people physically active and tackle obesity

World Cancer Research Fund launches global database of physical activity policies


Hands wrapped around a globeCancer prevention and COVID-19

Please note that this may be updated as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves


CoronavirusAn update from World Cancer Research Fund International

How we’re working during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis


Person watching TV eating popcorn

WCRF launches third in Building Momentum series of policy reports

New report says countries are failing to protect children from the effects of junk food marketing


Someone carrying out research WCRF awards new research grants for 2019

We are excited to announce the new grants that have been awarded as part of our World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) International Regular Grant Programme for 2019


Red meatRed and processed meat still pose cancer risk, warn global health experts

Top health organisations and global cancer experts are urging the public to continue following the recommendation to limit red meat intake to three portions a week and eat little, if any, processed meat for cancer prevention


Diet and cancer reportDiet and cancer webinar

In July 2019, we hosted a webinar in collaboration with the Union for International Cancer Control


EAT Forum logoThe role of young people in making food healthier and more sustainable

Our Policy team was in Stockholm this month to hear about engaging with young people, dietary shifts and a healthy planet


Spanish flagNOURISHING framework translated into Spanish

Our policy framework, NOURISHING, has been translated into Spanish and published in a book, Obesity in Mexico


Scientists examining samplesWCRF 2017/2018 grants announced

We are pleased to announce the new World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) International grants that have been awarded, as part of our Regular Grant Programme, for 2017–18


United Nations buildingPolitical Declaration for UN High Level Meeting on NCDs to be signed by governments

The Final Draft of the Political Declaration, that will be adopted by Member States at the third United Nations High Level Meeting (UN HLM) on non-communicable diseases (NCDs), is now available


Person using a keyboardApplications for 2018-19 Regular Grant Programme now open

The World Cancer Research Fund International Regular Grant Programme is now open


Breast cancerJust one alcoholic drink a day can increase breast cancer risk

Drinking just one alcoholic drink a day can increase breast cancer risk, our new Continuous Update Project report reveals