# Cancer guides and treatment we fund > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer > Last reviewed: 2026-08-15 ## In short World Aid Network funds cancer diagnosis and treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. The Cancer Emergency Appeal funds all types of cancer. Nineteen guides cover symptoms, tests and survival. We fund treatment access, not research labs or clinical trials. Donate on this page to pay a hospital bill a family cannot meet. Nineteen UK guides on symptoms, tests and survival — and a Cancer Emergency Appeal that pays hospital bills families cannot meet. World Aid Network is a treatment-access charity, not a research lab and not UK NHS care. The Cancer Emergency Appeal funds all types of cancer. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## At a glance - 19: Detailed UK cancer guides — symptoms, tests, treatment and survival - 19: In-depth silos under each type — symptoms, tests and treatment - 3: Countries where we fund treatment: Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia - All types: The Cancer Emergency Appeal funds every cancer a partner hospital can treat ## Which cancer types have detailed guides? Every type below is a full guide covering symptoms, when to see a doctor, tests, treatment, survival and how a donation funds care overseas. Breast, prostate, cervical and childhood cancer also have extra in-depth pages. - Prostate cancer — The most common cancer in UK men — often silent until a PSA test finds it. (in-depth sub-pages; risk checker) — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/prostate-cancer - Breast cancer — The UK's most common cancer overall — and very survivable when found early. (in-depth sub-pages; risk checker) — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/breast-cancer - Lung cancer — The leading cause of cancer death in the UK — early diagnosis changes everything. (in-depth sub-pages) — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lung-cancer - Bowel cancer — One of the most common cancers — and one of the most preventable through screening. (in-depth sub-pages) — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bowel-cancer - Pancreatic cancer — Hard to spot early — knowing the vague warning signs can save time that matters. (in-depth sub-pages) — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/pancreatic-cancer - Ovarian cancer — Often called the 'silent' cancer — but it does have symptoms worth knowing. (in-depth sub-pages) — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer - Leukaemia (blood cancer) — Cancer of the blood and bone marrow — with four main types and very different outlooks. (in-depth sub-pages) — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/leukaemia - Lymphoma — Cancer of the lymphatic system — the body's drainage and immune network. (in-depth sub-pages) — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lymphoma - Cervical cancer — One of the most preventable cancers — through the HPV vaccine and screening. (in-depth sub-pages) — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/cervical-cancer - Womb cancer — The most common gynaecological cancer — with one clear early warning sign. (in-depth sub-pages) — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/womb-cancer - Thyroid cancer — One of the most curable cancers — usually starting as a painless neck lump. (in-depth sub-pages) — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/thyroid-cancer - Kidney cancer — Often silent early on — blood in the urine is the symptom to never ignore. (in-depth sub-pages) — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/kidney-cancer - Testicular cancer — The most common cancer in younger men — and one of the most treatable. (in-depth sub-pages) — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/testicular-cancer - Brain tumour — Tumours range from slow-growing and benign to fast and aggressive. (in-depth sub-pages) — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/brain-tumour - Liver cancer — Strongly linked to liver damage — and often preventable by protecting the liver. (in-depth sub-pages) — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/liver-cancer - Bladder cancer — Blood in the urine is the warning sign that should always be checked. (in-depth sub-pages) — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bladder-cancer - Skin cancer — The UK's most common cancer — mostly caused by UV from sun and sunbeds. (in-depth sub-pages) — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/skin-cancer - Melanoma — The most serious skin cancer — and the ABCDE rule helps you spot it. (in-depth sub-pages) — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/melanoma - Childhood cancer — Rare, rarely caused by lifestyle, and highly treatable — yet survival depends hugely on where a child lives. (in-depth sub-pages) — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/childhood-cancer ## Why is prostate cancer now the most common cancer in England? Prostate cancer overtook breast cancer as England's most diagnosed cancer in January 2025. Cancer Research UK reports around 57,900 UK diagnoses a year. Lifetime risk is 1 in 8 men and 1 in 4 Black men. Ten-year UK survival is 78.9%. Guide: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/prostate-cancer. Black men / 1 in 4 / PSA from 45: https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/prostate-cancer-black-men ## What is chemotherapy? Chemotherapy uses medicines to kill cancer cells. It is usually given in cycles, as a drip or as tablets. Dedicated guide: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/treatment/chemotherapy. Named checkout for all types of treatment: https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency. Radiotherapy: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/treatment/radiotherapy. ## What is radiotherapy? Radiotherapy uses targeted radiation to destroy cancer cells. It is usually given as short daily sessions. Around half of people with cancer have it at some point. Dedicated guide: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/treatment/radiotherapy. We do not install machines. Named checkout: https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency. ## What is cancer surgery? Cancer surgery is an operation to remove a tumour, take a biopsy, or relieve symptoms. It treats one area. Typical partner cost is £500 for one cancer operation. Dedicated guide: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/treatment/surgery. Cataract operations are Gift of Sight, not this page. Named checkout: https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency. ## How is body weight linked to cancer? Cancer Research UK links overweight and obesity to 13 cancer types — the second biggest preventable cause of cancer in the UK after smoking. Use the NHS-aligned BMI calculator: https://worldaidnetwork.org/bmi-calculator ## What will a donation provide? - £10 — diagnostic tests - £25 — cancer medication - £50 — one chemotherapy session - £100 — surgical support ## Frequently asked questions ### What types of cancer does World Aid Network fund treatment for? All types. The Cancer Emergency Appeal funds diagnosis and treatment for any cancer a partner hospital can deliver — breast, lung, bowel, prostate, cervical, blood cancers, childhood cancers and others. All treatment is delivered by locally-licensed oncologists in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. ### How does donating help cancer patients? Your donation funds life-saving cancer treatment — including surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy — for patients who would otherwise have no access to care. All clinical services are delivered by locally-licensed oncologists in the regions where we operate. ### What is the most common cancer in the UK? Prostate cancer became the most commonly diagnosed cancer in England in January 2025 — the first time it has taken the top spot. Breast cancer, lung cancer and bowel cancer are the next most common. Together, these four types account for more than half of all new UK diagnoses each year. ### What are the warning signs of cancer? Key warning signs include: an unexplained lump or swelling; unexplained weight loss; persistent fatigue; changes in a mole or skin lesion; unexplained bleeding; persistent cough or hoarseness; difficulty swallowing; and persistent abdominal pain. Any unexplained or persistent symptom should be assessed by a GP. ### How can I reduce my cancer risk? Key evidence-based steps include: not smoking; maintaining a healthy weight; limiting alcohol; eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruit and wholegrains; being physically active; attending cancer screening programmes; and protecting skin from UV radiation. ### Why are cancer survival rates lower in developing countries? In the UK, overall five-year cancer survival is around 50%. In low-income countries, survival is often below 30% — due to late diagnosis (when patients present at stage III or IV), limited access to surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and shortage of trained oncologists. World Aid Network specifically targets this gap, funding treatment through locally-licensed oncologists in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. ### How much does it cost to fund cancer treatment through World Aid Network? Every donation goes directly towards cancer treatment costs for patients who cannot afford care. Even a small regular gift helps cover the cost of diagnostic tests, medication and surgical procedures delivered through our partner oncologists. Visit our Cancer Emergency Appeal to see the current target and how funds are being used. ### Which UK cancer charities actually pay for treatment? Most large UK cancer charities fund research, information or UK patient support rather than overseas clinical bills. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment costs for patients who cannot afford care in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia, delivered by locally licensed oncologists, for all types of cancer. Compare approaches on /cancer-charities. ### Does World Aid Network fund Cancer Research UK-style research? No. World Aid Network does not run a laboratory research programme. Donations are directed to clinical treatment and related care for patients who cannot pay, plus emergency relief under the charity's Objects. Readers seeking research funding should support dedicated research charities; readers seeking treatment access funding can support World Aid Network's Cancer Emergency Appeal. ### Can donations cover chemotherapy and surgery, not just advice? Yes. World Aid Network's cancer funding is for clinical care pathways — such as imaging, biopsy, surgery and chemotherapy where clinically indicated and available through partner facilities — for eligible patients who cannot afford private treatment. Exact pathway components depend on diagnosis, stage and partner hospital capacity. ### Why fund cancer care overseas if the NHS treats cancer in the UK? The NHS provides cancer care free at the point of use in the UK. In many low- and middle-income settings, including communities World Aid Network serves, patients face large out-of-pocket costs and limited oncology capacity. World Aid Network exists to fund treatment access for those patients, not to replace NHS services in Britain. ### How do I know a cancer donation will not be used for admin? Donations restricted to the cancer programme fund patient treatment costs at partner facilities. World Aid Network states that administrative costs are met from separate unrestricted funds. Full Charity Commission accounts will be published once registration is granted (application 5290505). Until then, programme scope and the no-cash-to-individuals policy are set out on the site's transparency pages. ### Do you fund childhood or paediatric cancer treatment? Yes. Childhood cancer treatment — chemotherapy, surgery and supportive care for families who cannot pay — is part of the Cancer Emergency Appeal. Continuity funding matters: children should not stop mid-course because a bill cannot be paid. See /childhood-cancer-treatment. ### Do you fund blood cancer, breast cancer or prostate cancer care? Yes. The Cancer Emergency Appeal funds all types of cancer, including breast cancer, prostate cancer and blood cancers (leukaemia and lymphoma). We fund diagnosis and treatment access overseas — not laboratory research into blood cancer therapeutics. ### Do donations fund immunotherapy, clinical trials or cancer research? No. Immunotherapy breakthroughs and clinical trials are typically funded by research institutes and large research charities. World Aid Network does not run trials or research labs. Donations pay for existing clinical pathways — imaging, surgery, chemotherapy and related care — for patients who cannot afford them. ### Is this the same as patient financial support from Macmillan-style charities? UK patient support charities often provide helplines, benefits advice and emotional support inside Britain. World Aid Network funds clinical treatment costs for patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia who face out-of-pocket oncology bills. Both roles matter; they are not interchangeable. ## How you can help Donate to the Cancer Emergency Appeal at https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — Cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer/ - Cancer Research UK - WHO / Lancet Oncology (low-income survival context) --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health.