# World Aid Network — full content corpus > World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. > 233 documents. Index: https://worldaidnetwork.org/llms.txt · Chunk manifest: https://worldaidnetwork.org/geo-chunks/manifest.json # About Us | Who We Are | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/about > About World Aid Network: a UK charity funding eye surgery, cancer treatment and disaster relief across three countries. Learn our mission and trustees. # About Us World Aid Network is a UK humanitarian charity funding sight-restoring eye surgery, cancer treatment and emergency disaster relief for poor and disaster-affected families. Quick answer World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration funding sight-restoring eye surgery, cancer treatment and emergency disaster relief for poor and disaster-affected families. It works strictly within its 2 charitable Objects, with all clinical care delivered by locally-licensed doctors at trusted partner hospitals and community organisations. ## What does a focused charity doing a few things well look like? World Aid Network was set up to do two things very well. We fund sight-restoring eye surgery and cancer treatment for poor patients who cannot afford private care, and we fund emergency food, clean water and shelter for families who have been displaced by floods, earthquakes and other natural disasters. We work through trusted local partner hospitals and community organisations in each country. All clinical care is delivered by locally-licensed and registered doctors and surgeons. We do not run our own clinics or operate our own emergency teams overseas. [Support Our Mission ](/donate) 2 Charitable Objects 3 Countries supported Local Clinical care by licensed doctors Pending CIO registration (application 5290505); Gift Aid not available ## Where Your Donation Goes ### Sight-Restoring Eye Surgery Funding cataract operations and other sight-restoring eye surgery for poor patients, delivered by locally-licensed ophthalmic surgeons. ### Cancer Treatment Funding life-saving cancer treatment — including breast cancer, childhood cancers and other forms — for patients who cannot afford private care. ### Emergency Disaster Relief Emergency food, clean drinking water and shelter for families displaced by floods, earthquakes and other natural disasters. ### Seasonal Relief Winter warmth, blankets and hot food for families displaced by disaster when shelter alone is not enough to keep families safe. [See All Our Projects ](/projects) ## What are our values? ### Compassion With Focus We commit fully to a clear remit set by our two charitable objects: sight-restoring eye surgery, cancer treatment and disaster relief. ### Full Accountability We will publish money received, partner payments and delivery reports for each programme once they are reconciled and approved. ### Local-First Approach All clinical care and emergency relief is delivered by locally-licensed clinicians and trusted local partner organisations on the ground. ### Within Our Objects We work strictly within our two charitable Objects. If a request falls outside them, we say so honestly and signpost to others. ## What is our operating model? 01 ### You Donate Your gift goes to the programme you choose. We do not fund research or run our own overseas teams. 02 ### Local Partners Deliver We work with PMDC, KKI and MMC-registered hospitals and trusted community organisations. All clinicians are locally licensed. 03 ### Lives Change Patients receive surgery or treatment they could not otherwise afford. Disaster-affected families receive food, water and shelter. ## How does every donation change a life? Every gift goes to the programme you choose and is paid to vetted partners, never as cash to individuals. [Donate Now](/donate) [Get in Touch](/contact) --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Is World Aid Network Registered? | Registration Status > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/about/registration-status > Not yet. World Aid Network has applied to register as a CIO (Charity Commission application 5290505). See what is confirmed, what is pending and why. Quick answer World Aid Network has applied to register as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in England and Wales — application reference 5290505, ICO registration ZC156579\. There is not yet a registered charity number. Card donations are open. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks. __World Aid Network — legal and regulatory references (as published on this site)__ | Legal form | Proposed Charitable Incorporated Organisation (registration application in progress) | | ------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Charity Commission status | Registration in progress — application reference 5290505 | | ICO registration | ZC156579 | | Registered office | International House, 51 Borough High Street, London SE1 1NB, United Kingdom | | Contact | info@worldaidnetwork.org | | Donations | Card checkout is open — [donate now](/donate). Gift Aid is not yet claimable. | | Gift Aid | Not currently available. Future claims require HMRC recognition, valid declarations and eligible donations | ## What do these references mean? An application reference is not a registered charity number. A CIO is created by registration with the Charity Commission. ICO registration relates to data protection and does not establish charitable status or HMRC recognition. [Charity Commission guidance on structures](https://www.gov.uk/setting-up-charity/structures) · [HMRC Gift Aid requirements](https://www.gov.uk/claim-gift-aid) ## How the charity is governed today World Aid Network is governed by named trustees under a written constitution, with two defined charitable objects: funding medical treatment (sight-restoring eye surgery and cancer treatment) and emergency disaster relief for people who cannot afford care. It operates a strict no-cash policy — funds are paid directly to partner hospitals against trustee-approved named patient lists, never as cash to individuals. The charity publishes its full policy suite — 14 documents covering governance, financial controls, safeguarding and legal compliance — at [worldaidnetwork.org/our-policies](/our-policies). How treatment is funded and verified is explained at [how we work](/how-we-work) and [where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes). ## How is my donation protected while registration is pending? The trustees adopted these controls on 30 April 2026\. They apply now, before registration: - Every payment needs authorisation by two unrelated trustees ([Financial Controls Policy](/downloads/WAN%5FFinancial%5FControls%5FPolicy.pdf)). - Overseas funds go only by regulated bank transfer, under a strict no-cash policy for international transfers. - Partners pass due diligence first, and large grants are released in stages after evidence and receipts are reviewed ([Grant-Making Policy](/downloads/WAN%5FGrant%5FMaking%5FPolicy.pdf)). - Card payments are processed by Stripe; we never see your full card number. - Formal complaints are acknowledged within 5 working days ([how to complain](/our-policies#complaints)). You can read the [constitution submitted with our application](/downloads/World%5FAid%5FNetwork%5FConstitution.pdf) and see [where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes). ## What changes when registration completes 1. The registered charity number is published on every page of this site, in place of the application reference. 2. Gift Aid also requires HMRC recognition, valid declarations and eligible donations. Charity Commission registration alone does not make a gift eligible. Card donations are already open. 3. Annual reports and accounts are filed publicly with the Charity Commission. ## Frequently asked questions Is World Aid Network a registered charity? Not yet. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration. Its application to the Charity Commission for England and Wales is in progress under reference 5290505\. This page will show the registered charity number the day it is granted. Is World Aid Network legitimate? World Aid Network publishes the following application and data-protection references: Charity Commission application 5290505 and ICO registration ZC156579\. It is governed by trustees under a written constitution, operates a strict no-cash policy (funds go directly to partner hospitals), and publishes its full policy suite at worldaidnetwork.org/our-policies. Can I claim Gift Aid on donations? Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks. Card donations are already open at worldaidnetwork.org/donate. What is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)? A CIO is a legal form for charities in England and Wales, created by the Charities Act 2011\. It gives the charity its own legal personality (it can hold property and contracts in its own name) and limits trustees' personal liability, while being regulated solely by the Charity Commission. What changes when registration completes? If registration is granted, we will publish the charity number and required reports. Gift Aid also requires separate HMRC recognition, eligible donations and valid declarations. Card donations are already open. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Emergency Appeals > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal > Last reviewed: 2026-10-25 ## In short World Aid Network runs eleven appeals in three areas: disaster relief (food, water, hygiene and shelter), cancer treatment and cataract eye surgery, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Choose an appeal and give by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay on its page. Gift Aid is not currently available. Choose where your gift goes: emergency food, water and shelter after disasters, or treatment for patients who cannot pay. Every appeal is delivered through local partners in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Disaster gifts fund food, water, hygiene kits and shelter in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia only — not reconstruction, cash grants or medical clinics. ## Which disaster appeals can I donate to? Donate to the Humanitarian Appeal, Crisis Appeal, Disasters Emergency Relief, the Indonesia Earthquake and Tsunami Appeal, the Pakistan Floods Appeal, the standing Floods and Earthquake Appeal, the Hunger Crisis Appeal or the Clean Water Emergency Appeal. - Emergency Floods & Earthquake Appeal — Earthquake appeal · flood appeal · monsoon · winter survival items. Gives to the standing emergency relief fund, for floods and earthquakes in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/emergency-floods - Disasters Emergency Relief — Disasters Emergency Relief · food · water · hygiene kits · shelter kits. Our standing fund for food, safe water, hygiene supplies and shelter after any disaster. Trustees send it where need is greatest. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/disasters-emergency-relief - Humanitarian Appeal — Humanitarian Appeal · food · water · hygiene kits · shelter kits. Gives to the same standing emergency relief fund, for families caught up in a humanitarian emergency. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/humanitarian-appeal - Crisis Appeal — Crisis Appeal · food · water · hygiene kits · shelter kits. Gives to the same standing emergency relief fund, for families when a crisis takes their home. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/crisis-appeal - Indonesia Emergency Appeal — Indonesia Earthquake Appeal · Indonesia Tsunami Appeal · hygiene kits · shelter kits. Food, safe water and shelter for families after earthquakes, tsunamis and floods in Indonesia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/indonesia-emergency - Hunger Crisis Appeal — Emergency food appeal · food parcels · disaster hunger. Emergency food only, bought from suppliers close to where it is needed after a disaster. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/hunger-crisis - Clean Water Emergency Appeal — Clean water appeal · hygiene kits · safe drinking water. Safe drinking water, purification and hygiene supplies for families after floods and earthquakes. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/clean-water-emergency - Pakistan Floods Appeal — Pakistan Floods Appeal · monsoon · hygiene kits · shelter kits. Food, safe water and shelter for families forced from their homes by monsoon flooding in Pakistan. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/pakistan-emergency ## Which treatment appeals can I donate to? - Cancer Emergency Appeal — Cancer treatment · all types · not research. Scans, surgery or chemotherapy for patients who cannot afford the treatment their doctor recommends, for every type of cancer. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency - Gift of Sight Appeal — Cataract care · assessment and follow-up · Gift of Sight. Cataract surgery and eye care for patients who cannot afford it. £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/gift-of-sight ## How to donate to an emergency appeal from the UK Donate by card to a World Aid Network emergency appeal so local partners can deliver food, water and shelter, or partner hospitals can deliver cancer treatment and cataract surgery. - Choose an appeal: Open this page and pick the Humanitarian Appeal, Crisis Appeal, Disasters Emergency Relief, or the earthquake, tsunami, flood, hunger, water, cancer or Gift of Sight appeal that matches how you want to help. - Give by card: Donate on the appeal page by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. You do not need to send parcels from Britain. - Optional: give monthly: A monthly gift keeps kits and treatment funded between headlines. - Share the appeal: Tell a workplace, mosque, church or friends. Gather gifts and donate them here. ## Where does my donation go? Trustees release funds to local partners and partner hospitals. Disaster supplies are bought nearby. Treatment bills are paid to registered hospitals. We never send cash to individuals. How emergency relief works: https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief ## How else can you help after a disaster? - Humanitarian Appeal — Standing fund — food, water, hygiene kits and shelter in a humanitarian emergency. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/humanitarian-appeal - Crisis Appeal — Standing fund — food, water, hygiene kits and shelter when a crisis hits. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/crisis-appeal - Disasters Emergency Relief — Standing fund — food, water, hygiene kits and shelter after disaster. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/disasters-emergency-relief - Emergency relief — How food, water, hygiene kits and shelter work after a disaster. https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief - Flood relief guide — How to help after monsoon and flash floods. https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief/floods - Earthquake relief guide — Why the first 72 hours after a quake matter. https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief/earthquakes - First Aid — How to give first aid in the UK — 999, bleeding, burns, choking and CPR. https://worldaidnetwork.org/first-aid - Pakistan Floods Appeal — Monsoon flooding — food, water, hygiene kits and shelter. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/pakistan-emergency - Malaysia Floods Appeal — Northeast Monsoon flooding — food, water, hygiene kits and shelter. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/malaysia-emergency - Food aid charity — Emergency food parcels after disaster. https://worldaidnetwork.org/food-aid-charity - Clean water charity — Water charity — emergency drinking water, not wells. https://worldaidnetwork.org/clean-water-charity - How we work — Grants to local partners, not cash to individuals. https://worldaidnetwork.org/how-we-work - Emergency relief calculator — See what a gift of food, water or shelter can provide. https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief-calculator ## Frequently asked questions ### How can I donate to an emergency appeal from the UK? Open an appeal on this page and give by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. That is the useful thing to do. Do not send clothes, tins or bottled water from Britain unless a partner has asked in writing. Local partners buy food, water, hygiene kits and shelter materials nearby. ### How can I help people after an earthquake, tsunami or flood? Donate to the Humanitarian Appeal or Crisis Appeal for food, water, hygiene kits and shelter; Disasters Emergency Relief after any disaster; the Indonesia Earthquake and Tsunami Appeal for shocks there, including Flores on 15 August 2026; the Pakistan Floods Appeal for monsoon flooding in Pakistan; or the standing Floods and Earthquake Appeal for all three Object countries. Gifts become emergency food, clean water, hygiene kits and shelter — not reconstruction. ### Do you run a first aid appeal? No. First Aid on this site is a free written skills guide at /first-aid, not a fundraising appeal. The British Red Cross teaches first aid in the UK. Disaster gifts on this page are food, water, hygiene kits and shelter. ### Is the Humanitarian Appeal the same as the Crisis Appeal? Yes, in purpose. The Humanitarian Appeal, the Crisis Appeal and Disasters Emergency Relief all give to the same standing fund for emergency food, clean water, hygiene kits and shelter, through the same local partners, so you can give to any of them. If you are unsure, choose Disasters Emergency Relief. The Hunger Crisis Appeal funds food only. ### Is the Pakistan Floods Appeal still open? Yes. World Aid Network’s Pakistan Floods Appeal is a standing appeal. Donate here if you want local partners to deliver emergency food, clean water, hygiene kits and shelter in Pakistan. We do not rebuild homes, send cash to individuals, or run medical clinics from disaster gifts. ### Why give to a standing disaster fund instead of waiting for a television appeal? A standing appeal allows donors to support preparedness and response. Distribution depends on assessed needs, available funding, partner capacity and access. You do not have to wait for a new campaign. Monthly gifts keep kits ready between headlines. ### What will my donation provide? On disaster appeals: emergency food, safe drinking water, hygiene kits and temporary shelter, including shelter kits and winter warmth where families are still displaced. On the Cancer Emergency Appeal: imaging, surgery or chemotherapy for any cancer type. On Gift of Sight: contributions towards cataract surgery and eye care; £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. ### Where does my donation go? Trustees release funds to local partners and partner hospitals in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Disaster supplies are bought nearby. Treatment bills are paid to registered hospitals. We never send cash to individuals. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks. ### Do disaster appeals fund medical care, cash or rebuilding? No. Emergency relief Objects are food, clean water and temporary shelter. Hygiene kits sit with water because dirty water spreads disease. Cancer treatment and eye surgery are separate appeals. Reconstruction, livelihoods, cash grants and mobile health clinics are outside these disaster appeals. ### Can I give monthly? Yes. A monthly donation keeps earthquake, flood and treatment funds ready before the next headline. You can also give once on any appeal page. ### Will Gift Aid apply? Gift Aid is not currently available. World Aid Network has applied to register as a CIO (application 5290505); Gift Aid claims would also need HMRC recognition and an eligible declaration from each donor. ### Which countries can you help? Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia only — the countries in our charitable Objects. We cannot send disaster gifts to another country. ## How you can help Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Cancer Emergency Appeal > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short The Cancer Emergency Appeal helps patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia who cannot afford cancer treatment, for every type of cancer. Your gift helps pay for scans, surgery or chemotherapy that a patient’s doctor has recommended but the family cannot afford. Locally licensed oncologists at partner hospitals provide the care. Give by card on this page. Help a patient who cannot afford cancer treatment get the scan, operation or chemotherapy their doctor has recommended. Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency ## At a glance - Programme focus: Cancer diagnosis and treatment - Countries covered: Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia - Reporting: Verified appeal totals and delivery reports are not yet published - Any amount: A contribution to the programme, not a guaranteed outcome ## What is the Cancer Emergency Appeal? The Cancer Emergency Appeal raises money so we can pay for cancer treatment that poor patients cannot afford in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. This appeal funds all types of cancer. Your gift becomes imaging, biopsy, surgery or chemotherapy — not a research grant. In the UK, the NHS treats cancer without a bill at the door. In the communities we serve, a family often pays out of pocket. A scan, a biopsy, a cycle of chemotherapy — any one of those can be the reason a patient goes home untreated. A mother sits with a letter from a hospital and a sum she cannot find. That wait is where your donation matters. We will use your gift to pay the cost of care that a locally licensed doctor has already recommended, in a registered hospital. World Aid Network does not run hospitals and does not employ oncologists. We fund the bill that stands between a patient and treatment. You do not have to travel. You do not have to send medicines from Britain. The most useful thing you can do tonight is donate. Gifts of any amount contribute towards clinically recommended cancer care; costs depend on the patient and hospital quote. ## Why do cancer patients need your help? Cost, not the cancer itself, is why so many patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia go untreated. Families should not have to choose between a hospital bill and food for the week. A woman with a breast lump she can feel may still wait, because the mammogram and the biopsy have a price. A child with leukaemia may start chemotherapy and stop when the money runs out. A man with early prostate cancer may never start hormone treatment. In Britain those pathways sit inside the NHS. Where we work, they sit on a family’s kitchen table as an invoice. Lung cancer is the world’s leading cancer killer — about 1.8 million deaths a year. WHO estimates about 280,000 cervical cancer deaths in 2024, with the highest rates in low- and middle-income countries, even though it is among the most preventable cancers when found early. Childhood cancer survival is around 80% with funded treatment in high-income countries and often under 20% for a poor family without funded care. Those figures are why this appeal exists. The cameras leave. The course of chemotherapy does not. Please do not wait for the next headline. Give now to the Cancer Emergency Appeal so a patient already in a partner hospital is not sent home mid-treatment. ## How can I donate to the Cancer Emergency Appeal? You can give on this page by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Your donation to the Cancer Emergency Appeal becomes treatment for a patient who cannot pay. A monthly gift means the next patient is not left waiting. Give the amount that feels right for you. Use the form beside this appeal, or open the donate page and choose cancer treatment. Keep this appeal selected. That gift is your donation to the Cancer Emergency Appeal. We will turn it into imaging, surgery or chemotherapy at a partner hospital. If you can, give every month. Cancer treatment is a course, not a single afternoon. A regular gift means partners can keep treating people who cannot pay without waiting for a new fundraising drive. A one-off gift still matters. If your mosque, church, workplace or friends are collecting, gather what you can and donate it here. Tell them it will pay a hospital bill for a patient in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia. That is the whole of the ask. ## What cancer treatment does this appeal fund? We fund the clinical pathway a partner hospital can deliver: imaging, biopsy, surgery, chemotherapy and related medicines for patients who cannot pay. This appeal covers all types of cancer. Breast cancer, lung cancer, bowel cancer, prostate cancer, cervical cancer, blood cancers, childhood cancers and other types are all in scope. Guides on this site cover nineteen cancers. Funding follows what a licensed partner oncologist has recommended and the hospital can give. We do not promise a named drug from a UK private clinic. We do not fly patients to Britain. We fund what a PMDC-registered doctor in Pakistan, a KKI-registered doctor in Indonesia or an MMC-registered doctor in Malaysia has recommended, in a registered hospital. Continuity matters: a child on chemotherapy should not stop mid-course because the money ran out. Your gift is how a recommended treatment becomes a given treatment. - Imaging and biopsy to confirm a diagnosis - Surgery when a partner hospital can operate - Chemotherapy sessions and related medicines - Continuity funding so a course already started is not abandoned ## Does this appeal fund every type of cancer? Yes. The Cancer Emergency Appeal funds treatment for all types of cancer — breast, lung, bowel, prostate, cervical, blood cancers, childhood cancers and others — when a partner hospital can deliver the care a licensed oncologist has recommended. Cancer does not discriminate by type. For a poor patient, the barrier is the same whether the diagnosis is breast cancer, leukaemia, bowel cancer or a childhood tumour — the bill. Trustees direct gifts to the most urgent shortfall: a child mid-leukaemia course, a cervical surgery list, a woman whose breast cancer treatment has a gap, a man who cannot pay for prostate treatment. Guides on this site cover nineteen cancer types so people can understand symptoms and tests. This appeal funds the treatment itself. We do not run research labs. We do not replace the NHS. We pay hospital bills in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. A donation to the Cancer Emergency Appeal is a donation to a patient who cannot pay for the pathway that would be routine on the NHS. ## Why is cancer survival so much lower for poor patients? Because they pay out of pocket. In the UK, NHS care is free at the point of use. In Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia a scan or a cycle of chemotherapy can be unaffordable. People present late, abandon treatment, and die of cost. A woman with early-stage breast cancer can be cured with surgery. A child with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia who completes a funded course has a high chance of remission. A man with early prostate cancer can live for years on hormone treatment. Without money, those sentences do not happen. The cancer is the same biology. The invoice is the difference. Late presentation makes everything harder and more expensive. Families delay a GP visit because they fear the tests that follow. By the time they reach a partner hospital, disease that could have been treated early is advanced. Your gift to the Cancer Emergency Appeal is how a family can say yes to the next appointment. We cannot change a country’s health system overnight. We can pay for the patient in front of a licensed oncologist this week. ## Why does blood cancer need continuity funding? Leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma are treated with long chemotherapy courses. Stopping mid-way because a family cannot pay is more dangerous than a delayed start — remaining cells can become resistant. Unlike some solid tumours that can be removed in an operation, blood cancers need months or years of drugs. Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia — the most common childhood blood cancer — achieves remission in over 90% of patients who complete a full funded course. Mid-course abandonment turns a curable cancer into a death sentence. The Cancer Emergency Appeal prioritises continuity for patients already in a partner pathway who are at risk of stopping. That is not a slogan. It is a trustee decision when a hospital says the money has run out and the child is mid-protocol. A monthly gift matches a long course. A one-off gift still bridges a gap. Donate to the Cancer Emergency Appeal so treatment is not abandoned for want of a bill. ## Why is childhood cancer survival so unequal? A child with cancer in a high-income country has around an 80% chance of survival with funded treatment. For a poor family without funded care, that figure often falls below 20%. Childhood cancers are rarely caused by anything a parent did. They respond well to treatment when the treatment is given. The heartbreaking difference is geography and money. Specialist children’s protocols exist in partner hospitals. The barrier is paying for them. Childhood treatment is part of this appeal — and continuity for a child already on chemotherapy is exactly the kind of urgent shortfall trustees can meet. You cannot send a protocol from the UK in a parcel. You can pay for the protocol that is already written, in a hospital that is already licensed. Give today. ## Why are lung, liver and cervical cancers so deadly where we work? Tobacco, hepatitis and missing screening drive preventable deaths. Indonesia’s adult male smoking rate is among the world’s highest. Pakistan carries a very high hepatitis C burden. Cervical cancer kills hundreds of thousands of women a year, mostly where smear tests and HPV vaccination are limited. Lung cancer: adult male smoking rates in Indonesia exceed 70%, and tobacco use is widespread across all three countries. Air pollution from industry and biomass cooking fuel adds risk. Liver cancer: Pakistan has one of the world’s heaviest burdens of chronic hepatitis C, and Indonesia has a significant hepatitis B burden. Both viruses cause cirrhosis over decades, which leads to hepatocellular carcinoma. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers when HPV vaccination and screening exist. In many of the communities we serve, those programmes are limited and cultural barriers delay examination. Most women are diagnosed when the cancer is already advanced. More than 90% of the 342,000 women who die of cervical cancer each year globally are in low- and middle-income countries. This appeal does not run a vaccination campaign or a national screening service. It pays for treatment a partner hospital can give to a patient who cannot pay. - Breast cancer — Imaging, biopsy, surgery and chemotherapy can cure early disease — if the bill is paid - Childhood / blood cancers — Long chemotherapy courses fail if a family stops mid-way - Cervical cancer — Preventable with screening; deadly when women present late and cannot pay - Lung and liver cancer — High burden from tobacco and hepatitis; treatment is still a bill ## What will my donation to the Cancer Emergency Appeal provide? Your donation pays treatment costs at partner hospitals. Gifts of any amount contribute towards clinically recommended cancer care; costs depend on the patient and hospital quote. Suggested amounts are contributions, not published partner quotes or guaranteed outcomes. Please choose an amount and donate. The figures below are typical costs partners quote. They are a guide to what kindness can buy — a week of medicines, a blood test, a chemotherapy session, a scan, a course of drugs, an operation. What a patient receives depends on the diagnosis, the hospital and what they need that week. That is the promise of this appeal. You give. We turn your money into treatment for someone who cannot pay. Please do not leave the page without giving if you are able. - £10 — contribution towards cancer diagnosis and treatment - £25 — contribution towards cancer diagnosis and treatment - £50 — contribution towards cancer diagnosis and treatment - £100 — contribution towards cancer diagnosis and treatment - £250 — contribution towards cancer diagnosis and treatment - £500 — contribution towards cancer diagnosis and treatment ## How does my donation reach a cancer patient? You donate. Trustees release funds to partner hospitals in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Locally licensed oncologists treat the patient. We do not send cash to individuals. Partner hospitals identify patients with clinical need who cannot pay. Trustees approve grants against that need. Funds pay the hospital, not a middle-person in cash. Care is delivered under national medical registration — PMDC in Pakistan, KKI in Indonesia, MMC in Malaysia. Buying the treatment locally is the point. The surgeon is already there. The theatre is already there. The missing piece is the bill. If you want to give in memory of someone, or as a group, write to info@worldaidnetwork.org and we will mark the gift for the Cancer Emergency Appeal. ## How quickly will my donation help a cancer patient? Card donations are processed straight away. Trustees release grants when a partner hospital has a verified patient who cannot pay. Chemotherapy and surgery follow the hospital’s own list, not a UK news cycle. Your gift still means a patient can start or continue without waiting for a new campaign. Money that has already been given can move when a hospital says a woman needs a mastectomy she cannot afford, or a child is about to miss the next cycle. That is why a standing Cancer Emergency Appeal matters more than a one-day fundraiser after a famous diagnosis. ## How can I donate to cancer treatment from the UK? You can give on this page by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. From the UK, that is the simplest way to fund treatment for a patient overseas who cannot pay. You are not paying for NHS care. You are paying a bill in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia. You do not need to send medicines from Britain. You do not need to travel. Parcels of tablets usually arrive late, may be the wrong drug, and cost more than paying the hospital in front of the patient. The useful thing a supporter in London, Birmingham, Glasgow or a village hall can do is give. If your workplace, school, mosque or church is collecting, bring the money here. Gift Aid requires HMRC recognition, donor eligibility and a valid declaration. We will tell donors when that happens. ## Can I give monthly to the Cancer Emergency Appeal? Yes — a monthly donation means the next patient is not left waiting for a one-off drive. Please set up a regular gift on this page. Even a small monthly amount helps a hospital keep treating people who cannot pay. You can also give in memory of someone you love. Chemotherapy is a course. Disasters of cost do not follow a fundraising calendar. A regular gift means we can say yes when a partner asks for the next cycle, the next scan, the next operation. Please start a monthly gift at the amount that is comfortable for you. You can change it later. If you would rather give once, that gift is welcome too. Donate today. ## Does the Cancer Emergency Appeal fund research? No. Donations pay hospital bills for patients who cannot pay. We do not run laboratories, trials or UK private clinics. Support a research charity if you want laboratory science. Both jobs matter. They are not the same job. World Aid Network’s Objects for this appeal are treatment for poor patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Immunotherapy breakthroughs and clinical trials are typically funded by research institutes. We do not promise named brand drugs from a UK private menu. That is the whole of the Cancer Emergency Appeal. ## What will a donation provide? - £10: Contribution towards cancer diagnosis and treatment - £25: Contribution towards cancer diagnosis and treatment - £50: Contribution towards cancer diagnosis and treatment - £100: Contribution towards cancer diagnosis and treatment - £250: Contribution towards cancer diagnosis and treatment - £500: Contribution towards cancer diagnosis and treatment ## How to donate to the Cancer Emergency Appeal Donate to the Cancer Emergency Appeal so World Aid Network can fund imaging, surgery and chemotherapy for patients who cannot pay. - Open this appeal: Stay on this page or go to worldaidnetwork.org/donate. - Choose cancer treatment: Select the Cancer Emergency Appeal. - Give by card: Pay by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. - Optional: give monthly: A monthly gift keeps treatment funded between campaigns. ## Frequently asked questions ### Does this appeal fund Cancer Research UK-style research? No. Donations pay for clinical treatment at partner hospitals. We do not run laboratories or trials. ### Is this for NHS cancer care in Britain? No. The NHS treats cancer in the UK. This appeal funds patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia who face bills they cannot pay. ### Which cancers do you fund? All types. The Cancer Emergency Appeal funds treatment for any cancer a partner hospital can deliver — breast, lung, bowel, prostate, cervical, blood cancers, childhood cancers and others. Guides on the site cover nineteen types. We fund the hospital bill, not research. ### Who treats the patient? Locally licensed oncologists and surgeons in registered hospitals. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment through local providers. ### Can I donate in memory of someone? Yes. Write to info@worldaidnetwork.org and we will mark the gift for the Cancer Emergency Appeal. ### Will Gift Aid apply? Gift Aid requires HMRC recognition, donor eligibility and a valid declaration. We will contact donors when that happens. ### Can I send cancer medicines from the UK? Please do not. Parcels usually arrive late, may be the wrong drug, and cost more than paying the hospital in front of the patient. Donate on this page instead. ### How quickly does my gift help? Card donations are processed immediately. Grants go to partner hospitals when they have a verified patient who cannot pay. Chemotherapy and surgery follow the hospital list, not a news cycle. ### Can I give monthly? Yes. A monthly donation to the Cancer Emergency Appeal matches the reality of a chemotherapy course. You can also give a one-off gift. ### Is this the same as the Gift of Sight Appeal? No. Gift of Sight funds cataract and other sight-restoring surgery. This appeal funds cancer treatment. You can donate to either. ## How you can help Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - WHO — Cancer: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Clean Water Emergency Appeal > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/clean-water-emergency > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short The Clean Water Emergency Appeal funds safe drinking water and hygiene supplies for families after floods and earthquakes in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Depending on the situation, partners may supply purification tablets, bottled water or household filters. Gifts of any amount contribute; quantities depend on local quotes and assessed needs. Give by card on this page. Safe drinking water and hygiene supplies for families after floods and earthquakes. Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/clean-water-emergency ## At a glance - Programme focus: Safe drinking water and purification - Countries covered: Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia - Reporting: Verified appeal totals and delivery reports are not yet published - Any amount: A contribution to the programme, not a guaranteed outcome ## What is the Clean Water Emergency Appeal? This appeal funds safe drinking water for disaster-affected families in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Floods spoil wells. Earthquakes break pipes. Your gift becomes purification, bottled water or a household filter — not a new city reservoir. A family can run from a flood and still drink dirty water that night. Children dehydrate fast. Cholera, typhoid and dysentery follow spoiled wells. In past disasters, disease after the flood has killed people the water itself did not. That wait is where your donation matters. We do not build permanent water networks from this appeal. Reconstruction sits outside our Objects. You do not have to ship bottles from Britain. The most useful thing you can do tonight is donate. Gifts of any amount contribute towards emergency drinking water; quantities depend on local quotes and assessed needs. ## Why is water the next emergency after a flood or quake? Wells are spoiled. Pipes break. People drink what they can find. Unsafe water can increase the risk of illness. Dirty water is often the next killer. The cameras show the flood. They rarely show the child with diarrhoea a few days later. This fund exists as its own appeal so donors who want their gift to buy water can say so. Broader emergency relief still includes water. Use this page if you want the gift marked for water. ## How can I donate to the clean water emergency appeal? You can give on this page by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Gifts of any amount contribute towards emergency drinking water; quantities depend on local quotes and assessed needs. A monthly gift means the next flood does not find the water fund empty. Use the form beside this appeal. Keep this appeal selected. That gift is your donation to the Clean Water Emergency Appeal. Money is more useful than shipping bottles from the UK. Partners buy or purify water nearby. A container of British bottles is slow and expensive. If your community is collecting, bring the money here. ## How is clean water delivered after a disaster? Partners use what the ground allows: bottled water in the first days, household purification tablets, point-of-use filters, and mobile units for larger camps. Where roads are cut, boats and motorbikes still move tablets and jerrycans. Pre-positioned stocks in high-risk areas shorten the wait. Your gift is what fills those stocks. - Purification tablets — Gifts of any amount contribute towards emergency drinking water; quantities depend on local quotes and assessed needs. - Bottled water — First days, when wells are unsafe and cooking water is gone - Household filters — Families who will be displaced for longer than a few days - Hygiene kits — Soap, jerrycans and sanitary items so dirty water does not become the next killer ## Why is access to safe drinking water urgent after disaster? Flood damage to water supplies can increase exposure to unsafe water. Your gift shortens that wait. Money that has already been given can move when the flood comes. A standing water fund matters more than a late appeal after the first cases of diarrhoea. ## Should I fund tablets, bottles or filters? You do not have to choose. Trustees and partners use what the ground allows that week. Figures on this page are a guide to typical costs, not a menu you pick for a named village. Tablets treat water a family already has. Bottles help when there is nothing safe to treat. Filters help a household that will be displaced longer. Mobile units serve more people in a camp. Partners will kit what is needed. ## What will my donation to the Clean Water Emergency Appeal provide? Your donation pays for emergency safe water. Gifts of any amount contribute towards emergency drinking water; quantities depend on local quotes and assessed needs. Please choose an amount and donate. What a family receives depends on the disaster and the ground. That is the promise of this appeal. You give. We turn your money into something safe to drink. - £10 — contribution towards safe drinking water and purification - £25 — contribution towards safe drinking water and purification - £50 — contribution towards safe drinking water and purification - £100 — contribution towards safe drinking water and purification - £250 — contribution towards safe drinking water and purification - £500 — contribution towards safe drinking water and purification ## How does my donation reach a family who needs water? You donate. Trustees release funds when disaster-driven water need is confirmed. Local partners buy purification, bottled water or filters nearby and deliver them. We do not send cash to individuals. If you want to give in memory of someone, or as a group, write to info@worldaidnetwork.org and we will mark the gift for the Clean Water Emergency Appeal. ## How quickly will my donation become safe drinking water? Card donations are processed straight away. Delivery timing depends on assessed need, access, available funds and partner capacity; no response time is guaranteed. Cut roads take longer. Your gift still means a family can drink without waiting for a new campaign. ## How can I donate emergency water from the UK? You can give on this page by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. A card gift from the United Kingdom buys purification and safe water where the disaster is. That is the useful thing to do. Give once, or give every month. Please do not ship bottles from Britain. If you want a broader disaster gift covering food and shelter as well, use the Emergency Floods Appeal. Use this page if you want your gift marked for water. ## Can I give monthly to the Clean Water Emergency Appeal? Yes — a monthly donation keeps purification stocks ready. Please set up a regular gift on this page. Even a small monthly amount helps partners answer the next spoiled well. You can also give in memory of someone you love. Please start a monthly gift at the amount that is comfortable for you. You can change it later. If you would rather give once, that gift is welcome too. Donate today. ## Do you dig wells or rebuild city water from this appeal? No. This appeal is emergency access — purification, bottled water, filters and mobile units — not permanent infrastructure. Reconstruction sits outside our Objects. Both jobs matter. They are not the same job. ## Should I send bottled water from Britain? Money is more useful. Partners buy or purify water nearby. Bottles from the UK arrive late and cost more than they help. A card gift on this page is the fastest way to help. A container of British bottles is slow, heavy and often the wrong response. Local purchase is faster and cheaper. ## What will a donation provide? - £10: Contribution towards safe drinking water and purification - £25: Contribution towards safe drinking water and purification - £50: Contribution towards safe drinking water and purification - £100: Contribution towards safe drinking water and purification - £250: Contribution towards safe drinking water and purification - £500: Contribution towards safe drinking water and purification ## How to donate to the Clean Water Emergency Appeal Donate so World Aid Network can fund safe drinking water after disasters. - Open this appeal: Stay on this page or go to worldaidnetwork.org/donate. - Choose emergency relief: Keep the Clean Water Emergency Appeal selected. - Give by card: Pay by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. - Optional: give monthly: A monthly gift keeps purification stocks ready. ## Frequently asked questions ### Why is water a separate appeal? So donors who want their gift to buy water can say so. Broader emergency relief still includes water; this fund is restricted to it. ### Do you dig wells? Not from this appeal. It is emergency access — purification, bottled water, filters, hygiene kits and mobile units — not permanent infrastructure. ### Do you fund hygiene kits? Yes. Hygiene kits sit with this water appeal because dirty water spreads disease after a flood. We do not rebuild sanitation networks. ### Should I send bottled water from Britain? Money is more useful. Local purchase is faster and cheaper. ### How quickly can water be delivered? Delivery timing depends on assessed need, access, available funds and partner capacity. Cut roads take longer. ### Will Gift Aid apply? Gift Aid requires HMRC recognition, donor eligibility and a valid declaration. We will contact donors when that happens. ### Can I give monthly? Yes. A monthly donation keeps purification stocks ready. You can also give a one-off gift. ### Can I donate in memory of someone? Yes. Write to info@worldaidnetwork.org and we will mark the gift for the Clean Water Emergency Appeal. ### What does £10 pay for? Typically water purification tablets making about 200 litres safe to drink. ### How is this different from the Floods Appeal? The Floods Appeal covers food, water and shelter together. This appeal is restricted to emergency drinking water. ### Does this appeal fund cancer treatment? No. Cancer treatment is a separate appeal. This page is for safe water after disaster. ## How you can help Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/clean-water-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=emergency-relief&appeal=clean-water-emergency ## Sources - UNICEF — WASH in emergencies: https://www.unicef.org/wash/emergencies --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Crisis Appeal > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/crisis-appeal > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short World Aid Network’s Crisis Appeal is a standing appeal for emergency food, safe drinking water, hygiene supplies and temporary shelter in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Contributions depend on assessed needs, funding, access and partner capacity. Delivery reports and financial totals will appear when approved; no fixed response time is guaranteed. Food, clean water and shelter for families when a crisis takes their home. Please donate to the Crisis Appeal so we can get food, clean water, hygiene kits and shelter to families when a crisis hits. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/crisis-appeal ## At a glance - Three countries: Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia - Essential relief: Food, water, hygiene and shelter - Reporting: Approved delivery reports not yet published - Any amount: A contribution, not a guaranteed quantity ## What is the Crisis Appeal? The Crisis Appeal is World Aid Network’s standing appeal for emergency food, clean water, hygiene kits and temporary shelter when a crisis hits. Local partners turn your gift into a meal, a drink and a dry place to sleep. We do not rebuild homes or send cash to individuals. A crisis can take everything that keeps a family alive before breakfast: the bed the children slept in, the well in the yard, the rice that was meant to last the week. They run with what they can carry. Then they wait. That wait is where your donation to the Crisis Appeal matters. Contributions support assessed emergency relief needs. Quantities depend on local costs and funding, and delivery depends on access and partner capacity. No fixed amount or response time is guaranteed. ## Why do families need a Crisis Appeal? When a crisis hits, a family can lose the roof, the well and the food store in hours. Children need clean water. Parents need something to cook. Older people need a dry place to sleep. After a shock, people sleep outside because they are afraid the roof will fall. Water pipes break. Wells are spoiled. Dirty water then brings disease. Hunger follows a ruined harvest. Shelter is how a child sleeps without rain on their face. The cameras leave. The need does not. A gift today helps the family still under a tarpaulin, and the family who will need help the next time a crisis hits. Please do not wait for the next headline. Give now to the Crisis Appeal. ## When is a Crisis Appeal needed? A Crisis Appeal is needed when families lose food, water or shelter in a sudden shock or in the weeks after, when hunger and dirty water take hold. The first things people need are the same: a meal, a drink and a roof. A standing fund means they do not wait for a new campaign. Earthquakes give a family seconds. Floods spoil wells. Storms take homes in a night. When winter then arrives for families still in tents, displaced children face twice the mortality risk in the cold. The Crisis Appeal answers those same first needs. Crises do not send a fundraising calendar. ## What will my donation to the Crisis Appeal provide? Contributions support assessed emergency relief needs. Quantities depend on local costs and funding, and delivery depends on access and partner capacity. No fixed amount or response time is guaranteed. The figures below are suggested contributions, not verified partner quotations or guaranteed quantities. What a family receives will depend on the crisis and on what they need that week. That is the promise of the Crisis Appeal. You give. We turn your money into help for people who have lost their homes. - Contributions support assessed emergency relief needs. Quantities depend on local costs and funding, and delivery depends on access and partner capacity. No fixed amount or response time is guaranteed. ## How does the Crisis Appeal reach families? We work with trusted local partners. They buy food, water, hygiene kits and shelter materials close to the families who need them. Your donation is held for the Crisis Appeal and released when people need emergency help. You donate. We hold your gift for this appeal. When a crisis hits, we release funds to local partners. Those partners buy supplies nearby and intend to distribute them to families. If you want to give in memory of someone, or as a group, write to us and we will mark the gift for the Crisis Appeal. ## How quickly will the Crisis Appeal help? Card donations are processed straight away. Once funds are released, partners aim to start delivering food, water and shelter within forty-eight to seventy-two hours of a crisis. Cut roads and remote places can take longer. Your gift still means a family can be reached without waiting for a new fundraising drive. Money that has already been given can move when a crisis is declared. ## How can I donate to the Crisis Appeal from the UK? You can give on this page by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. From the UK, that is the simplest way to give to a Crisis Appeal. If you are collecting as a group, gather the gifts and give them here. Your kindness becomes food, water and shelter. You do not need to travel or send a parcel. You can also open the donate page and choose emergency relief, but the form on this page keeps the Crisis Appeal selected for you. If your mosque, church, workplace or friends are collecting, gather what you can and donate it here in one gift. Money is more useful than clothes, shoes or bottled water from the UK, unless a partner has asked for a specific item in writing. Parcels usually arrive late, and buying locally is faster. ## Can I give monthly to the Crisis Appeal? Yes — a monthly donation keeps the Crisis Appeal ready for the next crisis. Please set up a regular gift on this page. Even a small monthly amount helps partners keep food, water, hygiene kits and shelter ready. You can also give in memory of someone you love. Crises do not follow a fundraising calendar. A regular gift means we can say yes when partners ask for water, food and shelter materials. You can change a monthly gift later. ## Is this the same as the Hunger Crisis Appeal? No. The Hunger Crisis Appeal is restricted to emergency food. The Crisis Appeal funds food, clean water, hygiene kits and temporary shelter together. The Crisis Appeal, the Humanitarian Appeal and Disasters Emergency Relief all give to the same standing emergency relief fund, with the same restriction: food, safe water, hygiene supplies and temporary shelter in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Choose any of them. For a gift focused on one country, use that country’s appeal. ## Does the Crisis Appeal rebuild homes or fund medical care? No. The Crisis Appeal is restricted to emergency food, clean water, hygiene kits and temporary shelter. We do not rebuild houses, send cash to individuals, or run medical clinics from these gifts. Cancer treatment and cataract surgery are separate appeals. We never send cash to individuals. Trustees release funds to vetted local partners who buy supplies nearby. That is how the Crisis Appeal stays fast, and how donor intent is protected. ## Can I send clothes or bottled water instead of donating? A money gift to the Crisis Appeal is more useful, unless a partner has asked for a specific item in writing. Parcels from the UK usually arrive late and cost more than buying locally. A card gift on this page is the fastest way to help a family in a crisis. Clothes, tins and bottles from Britain fill warehouses and miss the first days. Local buying is faster. Until a partner has asked in writing, the kindest thing you can do is donate to the Crisis Appeal today. ## What do disaster sources and appeal reports tell me? Public disaster sources describe needs and responses by the organisations that publish them. WAN’s own fundraising and delivery require separate evidence. Read the reporting panel and dated updates for this appeal’s publication status. Source links below are background information, not partner endorsements or evidence that WAN delivered a particular distribution. ## What will a donation provide? - £10: Contribution towards emergency food, safe water, hygiene and temporary shelter - £25: Contribution towards emergency food, safe water, hygiene and temporary shelter - £50: Contribution towards emergency food, safe water, hygiene and temporary shelter - £100: Contribution towards emergency food, safe water, hygiene and temporary shelter - £250: Contribution towards emergency food, safe water, hygiene and temporary shelter - £500: Contribution towards emergency food, safe water, hygiene and temporary shelter ## Frequently asked questions ### Is this the Hunger Crisis Appeal? No. The Hunger Crisis Appeal is food only. This Crisis Appeal funds food, water, hygiene kits and shelter together. Donate on the page that matches how you want to help. ### Where does my Crisis Appeal donation go? Trustees release funds to vetted local partners. They buy food, water, hygiene kits and shelter materials close to the families who need them. We never send cash to individuals. ### Can I give monthly to the Crisis Appeal? Yes. Please set up a monthly donation on this page. A regular gift keeps kits ready before the next crisis. ### Can I donate in memory of someone? Yes. Please contact info@worldaidnetwork.org and we will mark your gift to the Crisis Appeal in their memory. ### Does this appeal fund eye surgery or cancer care? No. Those are separate programmes. The Crisis Appeal is for food, water, hygiene kits and shelter. Please use Gift of Sight or the Cancer Emergency Appeal for treatment. ### Will Gift Aid apply? Gift Aid depends on HMRC recognition, the donor’s eligibility and a valid declaration. Check WAN’s current donation information before assuming a tax top-up. ## How you can help Please donate to the Crisis Appeal at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/crisis-appeal or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=emergency-relief&appeal=crisis-appeal ## Sources - UNICEF — Water, sanitation and hygiene in emergencies: https://www.unicef.org/wash/emergencies - IFRC — Shelter and settlements: https://www.ifrc.org/our-work/disasters-climate-and-crises/shelter-and-settlements --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Disasters Emergency Relief > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/disasters-emergency-relief > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short World Aid Network’s Disasters Emergency Relief appeal supports food, safe drinking water, hygiene supplies and temporary shelter in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. This is a standing fund, not a live hazard bulletin. Quantities and delivery times depend on assessed needs, funding and access; allocation terms and reporting status are set out below. Food, clean water and shelter for families who have lost their homes to floods, earthquakes or tsunamis. Please donate to Disasters Emergency Relief so we can get food, clean water, hygiene kits and shelter to families after disaster. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/disasters-emergency-relief ## At a glance - Three countries: Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia - Essential relief: Food, water, hygiene and shelter - Reporting: Approved delivery reports not yet published - Any amount: A contribution, not a guaranteed quantity ## What is Disasters Emergency Relief? Disasters Emergency Relief is World Aid Network’s standing appeal for emergency food, clean water, hygiene kits and temporary shelter after disaster. Local partners turn your gift into a meal, a drink and a dry place to sleep. We do not rebuild homes or send cash to individuals. When the ground shakes, the water rises, or a storm takes the roof, a family can lose everything that keeps them alive before breakfast: the bed the children slept in, the well in the yard, the rice that was meant to last the week. They run with what they can carry. Then they wait. That wait is where your donation to Disasters Emergency Relief matters. We will use your gift to get drinking water, food, hygiene kits and temporary shelter to people who have been hit. We work with local partners who know the roads and the families. They buy supplies close to the people who need them, so help arrives faster and the money stays in a community that has already been hurt. Emergency relief needs vary by household and incident. Contributions depend on funding and local costs; delivery depends on access and partner capacity. No fixed quantity or response time is guaranteed. ## Why do families need Disasters Emergency Relief? When a disaster hits, a family can lose the roof, the well and the food store before breakfast. Children need clean water. Parents need something to cook. Older people need a dry place to sleep. After an earthquake, people sleep outside because they are afraid the roof will fall. Water pipes break. After a flood, every well can be spoiled with sewage and debris. After a tsunami or a storm, rice stores are washed away and families sleep in schools or on higher ground. Dirty water then brings disease. Hunger follows a ruined harvest. Shelter is how a child sleeps without rain on their face. Emergency relief needs vary by household and incident. Contributions depend on funding and local costs; delivery depends on access and partner capacity. No fixed quantity or response time is guaranteed. The cameras leave. The need does not. A gift today helps the family still sleeping under a tarpaulin, and the family who will lose their house the next time the weather or the ground turns. Please do not wait for the next headline. Give now to Disasters Emergency Relief. ## What disasters does Disasters Emergency Relief cover? Disasters Emergency Relief funds food, water, hygiene kits and shelter after earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, storms and landslides, and when winter arrives for families still displaced. The first things people need are the same after every shock: a meal, a drink and a roof. Emergency relief needs vary by household and incident. Contributions depend on funding and local costs; delivery depends on access and partner capacity. No fixed quantity or response time is guaranteed. Disasters Emergency Relief answers those same first needs after every type of shock. Hygiene kits sit with water because dirty water spreads disease. Winter warmth — blankets and extra tarpaulins — sits with shelter when families are still displaced. We do not run search-and-rescue. We do not rebuild. We fund the meal, the drink and the dry place to sleep. Disasters do not send a fundraising calendar. A gift to Disasters Emergency Relief is a gift to the family who has already lost a house — and the family who has not lost one yet. ## What will my donation to Disasters Emergency Relief provide? Emergency relief needs vary by household and incident. Contributions depend on funding and local costs; delivery depends on access and partner capacity. No fixed quantity or response time is guaranteed. Please choose an amount and donate. The figures below are suggested contributions towards emergency essentials, not verified partner quotations or guaranteed quantities. What a family receives will depend on the disaster and on what they need that week. That is the promise of Disasters Emergency Relief. You give. We turn your money into help for people who have lost their homes. Please do not leave the page without giving if you are able. - Emergency relief needs vary by household and incident. Contributions depend on funding and local costs; delivery depends on access and partner capacity. No fixed quantity or response time is guaranteed. ## How does Disasters Emergency Relief reach families? We work with trusted local partners. They buy food, water, hygiene kits and shelter materials close to the families who need them. Your donation is held for Disasters Emergency Relief and released when people need emergency help. You donate. We hold your gift for this appeal. When families need emergency help after a disaster, we release funds to local partners. Those partners buy supplies nearby and intend to distribute them to families — a water container, a food parcel, a hygiene kit, a sheet of shelter material. Buying locally is faster, and it is kinder. A shopkeeper in a damaged town still has a customer. A family does not wait for a container from Europe. If you want to give in memory of someone, or as a group, write to us and we will mark the gift for Disasters Emergency Relief. ## How quickly will Disasters Emergency Relief help? Card donations are processed straight away. Once funds are released, partners aim to start delivering food, water and shelter within forty-eight to seventy-two hours of a disaster. Cut roads and remote places can take longer. Your gift still means a family can be reached without waiting for a new fundraising drive. Money that has already been given can move when a disaster hits. Partners on the ground know the roads. They aim to start distributions within two to three days. Where access is blocked, they use boats, motorbikes or whatever will actually reach a family. Your gift still shortens the wait between the shock and the first clean drink. That is why Disasters Emergency Relief is a standing fund, not a campaign that starts after the pictures arrive. ## How can I donate to Disasters Emergency Relief from the UK? You can give on this page by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. From the UK, that is the simplest way to help after a disaster. If you are collecting as a group, gather the gifts and give them here. Your kindness becomes food, water and shelter. You do not need to travel or send a parcel. You can also open the donate page and choose emergency relief, but the form on this page keeps Disasters Emergency Relief selected for you. If your mosque, church, workplace or friends are collecting, gather what you can and donate it here in one gift. Money is more useful than clothes, shoes or bottled water from the UK, unless a partner has asked for a specific item in writing. Parcels usually arrive late, and buying locally is faster. ## Can I give monthly to Disasters Emergency Relief? Yes — a monthly donation keeps Disasters Emergency Relief ready for the next disaster. Please set up a regular gift on this page. Even a small monthly amount helps partners keep food, water, hygiene kits and shelter ready. You can also give in memory of someone you love. Disasters do not follow a fundraising calendar. A regular gift means we can say yes when partners ask for water, food and shelter materials. It is one of the kindest ways to support families after a flood, an earthquake, a tsunami or a storm. Please start a monthly gift at the amount that is comfortable for you. You can change it later. If you would rather give once, that gift is welcome too. Donate to Disasters Emergency Relief today. ## Why give to a standing Disasters Emergency Relief fund? Emergency relief needs vary by household and incident. Contributions depend on funding and local costs; delivery depends on access and partner capacity. No fixed quantity or response time is guaranteed. A standing fund lets trustees release money to partners when an assessed need arises, rather than starting a new appeal each time. It does not mean supplies are already positioned, and no response time is guaranteed. Disasters Emergency Relief gives to the same standing emergency relief fund as the Humanitarian Appeal and the Crisis Appeal, with the same restriction. Choose any of them; for a gift focused on one country, use that country’s appeal. ## Does Disasters Emergency Relief rebuild homes or fund medical care? No. Disasters Emergency Relief is restricted to emergency food, clean water, hygiene kits and temporary shelter. We do not rebuild houses, send cash to individuals, or run medical clinics from these gifts. Cancer treatment and cataract surgery are separate appeals. Emergency relief Objects are food, clean water and temporary shelter. Hygiene kits sit with water because dirty water spreads disease. Reconstruction, livelihoods, cash grants and mobile health clinics are outside this appeal. Please use the Cancer Emergency Appeal or Gift of Sight if you want to fund treatment. We never send cash to individuals. Trustees release funds to vetted local partners who buy supplies nearby. That is how Disasters Emergency Relief stays fast, and how donor intent is protected. ## Can I send clothes or bottled water instead of donating? A money gift to Disasters Emergency Relief is more useful, unless a partner has asked for a specific item in writing. Parcels from the UK usually arrive late and cost more than buying locally. A card gift on this page is the fastest way to help a family after a disaster. Clothes, tins and bottles from Britain fill warehouses and miss the first days, when a family actually needs a drink and a meal. Local buying is faster. It also keeps a shop open in a damaged town. If a partner has asked in writing for a specific item, we will say so. Until then, the kindest thing you can do is donate to Disasters Emergency Relief on this page today. ## What will a donation provide? - £10: Contribution towards emergency food, safe water, hygiene and temporary shelter - £25: Contribution towards emergency food, safe water, hygiene and temporary shelter - £50: Contribution towards emergency food, safe water, hygiene and temporary shelter - £100: Contribution towards emergency food, safe water, hygiene and temporary shelter - £250: Contribution towards emergency food, safe water, hygiene and temporary shelter - £500: Contribution towards emergency food, safe water, hygiene and temporary shelter ## Disaster types this appeal is here for - Earthquake — First 72 hours: shelter and safe water before aftershocks, exposure and dirty water compound the shock - Flood — Wells spoiled; harvests lost; hygiene kits stop dirty water spreading disease - Tsunami — Families flee with nothing; they need food, clean water and a dry place to sleep - Storm and landslide — Homes and food stores can be destroyed in hours; the first needs remain a meal, a drink and a roof - Winter after displacement — Emergency relief needs vary by household and incident. Contributions depend on funding and local costs; delivery depends on access and partner capacity. No fixed quantity or response time is guaranteed. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is this the Disasters Emergency Committee? No. This is World Aid Network’s Disasters Emergency Relief appeal. The Disasters Emergency Committee is a separate UK organisation. A gift here funds emergency food, clean water, hygiene kits and shelter through World Aid Network’s local partners. ### Where does my Disasters Emergency Relief donation go? Trustees release funds to vetted local partners. They buy food, water, hygiene kits and shelter materials close to the families who need them. We never send cash to individuals. ### Can I give monthly to Disasters Emergency Relief? Yes. Please set up a monthly donation on this page. A regular gift keeps food, water, hygiene kits and shelter ready before the next disaster. ### Can I donate in memory of someone? Yes. Please contact info@worldaidnetwork.org and we will mark your gift to Disasters Emergency Relief in their memory. ### Does Disasters Emergency Relief rebuild houses? No. This appeal is restricted to emergency food, clean water, hygiene kits and temporary shelter. Reconstruction, cash grants and medical clinics are outside these gifts. ### Does this appeal fund eye surgery or cancer care? No. Those are separate programmes. Disasters Emergency Relief is for food, water, hygiene kits and shelter after disaster. Please use the Gift of Sight appeal if you want to fund a cataract operation, or the Cancer Emergency Appeal for treatment. ### Will Gift Aid apply? Check current donation information. Gift Aid requires HMRC recognition, donor eligibility and a valid declaration. ## How you can help Please donate to Disasters Emergency Relief at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/disasters-emergency-relief or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=emergency-relief&appeal=disasters-emergency-relief ## Sources - UNICEF — Water, sanitation and hygiene in emergencies: https://www.unicef.org/wash/emergencies - IFRC — Shelter and settlements: https://www.ifrc.org/our-work/disasters-climate-and-crises/shelter-and-settlements --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Emergency Floods & Earthquake Appeal > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/emergency-floods > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short The Emergency Floods & Earthquake Appeal is World Aid Network’s standing fund for emergency food, safe drinking water, hygiene supplies and temporary shelter after floods and earthquakes in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Local partners buy supplies close to the families who need them. Quantities and timing depend on assessed needs and access. Give by card on this page. Food, clean water and shelter for families after floods and earthquakes. Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/emergency-floods ## At a glance - Programme focus: Emergency food, water, hygiene and shelter - Countries covered: Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia - Reporting: Verified appeal totals and delivery reports are not yet published - Any amount: A contribution to the programme, not a guaranteed outcome ## What is the Emergency Floods and Earthquake Appeal? This appeal keeps a standing fund so local partners can deliver food, clean water and shelter after floods and earthquakes in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. We do not wait to launch a new campaign from scratch while families sleep in the wet. When the waters rise or the ground shakes, a family can lose everything that keeps them alive before breakfast: the roof over the children’s beds, the well in the yard, the rice that was meant to last the week. They run with what they can carry. Then they wait. That wait is where your donation matters. Monsoon flooding returns every year. Earthquakes do not send a fundraising calendar. A standing fund means kits can move when a national disaster agency declares an emergency — Pakistan’s NDMA, Indonesia’s BNPB or Malaysia’s NADMA. You do not have to travel. You do not have to pack a box. The most useful thing you can do tonight is donate. Gifts of any amount contribute towards emergency relief; quantities depend on local quotes and assessed needs. ## Why do families need help after floods and earthquakes? Homes, wells and food stores are destroyed in hours. Children need clean water. Parents need something to cook. Older people need a dry place to sleep. The cameras leave. The need does not. Pakistan’s monsoon can put millions of people on the move in a bad year. Indonesia’s islands flood and shake. Malaysia’s east coast floods in the northeast monsoon. After a quake, people sleep outside because they are afraid the roof will fall. After a flood, the well is spoiled. A family that had rice for the week may have nothing by nightfall. Dirty water then brings disease. Hunger follows a ruined harvest. Shelter is how a child sleeps without rain on their face. Please do not wait for the next monsoon photograph. Give now to the Emergency Floods Appeal so a family already displaced is not left thirsty while the world organises a response. ## How can I donate to the emergency floods appeal? You can give on this page by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Your donation to the Emergency Floods Appeal becomes food, water and shelter. A monthly gift means the next monsoon is not a scramble. Give the amount that feels right for you. Use the form beside this appeal, or open the donate page and choose emergency relief. Keep this appeal selected. That gift is your donation to the Emergency Floods and Earthquake Appeal. If you can, give every month. Floods and quakes do not wait for a fundraising drive. A regular gift means partners can keep kits ready. A one-off gift still matters. If your mosque, church, workplace or friends are collecting, gather what you can and donate it here. Please do not send clothes from the UK unless a partner has asked in writing. Parcels arrive late. Local buying is faster. ## Why does one appeal cover floods and earthquakes? Families need the same first things after both: something to eat, safe water, and a dry place to sleep. Winter then becomes a second threat for people still in tents. A coastal quake can bring a wave as well as a cracked wall. A flood can last weeks after the rain stops. One appeal for food, water and shelter means trustees can release funds to whichever Object country has the declared emergency. This appeal is restricted to those three things. It does not rebuild roads or run long-term housing programmes. - Emergency food after floods or quakes — Long-term farm recovery or school feeding - Clean drinking water when wells are spoiled — Permanent city water networks - Temporary shelter, tarpaulins, blankets — House reconstruction or new roads - Winter warmth for families still displaced — A separate fashion or clothing campaign ## Why does Pakistan’s monsoon need a standing fund? The monsoon returns. In a catastrophic year, tens of millions of people can be affected and more than a million homes damaged. A standing fund means partners are not starting from zero. If you want your gift marked for Pakistan specifically, use the Pakistan Floods Appeal. This page is the three-country standing fund. Both buy food, water and shelter through local partners. Harvests drowned in floodwater become hunger months later. That is why this appeal sits beside the Hunger Crisis Appeal. ## What do families need after an earthquake? Drinking water if a well is spoiled, food if the market cannot open, and a dry place to sleep if they are afraid to go back inside. Aftershocks keep people outdoors. Your gift buys those first, essential things. If you want your gift marked for Indonesia specifically for emergency relief, use the Indonesia Emergency Appeal. This page covers earthquakes and floods across Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Local partners buy supplies nearby and intend to distribute them to families. ## Why is winter a second emergency after a flood or quake? When cold weather arrives and families are still displaced, this appeal can fund blankets, warm clothing and shelter repair. That is not a separate fashion campaign. It is the same displaced family, later in the year. The news cycle moves on. The monsoon or the aftershocks do not. Children still sleep on damp ground. Older people still get ill. ## What will my donation to the Emergency Floods Appeal provide? Your donation provides emergency food, clean drinking water and temporary shelter. Gifts of any amount contribute towards emergency relief; quantities depend on local quotes and assessed needs. Please choose an amount and donate. The amounts below are contributions towards this programme. They are not published partner quotes or guarantees of a specific quantity. What a family receives depends on the country and on what they need that week. That is the promise of this appeal. You give. We turn your money into help for people who have lost their homes. Please do not leave the page without giving if you are able. - £10 — contribution towards emergency food, water, hygiene and shelter - £25 — contribution towards emergency food, water, hygiene and shelter - £50 — contribution towards emergency food, water, hygiene and shelter - £100 — contribution towards emergency food, water, hygiene and shelter - £250 — contribution towards emergency food, water, hygiene and shelter - £500 — contribution towards emergency food, water, hygiene and shelter ## How does my donation reach flood-affected families? You donate. We hold the gift for this appeal. When a disaster is declared, trustees release funds to local partners. They buy food, water and shelter materials nearby and deliver them. Buying locally is faster, and it is kinder. A shopkeeper in a damaged town still has a customer. A family does not wait for a container from Europe. If you want to give in memory of someone, or as a group, write to info@worldaidnetwork.org and we will mark the gift for the Emergency Floods Appeal. ## How quickly will my donation help after a flood or earthquake? Card donations are processed straight away. Delivery timing depends on assessed need, access, available funds and partner capacity; no response time is guaranteed. Remote ground can take longer. Your gift still means a family can be reached without waiting for a new fundraising drive. Money that has already been given can move when the waters rise or the ground shakes. ## How can I donate to flood relief from the UK? You can give on this page by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. From the United Kingdom, a card gift buys food, water and shelter where the disaster is. You do not need to fill a shipping container. Please do not send clothes, shoes or bottled water from Britain unless a partner has asked for a specific item in writing. Parcels usually arrive late and cost more than buying locally. The kindest thing you can do is donate here. If you want your gift marked for Indonesia specifically after a disaster in Indonesia, use the Indonesia Emergency Appeal. If you want Pakistan specifically, use the Pakistan Floods Appeal. This page is the standing fund for all three countries. ## Can I give monthly to the Emergency Floods Appeal? Yes — a monthly donation keeps this standing fund ready for the next monsoon or quake. Please set up a regular gift on this page. Even a small monthly amount helps partners keep kits ready. You can also give in memory of someone you love. Disasters do not follow a fundraising calendar. A regular gift means we can say yes when partners ask for water, food and shelter materials. Please start a monthly gift at the amount that is comfortable for you. You can change it later. If you would rather give once, that gift is welcome too. Donate today. ## How is this different from the Indonesia Emergency Appeal? Indonesia Emergency is the country page for earthquakes and tsunamis there, within its stated programme scope. This appeal is the standing three-country flood and earthquake fund. Both buy food, water and shelter. You do not need to give twice unless you want to. A gift here can still help Indonesian families after floods or quakes. A gift on the Indonesia page is marked for that country. ## Should I send clothes or bottled water from the UK? Money is more useful, unless a partner has asked for a specific item in writing. Parcels from Britain usually arrive late and cost more than buying locally. A card gift on this page is the fastest way to help. Local partners know what a family needs that week. A container of unused coats does not. ## What will a donation provide? - £10: Contribution towards emergency food, water, hygiene and shelter - £25: Contribution towards emergency food, water, hygiene and shelter - £50: Contribution towards emergency food, water, hygiene and shelter - £100: Contribution towards emergency food, water, hygiene and shelter - £250: Contribution towards emergency food, water, hygiene and shelter - £500: Contribution towards emergency food, water, hygiene and shelter ## How to donate to the Emergency Floods Appeal Donate so World Aid Network can get food, clean water and shelter to families after floods and earthquakes. - Open this appeal: Stay on this page or go to worldaidnetwork.org/donate. - Choose emergency relief: Keep the Emergency Floods Appeal selected. - Give by card: Pay by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. - Optional: give monthly: A monthly gift keeps kits ready before the next monsoon. ## Frequently asked questions ### Does this rebuild houses? No. Funds are restricted to emergency food, clean water and shelter after disaster. Reconstruction is outside our Objects. ### Is this the same as the Indonesia Emergency Appeal? No. Indonesia Emergency is the country page for earthquakes and tsunamis there, within its stated programme scope. This appeal is the standing three-country flood and earthquake fund. ### How quickly does help start? Delivery timing depends on assessed need, access, available funds and partner capacity; no response time is guaranteed. Islands and cut roads take longer. ### Should I send bottled water from Britain? Money is more useful. Partners buy water locally. Bottles from the UK arrive late and cost more than they help. ### How can I help after a flood or earthquake? Donate on this page by card. Local partners buy emergency food, clean water, hygiene kits, shelter kits and winter warmth nearby. Please do not send parcels from the UK. ### Which countries does this appeal cover? This standing fund covers floods and earthquakes in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia only — food, water, hygiene kits and shelter, not reconstruction. ### Will Gift Aid apply? Gift Aid requires HMRC recognition, donor eligibility and a valid declaration. We will contact donors when that happens. ### Can I give monthly? Yes. A monthly donation keeps kits ready before the next monsoon or quake. You can also give a one-off gift. ### Can I donate in memory of someone? Yes. Write to info@worldaidnetwork.org and we will mark the gift for the Emergency Floods Appeal. ### Does this appeal fund cancer treatment or eye surgery? No. Those are separate programmes. This appeal is for food, water and shelter after floods and earthquakes. ### How is this different from the Pakistan Floods Appeal? The Pakistan Floods Appeal is marked for flood-affected families in Pakistan. This page is the standing fund for Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. ### What if more is raised than needed this week? Trustees hold the gift for the next declared flood or quake in our Object countries, or may direct surplus to other disaster relief in line with our Objects. ## How you can help Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/emergency-floods or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=emergency-relief&appeal=emergency-floods ## Sources - UNICEF — WASH in emergencies: https://www.unicef.org/wash/emergencies - IFRC — Shelter and settlements: https://www.ifrc.org/our-work/disasters-climate-and-crises/shelter-and-settlements --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Gift of Sight Appeal > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/gift-of-sight > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short The Gift of Sight Appeal supports access to cataract surgery and eye care in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Give once or monthly to contribute towards assessment, clinically recommended treatment and follow-up. Suggested donations are contributions to the programme, not fixed operation prices or promises of restored vision. Help someone who cannot afford eye care take the next step towards treatment. Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/gift-of-sight ## A closer look at eye care Two clinicians wearing surgical gowns, caps and masks work at a surgical microscope. A six-second silent excerpt, cropped to keep the patient outside the frame. Footage supplied to World Aid Network. Project dates, funding and outcomes are reported separately when verified. [Watch the six-second eye-care film (MP4)](https://worldaidnetwork.org/media/eye-care/eye-care-theatre-v1.mp4) ## At a glance - 3 countries: Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia - Whole pathway: Assessment, recommended care and follow-up - Your choice: One-off or monthly contribution - Evidence: Read the appeal reporting status below ## What is the Gift of Sight Appeal? World Aid Network raises funds to help people who cannot afford clinically recommended eye care. Cataract care is a focus, alongside assessment and follow-up that make treatment possible. Difficulty seeing can affect reading, work, travel and daily independence. Access to an eye examination helps establish whether cataract, another condition or a combination of problems is responsible. The right next step depends on that assessment. WAN hires local doctors in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia to perform surgery and arranges for a visiting specialist to support their training and review clinical practice. Care must take place within the relevant local licensing, facility and clinical-governance arrangements. The treating team is responsible for diagnosis, informed consent, treatment decisions and aftercare. ## Cataract and eye-care support in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia The Gift of Sight programme covers three countries. Read the relevant guide for care questions, programme availability, funding limits and reporting. These country pages all lead to the same Gift of Sight appeal. A gift made through a country guide supports the wider programme; it is not automatically restricted to that country. Contact WAN before giving if a specific country restriction is essential to you. ## What needs to happen before and after eye surgery? Good eye care is a pathway: assessment, an individual treatment decision, funding and access arrangements, then treatment and follow-up. A screening result alone is not a diagnosis or a surgery booking. - Assessment or screening — An appropriate eye examination and referral when specialist assessment is needed. - Treatment decision — The diagnosis, alternatives, likely benefits and risks, and informed consent with the treating clinician. - Access and funding — Eligibility, available funding, an itemised care plan and practical needs such as transport or an accompanying person. - Treatment and aftercare — The agreed procedure or other care, instructions, follow-up arrangements and a contact for complications. - Programme reporting — Documented delivery and follow-up, with patient privacy protected. Fundraising totals alone do not establish treatment outcomes. ## Who performs surgery and supports the local team? WAN hires local doctors in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia to perform surgery and arranges for a visiting specialist to support their training and review clinical practice. Care must take place within the relevant local licensing, facility and clinical-governance arrangements. The visiting specialist supports training and review of clinical practice. Local teams remain responsible for continuity of care, including follow-up and responding to complications. International visits need the appropriate permissions and agreed responsibilities. Mr Mohamed Mohyudin is a consultant ophthalmic surgeon who advises WAN and performs humanitarian cataract surgery in Pakistan, as described on his professional website. His involvement and the estimate do not establish that he has clinically reviewed every information page on this site. ## How can cataract surgery help? Cataract surgery replaces the cloudy natural lens with an artificial lens. It can improve vision, but the likely benefit depends on the individual eye and any other conditions. An ophthalmologist should discuss whether surgery is appropriate, the lens choice, risks and recovery. Glasses may still be needed afterwards, and problems affecting the retina or optic nerve can limit improvement. No appeal can guarantee permanent clear vision. The type of procedure should follow the patient’s clinical needs and the treating team’s advice. A more expensive technique or lens is not automatically the right choice for everyone. ## Why assessment matters beyond cataracts Not every sight problem needs cataract surgery. Examination may identify glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, a glasses prescription or a need for specialist referral. These guides explain the differences; they are not a list of guaranteed funded services. Some treatments aim to preserve remaining vision rather than recover sight already lost. Children may need specialist assessment and support involving their parent or guardian. People with lasting sight loss may also benefit from rehabilitation and low-vision support. Any care considered for funding depends on clinical advice, the provider’s capacity, agreed programme arrangements and available funds. A service offered by a hospital is not automatically included in a WAN-funded care plan. ## How much should I donate towards cataract care? Around £200 is a cataract surgery planning estimate supplied to WAN by consultant ophthalmic surgeon Mr Mohamed Mohyudin. Actual costs depend on the patient, facility and included care; it is not a fixed price or a guaranteed result. This is an estimate provided to WAN, not the private UK treatment price on Mr Mohyudin’s website. You can give less, more or monthly. A donation is a programme contribution, and does not purchase an operation or reserve a patient. There is no universal cataract surgery price across three countries. A meaningful quote needs a date, currency, clinical scope and a clear account of what is included: assessment, the procedure, lens, medicines and follow-up. Transport or other support may be separate. The amounts below help you choose a gift. They do not represent a guaranteed number of patients treated. For a larger group or organisational gift, discuss the proposed scope and reporting with WAN before collecting funds. ## How do I donate to the Gift of Sight Appeal? Use the donation form on this page, choose an amount and select one-off or monthly giving. Check the amount, currency and Gift of Sight appeal selection before continuing to secure checkout. Card payments are handled through Stripe. Apple Pay and Google Pay may appear when supported by your device, browser and payment setup. A successful payment confirmation records a donation, not a completed operation. Gift Aid is not currently available. For in-memory giving or a workplace, community or professional fundraiser, use the relevant guide or contact WAN to discuss the gift. No donation reserves a named patient. ## Can I book free cataract surgery or an eye camp here? This is a fundraising and information page, not a clinical booking service. Contact a local eye-care provider about assessment and ask WAN about current programme availability. An enquiry does not confirm eligibility or a funded place. Before travelling to a camp, confirm its date, venue, organiser, eligibility, booking arrangements and which services are free. Ask what happens after an abnormal screening result and where follow-up will take place. The camp page lists only approved public activity records. Sudden loss of vision or sudden severe eye pain needs emergency assessment. New flashes, a shadow across vision or a painful red eye also need urgent medical advice. Use local medical services; do not wait for a donation campaign or a reply from WAN. ## How can donors check what has been delivered? Read the reporting panel and updates on this appeal. Verified funds, confirmed treatment delivery and clinical outcomes are different measures; none should be inferred from a donation amount or a photograph. A useful programme report identifies its location, reporting period, delivery arrangements, services and supporting records. It distinguishes assessments, referrals, procedures and follow-up so that the same person is not unintentionally counted several times. Patient stories need appropriate consent and should describe the limits of what is known. The absence of a published report does not establish that no activity occurred, but it does limit what a visitor can verify here. Read the current reporting status before deciding to give. ## What will a donation provide? - £20: Contribution towards eye assessment, clinically recommended treatment and follow-up - £50: Contribution towards eye assessment, clinically recommended treatment and follow-up - £100: Contribution towards eye assessment, clinically recommended treatment and follow-up - £200: Contribution towards eye assessment, clinically recommended treatment and follow-up - £400: Contribution towards eye assessment, clinically recommended treatment and follow-up - £500: Contribution towards eye assessment, clinically recommended treatment and follow-up ## How to donate to the Gift of Sight Appeal Choose and review a donation to eye-care access. - Choose your gift: Select a suggested amount or enter an amount you can afford. - Check the details: Review the currency, Gift of Sight appeal selection and one-off or monthly frequency. - Continue to secure checkout: Use a supported payment method and confirm the donation details. - Keep your confirmation: Keep the donation receipt and use the published appeal updates to check programme reporting. ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I donate to cataract surgery in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia? Yes. Gift of Sight supports the eye-care programme across these countries. The country guides explain access and funding limits. A donation through one country guide is not automatically restricted to that country; contact WAN before giving if that matters to you. ### Does £200 pay for a complete cataract operation? Around £200 is a cataract surgery planning estimate supplied to WAN by consultant ophthalmic surgeon Mr Mohamed Mohyudin. Actual costs depend on the patient, facility and included care; it is not a fixed price or a guaranteed result. A contribution does not guarantee one completed operation. ### Can I sponsor a named patient? A standard donation supports the programme and does not reserve or identify a patient. Contact WAN before giving if you want to discuss a particular sponsorship arrangement. ### Can I give monthly to Gift of Sight? Yes. Select monthly giving in the donation form and check the amount, currency and appeal before confirming. A monthly gift is a recurring programme contribution. ### Is free eye surgery available through this page? This page does not book treatment or establish eligibility. Contact a local eye-care provider for assessment and ask WAN about current programme availability. Do not delay urgent medical care while waiting for a reply. ### Will cataract surgery restore vision permanently? No permanent result can be guaranteed. Surgery can improve vision, but other eye conditions, complications and later changes can affect the result. The treating clinician should explain individual benefits and risks. ### Is Gift Aid currently available? Gift Aid is not currently available. Check the organisation status and Gift Aid information before making assumptions about tax relief. ### How will I know what my donation helped deliver? A payment receipt confirms your donation. Programme delivery should be evidenced separately through dated appeal updates and reports. Read the current reporting panel on this page; do not infer an operation count from the amount raised. ## How you can help Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/gift-of-sight or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight ## Sources - NHS — Cataracts: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cataracts/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Humanitarian Appeal > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/humanitarian-appeal > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short World Aid Network’s Humanitarian Appeal is a standing appeal for emergency food, safe drinking water, hygiene supplies and temporary shelter in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Contributions depend on assessed needs, funding, access and partner capacity. Delivery reports and financial totals will appear when approved; no fixed response time is guaranteed. Food, clean water and shelter for families caught up in a humanitarian emergency. Please donate to the Humanitarian Appeal so we can get food, clean water, hygiene kits and shelter to families. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/humanitarian-appeal ## At a glance - Three countries: Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia - Essential relief: Food, water, hygiene and shelter - Reporting: Approved delivery reports not yet published - Any amount: A contribution, not a guaranteed quantity ## What is the Humanitarian Appeal? The Humanitarian Appeal is World Aid Network’s standing appeal for emergency food, clean water, hygiene kits and temporary shelter in a humanitarian emergency. Local partners turn your gift into a meal, a drink and a dry place to sleep. We do not rebuild homes or send cash to individuals. A humanitarian emergency is when a family loses the things that keep them alive: the roof, the well, the food store. They wait for a meal, a drink and somewhere dry. That wait is where a donation to the Humanitarian Appeal matters. We work with local partners who buy supplies close to the people who need them, so help arrives faster and the money stays in a community that has already been hurt. You do not have to travel. You do not have to pack a box. Contributions support assessed emergency relief needs. Quantities depend on local costs and funding, and delivery depends on access and partner capacity. No fixed amount or response time is guaranteed. ## Why donate to a Humanitarian Appeal? A Humanitarian Appeal raises money so help can start without waiting for a new television campaign. Children need clean water. Parents need something to cook. Older people need a dry place to sleep. Contributions support assessed emergency relief needs. Quantities depend on local costs and funding, and delivery depends on access and partner capacity. No fixed amount or response time is guaranteed. The cameras leave. The need does not. A gift to the Humanitarian Appeal helps the family still sleeping under a tarpaulin, and the family who will need help the next time a crisis hits. Please do not wait for the next headline. Give now. ## What does the Humanitarian Appeal fund? The Humanitarian Appeal funds emergency food, clean drinking water, hygiene kits and temporary shelter. Those are the first things families ask for in a humanitarian emergency. We do not rebuild houses, send cash, or run medical clinics from this appeal. Hygiene kits sit with water because dirty water spreads disease. Winter warmth sits with shelter when families are still displaced. Cancer treatment and cataract surgery are separate appeals. Please use those pages if you want to fund hospital care. Humanitarian emergencies do not send a fundraising calendar. ## What will my donation to the Humanitarian Appeal provide? Contributions support assessed emergency relief needs. Quantities depend on local costs and funding, and delivery depends on access and partner capacity. No fixed amount or response time is guaranteed. The figures below are suggested contributions, not verified partner quotations or guaranteed quantities. What a family receives will depend on the emergency and on what they need that week. That is the promise of the Humanitarian Appeal. You give. We turn your money into help for people who have lost their homes. - Contributions support assessed emergency relief needs. Quantities depend on local costs and funding, and delivery depends on access and partner capacity. No fixed amount or response time is guaranteed. ## How does the Humanitarian Appeal reach families? We work with trusted local partners. They buy food, water, hygiene kits and shelter materials close to the families who need them. Your donation is held for the Humanitarian Appeal and released when people need emergency help. You donate. We hold your gift for this appeal. When families need humanitarian help, we release funds to local partners. Those partners buy supplies nearby and intend to distribute them through local partners. Buying locally is faster, and it is kinder. A shopkeeper in a damaged town still has a customer. If you want to give in memory of someone, write to us and we will mark the gift for the Humanitarian Appeal. ## How quickly will the Humanitarian Appeal help? Card donations are processed straight away. Once funds are released, partners aim to start delivering food, water and shelter within forty-eight to seventy-two hours. Cut roads and remote places can take longer. Your gift still means a family can be reached without waiting for a new fundraising drive. Money that has already been given can move when a humanitarian emergency is declared. ## How can I donate to the Humanitarian Appeal from the UK? You can give on this page by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. From the UK, that is the simplest way to give to a Humanitarian Appeal. If you are collecting as a group, gather the gifts and give them here. Your kindness becomes food, water and shelter. You do not need to travel or send a parcel. You can also open the donate page and choose emergency relief, but the form on this page keeps the Humanitarian Appeal selected for you. If your mosque, church, workplace or friends are collecting, gather what you can and donate it here in one gift. Money is more useful than clothes, shoes or bottled water from the UK, unless a partner has asked for a specific item in writing. Parcels usually arrive late, and buying locally is faster. ## Can I give monthly to the Humanitarian Appeal? Yes — a monthly donation keeps the Humanitarian Appeal ready for the next emergency. Please set up a regular gift on this page. Even a small monthly amount helps partners keep food, water, hygiene kits and shelter ready. You can also give in memory of someone you love. Humanitarian emergencies do not follow a fundraising calendar. A regular gift means we can say yes when partners ask for water, food and shelter materials. You can change a monthly gift later. ## Is the Humanitarian Appeal the same as Disasters Emergency Relief? Yes, in purpose. Both pages give to World Aid Network’s standing emergency relief fund for food, safe water, hygiene supplies and temporary shelter in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Choose either; the restriction is the same. For a gift focused on one country, use that country’s appeal. If you want a country-marked gift, open a named appeal on the emergency appeals index. If you want emergency food only, use the Hunger Crisis Appeal. There is also a Humanitarian Appeal explainer in our charity guides. That article explains focused giving; the form on this page takes donations. ## Does the Humanitarian Appeal rebuild homes or fund medical care? No. The Humanitarian Appeal is restricted to emergency food, clean water, hygiene kits and temporary shelter. We do not rebuild houses, send cash to individuals, or run medical clinics from these gifts. Cancer treatment and cataract surgery are separate appeals. We never send cash to individuals. Trustees release funds to vetted local partners who buy supplies nearby. That is how the Humanitarian Appeal stays fast, and how donor intent is protected. ## Can I send clothes or bottled water instead of donating? A money gift to the Humanitarian Appeal is more useful, unless a partner has asked for a specific item in writing. Parcels from the UK usually arrive late and cost more than buying locally. A card gift on this page is the fastest way to help a family. Clothes, tins and bottles from Britain fill warehouses and miss the first days. Local buying is faster. Until a partner has asked in writing, the kindest thing you can do is donate on this page today. ## What do disaster sources and appeal reports tell me? Public disaster sources describe needs and responses by the organisations that publish them. WAN’s own fundraising and delivery require separate evidence. Read the reporting panel and dated updates for this appeal’s publication status. Source links below are background information, not partner endorsements or evidence that WAN delivered a particular distribution. ## What will a donation provide? - £10: Contribution towards emergency food, safe water, hygiene and temporary shelter - £25: Contribution towards emergency food, safe water, hygiene and temporary shelter - £50: Contribution towards emergency food, safe water, hygiene and temporary shelter - £100: Contribution towards emergency food, safe water, hygiene and temporary shelter - £250: Contribution towards emergency food, safe water, hygiene and temporary shelter - £500: Contribution towards emergency food, safe water, hygiene and temporary shelter ## Frequently asked questions ### Is this the same as the Humanitarian Appeal article? No. The charity-guides article explains focused humanitarian giving. This page is the Humanitarian Appeal checkout, where you donate by card. ### Where does my Humanitarian Appeal donation go? Trustees release funds to vetted local partners. They buy food, water, hygiene kits and shelter materials close to the families who need them. We never send cash to individuals. ### Can I give monthly to the Humanitarian Appeal? Yes. Please set up a monthly donation on this page. A regular gift keeps kits ready before the next emergency. ### Can I donate in memory of someone? Yes. Please contact info@worldaidnetwork.org and we will mark your gift to the Humanitarian Appeal in their memory. ### Does this appeal fund eye surgery or cancer care? No. Those are separate programmes. The Humanitarian Appeal is for food, water, hygiene kits and shelter. Please use Gift of Sight or the Cancer Emergency Appeal for treatment. ### Will Gift Aid apply? Gift Aid depends on HMRC recognition, the donor’s eligibility and a valid declaration. Check WAN’s current donation information before assuming a tax top-up. ### Is this the Disasters Emergency Committee? No. This is World Aid Network’s Humanitarian Appeal. The Disasters Emergency Committee is a separate UK organisation. ## How you can help Please donate to the Humanitarian Appeal at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/humanitarian-appeal or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=emergency-relief&appeal=humanitarian-appeal ## Sources - UNICEF — Water, sanitation and hygiene in emergencies: https://www.unicef.org/wash/emergencies - IFRC — Shelter and settlements: https://www.ifrc.org/our-work/disasters-climate-and-crises/shelter-and-settlements --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Hunger Crisis Appeal > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/hunger-crisis > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short The Hunger Crisis Appeal funds emergency food for families after floods, earthquakes and other disasters in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Local partners buy staples such as rice, lentils and oil from suppliers close to where they are needed. Gifts of any amount contribute; quantities depend on local quotes and assessed needs. Give by card on this page. Emergency food for families after a disaster, bought from suppliers close to where it is needed. Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/hunger-crisis ## At a glance - Programme focus: Emergency food - Countries covered: Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia - Reporting: Verified appeal totals and delivery reports are not yet published - Any amount: A contribution to the programme, not a guaranteed outcome ## What is the Hunger Crisis Appeal? The Hunger Crisis Appeal raises money for emergency food after disasters in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. When floods take a harvest or an earthquake shuts a market, hunger follows. Your gift becomes a parcel of staple food. A family can lose a house in an afternoon and still be hungry three months later. The rice store is gone. The field is under water. The market cannot open. Children ask for food. That wait is where your donation matters. This is not a general anti-poverty programme and not an agricultural recovery fund. It is emergency food for families affected by disaster, which is what our charitable Objects allow. You do not have to pack tins. The most useful thing you can do tonight is donate. Gifts of any amount contribute towards emergency food; quantities depend on local quotes and assessed needs. ## Why does hunger follow a flood or earthquake? Disaster destroys kitchens, harvests and markets. People who had food last week have none this week. Hunger after a disaster is not a different country. It is the same family, later. The cameras show water in the street. They rarely show the empty pot six weeks on. A drowned field does not grow a winter crop. A cracked shop does not sell flour. Partners buy staples nearby so a damaged town still has a customer and a family still has a meal. Please do not wait for a famine headline. Give now to the Hunger Crisis Appeal so a child is not left without food because the flood story has moved on. ## How can I donate to the Hunger Crisis Appeal? You can give on this page by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Gifts of any amount contribute towards emergency food; quantities depend on local quotes and assessed needs. Give more if you can, or less if that is what you have. A monthly gift means the next flood does not find the food fund empty. Use the form beside this appeal. Keep this appeal selected. That gift is your donation to the Hunger Crisis Appeal. We will turn it into staple food bought close to the people who need it. If your mosque, church, workplace or friends are collecting, gather what you can and donate it here. Please do not post food from the UK unless a partner has asked in writing. Local rice and oil arrive sooner and match what people cook. ## What food does an emergency parcel contain? Parcels typically hold staples suited to local cooking: rice, lentils or chickpeas, cooking oil, flour and salt. If cooking is impossible in the first hours, partners may use ready-to-eat rations. A standard parcel is designed to sustain a family of five for about three weeks. In a longer crisis, distributions repeat until markets work again. We do not fund school feeding or farm inputs from this appeal. The contents follow what a family can cook where they are — not a British shopping list. - Rice, lentils or chickpeas, oil, flour, salt — Long-term farm recovery or seed programmes - About three weeks for a family of five — School feeding or a national nutrition scheme - Ready-to-eat rations only when cooking is impossible — Parcels of tins posted from the UK ## Why do you buy food locally instead of shipping it from the UK? Local rice and oil arrive sooner, cost less, and match what people cook. A parcel of tins from Britain usually arrives late. That is how a shopkeeper in a damaged town still has a customer. Buying nearby is faster, and it is kinder. Money is more useful than food from home unless a partner has asked for a specific item in writing. ## Why can children not wait for the next fundraising drive? A few days without food after a flood is how malnutrition starts. Pregnant women and older people cannot wait either. Partners aim to start distributions after trustee approval when disaster-driven hunger is confirmed. Money already given still shortens the wait. ## What will my donation to the Hunger Crisis Appeal provide? Your donation pays for emergency food. Gifts of any amount contribute towards emergency food; quantities depend on local quotes and assessed needs. Suggested amounts are contributions, not published partner quotes or guaranteed outcomes. Please choose an amount and donate. What a household receives depends on where they are and what they need that week. That is the promise of this appeal. You give. We turn your money into food for people who have lost a harvest or a kitchen. - £10 — contribution towards emergency food - £25 — contribution towards emergency food - £50 — contribution towards emergency food - £100 — contribution towards emergency food - £250 — contribution towards emergency food - £500 — contribution towards emergency food ## How does my food donation reach a family? You donate. Trustees release funds when disaster-driven hunger is confirmed. Local partners buy food and distribute it. We do not send cash to individuals. If you want to give in memory of someone, or as a group, write to info@worldaidnetwork.org and we will mark the gift for the Hunger Crisis Appeal. ## How quickly will my donation become a meal? Card donations are processed straight away. Delivery timing depends on assessed need, access, available funds and partner capacity; no response time is guaranteed. Cut roads take longer. Your gift still means a family can eat without waiting for a new campaign. ## How can I donate emergency food from the UK? A card gift from Britain buys food where the disaster is. That is kinder and faster than a parcel of tins. Give once, or give every month. If you want a broader disaster gift covering water and shelter as well, use the Emergency Floods Appeal. Use this page if you want your gift marked for food. ## Can I give monthly to the Hunger Crisis Appeal? Yes — a monthly donation means the next flood does not find the food fund empty. Please set up a regular gift on this page. Even a small monthly amount helps partners keep parcels funded. You can also give in memory of someone you love. Please start a monthly gift at the amount that is comfortable for you. You can change it later. If you would rather give once, that gift is welcome too. Donate today. ## Is this a long-term food aid programme? No. It is emergency food for disaster-affected families. Farm recovery, school feeding and ongoing food security sit outside our Objects. Both jobs matter. They are not the same job. Support another charity if you want agricultural development. ## How is this different from the Floods and Earthquake Appeal? The Floods Appeal covers food, water and shelter together. The Hunger Crisis Appeal is restricted to emergency food so donors who want their gift to buy meals can say so. You do not need to give twice unless you want to. A gift on either page can still feed a family after disaster. ## What will a donation provide? - £10: Contribution towards emergency food - £25: Contribution towards emergency food - £50: Contribution towards emergency food - £100: Contribution towards emergency food - £250: Contribution towards emergency food - £500: Contribution towards emergency food ## How to donate to the Hunger Crisis Appeal Donate so World Aid Network can fund emergency food parcels after disasters. - Open this appeal: Stay on this page or go to worldaidnetwork.org/donate. - Choose emergency relief: Keep the Hunger Crisis Appeal selected. - Give by card: Pay by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. - Optional: give monthly: A monthly gift keeps food parcels funded between disasters. ## Frequently asked questions ### What food do you provide? Staples bought locally — typically rice, lentils, oil, flour and salt. Ready-to-eat rations only when cooking is impossible. ### Is this a famine appeal? No. It is emergency food after floods and earthquakes — not a long-term famine or farm programme. ### Can I send food from home? Money is more useful unless a partner has asked for a specific item in writing. ### How long does a parcel last? About three weeks for a family of five. Distributions repeat while the emergency lasts. ### Will Gift Aid apply? Gift Aid requires HMRC recognition, donor eligibility and a valid declaration. We will contact donors when that happens. ### Can I give monthly? Yes. A monthly donation keeps food parcels funded between disasters. You can also give a one-off gift. ### Can I donate in memory of someone? Yes. Write to info@worldaidnetwork.org and we will mark the gift for the Hunger Crisis Appeal. ### How quickly does help start? Delivery timing depends on assessed need, access, available funds and partner capacity; no response time is guaranteed. Cut roads take longer. ### How is this different from the Floods Appeal? The Floods Appeal covers food, water and shelter together. This appeal is restricted to emergency food. ### Does this appeal fund cancer treatment? No. Cancer treatment is a separate appeal. This page is for emergency food after disaster. ## How you can help Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/hunger-crisis or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=emergency-relief&appeal=hunger-crisis ## Sources - World Food Programme — Emergency preparedness and response: https://www.wfp.org/emergency-preparedness-and-response --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Indonesia Earthquake & Tsunami Appeal > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/indonesia-emergency > Last reviewed: 2026-09-12 ## In short The Indonesia Emergency Appeal raises funds for emergency food, safe drinking water, hygiene supplies and temporary shelter for disaster-affected families. Donations contribute to the programme through local partners, subject to assessed needs and available funding. Read the current reporting status, then choose a one-off or monthly gift. Support food, safe water and shelter for disaster-affected families in Indonesia. This is a standing emergency relief appeal. Official event sources do not establish World Aid Network delivery. Bahasa Indonesia: https://worldaidnetwork.org/id/bantuan-darurat-indonesia ## Official event sources - BMKG: Flores earthquake analysis, 21 August 2026: https://www.bmkg.go.id/artikel/model-kinematika-sumber-gempa-bumi-flores-2026-mw-77-dan-kompleksitas-rangkaian-gempa-bumi-di-sesar-naik-flores - BMKG: tsunami observations and ended warning, 17 August 2026: https://www.bmkg.go.id/berita/utama/bmkg-1624-gempa-bumi-susulan-pasca-tsunami-flores-masih-terjadi-masyarakat-diimbau-tetap-tenang-dan-waspada ## At a glance - Indonesia: The country this appeal supports - Food, water, shelter: Emergency relief, including hygiene supplies - Standing appeal: Eligible needs after disasters, including earthquakes and tsunamis - Reporting pending: Verified appeal totals and delivery reports are not yet published ## What is the Indonesia Emergency Appeal? This standing appeal raises funds for emergency food, safe drinking water, hygiene supplies and temporary shelter for disaster-affected families in Indonesia. Gifts contribute to the programme through local delivery partners. They do not guarantee help for a named household or a fixed quantity of supplies. Choose this appeal if you want to support emergency relief in Indonesia. The intended use is practical help after disasters, including earthquakes and tsunamis. Reconstruction, cash grants to individuals and hospital treatment are outside this appeal; eye surgery and cancer care have separate programmes. World Aid Network has not yet published a reconciled fundraising total, approved funding target or named partner delivery report for this appeal. The reporting panel explains what is available. We will distinguish money received, payments to partners and completed distributions when approved evidence is published. ## Why do families in Indonesia need emergency relief? Disaster damage can interrupt access to food, drinking water and a safe place to stay. The purpose of emergency relief is to meet assessed immediate needs. Conditions vary between islands and communities, so the appropriate supplies and delivery routes depend on the situation. Local assessment matters. A household unable to use its home may need shelter materials, while a community with damaged water supplies may need safe water or purification. An appeal description is not evidence that a particular distribution has already taken place. ## What does the Indonesia Tsunami Appeal support? Tsunami-related giving uses this same Indonesia Emergency Appeal. Contributions support eligible food, drinking water, hygiene and temporary shelter needs after disaster. The page is a fundraising route, not a live tsunami-warning service. For current earthquake and tsunami information, follow official BMKG updates and local authorities. Historical reports on this page must not be read as a warning that remains active today. ## How can I donate to Indonesia tsunami relief? Use the donation form on this page or choose the Indonesia Emergency Appeal on the donation page. Select an amount and one-off or monthly giving. Card checkout shows the payment methods available for your device and account. Review the selected appeal, currency and frequency before completing checkout. Gifts are denominated in the currency shown; your bank may apply conversion charges. We do not advertise QRIS, Indonesian bank transfer or IDR checkout on this site because those methods are not currently offered in this flow. ## What happened in Flores on 15 August 2026? BMKG reports a magnitude Mw 7.7 earthquake north of Flores on 15 August 2026. Its subsequent report confirms tsunami observations and says the warning ended that morning. These dated reports provide context; they are not evidence of World Aid Network deliveries. The linked official sources below describe the event. They should be used for the event facts rather than treating fundraising copy as an emergency bulletin. No current casualty total or live warning is claimed here. This appeal can support eligible emergency needs in Indonesia subject to assessment, available funds and partner capacity. A specific allocation or delivery after the Flores earthquake will only be reported when supporting evidence is approved. ## How can I donate to Indonesia earthquake relief? Choose an amount that is comfortable for you and keep the Indonesia Emergency Appeal selected at checkout. A donation contributes towards emergency relief; suggested amounts do not guarantee a household, treatment or delivery date. For a school, workplace or community collection, request a staff-approved fundraising page. If you want a restriction beyond the appeal description, contact World Aid Network to confirm the terms before giving. ## How should I read disaster information on this appeal? Read the date and source of any event description, then check the appeal reporting status separately. An official disaster report establishes that an event occurred. It does not establish how much this appeal raised, which partner was paid or what World Aid Network delivered. We use official sources for incident context and separate approved records for our own financial and delivery reporting. Photographs used to illustrate the page should not be treated as proof of a funded distribution. ## Does the appeal cover only one disaster? No. This is a standing Indonesia emergency appeal, rather than a promise that every donation funds one dated incident. Eligible needs can arise after different disasters. Read the stated purpose and contact us before making a more narrowly restricted gift. A campaign-specific target, budget or surplus decision will be published only after approval. Do not assume that a past event mentioned in an article remains the sole destination for a gift. ## Why do historical disasters appear in relief discussions? Past disasters help explain why emergency preparedness and relief matter. They are not current fundraising totals, delivery updates or evidence of World Aid Network involvement in those events. For the latest official hazard information, use BMKG. For information about this appeal, look for the reporting period, named partner and supporting records in our updates. Those are different kinds of evidence. ## How do you avoid confusing need with impact? The scale of a disaster describes need. A charity’s impact depends on evidence of what its own funding delivered. We do not use national disaster figures as World Aid Network beneficiary counts. Public reports should explain what was delivered, where and when, and whether household or individual counts include repeat recipients. Estimates should not become reported outcomes. ## What will my donation to the Indonesia Emergency Appeal support? Contributions towards emergency food, safe drinking water, hygiene supplies and temporary shelter for disaster-affected families in Indonesia. Quantities, contents and final costs depend on assessed needs and local quotes. The suggested amounts below are contributions to this programme, not a price list guaranteeing a specific number of families or days of food. Smaller and larger gifts can both support the appeal. Financial totals and delivery results will be reported separately when approved. ## How is funding intended to reach people in Indonesia? World Aid Network’s stated model is to fund eligible relief through local delivery partners. Trustee allocation, partner checks and the available budget determine what can proceed. Named partner and disbursement records will be linked when approved for publication. Buying appropriate supplies locally can avoid international parcel handling, but it does not by itself guarantee lower costs or immediate access. Partners still need to assess availability, safe routes and the needs of affected communities. ## How quickly will my donation help? There is no guaranteed response time. Payment processing, allocation, access, local conditions and partner capacity can all affect delivery. Completing a card payment does not mean that a relief distribution has already happened. Dated updates should show when funds were paid and when delivery was reported. Monthly giving provides recurring support for the programme, rather than guaranteeing that supplies are already positioned for a future disaster. ## Can I donate from the UK or another country? You can use the card donation flow and the currencies shown at checkout. Availability of wallets depends on the payment provider and device. Review the amount and currency before paying, including any conversion charges your bank may apply. A Bahasa Indonesia overview is available from this page. The payment form and secure checkout may use English. We do not claim Indonesian payment rails or tax relief merely because this appeal supports Indonesia. ## Can I give monthly to the Indonesia Emergency Appeal? Yes. Select monthly giving in the donation form and check the recurring amount before confirming payment. A regular donation contributes to the appeal on an ongoing basis. You can also choose a one-off gift. Use the secure manage-giving route to manage an existing recurring donation. For questions about receipts, appeal restrictions or reporting, contact World Aid Network. Choosing monthly giving does not guarantee a particular delivery date. ## What will a donation provide? - £10: Contribution towards emergency relief in Indonesia - £25: Contribution towards emergency relief in Indonesia - £50: Contribution towards emergency relief in Indonesia - £100: Contribution towards emergency relief in Indonesia - £250: Contribution towards emergency relief in Indonesia - £500: Contribution towards emergency relief in Indonesia ## Indonesia earthquakes and tsunamis this appeal is here for - 15 August 2026 · Flores, Indonesia — BMKG reports Mw 7.7 and subsequent tsunami observations; this is event context, not a WAN delivery report. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the Indonesia Emergency Appeal? This standing appeal raises funds for emergency food, safe drinking water, hygiene supplies and temporary shelter for disaster-affected families in Indonesia. Gifts contribute to the programme through local delivery partners. They do not guarantee help for a named household or a fixed quantity of supplies. ### How can I donate to Indonesia tsunami relief? Use the donation form on this page or choose the Indonesia Emergency Appeal on the donation page. Select an amount and one-off or monthly giving. Card checkout shows the payment methods available for your device and account. ### What happened in Flores on 15 August 2026? BMKG reports a magnitude Mw 7.7 earthquake north of Flores on 15 August 2026. Its subsequent report confirms tsunami observations and says the warning ended that morning. These dated reports provide context; they are not evidence of World Aid Network deliveries. ### What will my donation to the Indonesia Emergency Appeal support? Contributions towards emergency food, safe drinking water, hygiene supplies and temporary shelter for disaster-affected families in Indonesia. Quantities, contents and final costs depend on assessed needs and local quotes. ### How quickly will my donation help? There is no guaranteed response time. Payment processing, allocation, access, local conditions and partner capacity can all affect delivery. Completing a card payment does not mean that a relief distribution has already happened. ### Can I give monthly to the Indonesia Emergency Appeal? Yes. Select monthly giving in the donation form and check the recurring amount before confirming payment. A regular donation contributes to the appeal on an ongoing basis. You can also choose a one-off gift. ## How you can help Please donate to the Indonesia Emergency Appeal at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/indonesia-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=emergency-relief&appeal=indonesia-emergency --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Malaysia Floods Appeal > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/malaysia-emergency > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Donate to the Malaysia Floods Appeal to support emergency food, safe drinking water, hygiene supplies and temporary shelter for families displaced by monsoon flooding in Malaysia. Local partners deliver the help. Quantities and timing depend on assessed needs, access and available funds. Verified delivery reports will be published when approved. Emergency food, clean water and shelter for families displaced by monsoon flooding in Malaysia. Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/malaysia-emergency ## At a glance - Programme focus: Emergency food, water, hygiene and shelter in Malaysia - Countries covered: Malaysia only - Peak season: November to January on the east coast (MetMalaysia) - Reporting: Verified appeal totals and delivery reports are not yet published ## What is the Malaysia Floods Appeal? The Malaysia Floods Appeal is World Aid Network’s standing emergency relief page for Malaysia. Local partner organisations deliver the help. We do not rebuild homes or send cash from this appeal. Every monsoon, rivers on Malaysia’s east coast rise. Families leave home with what they can carry and wait in temporary relief centres until the water drops. They need to eat, drink safely and stay dry. That is what this appeal pays for. You do not need to travel or pack a box. The most useful thing you can do is donate money, so help can be bought close to where it is needed. ## When is flood season in Malaysia? Malaysia’s Northeast Monsoon brings heavy rain spells to the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, western Sarawak and the north-east coast of Sabah. MetMalaysia gives November, December and January as the months of maximum rainfall for the east coast states. That is when flooding is most likely. Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang are usually hit first, before the rain moves south towards Johor. Source: Malaysian Meteorological Department, Malaysia’s climate — https://www.met.gov.my/en/pendidikan/iklim-malaysia/ Please do not wait for the pictures. A gift made before the rains peak means partners are not starting from zero when families are already in relief centres. ## How many people do monsoon floods displace in Malaysia? In late November 2025 the ASEAN AHA Centre reported 20,357 people displaced and 125 evacuation centres open across eight Malaysian states, citing NADMA. Those are published disaster figures, not a claim about how many families World Aid Network has reached. Source: AHA Centre, Flash Update No. 1, Flooding in Peninsular Malaysia and Southern Thailand, 25 November 2025 — https://ahacentre.org/flash-update/flash-update-no-1-flooding-in-peninsular-malaysia-and-southern-thailand-25-november-2025/ We will not invent a caseload. We will ask you to give so local partners can deliver the first things a displaced family needs. - 20,357 — People displaced in Malaysia at the time of the update - 125 — Evacuation centres open in Malaysia - 8 states — Kelantan, Perlis, Perak, Selangor, Kedah, Pulau Pinang, Terengganu and Pahang - Food, water, shelter — What this appeal is restricted to — not reconstruction ## What will my donation to the Malaysia Floods Appeal provide? Your donation contributes towards emergency food, clean drinking water, hygiene kits and temporary shelter for flood-affected families in Malaysia. Suggested amounts are contributions, not published partner quotes or guaranteed outcomes. What a household receives depends on assessed need and local costs. Please choose an amount on this page. Give once, or give every month so help is ready for each monsoon. ## How does my donation reach a family in Malaysia? You donate. Trustees release funds to local partner organisations in Malaysia after assessing need. Partners buy food, water, hygiene supplies and shelter materials nearby and deliver them. We do not send cash to individuals. Buying locally is faster, and it supports shops in the affected area. Timing depends on need, access, available funds and partner capacity; no response time is guaranteed. If you want to give in memory of someone, or as a group, write to info@worldaidnetwork.org and we will mark the gift for the Malaysia Floods Appeal. ## Should I send clothes or food parcels from the UK? Money is more useful, unless a partner has asked for a specific item in writing. Parcels from Britain usually arrive late and cost more than buying locally. A card gift on this page is the fastest way to help. Local partners know what a family needs that week. ## How is this different from the Floods and Earthquake Appeal? This page is marked for flood-affected families in Malaysia. The Floods and Earthquake Appeal is the standing three-country fund for Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Both buy food, water and shelter. A gift here stays with flood relief in Malaysia. If you would rather let trustees send help wherever the need is greatest across the three countries, use the standing fund. ## What happens if more is raised than is needed? Trustees may direct surplus to other disaster-relief work in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia, in line with our Objects — never kept as profit. This appeal does not rebuild homes and does not fund cancer treatment or eye surgery. Sight-restoring surgery in Malaysia is a separate programme with its own page. ## What will a donation provide? - £10: Contribution towards emergency food, water, hygiene and shelter in Malaysia - £25: Contribution towards emergency food, water, hygiene and shelter in Malaysia - £50: Contribution towards emergency food, water, hygiene and shelter in Malaysia - £100: Contribution towards emergency food, water, hygiene and shelter in Malaysia - £250: Contribution towards emergency food, water, hygiene and shelter in Malaysia - £500: Contribution towards emergency food, water, hygiene and shelter in Malaysia ## How to donate to the Malaysia Floods Appeal Donate so World Aid Network can fund food, clean water, hygiene kits and shelter for flood-affected families in Malaysia. - Open this appeal: Stay on this page or go to worldaidnetwork.org/donate. - Choose an amount: Keep the Malaysia Floods Appeal selected and pick an amount. - Give by card: Pay by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay through secure Stripe checkout. - Optional: give monthly: A monthly gift keeps help ready for each monsoon season. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is the Malaysia Floods Appeal open? Yes. This is World Aid Network’s standing appeal for flood relief in Malaysia. Donate here for emergency food, clean water, hygiene kits and temporary shelter. ### When do floods usually happen in Malaysia? During the Northeast Monsoon. MetMalaysia gives November, December and January as the months of maximum rainfall for the east coast states of Peninsular Malaysia. ### Which parts of Malaysia flood most often? The east coast states of Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang are usually hit first, then Johor. Sabah and Sarawak can also see heavy rain spells in the monsoon. ### Is this a reconstruction appeal? No. Funds are restricted to emergency food, water, hygiene kits and shelter for disaster-affected families. We do not rebuild homes. ### Will Gift Aid apply? Not yet. Gift Aid requires HMRC recognition, donor eligibility and a valid declaration and HMRC recognition is in place. ### Can I give monthly? Yes. A monthly donation keeps help ready for each monsoon season. You can cancel future payments at any time. ### Should I send clothes or food from Britain? Parcels usually arrive late and cost more than buying locally. ### Does this appeal fund eye surgery in Malaysia? No. Sight-restoring eye surgery in Malaysia is a separate programme. This appeal is for food, water, hygiene kits and shelter after flooding. ## How you can help Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/malaysia-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=emergency-relief&appeal=malaysia-emergency ## Sources - UNICEF — WASH in emergencies: https://www.unicef.org/wash/emergencies - IFRC — Shelter and settlements: https://www.ifrc.org/our-work/disasters-climate-and-crises/shelter-and-settlements --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Pakistan Floods Appeal > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/pakistan-emergency > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short World Aid Network’s Pakistan Floods Appeal accepts contributions towards emergency food, safe drinking water, hygiene supplies and temporary shelter for flood-affected families in Pakistan. It is a standing appeal. Historical disaster figures are dated below; they are not current casualty totals or WAN delivery results. Allocation terms and reporting status are set out below. Emergency food, clean water and shelter for families forced from their homes by Pakistan’s monsoon floods. Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/pakistan-emergency ## At a glance - Pakistan: Primary geographical focus - Essential relief: Food, water, hygiene and shelter - Standing appeal: Not a live disaster bulletin - Reporting: Verified delivery reports not yet published ## What is the Pakistan Floods Appeal? This is WAN’s standing appeal for flood-affected families in Pakistan. The programme focuses on food, safe drinking water, hygiene supplies and temporary shelter. The appeal’s purpose is emergency relief. It does not fund long-term reconstruction, eye surgery or cancer treatment. Those are separate programmes. A country appeal is not a promise that a donation will reach a particular district, named household or dated disaster. Contact us before giving if a narrower restriction is important to you. ## Which Pakistan flood figures are historical? The widely quoted figure of 33 million people affected refers to Pakistan’s 2022 floods. UNICEF’s one-year review also reported more than 2.2 million homes damaged or destroyed. These are historical national figures, not a 2026 assessment or WAN’s beneficiary totals. Disaster totals change as assessments develop. Keep the event year, source and reporting period together when sharing a statistic. Do not add reports from different years into one total. For newer assessments, follow the dated Pakistan situation reports published by UNICEF and official local disaster guidance. Reports by other agencies do not establish WAN’s involvement in those responses. - 2022 flood statistics — The historical scale of a national disaster - Dated situation reports — An agency’s assessment for a particular reporting period - WAN delivery report — Our own funded activity, once supporting records are approved ## Why are food, water, hygiene and shelter priorities? Flooding can disrupt safe water, damage homes and make food harder to obtain. Different households need different combinations of immediate support. UNICEF explains that damage to water and sanitation services can increase illness risks during emergencies. Relief planning therefore needs to consider safe water and hygiene together. The source describes general humanitarian needs. It is not an endorsement of WAN or proof that WAN has delivered supplies in a particular location. ## How can I donate to Pakistan flood relief from the UK? Choose an amount in the donation form and keep the Pakistan Floods Appeal selected. Check the currency, frequency and recipient before completing payment. One-off and monthly contributions are available. Payment options shown at checkout depend on your device and location. Share the appeal link with a workplace, community group or friends so each donor can review the purpose and allocation terms. If you are organising a fundraiser, explain who receives the money before collecting it. ## What will a donation to Pakistan flood relief fund? Contributions help fund the appeal’s emergency relief purpose. No standard donation amount guarantees a fixed number of food parcels, water containers or shelter kits. Costs depend on local quotes, transport, availability, assessed needs and access. We will only describe a specific quantity or delivery as completed when there is evidence for it. Read where your money goes for cost and allocation information. A payment receipt acknowledges your gift; it is separate from a report of aid delivered. ## How does WAN plan to reach affected communities? Relief delivery is intended to take place through local partners, subject to needs assessment, capacity, access and trustee allocation. The page does not establish that boats, aircraft or other specific delivery routes have been deployed by WAN. Partner identity, funded location, dates and delivery records should appear in approved updates when available. Families should follow official local emergency instructions. This fundraising page is not a rescue service or a source of live evacuation advice. ## What evidence should I look for before donating? Check the organisation, programme purpose, allocation terms and reporting position. Separate evidence of a disaster from evidence of the charity’s own work. WAN has not yet published reconciled appeal totals or approved delivery reports for this appeal. That means the figures are unavailable, not zero. The reporting panel and updates below show the current publication position. - A named programme and clear geographical scope. - Dated financial and partner delivery records when published. - A distinction between money received, funds paid out and aid delivered. - Consent for published patient or beneficiary photographs. - A clear contact route for questions and corrections. ## How quickly will my donation help? Payment processing and relief delivery are separate steps. Delivery depends on needs, access, available funds and partner capacity; this appeal does not guarantee a response time. Use dated appeal updates to understand what has been approved, paid for and reported as delivered. The date of a donation is not evidence that relief reached a household that day. ## Can I give monthly to Pakistan flood relief? Yes. Choose a monthly contribution if regular giving suits you, or make a one-off donation. Recurring support helps fund the standing appeal. It does not mean supplies are already positioned for a future flood. Use the manage-giving service to manage an existing recurring gift. ## How does this differ from the wider emergency appeal? Pakistan flood relief is the primary purpose here. The standing Floods and Earthquake Appeal covers disaster relief across Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Choose the appeal whose published purpose matches your intentions. The Hunger Crisis Appeal and Clean Water Emergency Appeal describe their own programme scopes; they should not be assumed to create a Pakistan-only restriction. ## What happens if more is raised than this appeal needs? Under the published appeal terms, trustees may allocate surplus to other disaster-relief work in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia in line with WAN’s charitable Objects. This means the page’s primary Pakistan focus is subject to that surplus policy. Contact WAN before making a gift if you need a stricter geographical or incident restriction. The appeal does not promise that every surplus pound remains in Pakistan. ## Should I send clothes or supplies from abroad? Check with the organisation before sending goods. Unrequested items can be difficult to transport, store or distribute appropriately. A financial contribution lets the programme assess needs and available local supplies. Follow the fundraising guidance for group collections and contact WAN before arranging an in-kind donation. ## What will a donation provide? - £10: Contribution towards Pakistan flood relief; quantities and delivery dates are not guaranteed. - £25: Contribution towards Pakistan flood relief; quantities and delivery dates are not guaranteed. - £50: Contribution towards Pakistan flood relief; quantities and delivery dates are not guaranteed. - £100: Contribution towards Pakistan flood relief; quantities and delivery dates are not guaranteed. - £250: Contribution towards Pakistan flood relief; quantities and delivery dates are not guaranteed. - £500: Contribution towards Pakistan flood relief; quantities and delivery dates are not guaranteed. ## How to donate to the Pakistan Floods Appeal Review the purpose and reporting information, then choose a contribution. - Read the appeal: Check its Pakistan focus, standing purpose and surplus terms. - Choose your gift: Set the amount, currency and one-off or monthly frequency. - Confirm the recipient: Keep the Pakistan Floods Appeal selected at checkout. - Keep your receipt: Use public updates separately to follow reported delivery. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is the Pakistan Floods Appeal open? Yes. It is a standing appeal accepting donations towards food, safe water, hygiene and temporary shelter for flood-affected families. ### Do the 33 million people affected figures describe this year? No. The figure cited here describes the 2022 floods. Use a dated situation report for the period you are researching. ### Does this page prove WAN reached 33 million people? No. National disaster figures are not WAN beneficiary counts. Verified delivery reports have not yet been published for this appeal. ### Is every donation restricted to Pakistan? Pakistan flood relief is the primary purpose, but the published terms allow trustees to use surplus for disaster relief in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia. Contact WAN before giving if you require a narrower restriction. ### Can I donate monthly? Yes. Select monthly giving in the form. You can also make a one-off contribution. ### Can I claim Gift Aid? Check the current eligibility and organisation information on the donation page. Do not assume a tax top-up applies automatically. ### Does this fund reconstruction or medical treatment? No. This appeal focuses on emergency food, water, hygiene and temporary shelter. Cancer care and eye surgery have separate appeals. ## How you can help Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/pakistan-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=emergency-relief&appeal=pakistan-emergency ## Sources - UNICEF Pakistan — One year on from the 2022 floods (historical context): https://www.unicef.org/pakistan/one-year-road-recovery-continues-flood-affected-children-pakistan - UNICEF — Pakistan situation reports, each with its own reporting period: https://www.unicef.org/appeals/pakistan/situation-reports - UNICEF — Water, sanitation and hygiene in emergencies: https://www.unicef.org/wash/emergencies --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Kaiser Khan | Editorial Director | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/author/kaiser-khan > Kaiser Khan is Editorial Director of World Aid Network, overseeing desk-assessed programme content, provenance discipline and fundraising accuracy. KK # Kaiser Khan Editorial Director · World Aid Network Quick answer Kaiser Khan is Editorial Director of World Aid Network, overseeing desk-assessed programme content, provenance, machine-legibility standards and fundraising accuracy across eye surgery, cancer and emergency relief pages. Named clinical reviewers are credited on pages they assess. This profile does not assert personal clinical registration. ## Who is Kaiser Khan? Kaiser Khan serves as Editorial Director for World Aid Network, a London-based UK charitable organisation, applying for CIO registration, that funds sight-restoring eye surgery, cancer treatment and emergency disaster relief in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Kaiser oversees content production, provenance discipline, technical search specifications and editorial compliance across the public site. ## What does editorial oversight cover? Oversight includes question-shaped answers, sourced statistics, honest Charity Commission and Gift Aid wording, Markdown and llms.txt machine surfaces, and the firewall between fundraising urgency and clinical claims. Named clinical reviewers are credited on pages they assess; this author profile does not claim personal medical registration. ## Related trust pages - [Editorial policy](/editorial-policy) - [Corrections log](/corrections) - [Funding method](/method/funding) - [Open data](/open-data) - [Registration status](/about/registration-status) Contact: info@worldaidnetwork.org · Last updated 2026-08-10 --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Blindness Charity UK | Preventable Blindness Care | WAN > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/blindness-charity > Explore eye-care support for people facing barriers to treatment. Learn about cataract care, local doctors, specialist training and donation estimates. # Blindness Charity — Restoring Vision Where Care Is Unaffordable Assessment, appropriate treatment and follow-up can help people facing barriers to eye care. WAN supports access to care in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. [ Give £200 towards cataract care ](/sponsor-a-cataract-operation) [ Gift of Sight Appeal ](/appeal/gift-of-sight) ✓ Amounts contribute towards care; costs vary✓ Local doctors with visiting specialist support✓ Trustee-approved patient lists What does World Aid Network fund? World Aid Network is a UK blindness charity funding sight-restoring cataract surgery and preventable blindness treatment for poor patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Suggested gifts contribute towards clinically recommended care; actual costs and outcomes vary. Global eye health work spans research funding, Vision 2020-style coordination, training hospitals and direct surgery. World Aid Network’s role is narrower and practical: supporting clinically recommended eye care in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia, subject to assessment, capacity and funding. See the programme pages for current availability and reporting. WAN hires local doctors and arranges visiting specialist support for training and review. Around £200 is a cataract surgery estimate supplied to WAN by Mr Mohamed Mohyudin, not a fixed price or a guaranteed outcome. Read the [Gift of Sight appeal](/appeal/gift-of-sight) for the delivery model and reporting status. ## Your donation at work Gifts fund patient care and emergency relief in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. £200 Contribution towards cataract care; outcomes vary £400 Contribution towards eye care; actual costs and outcomes vary £1,000 Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary £2,000 Contribution towards eye care; actual costs and outcomes vary ## Frequently asked questions What is an eye charity or blindness charity? Eye and blindness charities fund sight-restoring treatment, eye care services, prevention or research for people who cannot afford ophthalmic care. World Aid Network focuses on cataract surgery and other treatable causes of preventable blindness in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. How much does it cost to restore someone's sight? Costs depend on the clinical plan and hospital quote. Around £200 is a surgeon-supplied planning estimate, not a guaranteed procedure price. A donation contributes to eye care and cannot guarantee restoration of vision. How is World Aid Network different from large global eye charities? Many global organisations run training networks, research funds or multi-country prevention campaigns. We do not operate flying hospitals or build eye hospitals. We fund named-patient surgery through locally licensed ophthalmologists at partner hospitals in three countries — where blindness is treatable but unaffordable. Is preventable blindness the same as cataract blindness? Preventable blindness includes any vision loss that surgery, medication or spectacles could avoid or reverse. Cataract is the leading curable cause; glaucoma, trachoma and diabetic retinopathy also feature. Our programme funds surgically treatable cases where cost is the barrier. ### Related pages [Sponsor a cataract operation](/sponsor-a-cataract-operation)[Preventable blindness guide](/preventable-blindness)[Diabetic retinopathy charity](/diabetic-retinopathy-charity)[Eye surgery programme](/eye-surgery) ## How can you help restore vision today? Support appropriate eye care, including assessment and follow-up. A £200 gift is a contribution, not a guaranteed procedure or result. [ Give £200 towards cataract care ](/sponsor-a-cataract-operation) [ Gift of Sight Appeal ](/appeal/gift-of-sight) Suggested amounts are contributions; the clinical plan and hospital quote determine actual costs. ## How can I help someone access eye care? Understand the care available, explore its costs and see how a donation reaches a treatment partner. - [Give to eye care](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form) About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. Any amount contributes to the Gift of Sight Appeal. - [Sponsor cataract surgery](/sponsor-a-cataract-operation) Learn how to help fund an operation. - [Plan an eye-care gift](/eye-surgery-cost-calculator) Calculate your giving total without assuming a number of operations. - [Where your donation goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and accounted for. - [Sight-restoring eye surgery](/eye-surgery) Explore the eye care programme and treatment pathway. - [Getting help for vision changes](/eye-health/screening-checker) Find guidance on professional eye care and support enquiries. - [Clinicians and hospital enquiries](/eye-care-partners) Review standards, participation and professional introductions. - [Screening locations and availability](/free-eye-screening-camps) Check published schedules and what to ask before attending. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Charity Guides > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog > Last reviewed: 2026-10-04 ## In short Explore World Aid Network guides to charity donations, Gift Aid, cancer, eye health and emergency aid. Choose a topic, read the relevant sources and follow links to our programmes and appeals. Health information supports a conversation with a qualified professional; it does not diagnose symptoms or confirm eligibility for treatment. Understand your options. Find practical guidance on giving, health and emergency relief, then choose how you want to help. This is the article library. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate. Programme hubs: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer, https://worldaidnetwork.org/eye-health, https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief, https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal. Markdown twin: https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog.md. RSS: https://worldaidnetwork.org/feed.xml. ## What is the difference between a guide and a programme page? Guides answer questions. Programme pages are where you donate or read the treatment World Aid Network funds. Cancer type guides: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer. Eye conditions: https://worldaidnetwork.org/eye-health. Named appeals: https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal. ## How do we review these articles? Read each guide’s sources, date and review status. Public health and tax guidance is background information, not evidence of WAN delivery. A clinician is credited only where individual review is documented. Policy: https://worldaidnetwork.org/editorial-policy. Corrections: https://worldaidnetwork.org/corrections. Current registration status: https://worldaidnetwork.org/about/registration-status. ## How do you find a charity guide? Choose a topic, check the information and sources, then explore support or giving options relevant to your circumstances. - Open the index or search: Browse a topic below or filter the library by a word or phrase, such as monthly giving or prostate cancer. - Read the direct answer first: Start with the summary, then read the detail and original sources. Check the date and any limits on the advice. - Donate on a programme page: Follow the relevant programme or appeal to see what donations support, how funds are used and the available giving methods. ## Which guides should you read first? - Movember and prostate cancer — Start a conversation about men’s health. Make an informed choice about where your fundraising goes. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/movember-prostate-cancer-developing-world - Gift Aid explained: eligibility, declarations and tax relief — Check the charity, the donation and your tax position before signing a declaration. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/gift-aid-explained-uk - Best Charities to Donate to: How to Choose, Then Give — We do not rank the best charities to donate to. Check filings, then donate if World Aid Network’s mandate matches. About £200 contributes towards cataract care. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/best-charities-to-donate-to - Pakistan flood donations: a donor’s checklist — Check a Pakistan flood appeal before donating: its purpose, dated evidence, local delivery, use of funds and reporting. Explore WAN’s standing appeal. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/pakistan-floods-donation-guide - Cataract Charity UK: What an Eye Charity Gift Funds — A UK cataract charity and eye charity. About £200 contributes towards cataract care at a partner hospital in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/cataract-charity-uk - How to Make a Will in the UK: Steps, Executors and Witnessing — Seven steps to a valid last will and testament in England and Wales. Gifts in wills sit on the legacy giving page. Not legal advice. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/making-a-will-legacy-giving-uk-guide ## Which guides cover giving, Gift Aid and tax? Compare donation methods, understand Gift Aid conditions and find ideas for fundraising, regular giving or remembering someone. Programme hub: https://worldaidnetwork.org/ways-to-donate - Giving Tuesday 2026: A UK Donor's Guide https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/giving-tuesday-2026-uk-charity-guide - What is a Nonprofit? A UK Donor's Guide to Giving Wisely https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/what-is-a-nonprofit-and-how-to-choose-one - Non Profit Organisation: How UK Charities Are Set Up to Do Good https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/non-profit-organisation-uk-donor-guide - Charities: How to Choose, Trust and Give Well in 2026 https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/uk-charities-how-to-choose-and-give-well - Best Charities to Donate to: How to Choose, Then Give https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/best-charities-to-donate-to - Donate Your Birthday: Turn Your Special Day Into a Life-Changing Gift https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/donate-your-birthday - Donate toys to charity: practical UK guidance https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/donate-toys-to-charity - Sponsor a Child: Fund Treatment, Not Letters https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/sponsor-a-child - Sponsor an Orphan: A Modern, Dignified Way to Help Vulnerable Children https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/sponsor-an-orphan - Overseas Aid Charities: How to Choose One That Genuinely Changes Lives https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/overseas-aid-charities - Children's Charity Donation: How to Give in a Way That Helps https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/childrens-charity-donation - What Is Emergency Aid? How It Works and How to Give https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/emergency-aid - UK Corporation Tax Relief on Charitable Donations: A 2026 Business Guide https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/uk-corporation-tax-relief-charitable-donations - Sole Trader Charity Donations: Gift Aid, Higher Rate Tax Relief and What You Can Claim https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/sole-trader-charity-donations-tax-relief - Donating Goods and Assets to Charity: VAT, Stock, Shares and Capital Gains Tax Relief https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/donating-goods-assets-charity-tax-relief - Donate clothes to charity: practical UK guidance https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/donate-clothes-to-charity - Charity shops near you: how to find and donate https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/charity-shops-near-me - Humanitarian Aid Organisations in the UK: What They Do and How to Choose One https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/humanitarian-aid-organisations - Donate Your Car to Charity UK: How It Works and How to Give the Proceeds https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/donate-car-to-charity-uk - 100% donation policies: how to compare costs and impact https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/100-percent-donation-policy-truth - How to Make a Will in the UK: Steps, Executors and Witnessing https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/making-a-will-legacy-giving-uk-guide - Gift Aid explained: eligibility, declarations and tax relief https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/gift-aid-explained-uk - Your Top Charity Questions Answered: A UK Donor's Complete Guide https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/charity-questions-answered-uk - Save Children from Blindness, Cancer and Disaster: How World Aid Network Helps Children https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/save-children-world-aid-network - Best Charity for Cancer: How to Choose, Then Give https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/best-charity-for-cancer ## Which articles cover cancer? Read about cancer awareness, inequalities in access to care and how to support patients. Our cancer information hub has separate guides to symptoms, tests and treatment. Programme hub: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer - Movember and prostate cancer https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/movember-prostate-cancer-developing-world - Prostate Cancer in Black Men: 1 in 4 Lifetime Risk https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/prostate-cancer-black-men - Basal Cell Carcinoma UK: Symptoms, Treatment and What to Expect https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/basal-cell-carcinoma-uk - Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Symptoms, Causes and Treatment https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/squamous-cell-carcinoma-skin-uk - Blood cancer: types, tests and treatment support https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/blood-cancer-uk - Women’s cancer charities: choosing how to help https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/womens-charities-cancer-giving ## Which articles cover eye health and sight? Understand sight-saving care and charitable support. Visit the eye health hub for condition guides, symptoms and questions to discuss with an eye professional. Programme hub: https://worldaidnetwork.org/eye-health - How to Keep Your Eyes Healthy: The Complete NHS-Guided Guide https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/how-to-keep-eyes-healthy - Retinal Detachment: Symptoms, Emergency Signs and Treatment https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/retinal-detachment-uk - Colour Blindness UK: Types, Causes, Testing and Daily Life https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/colour-blindness-uk - Lazy Eye (Amblyopia): Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Patching https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/lazy-eye-amblyopia-uk - Retinitis Pigmentosa: Symptoms, Genetic Causes and Treatment https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/retinitis-pigmentosa-uk - Cataract Charity UK: What an Eye Charity Gift Funds https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/cataract-charity-uk - World Sight Day: practical ways to support eye care https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/world-sight-day-charity ## Which articles cover emergency relief and appeals? Learn how to give after floods and earthquakes, compare emergency needs and check what an appeal supports before donating. Programme hub: https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief - The Digital Shoebox Appeal: Gift a Medical Kit Instead of a Cardboard Box https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/digital-shoebox-appeal - Christmas Appeal: Give the Gift of Sight This Christmas https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/christmas-appeal - Water Charity: Donate Clean Water After Disaster https://worldaidnetwork.org/clean-water-charity - How to assess a humanitarian appeal https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/humanitarian-appeal - World Autism Awareness Day: The Hidden Vulnerability in Disaster Zones https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/world-autism-awareness-day - Pakistan flood donations: a donor’s checklist https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/pakistan-floods-donation-guide ## Which articles explain how World Aid Network works? Understand our charitable purpose, how to check an organisation and where to find current registration and funding information. Programme hub: https://worldaidnetwork.org/about - Muslim Charity, Christian Charity — a Charity for Humanity https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/charity-for-humanity-beyond-faith-labels ## Related pages - Cancer hub — 19 type guides — donate via the Cancer Emergency Appeal. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer - Eye health hub — Symptoms, eye care options and support for sight-saving treatment. https://worldaidnetwork.org/eye-health - Emergency relief — Floods, earthquakes and winter — food, water, shelter. https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief - What is emergency aid? — How emergency aid works — food, water, hygiene kits and shelter. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/emergency-aid - Clean Water Charity — Water charity — emergency drinking water, not wells. https://worldaidnetwork.org/clean-water-charity - Legacy giving — Leave a gift in your will. How-to sits on the UK will-writing guide. https://worldaidnetwork.org/legacy-giving - Ways to donate — Card, monthly, payroll, crypto, legacy and Gift Aid status. https://worldaidnetwork.org/ways-to-donate - Editorial policy — How we source, correct and label composite stories. https://worldaidnetwork.org/editorial-policy ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the difference between a guide and a programme page? Guides help you understand a topic and your options. Programme and appeal pages explain our fundraising purpose, the support intended and how to donate. Follow the related links in each guide. ### Is this a newsroom? This library contains practical guides rather than a daily news service. Use the RSS feed to follow new articles. For a specific emergency, check the dated sources and updates on its appeal page. ### How are these articles reviewed? Our editorial policy explains sourcing, corrections and responsibility. Public health or tax guidance is background information, not evidence of WAN programme outcomes. A clinician is credited only where an individual review is documented; contact a qualified professional about your circumstances. ## How you can help Read a guide from the lists above, or donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate. This index is not a checkout. --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # 100% Donation Policies: What to Check | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/100-percent-donation-policy-truth > Understand 100% donation policies, fundraising and processing fees. Compare charity costs with evidence of results, and check WAN’s funding approach. Direct Answer A 100% donation policy describes how an organisation allocates a particular donation; it does not mean that running or delivering its work has no cost. Check what the promise includes, how other costs are funded and whether results are evidenced. WAN does not claim a 100% donation policy. Compare purpose, costs and outcomes together. ## What a 100% policy can mean An organisation may allocate the whole of a particular gift to its programme while paying fundraising, administration or delivery costs from another source. Ask which costs are counted within the programme and which income pays the rest. The meaning depends on the organisation’s published policy. A label alone cannot show the quality of care, the usefulness of a relief delivery or whether the organisation achieves its purpose. ## Check the evidence behind the comparison Read the latest available accounts, the reporting period and the accounting notes. Organisations with different activities may classify costs differently. A research charity, a clinical fund and a disaster-response organisation cannot be fairly ranked by one percentage alone. Look for an explanation of results, limits and how they were measured. A stated target is not a completed result; a low cost can also reflect a narrower service. [ A practical guide to choosing a charity ](/blog/best-charities-to-donate-to) Give to eye surgery, cancer treatment or disaster relief Eye surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay, and relief after disasters, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Give once or monthly by card. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## Platform fees and processing fees are different Check the platform’s current fee schedule for the country, service and payment method you will use. A platform fee, payment processing fee, optional donor tip and Gift Aid administration charge are different charges. Do not add or compare them without understanding the product. For example, JustGiving’s UK fees page currently distinguishes charity fundraising, personal crowdfunding and Giving Checkout. It lists a £0 platform fee for UK charity fundraising and a processing charge for standard methods. Follow its current published schedule for the exact figures and exceptions; a direct charity checkout is not automatically cheaper. ## How WAN describes donation costs WAN does not claim a 100% donation policy. Read the allocation terms and current reporting status before giving. Suggested amounts are contributions, not guaranteed treatment prices or a count of people helped. [ Where your money goes and how estimates work ](/where-your-money-goes) ## Gift Aid is a separate eligibility question An eligible donation to an HMRC-recognised organisation can qualify for a top-up when the donor meets the tax and declaration conditions. It does not erase operational costs or establish impact. Gift Aid is not currently available at WAN. [ Check Gift Aid availability and requirements ](/gift-aid) ## Choose based on the work you want to support Decide whether your priority is research, practical support, treatment access or emergency essentials. Check who receives funds, how restrictions work and what reporting is available. Give an amount you can afford and keep your confirmation. [ Compare ways to give ](/ways-to-donate) ### Key takeaways - A 100% donation policy describes how an organisation allocates a particular donation; it does not mean that running or delivering its work has no cost. Check what the promise includes, how other costs are funded and whether results are evidenced. WAN does not claim a 100% donation policy. Compare purpose, costs and outcomes together. Give to eye surgery, cancer treatment or disaster relief Eye surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay, and relief after disasters, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Give once or monthly by card. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## Frequently asked questions Does 100% mean the charity has no overheads? No. Staff, systems, safeguarding, reporting and delivery still require resources. The policy should explain which income funds them. Is the lowest overhead ratio always best? No. Activities and cost classifications differ. Assess the purpose, service quality, evidence and financial reporting together. Does JustGiving always charge a UK platform fee? No. Its current UK fee page lists a £0 platform fee for charity fundraising, with separate processing charges and product-specific exceptions. Check the official schedule for your route. Does WAN offer a 100% donation policy? No. Check our funding terms and reporting status. Suggested gift amounts do not guarantee an operation or relief package. Published by World Aid Network. Check the original sources and their dates. General information is not individual medical, legal or tax advice. Our editorial policy explains responsibility and corrections. ## What are the sources for this guide? Follow the original guidance for its evidence, dates and limitations. Background references explain the need; they are not evidence of WAN fundraising or delivery. - [JustGiving — Current fee schedule](https://www.justgiving.com/about/fees) - [GOV.UK — Find charity information](https://www.gov.uk/find-charity-information) - [HMRC — Gift Aid requirements](https://www.gov.uk/claim-gift-aid) [Editorial policy](/editorial-policy) · [Corrections and reporting an error](/corrections) ## Choose a programme with clear expectations Review the appeal, funding terms and reporting status, then choose a contribution you can afford. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## Before you give Suggested amounts contribute to the programme. They do not guarantee a named patient, procedure or quantity of relief. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) - [Published impact and reporting](/our-impact) - [Gift Aid eligibility and current status](/gift-aid) ## Share this guide [Share by email](mailto:?subject=World%20Aid%20Network%20guide&body=https%3A%2F%2Fworldaidnetwork.org%2Fblog%2F100-percent-donation-policy-truth) Only the public article link is included. ## Make an informed donation Check what the organisation offers, understand the conditions and choose a way to give that suits you. - [Compare ways to donate](/ways-to-donate) Card giving, monthly gifts and other routes, with current availability. - [Gift Aid eligibility explained](/gift-aid) Understand donor conditions and the current status at WAN. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and how estimates differ from results. - [Check our registration status](/about/registration-status) Distinguish the application reference from a registered charity number. - [Practical donor resources](/donor-resources) Find answers, useful tools and giving options. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Basal Cell Carcinoma UK: Symptoms | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/basal-cell-carcinoma-uk > Basal cell carcinoma is the UK's most common cancer, with around 300,000 diagnoses a year, and is almost always curable. Learn the signs and treatment. Direct Answer Basal cell carcinoma is the most common cancer in the UK, with around 300,000 diagnoses each year, and it is almost always curable and very rarely spreads. Surgical excision or Mohs surgery cures over 95% of primary BCCs. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for poor patients who cannot otherwise afford care. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common cancer not only in the United Kingdom but in the world. Around 300,000 cases are diagnosed in the UK each year, accounting for more than 75% of all skin cancer diagnoses. Despite these numbers, BCC is almost always curable when caught early and very rarely spreads to other parts of the body. BCC develops from basal cells — the cells at the base of the outermost layer of skin (the epidermis). Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or sunbeds is responsible for the overwhelming majority of cases, making BCC one of the most preventable cancers. This guide answers the twenty most commonly searched questions about BCC in the UK, drawing on NHS and WHO sources, and examines why even a cancer as treatable as BCC causes significant suffering in low-income countries where dermatology services are scarce. ## What is basal cell carcinoma? Basal cell carcinoma is a slow-growing malignant tumour arising from basal cells in the deepest layer of the epidermis. Unlike melanoma, BCC grows locally and very rarely spreads (metastasises) to lymph nodes or distant organs — metastatic BCC is estimated to occur in fewer than 0.1% of cases. However, left untreated, BCC can grow deep into surrounding tissue and bone, causing significant local destruction, particularly on the face. The main subtypes are: nodular BCC (the most common, presenting as a pearly, translucent bump); superficial BCC (a flat, red or pink patch, often on the trunk); morphoeic or sclerosing BCC (a scar-like, whitish area that may be difficult to recognise); pigmented BCC (may look like a mole); and basosquamous carcinoma (a rarer, more aggressive variant with features of both BCC and squamous cell carcinoma). ## Symptoms: what to look for The NHS advises seeing your GP if you notice any skin lesion that: appears as a pearly white, pink or skin-coloured shiny bump or nodule on sun-exposed skin; presents as a flat, pale or yellowish scar-like area; shows as a pink or red growth with raised edges; bleeds or oozes without obvious cause; develops a central crust or ulceration; or fails to heal over several weeks. BCC most commonly appears on the head and neck (particularly around the nose, ears, scalp and eyelids), though it can occur anywhere on the body. Any new skin lesion that does not heal within six weeks, or any change to an existing skin lesion, should be assessed by a GP. Help a patient afford cancer care Gifts go to the Cancer Emergency Appeal’s wider fund for patients who cannot pay. They do not buy a guaranteed treatment or result. [Donate to cancer care](/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency#donate-form) ## Causes and risk factors Cumulative UV radiation exposure is the primary cause of basal cell carcinoma. This includes both sun exposure over a lifetime and the use of sunbeds, which the World Health Organization classifies as a Group 1 carcinogen. The risk is highest in people with fair or freckled skin, light-coloured eyes, red or blonde hair, or a history of sunburn. Outdoor workers, those who have lived in sunny climates, and people who used sunbeds are at elevated risk. Other risk factors include: a personal or family history of skin cancer; immunosuppression (after organ transplantation or in HIV); previous exposure to ionising radiation; exposure to arsenic; and rare genetic conditions such as Gorlin syndrome (naevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome), which causes multiple BCCs from early life. ## Treatment options The great majority of BCCs are treated successfully in a single outpatient procedure. Standard treatment for primary BCC is surgical excision under local anaesthetic, removing the tumour with a margin of normal tissue. Mohs micrographic surgery — a technique in which tissue is removed and examined layer by layer until clear margins are confirmed — is used for high-risk BCCs on the face, around the eyes or nose, or for recurrent tumours, achieving the highest cure rates. Non-surgical options include: cryotherapy (freezing) for small superficial BCCs; curettage and electrodesiccation (scraping and burning); topical imiquimod cream or 5-fluorouracil cream for superficial BCCs; photodynamic therapy (PDT); and radiotherapy for patients unsuitable for surgery. For the rare case of locally advanced or metastatic BCC, the hedgehog pathway inhibitors vismodegib and sonidegib are approved targeted therapies. ## Skin cancer in the developing world In the UK, basal cell carcinoma is almost always cured. Access to dermatology services, outpatient surgery under local anaesthetic and histopathological confirmation of clear margins are routine. In many low-income countries, these services are scarce or unavailable outside major urban centres. A patient with a growing facial BCC in a rural setting may have no access to a dermatologist, resulting in late presentation with extensive local tissue destruction. Skin cancer — including BCC — is covered by World Aid Network's charitable Objects, which fund cancer treatment of all types for poor patients through locally-licensed doctors. A donation supports access to diagnosis and treatment that would otherwise be out of reach. ### Key takeaways - Basal cell carcinoma is the most common cancer in the UK, with around 300,000 diagnoses per year. It is almost always curable and very rarely spreads. - UV radiation from the sun and sunbeds is the primary cause. The WHO classifies sunbeds as a Group 1 carcinogen. - Common presentations include a pearly or translucent bump, a scar-like area, a bleeding sore that heals and reopens, or a pink raised growth — all on sun-exposed skin. - Standard treatment is surgical excision or Mohs surgery, with cure rates exceeding 95% for primary BCCs. Non-surgical options are available for superficial and low-risk lesions. - In low-income countries, late-stage BCC causes significant facial disfigurement because dermatology and surgical services are largely inaccessible to poor patients. Help a patient afford cancer care Gifts go to the Cancer Emergency Appeal’s wider fund for patients who cannot pay. They do not buy a guaranteed treatment or result. [Donate to cancer care](/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency#donate-form) [Cancer Emergency Appeal: how gifts are used](/appeal/cancer-emergency) ## Frequently asked questions What is basal cell carcinoma? Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a malignant skin tumour arising from basal cells in the deepest layer of the epidermis. It is the most common cancer in the UK, with around 300,000 diagnoses per year. BCC is slow-growing and very rarely spreads to other parts of the body. When diagnosed early, it is almost always curable. What does basal cell carcinoma look like? BCC most commonly appears as a pearly, shiny or translucent bump on sun-exposed skin — particularly the face, scalp, ears and neck. It may look pink, white or skin-coloured. Other presentations include: a flat, pale scar-like area; a pink or red growth with raised, rolled edges; a sore that bleeds or oozes without obvious cause and then heals, only to recur; or a dark, pigmented lesion resembling a mole. Any non-healing skin lesion should be assessed by a GP. How common is basal cell carcinoma in the UK? BCC is the most common cancer in the UK, with approximately 300,000 new cases diagnosed each year — accounting for over 75% of all skin cancer diagnoses. Incidence has been rising steadily for decades, driven by increased UV exposure, sunbed use and an ageing population. BCC is more common in men than women and in people over 50, though rates in younger people are rising. What causes basal cell carcinoma? Cumulative exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or sunbeds is responsible for the vast majority of BCCs. UV radiation damages the DNA in basal cells, causing mutations that allow uncontrolled growth. The risk relates to total lifetime UV exposure, making BCC most common in older adults, outdoor workers and those with a history of significant sun exposure. Sunburn, particularly in childhood, also contributes to lifetime risk. Who is at risk of basal cell carcinoma? Risk is highest in people with: fair or freckled skin, light eyes or red/blonde hair; a history of prolonged sun exposure or regular sunbed use; previous skin cancer; immunosuppression (organ transplant recipients or people with HIV); a family history of BCC; exposure to ionising radiation or arsenic; or Gorlin syndrome. BCC is rare in people with dark skin due to higher melanin content, though it can occur. How is basal cell carcinoma diagnosed? Diagnosis is typically made by a dermatologist or GP with a special interest in dermatology through clinical examination, often aided by dermoscopy (a magnifying instrument with polarised light). A skin biopsy (punch or shave biopsy under local anaesthetic) provides histological confirmation and determines the BCC subtype, which guides treatment choice. Most BCCs are diagnosed without the need for any imaging. Is basal cell carcinoma dangerous? BCC is rarely life-threatening. It almost never spreads to lymph nodes or distant organs (metastatic BCC occurs in fewer than 0.1% of cases). However, it is not harmless: left untreated, BCC can grow deep into surrounding skin, cartilage, muscle and bone — causing significant disfigurement, particularly on the face. Lesions near the eye, nose or ear can invade critical structures. Early treatment is always preferable. Can basal cell carcinoma spread to other parts of the body? Metastatic spread of BCC is extremely rare — occurring in fewer than 0.1% of cases, usually involving very large, neglected, high-risk tumours or the rare basosquamous variant. This is one of the key features that distinguishes BCC from melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The main risk of BCC is local invasion and tissue destruction, not distant spread. Treatment prevents this from occurring. What are the types of basal cell carcinoma? The main subtypes are: nodular BCC (the most common — a pearly, raised bump with rolled edges and sometimes surface blood vessels); superficial BCC (a flat, pink or red scaly patch, often on the trunk); morphoeic/sclerosing BCC (a pale, scar-like, ill-defined lesion that may be underestimated in size — the highest-risk subtype); pigmented BCC (may resemble a mole and contain dark pigment); and basosquamous carcinoma (an aggressive hybrid of BCC and squamous cell carcinoma). Subtype affects treatment choice and risk of recurrence. What is the treatment for basal cell carcinoma? Standard treatment for primary BCC is surgical excision under local anaesthetic with a margin of healthy tissue, achieving cure rates exceeding 95%. Mohs micrographic surgery is preferred for high-risk or recurrent BCCs on the face. Non-surgical options include: cryotherapy; curettage and electrodesiccation; topical imiquimod or 5-fluorouracil for superficial BCC; photodynamic therapy (PDT); and radiotherapy for patients unfit for surgery. Vismodegib or sonidegib (hedgehog pathway inhibitors) are used for advanced or metastatic BCC. What is Mohs micrographic surgery? Mohs surgery is a specialised surgical technique in which the skin cancer is removed one thin layer at a time. Each layer is immediately examined under a microscope by the surgeon, who maps which areas still contain cancer cells. Only those precise areas are removed in the next layer. The process continues until completely clear margins are confirmed. Mohs surgery achieves the highest cure rates (>98%) for primary BCC and is used for high-risk sites (nose, eyelids, ears), large tumours and recurrent BCC. What is photodynamic therapy (PDT) for skin cancer? PDT is a non-surgical treatment for superficial and thin nodular BCC. A photosensitising cream (aminolevulinic acid or methyl aminolevulinate) is applied to the lesion and left for several hours. The skin is then exposed to a specific wavelength of light, which activates the cream and destroys the cancer cells. PDT is effective for superficial BCC with good cosmetic results, is performed as an outpatient procedure and is particularly useful for larger or multiple lesions on the trunk. What happens if basal cell carcinoma is left untreated? Untreated BCC continues to grow slowly. Over months to years, it can invade deeper layers of skin, cartilage, muscle and bone. On the face, this can result in destruction of the eyelid, nose, ear or surrounding tissue — causing significant disfigurement and functional impairment. Large neglected BCCs are more difficult to treat and may require extensive reconstructive surgery. Although BCC very rarely spreads internally, the local damage it causes makes treatment important even for apparently small lesions. How is a BCC removed? Most BCCs are removed under local anaesthetic in an outpatient setting. Standard excision involves cutting out the lesion with a margin of normal skin and closing the wound with stitches. For larger or high-risk BCCs, Mohs micrographic surgery is performed. For superficial lesions, non-excisional methods including curettage and cautery, cryotherapy or topical treatments may be used. A small scar remains after excision, which usually fades over time. Does basal cell carcinoma come back after treatment? Recurrence rates depend on the treatment used, the BCC subtype and location. For standard surgical excision, recurrence rates are approximately 2–5% at five years. For Mohs surgery, recurrence rates are less than 1%. Higher recurrence rates are seen with non-surgical treatments (cryotherapy, curettage), morphoeic BCC subtype, facial lesions and previously treated tumours. Long-term dermatological follow-up is recommended for patients with multiple or high-risk BCCs. Can basal cell carcinoma be prevented? BCC is largely preventable through consistent sun protection. The NHS advises: using sunscreen of at least SPF 30 (SPF 50 for children and those with fair skin); wearing protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses; seeking shade during the hours of 11am–3pm; and avoiding sunbeds entirely. The WHO classifies sunbeds as a Group 1 carcinogen. Regular skin checks to identify new or changing lesions allow early diagnosis and treatment before lesions grow large. What is the survival rate for basal cell carcinoma? The survival rate for basal cell carcinoma is excellent. The vast majority of patients — over 95% — are cured with initial treatment, and BCC-specific mortality is extremely rare. Death from BCC most commonly occurs in the very small minority of patients who develop metastatic BCC, or in those in whom extensive local invasion affects critical structures. The NHS does not report a standard five-year survival statistic for BCC in the same way as other cancers because cure rates are so high. What is Gorlin syndrome? Gorlin syndrome (naevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome) is a rare inherited condition caused by mutations in the PTCH1 gene. It causes a predisposition to develop multiple BCCs — sometimes hundreds — beginning from early adult life or even childhood. People with Gorlin syndrome also have increased risk of other tumours including medulloblastoma (a brain cancer), jaw cysts and cardiac fibromas. Vismodegib (a hedgehog pathway inhibitor) is specifically approved for BCC in patients with Gorlin syndrome. Genetic counselling is available through NHS genetics services. Does sunscreen prevent basal cell carcinoma? Yes. Regular use of broad-spectrum sunscreen (protecting against both UVA and UVB radiation) at SPF 30 or higher significantly reduces the risk of BCC and other skin cancers. The NHS advises applying sunscreen generously to all exposed skin, reapplying every two hours and after swimming. Sunscreen should be used alongside other protective measures — shade, clothing and avoiding peak UV hours — rather than as the sole form of sun protection. How does skin cancer affect people in developing countries? In low-income countries, dermatology services are highly concentrated in urban centres, meaning patients in rural areas often present with large, advanced BCCs that have caused significant local tissue destruction. Mohs surgery and PDT are unavailable in most settings. Even standard excision may be difficult to access. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment — including skin cancer — for poor patients through locally-licensed doctors, helping to close this treatment gap. Published by World Aid Network. Check the original sources and their dates. General information is not individual medical, legal or tax advice. Our editorial policy explains responsibility and corrections. ## What are the sources for this guide? Follow the original guidance for its evidence, dates and limitations. General background references are not a clinical review of this page. - [NHS — Non-melanoma skin cancer](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/non-melanoma-skin-cancer/) [Editorial policy](/editorial-policy) · [Corrections and reporting an error](/corrections) ## Fund skin cancer treatment for those who cannot afford it In the UK, basal cell carcinoma is almost always cured in a single outpatient procedure. In low-income countries, lack of dermatology access means patients present late with advanced, disfiguring disease. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment through locally-licensed doctors. Donate today. [Donate to cancer care](/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency#donate-form)[Cancer Emergency Appeal: funding details](/appeal/cancer-emergency)[Cancer treatment programmes](/cancer) ## Before you give Suggested amounts contribute to the programme. They do not guarantee a named patient, procedure or quantity of relief. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) - [Published impact and reporting](/our-impact) - [Gift Aid eligibility and current status](/gift-aid) ## Share this guide [Share by email](mailto:?subject=World%20Aid%20Network%20guide&body=https%3A%2F%2Fworldaidnetwork.org%2Fblog%2Fbasal-cell-carcinoma-uk) Only the public article link is included. ## How can I support cancer treatment? Connect the information you have read with treatment support and the checks that protect your donation. - [Donate to cancer care](/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency#donate-form) Give to the Cancer Emergency Appeal’s wider fund for patients who cannot pay. - [Cancer Emergency Appeal](/appeal/cancer-emergency) See what the treatment fund supports. - [How donations reach care](/where-your-money-goes) Understand programme funding and accountability. - [Cancer information and support](/cancer) Find guides to cancer types, diagnosis and care. - [Cancer treatment support enquiries](/cancer/eligibility-checker) Prepare an enquiry and understand the review process. - [Childhood cancer support](/childhood-cancer-treatment) Explore help for children and their families. - [Hospital partnership enquiries](/partner-with-us) Eligibility, agreements and funding review for care providers. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Best charities to donate to > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/best-charities-to-donate-to > Last reviewed: 2026-10-04 ## In short World Aid Network does not rank the best charities to donate to. Check the Charity Commission and CharityCompare for filings. If our mandate matches, donate here. About £200 contributes towards cataract care in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks. We do not rank charities. If our mandate matches what you want, please donate on this page. Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/best-charities-to-donate-to if World Aid Network’s mandate matches. We do not rank the best charities to donate to. Charity Commission register: https://www.gov.uk/find-charity-information. Filings: https://www.charitycompare.org.uk/. About £200 contributes towards cataract care. This page is not listed on https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal. Year-round checkout: https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate. Gift of Sight: https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/gift-of-sight. Older URLs 301 here: https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/best-charities-to-donate-to-2026, https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/best-nonprofits-to-donate-to-2026, https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/top-rated-nonprofits. ## At a glance - No ranking: We do not publish a scored list of other charities - ~£200: Planning estimate only; actual eye care costs vary - 3 countries: Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia — our charitable Objects - 5290505: Charity Commission application — no registered number yet ## What are the best charities to donate to? There is no honest single ranking. The best charities to donate to are the ones whose objects, countries and evidence match what you want the gift to do. World Aid Network does not publish a league table. If you want a gift that funds cataract surgery, cancer treatment or emergency food, water and shelter in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia, please donate on this page. People type “best charities to donate to” when they want a shortcut. Lists ranked by brand size, advertising spend or last year’s income are not that shortcut. A large charity can be the right gift. A small one can be the right gift. The test is the mandate, the accounts, and whether you can see what a pound buys. Do you publish a ranked list of charities? is the honest answer to the league-table search. How do I check a UK charity is legitimate? is where to start on the register. If our Objects match, stay and give. If they do not, give where they do. This URL also answers “best charities to donate to 2026” and “best nonprofits to donate to”. Those older addresses 301 here. The tests have not changed because the calendar changed. - We do not rank other charities. We do not rank ourselves as number one. - Start with the Charity Commission register: https://www.gov.uk/find-charity-information - Filing transparency: CharityCompare. Clarity Scores come from official filings, not impact. - If the mandate matches, donate here. About £200 contributes towards cataract care. ## Do you publish a ranked list of charities? No. World Aid Network does not publish a scored list of the best charities to donate to, the best nonprofits to donate to, or top rated nonprofits. We will not invent a top ten. Please use the Charity Commission register and CharityCompare, then donate here if our mandate is the one you want. A ranking that we wrote would be an advertisement. Is World Aid Network one of the best charities to donate to? is the section that refuses that advert. CharityCompare exists so you can read filings without our score. WAN has no registered charity number yet (Charity Commission application 5290505), so it will not appear as a fully rated CharityCompare profile until registration is granted. If you searched “top rated nonprofits”, that phrase often means a US star rating. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation, not a US 501(c)(3). Gifts on this site are generally not US tax-deductible. Donate from the USA is explained on the give-from-the-USA page if that is your question. ## How do I check a UK charity is legitimate? Search the Charity Commission register at https://www.gov.uk/find-charity-information. Look for a registered number, named trustees and filed accounts. World Aid Network is a charitable organisation applying for CIO registration. Registration is in progress (application 5290505). We will not invent a number. Please donate if you still want this mandate. A registered charity must display its number. We will display ours when it is issued. Until then the live legal position is on the registration status page. ICO reference ZC156579. Gift Aid is not claimable yet. Scottish charities sit on OSCR. Northern Ireland has its own register. This page is written for England and Wales searches. For filing comparisons on charities that already have a number, check CharityCompare. ## What tests should I apply before I donate? Ask four things. What are the objects? Which countries? Who delivers the work? What does a typical gift buy? World Aid Network’s answers are medical care and emergency relief; Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia; local partners; A £200 gift contributes towards cataract care. Please donate if those answers are the ones you wanted. Objects: we fund sight-restoring eye surgery and cancer treatment for poor patients, and food, water and shelter after disaster. We do not run UK hospitals. We do not fund research. We do not rebuild houses. We do not send cash to individuals. Delivery: locally licensed clinicians (PMDC, KKI, MMC) and vetted local relief partners. We do not fly in visiting surgical teams as the standard model. How grants move is on how we work. Price: typical partner costs, not a menu for a named patient. We do not invent caseloads. We do not claim a 100% donation policy. The 100% donation policy guide is the overhead myth, not this page. - Objects — Eye surgery and cancer treatment for poor patients; emergency food, water and shelter - Countries — Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia only - Who operates — Local PMDC, KKI or MMC clinicians; local relief partners - Typical cataract gift — A £200 gift contributes towards cataract care - Ranking of others — None. Use the register and CharityCompare - Registration — CIO; application 5290505 in progress ## How is CharityCompare different from a best-charities list? CharityCompare is a free UK directory. Clarity Scores are built from official filings. They are not an impact ranking and not a faith ranking. World Aid Network points you there so you can read accounts without our score. Please donate here if you already know the mandate you want. A “best charities to donate to” list that we wrote would mix advertising with advice. CharityCompare does not ask us to rank our neighbours. Use it for charities that already have a registered number. Come back here if a hospital-bill or relief-kit gift in three countries is what you want to fund. ## Is World Aid Network one of the best charities to donate to? We will not say yes. We will not say we are number one. We will say what we do, where we work, and what a gift typically buys. Please compare that with the tests above. If the match is good, donate on this page. World Aid Network is secular — not a Muslim charity and not a Christian charity. Charity for humanity is that identity page. We do not run a named-child scheme. The children’s charity donation page is that gift. We are a cataract charity and an eye charity only in the sense that we fund partner-hospital eye surgery — Cataract charity UK is the explainer. Please give if you want that work funded. Please give somewhere else if you wanted a different object, a different country, or a ranked table we refuse to write. ## What will a donation to World Aid Network provide? Your donation pays partner hospitals and local relief partners. A £200 gift contributes towards cataract care. £50 is a suggested contribution to the cancer fund. Disaster gifts buy food, water and shelter. Suggested amounts are contributions, not verified partner quotes or guaranteed outcomes. Please choose an amount and donate. Cancer gifts fund all types of cancer — not research and not NHS care. Use the Cancer Emergency Appeal if cancer is the whole of the ask. Eye surgery gifts typically fund cataract operations — Gift of Sight. Emergency gifts do not rebuild houses. Partners typically start within 48 to 72 hours. The Indonesia Emergency Appeal is the standing earthquake and tsunami page. We do not send cash to individuals. We do not claim a 100% donation policy. ## How is this different from the year-round donate page? This page answers “best charities to donate to” and lets you donate. The year-round donate page is the checkout for people who already decided to give. Both can take a card gift. This URL is not listed on the emergency appeals index. Search engines treat “best charities to donate to” and “donate to charity” as different questions. We keep them on different URLs. Stay here if you are still choosing. Use the year-round donate page if you only wanted a form. Named appeals sit on Gift of Sight, the Cancer Emergency Appeal, and the Indonesia Emergency Appeal. ## Should I donate to a big charity or a small one? Size is not a test on its own. A large charity can be the right gift for a global object. A smaller CIO can be the right gift for a narrow object. Please donate here if three countries, partner hospitals and typical £200 cataract costs are what you want. Please give to a larger agency if you wanted their mandate. World Aid Network is smaller than household-name agencies. That is a fact, not a score. We do not fly our own surgical teams. We do not run a global brand. If you searched for those agencies by name, go to them. Focused objects make it easier to see what a pound buys. They do not make us “the best”. The tests still apply: register, filings, countries, delivery. ## Do the best charities send 100% of donations overseas? No honest UK charity should treat a 100% donation policy as the only test. World Aid Network does not claim one. Gifts fund programme costs at partner hospitals and local partners. Read how we work. The 100% donation policy guide is the longer overhead answer. Overhead ratio is a poor measure of whether a gift helped someone see, finish chemotherapy, or drink clean water. Please donate if you want those outcomes funded. Please do not choose a charity only because an advert said 100%. ## Will Gift Aid apply if I donate here? Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks (application 5290505). You can donate now. We will contact donors when that happens. We will not tick a Gift Aid box that we cannot yet claim. When registration is granted, a UK taxpayer’s eligible gift can add 25 pence in the pound at no extra cost to the donor. That is not live on this site today. The Gift Aid page is the status explainer. ## Where does my donation go if I give here? Gifts pay partner hospitals and vetted local relief partners in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia against trustee-approved lists. We do not send cash to individuals. Charity Commission registration is in progress. Please donate so that chain can start. A restricted eye-surgery gift stays with eye care. A cancer gift stays with cancer treatment. A disaster gift stays with food, water, hygiene kits and shelter. Unrestricted gifts can go where trustees see the most urgent list. ICO ZC156579. ## How can I donate from the UK after reading this guide? Please donate on this page by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay if World Aid Network’s mandate matches. From the United Kingdom, that is the simplest way to fund an operation, a chemotherapy session or emergency kits overseas. You are not paying for NHS lists. You do not need to travel. You do not need to send parcels. If your workplace, school, mosque or church is collecting, bring the money here. Seasonal giving can use the Christmas Appeal. Children’s charity donation searches have their own page. ## Can I give monthly to a charity I have chosen? Yes. A monthly donation means the next patient or the next disaster kit is not left waiting for a one-off drive. Please set up a regular gift on this page, or use the monthly giving page. You can change it later. If you would rather give once, that gift is welcome too. Please donate today if the tests on this page matched what you wanted a “best charity” to be. ## What will a donation provide? - £10: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £25: A Digital Shoebox Medical Kit, bought nearby by local partners - £50: A contribution towards clinically recommended cancer care - £100: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £200: Contribution towards cataract care at a partner hospital - £500: Cancer surgery where partners quote this cost, or a larger relief package ## How to choose the best charities to donate to, then give We do not rank charities. Check the register and filings, then donate to World Aid Network if the mandate matches. - Refuse a fake ranking: This page does not publish a top ten. CharityCompare is for filings. The Charity Commission register is for legitimacy. - Match the mandate: Our Objects are eye surgery and cancer treatment for poor patients, and food, water and shelter after disaster, in three countries. - Give an amount: About £200 contributes towards cataract care. A smaller gift still helps. - Optional: another URL: Year-round donate page if you only wanted a form. Gift of Sight or the Cancer Emergency Appeal for a named checkout. ## Related pages - CharityCompare — Free UK charity directory. Clarity Scores from official filings — not an impact ranking. https://www.charitycompare.org.uk/ - Giving Tuesday 2026 — Tuesday 1 December. We do not rank. Donate if the mandate matches. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/giving-tuesday-2026-uk-charity-guide - Best charity for cancer — We do not rank. £50 contributes towards cancer care. Not a league table. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/best-charity-for-cancer - Donate to charity — Year-round checkout if you already decided to give. https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate - Gift of Sight Appeal — Named cataract checkout — typically £200. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/gift-of-sight - Cancer Emergency Appeal — All types of cancer — treatment, not research. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency - Indonesia Emergency Appeal — Food, water and shelter after earthquakes and tsunamis. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/indonesia-emergency - Cataract charity UK — What a UK cataract charity and eye charity is. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/cataract-charity-uk - Children's charity donation — Help children — not a named-child scheme. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/childrens-charity-donation - Muslim charity & Christian charity — Secular UK charity. Donors of every faith are welcome. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/charity-for-humanity-beyond-faith-labels - 100% donation policy — Why we do not claim 100% of gifts go overseas. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/100-percent-donation-policy-truth - How we work — Grants to partners, not cash to individuals. https://worldaidnetwork.org/how-we-work - Registration status — Charity Commission application 5290505. https://worldaidnetwork.org/about/registration-status - Ways to donate — Payroll, crypto, shares, legacy and more. https://worldaidnetwork.org/ways-to-donate - Monthly giving — A regular gift keeps lists and kits funded. https://worldaidnetwork.org/monthly-giving - Donate in US dollars — Give in US dollars from the US, Canada or anywhere. Not 501(c)(3). https://worldaidnetwork.org/give ## Frequently asked questions ### What are the best charities to donate to? There is no honest single list. Match objects, countries and evidence to what you want the gift to do. World Aid Network does not rank charities. If our mandate matches, donate on this page. About £200 contributes towards cataract care. ### What are the best charities to donate to in 2026? The same tests as any year: register, objects, countries, delivery, what a gift buys. Older 2026 URLs 301 to this page. We still do not publish a ranked table. ### Do you rank the best nonprofits to donate to? No. See Do you publish a ranked list of charities? For UK filing transparency use CharityCompare. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation, not a US 501(c)(3). ### Is World Aid Network one of the best charities to donate to? We will not say that. We will say what we do. Compare Is World Aid Network one of the best charities to donate to? with What tests should I apply before I donate? If the match is good, donate here. ### How do I check a UK charity is legitimate? Search https://www.gov.uk/find-charity-information. World Aid Network’s Charity Commission application is 5290505. No registered number has been issued yet. ### Will Gift Aid apply? Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks. You can donate now. We will contact donors when that happens. ### Do you send 100% of donations overseas? No. World Aid Network does not claim a 100% donation policy. Read how we work and the 100% donation policy guide. ### How much does a typical gift fund? A £200 gift contributes towards cataract care. £50 is a suggested cancer care contribution, not a session price. Disaster gifts buy food, water and shelter. Suggested amounts are contributions; costs and outcomes vary. ### Is this the donate to charity checkout? This page answers best-charities searches and includes a form. The year-round donate page is the checkout if you already decided to give. This URL is not listed on the emergency appeals index. ### Where should I donate after the Flores earthquake? The Indonesia Emergency Appeal. Disaster gifts there are food, water and shelter — not reconstruction and not cash to individuals. ## How you can help Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/best-charities-to-donate-to or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=best-charities --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Best charity for cancer > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/best-charity-for-cancer > Last reviewed: 2026-10-04 ## In short World Aid Network does not rank the best charity for cancer. Check the Charity Commission and CharityCompare for filings. If you want treatment overseas rather than research or UK support, donate here. £50 contributes towards cancer care in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks. We do not rank the best charity for cancer. If treatment overseas matches what you want, please donate on this page. Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/best-charity-for-cancer if treatment overseas matches. We do not rank the best charity for cancer. Charity Commission register: https://www.gov.uk/find-charity-information. Filings: https://www.charitycompare.org.uk/. £50 contributes towards cancer care. This page is not listed on https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal. Named checkout: https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency. Types of cancer charity: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer-charities. Generic best charities: https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/best-charities-to-donate-to. ## At a glance - No ranking: We do not publish a scored list of cancer charities - £50: Suggested contribution towards cancer care - All types: Treatment for any cancer a partner hospital can deliver — not research - 5290505: Charity Commission application — no registered number yet ## What is the best charity for cancer? There is no honest single ranking. The best charity for cancer is the one whose objects, countries and evidence match what you want the gift to do. World Aid Network does not publish a league table. If you want a gift that pays a hospital bill for a patient who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia, please donate on this page. Cancer charities do different jobs. Some fund laboratories. Some run UK helplines, hospices and advice. Some campaign for NHS services. Some pay for treatment that a family cannot afford overseas. Those are not the same gift. A ranked list that pretends they are would be marketing, not an answer. If you searched for Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, Prostate Cancer UK or Breast Cancer Now by name, go to those organisations. They are not competitors we score. They do different work. If you searched “best charity for cancer” because you want treatment access now for a patient who cannot pay, World Aid Network’s first Object covers that. Please donate here. Please do not wait for a table of stars. Check the register, match the mandate, then give. ## Do you publish a ranked list of cancer charities? No. World Aid Network does not rank the best charity for cancer and does not publish a top ten. CharityCompare publishes filing Clarity Scores from official accounts — not an impact ranking. The Charity Commission register is where you check a UK charity is real. A Clarity Score is about how complete the filings are. It is not a verdict on whose cancer programme saves more lives. We will not invent one. Search https://www.gov.uk/find-charity-information. Search https://www.charitycompare.org.uk/ for registered charities that already have a number. World Aid Network’s Charity Commission application is 5290505. No registered number has been issued yet, so we will not appear as a fully rated CharityCompare profile until that happens. That is a fact you should know before you give. You can still donate on this page. ## How do I check a UK cancer charity is legitimate? Search the Charity Commission register at https://www.gov.uk/find-charity-information. A registered charity has a number, named trustees and filed accounts. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration; registration is in progress (application 5290505). How do I check a UK charity is legitimate? is the same test for any cause. If a website will not name trustees, will not say which country the money is spent in, or will not say whether the gift is research, UK support or overseas treatment, pause. The registration status page explains our own application. ICO ZC156579. Please donate here if you have done that check and the mandate still matches. Please give elsewhere if it does not. ## What tests should I apply before I donate to a cancer charity? Ask four questions. What does the gift actually buy? Which countries? Who delivers the care? What does a typical amount fund? What tests should I apply before I donate? is the same list on the best-charities guide. If the answers here match what you wanted, please donate. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment — imaging, surgery and chemotherapy — for poor patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Locally licensed oncologists treat in registered hospitals. We fund the bill. Cancer care is delivered through local clinical providers. The gift is treatment access, not a research grant and not NHS care. The Cancer Emergency Appeal funds all types of cancer. Typical partner costs: £50 for one chemotherapy session; £100 for a diagnostic scan; £500 for surgery where partners quote that cost. Those are typical costs, not a named-patient menu. We do not claim a 100% donation policy. Read how we work and the 100% donation policy guide. ## How is this different from the cancer charities guide? This page answers “best charity for cancer” and lets you donate. The cancer charities guide explains the three types of cancer charity — research, UK patient support, and treatment access. Search engines treat those questions as different. We keep them on different URLs. Stay here if you arrived looking for the best charity for cancer and you want a form. Use the cancer charities guide if you wanted a map of who funds labs versus helplines versus hospital bills. Use the Cancer Emergency Appeal if cancer treatment is the whole of the ask and you already knew you wanted to give to World Aid Network. ## Is World Aid Network the best charity for cancer? We will not say that. We will say what we do. Compare Is World Aid Network the best charity for cancer? with What tests should I apply before I donate to a cancer charity? If treatment overseas for patients who cannot pay is what you wanted, please donate here. Is World Aid Network one of the best charities to donate to? is the same refusal on the best-charities guide. We will not write a sentence that ranks us above Cancer Research UK or Macmillan. Those organisations exist. Their objects are not ours. Ours are eye surgery and cancer treatment for poor patients, and food, water and shelter after disaster, in three countries. Please give if you want that work funded. Please give to a research or UK-support charity if that is the gift you meant. ## Should I donate to cancer research or cancer treatment? Neither is objectively better. Research may help future patients. Treatment pays a bill for someone who is ill now and cannot pay. World Aid Network funds treatment, not laboratories. Please donate here if treatment access is the gift you want. Please give to a research charity if discovery is the gift you want. In the UK, the NHS treats cancer without a bill at the door. In the communities we serve, a scan, a biopsy or a cycle of chemotherapy can be the reason a patient goes home untreated. That is the gap this page is for. WHO estimates that most cancer deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, where families often pay out of pocket. We do not invent a caseload from that fact. We fund partner hospitals when they have a verified patient who cannot pay. If you wanted UK hospice care, a Macmillan nurse or a CRUK trial, those sit with those charities. If you wanted childhood cancer treatment overseas, the childhood cancer treatment page and the Cancer Emergency Appeal cover that — all types of cancer, including childhood cancer. ## What will a donation to World Aid Network provide? Your donation pays a partner hospital bill. £50 can cover one chemotherapy session. £100 can cover a diagnostic scan. £500 can help fund surgery where partners quote that cost. Suggested amounts are contributions, not verified partner quotes or guaranteed outcomes. Please choose an amount and donate. Cancer gifts fund all types of cancer — not research and not NHS care. Use the Cancer Emergency Appeal if you want the named year-round cancer checkout. Eye surgery gifts typically fund cataract operations at about £200 — Gift of Sight. Emergency gifts buy food, water and shelter. We do not send cash to individuals. We do not claim a 100% donation policy. ## How is this different from the Cancer Emergency Appeal? This page answers “best charity for cancer” and lets you donate. The Cancer Emergency Appeal is the named year-round checkout for people who already want to fund cancer treatment overseas. Both can take a card gift. This URL is not listed on the emergency appeals index. Search engines treat “best charity for cancer” and “donate to the Cancer Emergency Appeal” as different questions. We keep them on different URLs. Stay here if you are still choosing. Use the Cancer Emergency Appeal if cancer treatment is the whole of the ask. Use the year-round donate page if you only wanted a form. ## Will Gift Aid apply if I donate here? Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks (application 5290505). You can donate now. We will contact donors when that happens. We will not tick a Gift Aid box that we cannot yet claim. When registration is granted, a UK taxpayer’s eligible gift can add 25 pence in the pound at no extra cost to the donor. That is not live on this site today. The Gift Aid page is the status explainer. ## Where does my donation go if I give here? Gifts pay partner hospitals in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia against trustee-approved lists. A cancer gift stays with cancer treatment. We do not send cash to individuals. Charity Commission registration is in progress. Please donate so that chain can start. Unrestricted gifts can go where trustees see the most urgent list. Restricted cancer gifts stay with cancer. ICO ZC156579. How we work explains grants to partners. ## How can I donate from the UK after reading this guide? Please donate on this page by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay if World Aid Network’s mandate matches. From the United Kingdom, that is the simplest way to fund a chemotherapy session or an operation overseas. You are not paying for NHS lists. You do not need to travel. You do not need to send medicines from Britain. If your workplace, mosque, church or friends are collecting, bring the money here. From the United States, use the give-from-the-USA page. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation, not a US 501(c)(3). ## Can I give monthly to a cancer charity? Yes. A monthly donation matches a chemotherapy course better than a one-off drive. Please set up a regular gift on this page, or use the monthly giving page. You can change it later. If you would rather give once, that gift is welcome too. Please donate today if the tests on this page matched what you wanted a “best charity for cancer” to be. ## What will a donation provide? - £10: Contribution towards cancer medicines - £25: Contribution towards clinically indicated cancer tests - £50: Contribution towards clinically recommended cancer care - £100: Contribution towards clinically recommended cancer tests - £250: Contribution towards clinically recommended cancer treatment - £500: Contribution towards hospital-based cancer treatment ## How to choose the best charity for cancer, then give We do not rank cancer charities. Check the register and filings, then donate to World Aid Network if treatment overseas matches. - Refuse a fake ranking: This page does not publish a top ten. CharityCompare is for filings. The Charity Commission register is for legitimacy. - Match the job: Research, UK support and overseas treatment are different gifts. Ours is treatment access in three countries — not laboratories and not the NHS. - Give an amount: £50 is a suggested cancer care contribution, not a session price. A smaller gift still helps. - Optional: another URL: Cancer Emergency Appeal for named cancer checkout. Cancer charities guide for types. Best-charities guide if the query was not about cancer. ## Related pages - Cancer Emergency Appeal — Named checkout — all types of cancer, treatment not research. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency - Cancer charities guide — Research, UK support and treatment access — three different jobs. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer-charities - Best charities to donate to — We do not rank. Generic best-charities searches sit here. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/best-charities-to-donate-to - CharityCompare — Free UK charity directory. Clarity Scores from official filings — not an impact ranking. https://www.charitycompare.org.uk/ - Cancer hub — Nineteen type guides — donate via the Cancer Emergency Appeal. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer - Chemotherapy guide — What chemotherapy is, cycles and side effects. Donate to fund a session overseas. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/treatment/chemotherapy - Radiotherapy guide — Types, sessions and the machine gap. Donate to fund treatment a partner can deliver. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/treatment/radiotherapy - Cancer surgery guide — Types of operation and why a theatre bill is unaffordable. Donate to fund surgery overseas. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/treatment/surgery - Childhood cancer treatment — Paediatric chemotherapy and surgery for families who cannot pay. https://worldaidnetwork.org/childhood-cancer-treatment - Breast cancer treatment — Fund treatment overseas — not UK research. https://worldaidnetwork.org/breast-cancer-treatment - Prostate cancer in Black men — 1 in 4 lifetime risk and PSA from 45. Donate to fund treatment overseas. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/prostate-cancer-black-men - Movember 2026 — Donate this November — treatment overseas, not official Movember research. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/movember-prostate-cancer-developing-world - Donate to charity — Year-round checkout if you already decided to give. https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate - Gift of Sight Appeal — Named cataract checkout — typically £200. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/gift-of-sight - How we work — Grants to partners, not cash to individuals. https://worldaidnetwork.org/how-we-work - Registration status — Charity Commission application 5290505. https://worldaidnetwork.org/about/registration-status - Monthly giving — A regular gift matches a chemotherapy course. https://worldaidnetwork.org/monthly-giving - Donate in US dollars — Give in US dollars from the US, Canada or anywhere. Not 501(c)(3). https://worldaidnetwork.org/give ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the best charity for cancer? There is no honest single list. Match objects, countries and evidence to what you want the gift to do. World Aid Network does not rank cancer charities. If treatment overseas matches, donate on this page. £50 contributes towards cancer care. ### What is the best charity for cancer in the UK? The same tests: register, objects, countries, who delivers, what a gift buys. We still do not publish a ranked table. If you searched for Cancer Research UK or Macmillan by name, go there. ### Do you publish a ranked list of cancer charities? No. See Do you publish a ranked list of cancer charities? For UK filing transparency use CharityCompare. World Aid Network will not appear as a fully rated profile until a registered number is issued. ### Is World Aid Network the best charity for cancer? We will not say that. We will say what we do. Compare Is World Aid Network the best charity for cancer? with What tests should I apply before I donate to a cancer charity? If the match is good, donate here. ### Should I donate to cancer research or cancer treatment? Neither is objectively better. World Aid Network funds treatment, not research. Please donate here for hospital bills overseas. Please give to a research charity if discovery is the gift you want. ### How do I check a UK cancer charity is legitimate? Search https://www.gov.uk/find-charity-information. World Aid Network’s Charity Commission application is 5290505. No registered number has been issued yet. ### Will Gift Aid apply? Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks. You can donate now. We will contact donors when that happens. ### Do you send 100% of donations overseas? No. World Aid Network does not claim a 100% donation policy. Read how we work and the 100% donation policy guide. ### How much does a typical gift fund? £50 is a suggested cancer care contribution, not a session price. £100 a diagnostic scan. £500 surgery where partners quote this cost. Suggested amounts are contributions; costs and outcomes vary. ### Is this the Cancer Emergency Appeal? No. See How is this different from the Cancer Emergency Appeal? Named checkout: https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency. ### Is this listed on the emergency appeals index? No. Live earthquake, tsunami, flood, hunger, water, cancer and Gift of Sight appeals sit on the emergency appeals index. This URL stays /blog/best-charity-for-cancer. ## How you can help Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/best-charity-for-cancer or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=best-cancer-charity --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Blood Cancer: Types, Tests & Support | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/blood-cancer-uk > Understand blood cancer types, possible symptoms, tests and treatment discussions. Find specialist UK support and learn about WAN’s cancer appeal. Direct Answer Blood cancer includes leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Symptoms and treatment differ between diseases and individuals, so a persistent or worrying change needs medical assessment rather than an online diagnosis. This guide helps you prepare questions and find specialist support. WAN publishes information and raises funds for care overseas; it is not a UK clinical service. ## Blood cancer is a group of conditions Leukaemia affects blood-forming cells, lymphoma affects lymphocytes and myeloma affects plasma cells. Each has different subtypes. A name alone does not tell you how quickly it will develop or which treatment is appropriate. [ Leukaemia information and questions ](/cancer/leukaemia) ## What to do about symptoms Contact your GP about persistent or unexplained changes such as unusual tiredness, bruising, infections, swollen glands or weight loss. These can have many causes. Seek urgent help if you are seriously unwell; do not wait for a symptom to meet a fixed duration on a website. [ Lymphoma information and symptoms ](/cancer/lymphoma) Help a patient afford cancer care Gifts go to the Cancer Emergency Appeal’s wider fund for patients who cannot pay. They do not buy a guaranteed treatment or result. [Donate to cancer care](/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency#donate-form) ## Preparing for tests and results Ask which tests are proposed, what they can show, when results are expected and whom to contact if they do not arrive. Blood tests, imaging or a biopsy may be considered depending on the suspected condition. Keep a record of symptoms and medicines to discuss with your clinician. ## Treatment and follow-up are individual Treatment can involve medicines, radiotherapy or a stem-cell transplant, depending on the diagnosis. Some people are monitored before treatment is needed. Ask about aims, benefits, side effects and the plan if a treatment needs to change. Never start, stop or alter treatment based on this guide. ## If cost or practical barriers threaten care Tell the treating team promptly if travel, finances, caring duties or side effects make attendance difficult. Ask about available support. Do not assume an interruption always causes relapse or that starting treatment is worse than not starting; those blanket claims are not an appropriate way to describe individual care. ## Finding support and understanding donations Blood Cancer UK and Macmillan provide specialist information and support. WAN’s Cancer Emergency Appeal raises funds towards clinically recommended treatment for patients who cannot afford it in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Gifts support the wider fund, subject to available resources and assessment. [ Cancer Emergency Appeal and funding details ](/appeal/cancer-emergency) ### Key takeaways - Blood cancer includes leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Symptoms and treatment differ between diseases and individuals, so a persistent or worrying change needs medical assessment rather than an online diagnosis. This guide helps you prepare questions and find specialist support. WAN publishes information and raises funds for care overseas; it is not a UK clinical service. Help a patient afford cancer care Gifts go to the Cancer Emergency Appeal’s wider fund for patients who cannot pay. They do not buy a guaranteed treatment or result. [Donate to cancer care](/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency#donate-form) [Cancer Emergency Appeal: how gifts are used](/appeal/cancer-emergency) ## Frequently asked questions Can one survival percentage describe blood cancer? No. Type, subtype, individual health, treatment and other factors matter. Ask your team about your own outlook. Does WAN offer UK treatment? WAN is not a UK clinical service. Speak to your NHS team or a specialist support organisation about UK care. Can I specify a treatment with my donation? Read the appeal’s stated purpose and contact WAN before imposing a narrower restriction. Suggested amounts do not buy a guaranteed course of treatment. Published by World Aid Network. Read the linked primary sources and our editorial policy. Public sources explain the background; they do not verify WAN delivery, financial results or individual outcomes. ## What are the sources for this guide? Follow the original guidance for its evidence, dates and limitations. General background references are not a clinical review of this page. - [Blood Cancer UK — Treatment and side effects](https://bloodcancer.org.uk/understanding-blood-cancer/treatment/) - [Blood Cancer UK — Just diagnosed](https://bloodcancer.org.uk/understanding-blood-cancer/about-blood-cancer/just-diagnosed/) - [Macmillan — Cancer information and support](https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support) [Editorial policy](/editorial-policy) · [Corrections and reporting an error](/corrections) ## Help support access to cancer care Contribute to the wider Cancer Emergency Appeal. Treatment choices belong to the patient and clinical team. [Donate to cancer care](/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency#donate-form)[Cancer Emergency Appeal: funding details](/appeal/cancer-emergency)[Cancer treatment programmes](/cancer) ## Before you give Suggested amounts contribute to the programme. They do not guarantee a named patient, procedure or quantity of relief. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) - [Published impact and reporting](/our-impact) - [Gift Aid eligibility and current status](/gift-aid) ## Share this guide [Share by email](mailto:?subject=World%20Aid%20Network%20guide&body=https%3A%2F%2Fworldaidnetwork.org%2Fblog%2Fblood-cancer-uk) Only the public article link is included. ## How can I support cancer treatment? Connect the information you have read with treatment support and the checks that protect your donation. - [Donate to cancer care](/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency#donate-form) Give to the Cancer Emergency Appeal’s wider fund for patients who cannot pay. - [Cancer Emergency Appeal](/appeal/cancer-emergency) See what the treatment fund supports. - [How donations reach care](/where-your-money-goes) Understand programme funding and accountability. - [Cancer information and support](/cancer) Find guides to cancer types, diagnosis and care. - [Cancer treatment support enquiries](/cancer/eligibility-checker) Prepare an enquiry and understand the review process. - [Childhood cancer support](/childhood-cancer-treatment) Explore help for children and their families. - [Hospital partnership enquiries](/partner-with-us) Eligibility, agreements and funding review for care providers. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Choosing a cataract charity: what to check > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/cataract-charity-uk > Last reviewed: 2026-10-04 ## In short A cataract charity can help improve access to assessment, clinically recommended treatment and follow-up. Before giving, check the organisation’s status, delivery arrangements, funding terms and published reports. WAN’s Gift of Sight programme covers Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Suggested amounts are contributions, not procedure prices or guaranteed clinical results. Make an informed eye-care donation by checking the programme, its funding terms and the evidence available. Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/cataract-charity-uk. World Aid Network is a UK cataract charity and eye charity. About £200 contributes towards cataract care. This page is not listed on https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal. Named year-round checkout: https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/gift-of-sight. Sponsor one operation: https://worldaidnetwork.org/sponsor-a-cataract-operation. Clinical review: https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/. ## At a glance - Care pathway: Assessment, treatment and follow-up - 3 countries: Programme scope: Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia - Reporting: Approved delivery reports are not yet published - Any amount: Suggested gifts do not guarantee a procedure ## What does a cataract charity support? An eye-care charity may support treatment access, research, training or services for people living with sight loss. Check the specific organisation’s purpose before assuming that a donation pays for surgery. WAN’s Gift of Sight programme is intended to support access to clinically recommended eye care in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. A donor should be able to distinguish the intended use of a gift from verified delivery. Read the eye surgery programme and its current reporting status. ## Why is an operation not a fixed-price donation product? Treatment costs depend on the person’s assessment, procedure, facility and follow-up. A suggested £200 gift is not an invoice, a universal price or evidence of a completed operation. Ask whether a budget covers assessment, the procedure, medicines, travel and follow-up. Ask what happens if care changes or funding is insufficient. The cataract surgery cost guide explains questions to ask about different care routes. Cataract surgery can improve vision but cannot guarantee permanent clear sight. The patient’s clinician should discuss expected benefits, risks and alternatives. ## Which evidence helps you assess an eye-care appeal? Look for dated information about the organisation, responsible care providers, fund allocation and delivery. Check whether the figures describe donations, payments, treatment or measured outcomes. A number of operations is different from a number of people, and neither alone establishes a visual outcome. Useful reports explain the reporting period, definitions, follow-up and limitations. WAN has not yet published a reconciled Gift of Sight delivery report. This does not mean activity is zero. Read our impact page and ask for the information you need before giving. ## Who is responsible for clinical care and information? A qualified treating clinician is responsible for patient assessment, consent, treatment decisions and aftercare. An article’s editorial author or a fundraiser does not replace that responsibility. WAN’s clinical review page explains the approval needed before a clinician’s name is attached to a specific version of health information. No blanket sign-off is claimed for this guide. A hospital introduction also does not establish an approved delivery partnership. Ask about the scope, facility, follow-up and reporting arrangements. ## Should you give money, glasses or professional time? Choose a contribution that matches a confirmed programme need. Do not post spectacles, medicines or equipment without an explicit request and agreed arrangements. A clinician can ask about reviewing patient information or discussing a delivery proposal. A workplace or community can fundraise using accurate contribution language. Contact WAN before promising support for a named camp or patient. ## Check organisation status and Gift Aid World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration. The application reference is not a registered charity number. Gift Aid is not currently available. Future Gift Aid claims require HMRC recognition and eligible donations with valid declarations. A donation now should not be described as automatically receiving a tax top-up. Check our registration-status and Gift Aid pages for the current position. ## What will a donation provide? - £20: Contribution towards the wider eye-care programme; costs and outcomes vary - £50: Contribution towards the wider eye-care programme; costs and outcomes vary - £100: Contribution towards the wider eye-care programme; costs and outcomes vary - £200: Contribution towards the wider eye-care programme; costs and outcomes vary - £400: Contribution towards the wider eye-care programme; costs and outcomes vary - £500: Contribution towards the wider eye-care programme; costs and outcomes vary ## How to make an informed eye-care donation Review programme information and funding terms before choosing a contribution. - Read the appeal: Check purpose, current reporting and funding limits. - Choose your gift: Select an affordable amount and one-off or monthly giving. - Review checkout: Confirm currency and programme before completing the secure payment form. - Keep your confirmation: Retain the receipt and check later published programme updates. ## Related pages - Gift of Sight Appeal — Read purpose, funding and reporting status. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/gift-of-sight - Contribute towards cataract care — Choose an amount and understand funding limits. https://worldaidnetwork.org/sponsor-a-cataract-operation - Cataract information — Read about symptoms, assessment and care. https://worldaidnetwork.org/eye-health/cataracts - Clinical review and professional involvement — See publication standards and enquiry routes. https://worldaidnetwork.org/eye-care-partners - Eye care in Indonesia — Local information, care questions and reporting. https://worldaidnetwork.org/eye-surgery/indonesia - Screening availability — Check what is published before attending. https://worldaidnetwork.org/free-eye-screening-camps - Understanding cataract costs — Compare care routes and quote questions. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cataract-surgery-cost - Programme evidence — Separate finances, delivery and outcomes. https://worldaidnetwork.org/our-impact ## Frequently asked questions ### Does £200 guarantee a cataract operation? No. It is a suggested contribution to the programme. Clinical needs, actual costs and capacity vary; no gift guarantees an operation or vision outcome. ### Can I sponsor a named patient? Do not assume a named-patient arrangement. Contact WAN before giving if a specific restriction matters. Public patient stories require consent and privacy safeguards. ### Who medically reviewed this guide? This version has not received documented clinical sign-off. Editorial oversight is by Kaiser Khan. Sources help explain the topic but do not amount to a clinician’s approval. ### Is Gift Aid available? No. Future availability requires HMRC recognition and eligible donation records. Charity Commission registration alone does not establish Gift Aid eligibility. ### Can I give monthly? Yes, choose the monthly option in checkout. Regular giving supports programme planning but does not guarantee a treatment timetable. Use Manage giving to manage an existing regular gift. ## How you can help Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/cataract-charity-uk or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=cataract-charity --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Muslim charity or Christian charity? > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/charity-for-humanity-beyond-faith-labels > Last reviewed: 2026-10-04 ## In short World Aid Network is a secular UK charity — not a Muslim charity and not a Christian charity. Muslim, Christian and non-religious donors are welcome. We never ask a patient’s religion. Gifts fund cataract surgery, cancer treatment and emergency relief in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. About £200 contributes towards cataract care. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks. World Aid Network is a secular UK charity. Muslim and Christian donors are welcome. We never ask a patient’s religion. Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/charity-for-humanity-beyond-faith-labels. World Aid Network is secular — not a Muslim charity and not a Christian charity. This page is not listed on https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal. For Zakat that must follow Islamic rules, donate on the separately labelled Zakat Calculator UK: https://zakat-calculator.org.uk/. WAN Zakat explainer: https://worldaidnetwork.org/zakat-calculator. Sadaqah: https://worldaidnetwork.org/sadaqah-eye-surgery. ## At a glance - Secular: Not a Muslim charity and not a Christian charity - All faiths: Donors and patients of every faith and none are welcome - 3 countries: Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia — need, not religion - ~£200: Planning estimate only; actual eye care costs vary ## Is World Aid Network a Muslim charity? No. World Aid Network is a secular UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration. It is not a Muslim charity, not an Islamic charity, and not affiliated with any mosque. Muslim donors are welcome. We do not issue a Shariah Zakat ruling. Please donate if you want need — not a faith label — to decide who is helped. People search “Muslim charity UK” when they want a trusted place to give. Many excellent UK charities are faith-branded and work through mosque networks. World Aid Network is not one of those. Our Objects are poor patients who need eye surgery or cancer treatment, and disaster-affected families, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Religion is not an eligibility test. Pakistan and Malaysia are majority-Muslim countries. Indonesia is the world’s largest Muslim-majority country and also has a large Christian population, especially in the east. Those are published demographics, not World Aid Network caseloads. We do not count patients by faith. We do not reserve lists for Muslim recipients. If the gift must follow Islamic Zakat rules, use the separately labelled Zakat Calculator UK. That site is not this World Aid Network website. It calculates live Nisab, records Zakat on its own ledger, and lets you donate there. The full split between Zakat, Sadaqah and a gift on this page is under Can I give Zakat or Sadaqah here? - Not a Muslim charity, not an Islamic charity, not mosque-affiliated. - Muslim donors are welcome. Patients are not screened by faith — Do you ask patients about their religion? - No Shariah board on this site. For Zakat compliance, donate at Zakat Calculator UK. - See What is a Muslim charity in the UK? for the definition. Our Zakat page is what a WAN gift can fund, without a ruling. ## Is World Aid Network a Christian charity? No. World Aid Network is not a Christian charity, not a church mission, and not affiliated with any diocese. Christian donors are welcome. Churches can collect here. We do not baptise, evangelise or require a profession of faith before we fund a hospital bill. Please donate if that is the charity you want. People search “Christian charity UK” for the same reason they search for a Muslim charity: they want giving that matches their values. Gospel language about sight, the poor and the stranger is precious to many of our donors. It is not our constitution. Our constitution is the Objects filed with the Charity Commission application. A cataract operation can still be a Christmas or Easter church gift. Use the Christmas Appeal for a seasonal congregation gift, or Gift of Sight for year-round cataract sponsorship. This page is the honest answer to the label: we are not a Christian aid agency. What is a Christian charity in the UK? is the definition. We will not turn a Christian donor away, and we will not ask the patient if they go to church — Do you ask patients about their religion? - Not a Christian charity, not a church, not a mission. - Christian donors, churches and Bible study groups are welcome. - We do not evangelise, baptise or require a profession of faith. - Seasonal church giving: Christmas Appeal. Year-round cataract: Gift of Sight. ## What is a Muslim charity in the UK? A Muslim charity in the UK is usually a Charity Commission organisation whose identity, trustees or programmes are explicitly Islamic — often accepting Zakat under a scholar’s ruling. World Aid Network is not that. We are a secular charity that welcomes Muslim donors and describes Zakat honestly without issuing a ruling. Faith-branded Muslim charities do important work. Some publish a 100% Zakat policy with a named Shariah advisor. Some distribute through mosques. If that is what you searched for, choose a charity that says so on the tin. Zakat Calculator UK is labelled separately from World Aid Network. Donate there if you need the gift recorded as Zakat under that site’s rules. Our Zakat page explains what a World Aid Network gift can fund — without a Shariah ruling. Can I give Zakat or Sadaqah here? is the how-to on this page. ## What is a Christian charity in the UK? A Christian charity in the UK is usually a registered charity whose objects, trustees or programmes are explicitly Christian — a church agency, a mission, or a faith-based relief organisation. World Aid Network is not that. Christian donors and congregations are welcome. We do not run Christian programming. Christian Aid, Tearfund and many church agencies are well-known. They are not us. We do not compare league tables. If you want a Christian-branded programme, give there. If you want a secular UK charity that funds treatment and relief in three Object countries, give here. Stewardship still matters. We do not claim a 100% donation policy. We do not invent caseloads. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks (application 5290505). Please read how we work before you give. Seasonal church gifts sit on the Christmas Appeal. ## How do Muslim charity and Christian charity labels differ from World Aid Network? A Muslim charity is usually explicitly Islamic. A Christian charity is usually explicitly Christian. World Aid Network is neither. It is a secular UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration. Donors of both traditions — and of none — are welcome. We never ask a patient’s religion. People type “Muslim Charity” or “Christian Charity” into Google because they want a trusted UK organisation that matches their values. Those labels are useful when a charity’s constitution, trustees or programmes are faith-branded. Stretching them onto a secular CIO is marketing, not honesty. The table below is a description, not a ranking. Islamic Relief, Muslim Aid, Christian Aid, Tearfund and church agencies do important work. If you want their mandate, give to them. If you want a smaller secular charity that still welcomes you, stay here. - Muslim charity UK — A Charity Commission organisation whose identity or programmes are explicitly Islamic. Often accepts Zakat under a scholar’s ruling. May work through mosque networks. - Christian charity UK — A registered charity whose objects, trustees or programmes are explicitly Christian — a church agency, a mission, or a faith-based relief organisation. - Islamic charity UK — Usually the same as a Muslim charity: faith-branded, often with a named Zakat product. World Aid Network is not that. Zakat Calculator UK is labelled separately for donors who need Islamic Zakat rules. - Faith-based charity UK — Any charity with an explicit religious identity. World Aid Network is secular, so it is not faith-based. - World Aid Network — Secular UK CIO (registration in progress, application 5290505). Muslim and Christian donors welcome. Never asks a patient’s religion. Three Object countries only. ## Is World Aid Network an Islamic charity? No. “Islamic charity UK” usually means a faith-branded organisation with a Zakat product and a scholar’s ruling. World Aid Network is secular. For Zakat under Islamic rules, donate at Zakat Calculator UK — labelled separately from this site. We will not certify Zakat eligibility. Pakistan and Malaysia are majority-Muslim countries. Indonesia is the world’s largest Muslim-majority country. Those are census facts, not a claim that we are an Islamic charity or that we count patients by faith. If you need a Zakat product labelled for Islamic rules, donate at Zakat Calculator UK. That website is separate from this one. It is where Zakat is calculated against live Nisab and given under that site’s own ledger. Our Zakat page is only an explainer. Can I give Zakat or Sadaqah here? covers the split. ## What is the best Muslim charity UK or best Christian charity UK? We do not rank charities. There is no honest “best Muslim charity UK” or “best Christian charity UK” list on this site. Choose the mandate you want. If you want a secular UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration that welcomes Muslim and Christian donors and never asks a patient’s religion, World Aid Network is that option. League tables, “top 10” posts and comparison articles often invent scores. We will not. Large faith-inspired agencies have history, scale and religious identity we do not have. A smaller charity with three Object countries can still be the right gift if you want hospital-direct treatment and disaster food, water and shelter — not a global faith brand. For transparency on a registered UK charity, check CharityCompare. It is a free directory. Clarity Scores come from official regulator filings — not surveys, and not paid placement. A score measures how clearly a charity accounts for its money on paper. It is not a “best Muslim charity” or “best Christian charity” ranking, and it is not a measure of programme impact. Also check the Charity Commission register, read the objects, and ask whether the organisation will certify something it cannot. World Aid Network does not yet have a registered charity number (application 5290505), so we will not appear as a fully rated CharityCompare profile until registration is granted. We will not pretend to be the best. Please give where the mandate matches. ## Can I give a tithe, Lillah or church collection here? Yes, if you decide that this secular charity is a fit. A tithe or church collection is a Christian decision. Lillah is a voluntary Islamic gift, not obligatory Zakat. We do not issue a religious ruling on either. Please donate on this page if you still want to give. A congregation can sponsor one cataract operation at about £200, or split that cost. Write to info@worldaidnetwork.org if you want the gifts acknowledged as a named collection. The money funds partner hospitals and local relief partners in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia — not a UK NHS bill, not reconstruction, not cash to individuals. Read how we work. Obligatory Zakat is stricter than Lillah or Sadaqah. If the gift must follow Islamic Zakat rules, donate on Zakat Calculator UK. Our Zakat page only shows what a WAN gift funds. Voluntary Sadaqah / Sadaqah Jariyah for a cataract operation lives on the Sadaqah eye surgery page. Can I give Zakat or Sadaqah here? ## Can Muslims donate to World Aid Network? Yes. Muslim donors are welcome. Please donate on this page if a secular gift is what you want. About £200 contributes towards cataract care. We never ask the patient’s religion. If the gift must comply with Islamic Zakat rules, donate at Zakat Calculator UK — labelled separately from World Aid Network. Voluntary Sadaqah and Sadaqah Jariyah are a natural fit for a sight-restoring operation, because the benefit continues. Use the Sadaqah eye surgery page. Obligatory Zakat is stricter: calculate 2.5% and live Nisab, then donate, on Zakat Calculator UK. Our Zakat page only explains what a World Aid Network gift can fund — it is not a Shariah ruling. Can I give Zakat or Sadaqah here? Mosques and Islamic societies can collect and donate the total here as a voluntary gift. Write to info@worldaidnetwork.org if you want the gifts acknowledged as a named collection. Tell donors the truth: this is a secular charity, not a mosque project. ## Can Christians donate to World Aid Network? Yes. Christian donors, churches and Bible study groups are welcome. Please donate on this page. About £200 contributes towards cataract care. A Christmas congregation gift can sit on the Christmas Appeal. We do not ask the patient’s faith. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks. You do not have to be Christian to give, and the patient does not have to be Christian to receive. That is the whole of the difference between a Christian charity and a charity Christians can use. We are the second. If your church wants a seasonal appeal, use the Christmas Appeal. If you want year-round cataract sponsorship, use Gift of Sight. If you landed here because you searched “Christian charity”, stay and give if a secular, need-only charity is what you actually wanted. Do you ask patients about their religion? ## Do you ask patients about their religion? No. We never ask a patient’s or a family’s religion before funding treatment or relief. Eligibility is poverty and need, in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia. Please donate if that is the rule you want applied in your name. An earthquake does not check a census. A cataract does not grow according to a creed. Cancer treatment at a partner hospital is a bill, not a conversion. Disaster gifts are food, water and shelter — not reconstruction, not cash grants, not medical clinics from disaster funds. Some partners on the ground may themselves be faith-based or secular. We choose them for licence, capability and accountability, not for a matching theology. A partner’s faith identity does not become the patient’s test. ## Can I give Zakat or Sadaqah here? If the gift must follow Islamic Zakat rules, donate on the separately labelled Zakat Calculator UK — not on this World Aid Network page. You can still give voluntary Sadaqah here. World Aid Network does not issue a Shariah ruling and does not claim a verified Zakat product. Zakat Calculator UK is labelled separately from World Aid Network. That is deliberate. Donors who need the gift treated under Islamic / Muslim Zakat rules should calculate live Nisab and donate on that website, where Zakat is recorded on its own ledger. Do not assume a card gift on this site is certified Zakat. Live Nisab and 2.5% sit on Zakat Calculator UK. What a WAN gift funds sits on our Zakat page. A flowing gift of sight sits on the Sadaqah eye surgery page. Ask a qualified scholar. About £200 contributes towards cataract care. Please do not take marketing language from another charity and paste it onto us. We will not say “Shariah-certified” because World Aid Network is not. Honesty is part of the gift. ## How is this different from Islamic Relief or Christian Aid? Islamic Relief and Christian Aid are large, well-known, faith-inspired agencies. World Aid Network is a smaller secular UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration. We fund partner hospitals and local relief partners in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia only. We do not run a global faith brand. Please give where the mandate matches what you want. Those organisations have their own objects, countries and religious identity. We do not rank them. We do not borrow their logos. If you searched for them by name, go to them. If you searched “Muslim charity” or “Christian charity” and you want a secular alternative that still welcomes you, this page is that alternative. Our clinical care is delivered by locally licensed clinicians (PMDC / KKI / MMC). We do not fly our own surgical teams. Emergency relief starts with local partners, typically within 48 to 72 hours of a declared disaster. We do not invent caseloads. ## What will a donation from a Muslim or Christian donor provide? The same thing a donation from anyone else provides. About £200 contributes towards cataract care. £50 is a suggested contribution to the cancer fund. Disaster gifts buy food, water and shelter. Faith does not change the kit. Please give what you can. Cancer gifts fund all types of cancer — not research and not NHS care. Use the Cancer Emergency Appeal. Eye surgery gifts typically fund cataract operations at partner hospitals — Gift of Sight. Emergency gifts do not rebuild houses. We do not send cash to individuals. We do not claim a 100% donation policy. Read how we work. ## Where does my donation go? Gifts pay partner hospitals and vetted local relief partners in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia against trustee-approved lists. We do not send cash to individuals. Religion is not a filter. Charity Commission registration is in progress (application 5290505). A restricted eye-surgery gift stays with eye care. A cancer gift stays with cancer treatment. A disaster gift stays with food, water, hygiene kits and shelter. Unrestricted gifts can go where trustees see the most urgent list. ICO reference ZC156579. We will not publish a registered charity number until one is issued. Gift Aid is not claimable yet, whatever the donor’s faith. The live legal position is on the registration status page. ## Can people of no religion donate? Yes. Non-religious donors are welcome on the same terms as Muslim and Christian donors. We never ask the donor’s religion either. Please donate if you want need — not a faith label — to decide who is helped. A secular charity is not an anti-religious charity. It is a charity whose constitution is not a creed. People who give because a cataract is treatable, or because a family needs drinking water, belong here as much as people who give because of Zakat, Sadaqah, tithe or gospel. Transparency is the same for everyone: application 5290505, ICO ZC156579, three Object countries, partner hospitals, no cash to individuals, no invented caseloads, no 100% donation policy claim. ## What will a donation provide? - £25: A Digital Shoebox Medical Kit, bought nearby by local partners - £50: A contribution towards clinically recommended cancer care - £100: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £200: Contribution towards cataract care at a partner hospital - £400: Contribution towards eye care; actual costs and outcomes vary - £500: Cancer surgery where partners quote this cost, or a larger relief package ## How to donate if you searched for a Muslim or Christian charity Donate to World Aid Network, a secular UK charity. Muslim and Christian donors are welcome. We never ask a patient’s religion. - Read the label: We are not a Muslim charity and not a Christian charity. If you still want to give, stay on this page. - Choose a cause: Eye surgery is the gift of sight. Cancer treatment and emergency relief are also open. - Give an amount: About £200 contributes towards cataract care. Give once or monthly. - Optional: Zakat: If the gift must follow Islamic Zakat rules, donate at Zakat Calculator UK — labelled separately from World Aid Network. For voluntary Sadaqah cataract gifts see the Sadaqah eye surgery page. ## Related pages - Zakat Calculator UK — Separately labelled. Calculate Nisab and donate Zakat there under Islamic rules. https://worldaidnetwork.orghttps://zakat-calculator.org.uk/ - CharityCompare — Free UK charity directory. Clarity Scores from official filings — not a faith ranking. https://worldaidnetwork.orghttps://www.charitycompare.org.uk/ - Best charities to donate to — We do not rank. Check the register and CharityCompare, then donate if the mandate matches. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/best-charities-to-donate-to - Give Zakat (WAN explainer) — What a World Aid Network gift can fund — not a Shariah ruling. https://worldaidnetwork.org/zakat-calculator - Sadaqah eye surgery — Voluntary £200 cataract gift — not a Zakat ruling. https://worldaidnetwork.org/sadaqah-eye-surgery - Christmas Appeal — Seasonal gift of sight for church and family giving. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/christmas-appeal - Cataract charity UK — Eye charity explainer — typically £200. Not listed on /appeal. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/cataract-charity-uk - Gift of Sight Appeal — Year-round cataract checkout — typically £200. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/gift-of-sight - Cancer Emergency Appeal — All types of cancer — treatment, not research. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency - Emergency relief — Food, water and shelter after disaster. https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief - How we work — Grants to partners, not cash to individuals. https://worldaidnetwork.org/how-we-work - Registration status — Charity Commission application 5290505. https://worldaidnetwork.org/about/registration-status - About us — Objects, trustees and how the charity is run. https://worldaidnetwork.org/about - Donate to charity — Year-round checkout if the label no longer matters. https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate ## Frequently asked questions ### Is World Aid Network a Muslim charity? No. It is a secular UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration. Not affiliated with any mosque. Muslim donors are welcome. We do not issue a Shariah ruling. For Zakat under Islamic rules, donate at Zakat Calculator UK — that site is labelled separately. ### Is World Aid Network a Christian charity? No. It is not a church, mission or Christian Aid agency. Christian donors and churches are welcome. We do not require a profession of faith. ### Can Muslims donate to World Aid Network? Yes. Donate on this page if a secular gift is what you want. If the gift must comply with Islamic Zakat rules, donate at Zakat Calculator UK — labelled separately from World Aid Network. For Sadaqah cataract gifts see the Sadaqah eye surgery page. ### Can Christians donate to World Aid Network? Yes. Donate on this page. A seasonal church gift can use the Christmas Appeal. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks. ### Do you ask patients about their religion? No, never. Eligibility is poverty and need in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. ### Is this an Islamic charity UK? No. “Islamic charity UK” usually means a faith-branded organisation with a Zakat product. We are secular. Donate Zakat at Zakat Calculator UK if you need the gift treated under that site’s Islamic rules. World Aid Network will not certify Zakat eligibility. ### Is this a faith-based charity UK? No. World Aid Network is secular. Faith-based charities have an explicit religious identity. We do not. ### How much does a cataract operation cost? The typical partner cost for one complete cataract operation is about £200. ### Will Gift Aid apply? Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks (application 5290505). Faith does not change that. You can donate now. ### Are you affiliated with a mosque or church? No. Independent UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration. Trustees are appointed for skill and commitment to the Objects, not religious identity. ### Do you work with Muslim aid or Christian aid organisations? Partners are chosen for licence, capability and accountability. Some may have a faith dimension; others are secular. We do not select partners to match a donor’s religion. ### Is this listed on the emergency appeals index? No. This URL stays /blog/charity-for-humanity-beyond-faith-labels. Live disaster appeals sit on the emergency appeals index. ### Where should I donate Zakat so it complies with Islamic rules? Donate at Zakat Calculator UK. That website is labelled separately from World Aid Network. It calculates live Nisab and records Zakat on its own ledger. World Aid Network is secular and will not certify Zakat eligibility. See also our Zakat page and Can I give Zakat or Sadaqah here? ### What is the best Muslim charity UK? We do not rank charities. If you want a faith-branded Islamic organisation with a scholar’s Zakat ruling, choose one that says so. If you want a secular UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration that welcomes Muslim donors, this page is that option. For filing transparency on registered UK charities, check CharityCompare. ### What is the best Christian charity UK? We do not rank charities. If you want a church agency or Christian Aid-style programme, give there. If you want a secular UK charity that welcomes Christian donors, donate here. For filing transparency on registered UK charities, check CharityCompare. ### Can I give a tithe to World Aid Network? Yes, if you decide a secular charity is a fit. We do not issue a Christian ruling on tithes. Churches can collect on this page. A seasonal congregation gift can use the Christmas Appeal. ### Can I give Lillah here? Lillah is a voluntary Islamic gift. You can donate here. Obligatory Zakat is stricter — donate at Zakat Calculator UK (labelled separately) and ask a scholar. Sadaqah cataract gifts: Sadaqah eye surgery page. ### Is World Aid Network a non-denominational charity? It is secular — not a denomination and not an interfaith federation. Donors of every tradition and none are welcome. Patients are not asked their religion. ### Can people of no religion donate? Yes. Non-religious donors are welcome on the same terms. We do not ask the donor’s faith. ## How you can help Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/charity-for-humanity-beyond-faith-labels or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=humanity --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Charity Questions Answered: UK Guide | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/charity-questions-answered-uk > Does giving make you happier? How much should you give? Can you get a refund? Straight answers to the questions UK donors actually ask before giving. Direct Answer Research consistently shows that giving to charity increases donor happiness, and consistency matters more than size: regular gifts of even £3 to £5 a month build stronger wellbeing effects and predictable charity income. In the UK there is no statutory right to a refund once a donation is accepted. World Aid Network is a charitable organisation applying for CIO registration, registration in progress. Every year, millions of people in the UK search for straightforward answers to the same charity questions — whether giving really makes a difference, how to protect themselves from fraud, what their rights are if something goes wrong, and how the UK regulatory system works. Most of the time, clear answers are scattered across government guidance, charity websites and academic research. This guide collects the twenty most frequently searched UK charity questions and answers each one directly. We have drawn on Charity Commission guidance, HMRC rules, the Fundraising Regulator's Code of Practice and published academic research. Whether you are a first-time donor or a long-term supporter, you should find exactly what you need here. ## Does giving to charity make you happier? Research consistently shows that prosocial spending — giving money to benefit others — increases subjective wellbeing more reliably than spending on oneself. Studies from Harvard Business School and the University of British Columbia demonstrate a 'warm glow' effect: giving activates neural reward pathways and raises reported life satisfaction. The effect is robust across cultures and income levels. The wellbeing benefit is stronger for regular, intentional giving than for one-off donations, and is most pronounced when donors feel a genuine connection to the cause and can see the impact of their gift. Choosing a cause you care about deeply and giving to it consistently — even a small amount each month — produces greater happiness than occasional large gifts to unfamiliar causes. Practical implication: setting up a modest regular direct debit to a cause you are personally connected to will serve you better — both in impact and in personal wellbeing — than waiting to make a large one-off donation once a year. ## How much money should I donate to charity? There is no legal minimum charitable donation in the UK. The right amount depends on your income, financial commitments and giving goals. Three benchmarks are commonly cited: one per cent of income (a widely recommended starting point for new donors); five per cent (suggested by the Charities Aid Foundation as a meaningful giving level); and ten per cent (the Giving What We Can pledge, associated with the effective altruism movement). Research on donor behaviour consistently shows that consistency matters more than size. Small regular gifts — even £3 to £5 per month — create predictable income for charities and generate stronger wellbeing benefits for donors than occasional large gifts. It is better to give an amount you can sustain indefinitely than to commit to more than you can maintain and lapse after a few months. If you are a UK taxpayer, Gift Aid means the charity receives 25% more from your donation at no extra cost to you. Higher-rate and additional-rate taxpayers can claim further income tax relief via Self Assessment, which reduces the net cost of your gift. Factoring in Gift Aid, a £10 monthly donation becomes £12.50 for the charity — worth considering when choosing your level. Give to eye surgery, cancer treatment or disaster relief Eye surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay, and relief after disasters, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Give once or monthly by card. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## How can I donate to charity anonymously? Several methods allow anonymous giving in the UK. Cash donations to a collection tin, church plate or street fundraiser are inherently anonymous — no record of your identity is created. For cheque donations, your name appears on the cheque itself, though you may ask the charity not to record it against your identity. For online donations, most platforms require contact details to process Gift Aid, which adds 25% to the value of your gift at no cost to you. Donating anonymously online means forgoing this uplift. Some platforms allow you to opt out of Gift Aid and submit a donation without your name being shared with the charity, while still processing the payment — check the platform's settings before giving. Cryptocurrency donations are pseudonymous: transactions are publicly recorded on the blockchain, but wallet addresses are not automatically linked to your real identity unless you reveal them. If you want a tax receipt — needed to evidence the Capital Gains Tax exemption on a crypto donation — you will need to identify yourself to the charity. Truly anonymous giving means forgoing both receipts and Gift Aid. ## What is the 'overhead myth' in charity donations? The overhead myth is the widely-held but mistaken belief that a charity is automatically better if it spends a lower percentage of its income on administration and fundraising. This idea was powerfully challenged in a 2013 TED talk by Dan Pallotta and has since been critiqued by serious charity evaluators including GiveWell, Giving What We Can and Charity Navigator. The problem with overhead ratio as a performance measure is that it tells you nothing about what the charity actually achieves. A charity spending 30% on overhead that delivers 1,000 sight-restoring eye operations per year is vastly more effective than one spending 5% on overhead that delivers ten. What matters is cost per outcome — how much impact is generated per pound donated — not what proportion a charity spends on running itself. Rigorous overhead management matters, but it is a means to an end, not an end in itself. A charity that chronically under-invests in its fundraising, staff and systems will eventually be unable to help anyone. The Charity Commission does not rate charities by overhead. When evaluating a charity, focus on published outcome data, independent evaluations and year-on-year impact trends — not the headline overhead percentage. ## Can I get a refund for a charity donation? In the UK, you have no statutory right to a refund on a charitable donation, unlike consumer purchases covered by the Consumer Rights Act 2015\. Once a donation has been accepted by a charity, it is legally a gift — and gifts are generally irrecoverable unless given under a specific written agreement that includes a refund clause. Some charities operate a voluntary goodwill refund policy, particularly for online donations, often with a 14-day cooling-off window. Check the charity's website or contact their donor services team. Donorbox, JustGiving and PayPal Giving Fund each have their own platform policies that may allow refunds in limited circumstances — check the platform's terms at the time of giving. If you paid by credit card, you may have a potential chargeback right under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act in very limited circumstances, though this is difficult to exercise against a charity and may be disputed. If you believe you donated to a fraudulent or fake charity, report it to Action Fraud (actionfraud.police.uk) and contact your bank immediately. The best protection is research before giving rather than relying on the ability to reclaim a gift. ## How do I stop donating to a charity? The method depends on how your donation is set up. If you give by direct debit, contact your bank — by phone, online banking or in branch — to cancel the mandate. Under the Payment Services Regulations 2017, your bank must action a cancellation within one business day. If you give by standing order, cancel it through your online or telephone banking in the same way. For regular card payments made through a charity's website, log into your account on the donation platform and cancel there, or contact the charity's donor services team directly. Under the Fundraising Code of Practice, charities are required to stop all fundraising contact within 28 days of receiving your written or verbal request. You do not need to give a reason. To stop unsolicited marketing from all registered charities — including direct mail, telephone calls and email — register with the Fundraising Preference Service at fundraisingpreference.org.uk. This is free and is administered by the Fundraising Regulator. For telephone marketing calls more broadly, register with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) at tpsonline.org.uk. Note that cancelling a direct debit stops future payments but does not entitle you to reclaim past ones. If a charity continues to contact you after you have asked them to stop, you can file a complaint with the Fundraising Regulator. ## What is effective altruism and how does it apply to charitable giving? Effective altruism is a philosophy and social movement that applies evidence and reason to the question of how to do the most good. It was developed in the early 2010s by philosophers including Peter Singer (Princeton) and Toby Ord and Will MacAskill (Oxford). In the context of charitable giving, effective altruism asks donors to focus not on which cause feels most important, but on which cause produces the most measurable good per pound donated. Key organisations associated with effective altruism include GiveWell, which conducts in-depth cost-effectiveness analyses and publishes a list of charities it estimates save the most lives per pound; Giving What We Can, which encourages a pledge to donate ten per cent of income to the most effective causes; and 80,000 Hours, which applies the same framework to career choice. Metrics commonly used include cost per life saved and cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY). Effective altruism is not without critics. Some philosophers argue that it can over-favour interventions with easily measurable near-term outcomes over those with diffuse but potentially transformative long-term impacts — such as systemic advocacy or institutional reform. For most donors, the practical takeaway is straightforward: look for charities that publish clear outcome data and have been independently evaluated, rather than choosing based on emotional appeal or low overhead ratios alone. ## How do I check a charity's financial health? The Charity Commission's Find-a-Charity service at gov.uk/find-charity-information is your primary resource. Every charity registered in England and Wales must file annual accounts and an annual return, which are publicly available on the register. Scottish charities file with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) at oscr.org.uk. When reviewing accounts, look at four things: the income and expenditure trend over recent years (is there a persistent operating deficit?); the proportion of expenditure on charitable activities versus administration and fundraising (most well-run charities report 70–90% on charitable activities); the reserves level and policy (below two months of operating costs is a vulnerability; several years of costs with no stated rationale may indicate funds are not being deployed); and the auditor's report (a qualified opinion is a warning sign). Charities with income below £25,000 are not required to submit full accounts and file a simplified annual return. Those with income above £250,000 must have accounts independently examined; those above £1 million require a full statutory audit. If the charity you are researching does not appear on the register and claims to be registered, treat it with caution and verify its status before donating. ## How do I find out who the trustees of a charity are? Trustees of registered UK charities are listed on the Charity Commission's public register. Search at gov.uk/find-charity-information by charity name or registration number and navigate to the 'Trustees' section. The annual return filed by each charity includes the names of all current trustees and the date each was appointed. For Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs) — the legal form World Aid Network has applied for — trustee information is held directly by the Charity Commission (CIOs are not registered at Companies House). For charitable companies, trustee and director information is also available through Companies House at find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk. Trustees are the individuals personally accountable for the charity's governance, financial stewardship and compliance with charity law. Knowing who they are and verifying their listing on the public register is one of the most reliable indicators of a charity's legitimacy. Charities with income below £5,000 and certain exempt charities may not appear on the Charity Commission register. ## What does the Charity Commission for England and Wales do? The Charity Commission for England and Wales is the independent statutory regulator of charities in England and Wales, established under the Charities Act 2011\. Scotland is regulated by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR); Northern Ireland by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland (CCNI). The three regulators operate independently but cooperate on cross-border issues. The Charity Commission's primary functions are: registering charities with annual income above £5,000 and all Charitable Incorporated Organisations regardless of size; maintaining the publicly searchable charity register; setting governance standards through statutory guidance; monitoring compliance with charity law; and investigating serious concerns about mismanagement, fraud or misconduct. In serious cases it can appoint Interim Managers, freeze charity assets and remove trustees. It is equally important to know what the Charity Commission does not do. It does not adjudicate individual fundraising complaints — those go to the Fundraising Regulator. It does not handle employment disputes, refund requests or donor-charity disagreements. It does not rate charities by effectiveness or impact — its role is regulatory, not evaluative. To report a serious concern about a charity's governance or financial probity, visit charitycommission.gov.uk. ### Key takeaways - Research consistently shows that giving to charity increases donor happiness — the effect is strongest for regular, intentional giving connected to a cause you personally care about. - There is no legal minimum donation amount in the UK; consistency matters more than size — small regular gifts generate more cumulative impact and stronger wellbeing benefits than occasional large ones. - Donating anonymously is possible but means forgoing Gift Aid, which adds 25% to your gift at no cost to you — weigh the financial benefit against your privacy preference. - The overhead myth is dangerous: overhead ratio tells you nothing about impact — cost per outcome (how much good is achieved per pound donated) is what actually matters when evaluating a charity. - You have no statutory right to a refund on a charitable donation in the UK — research before you give rather than relying on the ability to reclaim a gift after the fact. - Every registered UK charity's accounts, trustees and registration details are publicly available at gov.uk/find-charity-information — use it to verify legitimacy and governance before donating. - The Charity Commission regulates how charities are governed; the Fundraising Regulator governs how they raise money — two separate bodies with distinct remits. Give to eye surgery, cancer treatment or disaster relief Eye surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay, and relief after disasters, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Give once or monthly by card. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## Frequently asked questions Does giving to charity make you happier? Yes — research consistently shows that prosocial spending (giving money to benefit others) increases subjective wellbeing. Studies from Harvard Business School and the University of British Columbia demonstrate a 'warm glow' effect: giving activates neural reward pathways and raises reported life satisfaction. The effect is strongest for regular, intentional giving connected to a cause the donor genuinely cares about. Choosing a cause you believe in and giving consistently — even a small amount each month — produces greater happiness than occasional large gifts to unfamiliar causes. How much of my income should I donate to charity? There is no legal minimum in the UK. Three common benchmarks are: one per cent of income (a widely recommended starting point for new donors); five per cent (suggested by the Charities Aid Foundation); and ten per cent (the Giving What We Can pledge, associated with effective altruism). Research shows that consistency matters more than size — a small regular direct debit outperforms occasional large donations in both predictable charitable impact and donor wellbeing. With Gift Aid, a basic-rate taxpayer's donation is worth 25% more to the charity at no extra cost. How can I donate to charity anonymously? Several methods allow anonymous giving. Cash to a collection tin is fully anonymous. Online giving usually requires contact details for Gift Aid — donating anonymously means forgoing the 25% Gift Aid uplift. Bank transfers can be made without a personalised reference, though your bank retains records. Cryptocurrency donations are pseudonymous (publicly recorded on the blockchain but not automatically linked to your identity). If you want a tax receipt for HMRC purposes, you will need to identify yourself to the charity. Truly anonymous giving means forgoing receipts and Gift Aid. What is the overhead myth in charity donations? The overhead myth is the mistaken belief that a charity spending less on administration is automatically better. Challenged by Dan Pallotta's 2013 TED talk and critiqued by GiveWell and Giving What We Can, the problem is that overhead ratio says nothing about impact. A charity with 30% overhead delivering 1,000 life-changing operations outperforms one with 5% overhead delivering ten. The Charity Commission does not rate charities by overhead. What matters is cost per outcome — how much measurable good is achieved per pound donated. Can I get a refund for a charity donation in the UK? No — in the UK you have no statutory right to a refund on a charitable donation. Donations are legal gifts and are generally irrecoverable once accepted. Some charities operate a voluntary goodwill refund policy (often a 14-day window for online donations). Donorbox, JustGiving and PayPal Giving Fund have their own platform policies. If you paid by credit card, a Section 75 chargeback may be possible in very limited circumstances. If you donated to a fraudulent charity, contact Action Fraud (actionfraud.police.uk) and your bank immediately. How do I cancel a regular donation to a charity? The method depends on how your donation is set up. Direct debit: contact your bank — they must act within one business day under the Payment Services Regulations 2017\. Standing order: cancel through online or telephone banking. Regular card payment via charity website: log into your account on the platform and cancel, or contact the charity directly. Charities must stop all fundraising contact within 28 days of your request under the Fundraising Code. To block unsolicited charity marketing broadly, register with the Fundraising Preference Service at fundraisingpreference.org.uk. What is effective altruism and how does it apply to giving? Effective altruism is a philosophy that uses evidence and reason to find the most effective ways to benefit others. Developed by Peter Singer (Princeton) and Toby Ord and Will MacAskill (Oxford), it applies to giving by asking: which cause produces the most measurable good per pound? Key organisations include GiveWell (cost-effectiveness-rated charity lists), Giving What We Can (10% of income pledge) and 80,000 Hours (career choice). Critics argue it can favour near-term measurable outcomes over diffuse long-term impacts. The practical takeaway: look for charities with independently evaluated, published outcome data. How do I check a charity's financial health in the UK? Use the Charity Commission's Find-a-Charity service at gov.uk/find-charity-information. Every registered charity files annual accounts and returns there, publicly available. Key things to review: income and expenditure trends (persistent deficit is a warning sign); proportion spent on charitable activities versus administration (70–90% is typical for well-run charities); reserves level and policy (two to six months of operating costs is generally healthy); and the auditor's report (a qualified opinion is a red flag). Charities with income above £250,000 require independent examination; above £1 million, a full audit. How do I find out who the trustees of a charity are? Search the Charity Commission's public register at gov.uk/find-charity-information by charity name or registration number. The 'Trustees' section of each entry lists all current trustees and their appointment dates. For charitable companies, director information is also at Companies House. For Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs), the Charity Commission holds the trustee register directly. Trustees are personally accountable for the charity's governance and finances — verifying their listing on the public register is one of the most reliable indicators of a charity's legitimacy. What does the Charity Commission for England and Wales do? The Charity Commission is the independent statutory regulator of charities in England and Wales (Scotland: OSCR; Northern Ireland: CCNI). It registers charities with income above £5,000 and all CIOs; maintains the public charity register; sets governance standards; monitors compliance with the Charities Act 2011; and investigates serious concerns about mismanagement or fraud. In serious cases it can freeze assets, appoint Interim Managers and remove trustees. It does not handle fundraising complaints (Fundraising Regulator), refund requests or employment disputes. Are charity overhead costs a reliable measure of performance? No — overhead ratio is a poor and misleading measure of charity performance. It tells you how a charity allocates its spending, not what it achieves. A charity with 25% overhead delivering 1,000 sight-restoring operations outperforms one with 5% overhead delivering ten. GiveWell and Charity Navigator have moved away from overhead as a primary metric. The Charity Commission does not rate charities by overhead. A more useful measure is cost per outcome: how much impact is generated per pound donated. How do I verify that a charity is legitimate in the UK? Check the Charity Commission's register at gov.uk/find-charity-information. Enter the charity's name or registration number — registered charities appear there and must file annual accounts. Look for the registration number on the charity's website, letterheads and donation pages (all registered charities must display it). For Scottish charities, use OSCR's register at oscr.org.uk. If the charity does not appear on either register and has income above £5,000, treat it with caution. The Charity Commission also flags warnings about fraudulent organisations impersonating legitimate charities. What is the Fundraising Preference Service? The Fundraising Preference Service (FPS) at fundraisingpreference.org.uk lets UK residents opt out of receiving fundraising communications — direct mail, telephone calls, email and SMS — from charities registered with the Fundraising Regulator. Charities must remove opted-out individuals from marketing lists within 28 days. The FPS does not stop communications you have specifically signed up for, such as a charity's newsletter. For broader protection against unsolicited telephone marketing, register with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) at tpsonline.org.uk. Can I specify what my charity donation is used for? Yes — this is called a restricted donation. You specify that your gift should be used for a particular programme, project or appeal, and the charity is legally required to use it only for that purpose. Unrestricted donations are often more flexible and useful to charities, as they can be directed where they are most needed, including operational costs. To make a restricted donation, note your preference at the point of giving and follow up with a direct email to the charity. If the designated project is discontinued, charity law requires Charity Commission approval before funds can be redirected. What is the difference between a charity and a nonprofit in the UK? In the UK, 'charity' has a specific legal meaning: an organisation registered with the Charity Commission (or OSCR/CCNI) for charitable purposes operating for the public benefit. 'Nonprofit' is not a formal legal term in UK law — it informally describes any organisation that does not distribute profits to shareholders. All registered charities are nonprofits, but not all nonprofits are charities. Community Interest Companies (CICs) and certain clubs may be nonprofits without being registered charities. Only registered charities can claim Gift Aid and the full range of charitable tax reliefs. Do UK charities have to publish their annual accounts? Yes. Charities in England and Wales with income above £25,000 must file accounts with the Charity Commission, publicly available on the register. Those above £250,000 must have accounts independently examined; above £1 million, a full statutory audit is required. Charitable companies also file accounts with Companies House. Small charities with income below £25,000 file a simplified return without full accounts. All Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs) must file annual accounts regardless of income level. What is the Fundraising Regulator and what does it do? The Fundraising Regulator is the independent regulator of charitable fundraising in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It sets and enforces the Code of Fundraising Practice, adjudicates complaints about fundraising practices (such as aggressive door-to-door canvassing or misleading charity bags), and administers the Fundraising Preference Service. It does not handle donation refunds or concerns about how charities spend their money — those fall to the Charity Commission. To make a complaint about fundraising practices, visit fundraisingregulator.org.uk. Is there a minimum amount I should donate to charity? There is no legal or recommended minimum. With Gift Aid, even very small donations are boosted by 25% at no cost to the donor. For regular giving, £3 to £5 per month is a common starting point that creates meaningful, predictable income for charities. Some campaigns may suggest a minimum contribution, but registered charities accept gifts of any size. The most important factor is consistency — giving a sustainable amount regularly generates more cumulative impact and more personal wellbeing benefit than infrequent larger gifts. How do I find the highest-impact charities to donate to? GiveWell (givewell.org) conducts in-depth cost-effectiveness analyses and publishes a regularly updated list of top charities ranked by estimated lives saved per pound — currently focused on global health and poverty. Giving What We Can (givingwhatwecan.org) maintains a parallel recommended list. For any charity, look for: published outcome data (operations funded, families helped, lives impacted); independent external evaluations; a clear theory of change; and transparent reporting of what is working and what is not. Avoid relying on overhead ratios or star ratings as your primary criterion. Can I volunteer for a charity if I cannot donate money? Yes — volunteering is valued highly by many charities. Skills-based volunteering (legal, accounting, communications, IT or fundraising expertise) can be more valuable than an equivalent cash donation. The Do-It platform (do-it.org) lists volunteering opportunities across the UK by location and skill set. If you want to offer professional support to a specific charity, contact its operations team directly. Note that smaller charities may lack the infrastructure to manage volunteers effectively and may find financial support — even in small amounts — easier to deploy than volunteer time. What is the difference between the Charity Commission and the Fundraising Regulator? They are two separate bodies with distinct remits. The Charity Commission for England and Wales (charitycommission.gov.uk) regulates charity governance — it registers charities, maintains the public register, monitors compliance with charity law and investigates serious mismanagement. The Fundraising Regulator (fundraisingregulator.org.uk) regulates how charities raise money — it sets the Code of Fundraising Practice, adjudicates fundraising complaints and administers the Fundraising Preference Service. If you have a concern about a charity's governance or finances, contact the Charity Commission. If you have a complaint about fundraising practices (aggressive canvassing, misleading bags), contact the Fundraising Regulator. Published by World Aid Network. Check the original sources and their dates. General information is not individual medical, legal or tax advice. Our editorial policy explains responsibility and corrections. ## What are the sources for this guide? Follow the original guidance for its evidence, dates and limitations. Background references explain the need; they are not evidence of WAN fundraising or delivery. - [gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/find-charity-information) - [gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/donating-to-charity) - [fundraisingregulator.org.uk](https://www.fundraisingregulator.org.uk) - [cafonline.org](https://www.cafonline.org) - [fundraisingpreference.org.uk](https://www.fundraisingpreference.org.uk) [Editorial policy](/editorial-policy) · [Corrections and reporting an error](/corrections) ## Give Where It Counts World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration with two clearly defined charitable objects: sight-restoring eye surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot afford private care, and emergency disaster relief for families affected by floods and other disasters. All clinical care is delivered by locally-licensed medical professionals. Donate online, by cheque, bank transfer or cryptocurrency. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## Before you give Suggested amounts contribute to the programme. They do not guarantee a named patient, procedure or quantity of relief. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) - [Published impact and reporting](/our-impact) - [Gift Aid eligibility and current status](/gift-aid) ## Share this guide [Share by email](mailto:?subject=World%20Aid%20Network%20guide&body=https%3A%2F%2Fworldaidnetwork.org%2Fblog%2Fcharity-questions-answered-uk) Only the public article link is included. ## Make an informed donation Check what the organisation offers, understand the conditions and choose a way to give that suits you. - [Compare ways to donate](/ways-to-donate) Card giving, monthly gifts and other routes, with current availability. - [Gift Aid eligibility explained](/gift-aid) Understand donor conditions and the current status at WAN. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and how estimates differ from results. - [Check our registration status](/about/registration-status) Distinguish the application reference from a registered charity number. - [Practical donor resources](/donor-resources) Find answers, useful tools and giving options. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Charity Shops Near You: Find & Donate | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/charity-shops-near-me > Find charity shops near you, check what they accept and understand retail Gift Aid. WAN has no shops or collection points; explore other ways to help. Direct Answer Use a charity shop finder or the charity’s own website to locate a branch, then check its opening hours and accepted items before travelling. World Aid Network has no shops or collection points. Shopping, donating useful goods and giving money can each help; the right option depends on your circumstances and the charity’s needs. ## Find a shop and check before you travel The Charity Retail Association’s shop finder is a useful starting point. Confirm the address, opening hours, accessibility and donation arrangements with the individual shop. A search listing may be out of date; call ahead if you have a large collection or need help unloading. ## Prepare donations the shop can use Ask about accepted items, condition requirements and any safety restrictions. Clean, usable goods can raise funds and be reused. Leave donations with staff during opening hours; bags left outside can be damaged or obstruct access. Give to eye surgery, cancer treatment or disaster relief Eye surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay, and relief after disasters, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Give once or monthly by card. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## How retail Gift Aid differs from buying an item A purchase is not a Gift Aid donation. Some shops operate a scheme in which they sell your goods as your agent and you donate the proceeds. The rules and paperwork matter, so ask the shop to explain the arrangement before signing. ## Choose how you want to help Retail and online fundraising both have costs. Neither a low overhead figure nor an online checkout proves greater impact. Look at how an organisation uses money and reports results. WAN accepts financial support for eye care, cancer treatment and emergency relief; we do not accept physical goods. [ Compare ways to support World Aid Network ](/ways-to-donate) ### Key takeaways - Use a charity shop finder or the charity’s own website to locate a branch, then check its opening hours and accepted items before travelling. World Aid Network has no shops or collection points. Shopping, donating useful goods and giving money can each help; the right option depends on your circumstances and the charity’s needs. Give to eye surgery, cancer treatment or disaster relief Eye surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay, and relief after disasters, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Give once or monthly by card. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## Frequently asked questions Does WAN have charity shops? No. We do not operate shops, drop-off points or a goods-collection service. Is online giving always better? No. Useful goods, volunteering, shopping and money can each support charitable work. Choose an organisation that can use what you want to give. Published by World Aid Network. Read the linked primary sources and our editorial policy. Public sources explain the background; they do not verify WAN delivery, financial results or individual outcomes. ## What are the sources for this guide? Follow the original guidance for its evidence, dates and limitations. Background references explain the need; they are not evidence of WAN fundraising or delivery. - [Charity Retail Association — Find a shop](https://charityretail.org.uk/find-a-shop) - [GOV.UK — Find charity information](https://www.gov.uk/find-charity-information) - [HMRC — Retail Gift Aid](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/charities-detailed-guidance-notes/chapter-3-gift-aid) [Editorial policy](/editorial-policy) · [Corrections and reporting an error](/corrections) ## Support WAN’s programmes If financial giving suits you, explore our programmes, current status and funding details before donating. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## Before you give Suggested amounts contribute to the programme. They do not guarantee a named patient, procedure or quantity of relief. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) - [Published impact and reporting](/our-impact) - [Gift Aid eligibility and current status](/gift-aid) ## Share this guide [Share by email](mailto:?subject=World%20Aid%20Network%20guide&body=https%3A%2F%2Fworldaidnetwork.org%2Fblog%2Fcharity-shops-near-me) Only the public article link is included. ## Make an informed donation Check what the organisation offers, understand the conditions and choose a way to give that suits you. - [Compare ways to donate](/ways-to-donate) Card giving, monthly gifts and other routes, with current availability. - [Gift Aid eligibility explained](/gift-aid) Understand donor conditions and the current status at WAN. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and how estimates differ from results. - [Check our registration status](/about/registration-status) Distinguish the application reference from a registered charity number. - [Practical donor resources](/donor-resources) Find answers, useful tools and giving options. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Children's charity donation > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/childrens-charity-donation > Last reviewed: 2026-10-04 ## In short A children's charity donation to World Aid Network funds cataract surgery, childhood cancer treatment or emergency food, water and shelter for families who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. About £200 contributes towards cataract care. We do not sponsor a named child. Donate on this page. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks. Please donate. Fund a child’s cataract operation, childhood cancer treatment, or food, water and shelter after disaster. Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/childrens-charity-donation. A children's charity donation here funds cataract surgery, childhood cancer treatment or emergency food, water and shelter. About £200 contributes towards cataract care. World Aid Network does not sponsor a named child. This page is not listed on https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal. Gift of Sight: https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/gift-of-sight. Cancer Emergency Appeal: https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency. Indonesia Emergency Appeal: https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/indonesia-emergency. ## At a glance - ~£200: Planning estimate only; actual eye care costs vary - £50: A contribution towards clinically recommended cancer care - 3 countries: Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia — our charitable Objects - No named child: We do not run a sponsor-a-child letter scheme ## What is a children's charity donation? A children’s charity donation is a gift meant to help children who cannot pay for care or who have lost their home. At World Aid Network that gift funds cataract surgery, childhood cancer treatment, or emergency food, water and shelter in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Please donate on this page. People search “donate to children’s charity UK” when they want a gift that reaches a child. Some organisations run UK child-protection services. Some send letters from a named child. World Aid Network does neither. We pay partner-hospital bills and local relief partners. Children are among the patients and the disaster-affected families we help. We do not invent how many of those patients are children. A cataract can steal a childhood as surely as it steals an old age. A leukaemia course that stops because the money ran out is more dangerous than a delayed start. After an earthquake, a child needs drinking water and a dry place to sleep. That is what a children’s charity donation here is for. Please give. This URL is the children’s charity donation guide, with a donate form. It is not listed on the emergency appeals index. Named checkouts sit on Gift of Sight and the Cancer Emergency Appeal. Is World Aid Network a children's charity? is the honest label. - Typical cataract gift: A £200 gift contributes towards cataract care. - Cancer gifts fund all types of cancer, including childhood cancer — not research and not NHS care. - Disaster gifts: food, water and shelter. Not reconstruction. Not cash to individuals. - We do not sponsor a named child. ## Is World Aid Network a children's charity? Not in the NSPCC or Save the Children sense. World Aid Network is a secular UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration. Our Objects are medical care for poor patients, and emergency relief for disaster-affected families, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Children are among those we help. Please donate if that is the children’s charity gift you want. A UK children’s charity is often a Charity Commission organisation whose objects are children first — child protection, education, or a named-child sponsorship product. We are not that. We do not run UK children’s services. We do not promise a photograph and a letter from one child. Children still sit inside our work. A paediatric cataract is a cataract. Childhood leukaemia is cancer. A family sleeping under a tarpaulin after the Flores earthquake includes children. Those gifts are real. The label “children’s charity” is not our constitution. Charity for humanity is the honest answer to faith labels. This page is the honest answer to the donation search. Registration is in progress (Charity Commission application 5290505). We will not publish a registered charity number until one is issued. ICO ZC156579. We do not rank “best children’s charity”. For filing transparency on registered UK charities, check CharityCompare. ## What will a children's charity donation provide? Your donation pays partner hospitals and local relief partners. A £200 gift contributes towards cataract care. £50 is a suggested contribution to the cancer fund. Disaster gifts buy food, water and shelter. Figures are typical partner costs, not a menu you pick for a named child. Please choose an amount and donate. What a child or a family receives depends on the diagnosis, the hospital and what they need that week. We do not send cash to individuals. We do not claim a 100% donation policy. How grants are released is explained on how we work. If you want the gift marked for eye surgery, cancer treatment or emergency relief, choose that cause on the form. A note to info@worldaidnetwork.org can record a preference. We cannot promise a named child. - £10 — drinking water for a displaced family for one week - £25 — a Digital Shoebox Medical Kit, bought locally - £50 — one chemotherapy session where quoted - £100 — temporary shelter materials for one household - £200 — contribution towards cataract care - £500 — cancer surgery where quoted, or a larger relief package ## Can a children's charity donation restore a child's sight? Yes, when a partner hospital lists a child who cannot pay for cataract surgery. A £200 gift contributes towards cataract care — surgeon, intraocular lens, anaesthesia, consumables and follow-up. Locally licensed ophthalmologists operate. Please donate so that bill is paid. Cataract is not only an older person’s disease. Childhood cataract is a leading treatable cause of childhood blindness. A cloudy lens that is left in a young eye can steal the years when the brain learns to see. We do not invent how many paediatric operations we have funded. We fund what a licensed ophthalmologist in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia has recommended, when the family cannot pay. The cataract explainer is Cataract charity UK. The named year-round checkout is the Gift of Sight Appeal. You can also sponsor a cataract operation as a £200 product. Mr Mohamed Mohyudin, a consultant ophthalmic surgeon, advises World Aid Network; an eye page carries clinical sign-off only where that page says so. Please give. You do not need to post old glasses from Britain. A child’s cataract will not clear because someone mailed a pair of readers. The useful gift is the operation. ## Can I donate to childhood cancer treatment? Yes. The Cancer Emergency Appeal funds all types of cancer, including childhood cancer. It is treatment access — not research and not NHS care. Please donate so a child mid-chemotherapy is not sent home because the bill ran out. A child with cancer in a high-income country has around an 80% chance of survival with funded treatment. For a poor family without funded care, that figure often falls below 20%. Those are published survival gaps, not World Aid Network caseloads. Specialist children’s protocols exist in partner hospitals. The barrier is paying for them. Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is the most common childhood blood cancer. Continuity matters: stopping mid-course because a family cannot pay is more dangerous than a delayed start. The childhood cancer treatment page explains the programme. The childhood cancer guide explains symptoms and the survival gap. Donate on this page and choose cancer treatment, or give on the Cancer Emergency Appeal. We do not fund UK paediatric research hospitals. We do not run clinical trials. Locally licensed oncologists treat the patient. We pay the hospital. ## Can a children's charity donation fund emergency relief? Yes. Choose emergency relief on the form. Disaster gifts buy food, clean water, hygiene kits and temporary shelter for families in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Partners typically start within 48 to 72 hours. We do not rebuild houses. We do not send cash to individuals. After a quake or a flood, a child needs a drink, a meal and a dry place to sleep. That is the whole of a disaster gift here. The Indonesia Emergency Appeal is the standing page for earthquakes and tsunamis in Indonesia, including the 15 August 2026 Flores shock. The Pakistan Floods Appeal is the standing flood page for Pakistan. Please donate money rather than clothes, toys or bottled water from the UK, unless a partner has asked for a specific item in writing. Parcels arrive late. Local partners buy nearby. The Digital Shoebox Appeal is a £25 Medical Kit bought locally — not a packed cardboard box. Emergency relief does not fund medical clinics from disaster money. Eye surgery and cancer treatment are separate causes. Please pick the cause that matches what you want the gift to do. ## Do you sponsor a named child? No. World Aid Network does not run a sponsor-a-child letter scheme. We do not assign you a named child, a photograph and a yearly update as the product. A gift of about £200 contributes towards cataract care. Write to info@worldaidnetwork.org if you would like a partner update. We cannot always name a patient for privacy. Many people who type “children’s charity donation” have also searched “sponsor a child”. Those schemes often pool gifts into community programmes. That can be good work. It is not what we sell, and we will not pretend it is. The sponsor a child page is the honest alternative URL for that search. Privacy matters. A hospital list is not a pen-pal club. Please donate on this page so a partner can operate or deliver kits. If you want to mark the gift in someone’s name, use charity virtual gifts. ## How is this different from Save the Children or UNICEF? Save the Children and UNICEF are large, well-known organisations with their own objects and countries. World Aid Network is a smaller UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration that funds partner-hospital bills and local relief in three countries. We do not rank “best children’s charity”. If you searched for them by name, go to them. Please give here if a hospital-bill or relief-kit gift is what you want. Those organisations have global brands, UK campaigns and, in some cases, child-sponsorship products. We do not borrow their logos. We do not claim their caseloads. For filing transparency on registered UK charities, check CharityCompare. World Aid Network has no registered charity number yet, so it will not appear as a fully rated CharityCompare profile until registration is granted. If you want UK child-protection services, those agencies exist for that. If you want a gift that pays a cataract bill, a chemotherapy session or a week of drinking water in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia, donate on this page. - Named child sponsorship — No. We do not run a letter-and-photo scheme - Typical cataract gift — A £200 gift contributes towards cataract care at a partner hospital - Cancer — Treatment overseas, all types including childhood — not research - Disaster gifts — Food, water and shelter. Not reconstruction. Not cash - Countries — Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia only - Registration — CIO; Charity Commission application 5290505 in progress ## How much should I donate to a children's charity? Give the amount that is right for you. About £200 contributes towards cataract care. £50 is a suggested cancer care contribution, not a session price. £10 can cover drinking water for a displaced family for a week. A smaller gift still helps. Please donate today. There is no minimum that makes a children’s charity donation “count”. The table is a guide to typical partner costs, not a price list for a named child. Costs vary by country and by what the hospital quotes that week. If you can give every month, a regular gift on the monthly giving page — or the monthly option on this form — helps a hospital keep a list moving. You can change it later. ## Where does my children's charity donation go? Gifts pay partner hospitals and vetted local relief partners in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia against trustee-approved lists. We do not send cash to individuals. Charity Commission registration is in progress (application 5290505). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks. A restricted eye-surgery gift stays with eye care. A cancer gift stays with cancer treatment. A disaster gift stays with food, water, hygiene kits and shelter. Unrestricted gifts can go where trustees see the most urgent list. We do not claim a 100% donation policy. The live legal position is on the registration status page. ICO reference ZC156579. We will not publish a registered charity number until one is issued. Please give what you can today. You do not have to wait for the number. ## How can I donate to a children's charity from the UK? Please donate on this page by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. From the United Kingdom, that is the simplest way to fund an operation, a chemotherapy session or emergency kits overseas. You are not paying for NHS children’s lists. You are paying for a family who cannot afford the same care where they live. You do not need to travel. You do not need to send toys, clothes or old glasses. Keep this children’s charity donation page and give. If your workplace, school, mosque or church is collecting, bring the money here. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks. We will tell donors when that happens. Seasonal church or family giving can use the Christmas Appeal. ## Can I give monthly to a children's charity? Yes. A monthly donation means the next child on a hospital list, or the next family after a disaster, is not left waiting for a one-off drive. Please set up a regular gift on this page. Even a small monthly amount helps. Cataracts and chemotherapy courses do not follow a fundraising calendar. A regular gift means we can say yes when a partner asks. Please start a monthly gift at the amount that is comfortable for you. If you would rather give once, that gift is welcome too. Donate today. ## Can I give a children's charity donation in someone's name? Yes. Donate on this page, then write to info@worldaidnetwork.org with the name you want on a digital gift card. You can also use charity virtual gifts. The real gift still funds surgery, treatment or relief — not a toy posted from Britain. A gift in memory of a child, or in honour of a birth, is welcome. We will mark it. We still cannot name the patient who receives the operation, for privacy. Please give first so the hospital can act. ## How is this different from Gift of Sight or the Cancer Emergency Appeal? This page answers “children’s charity donation” and lets you donate. Gift of Sight is the named year-round cataract checkout. The Cancer Emergency Appeal funds all types of cancer, including childhood cancer. All three can help a child. This URL is not listed on the emergency appeals index. Search engines treat those questions as different. We keep them on different URLs so each answer stays honest. Donate here if you arrived looking for a children’s charity donation. Use Gift of Sight if you want the named cataract appeal. Use the Cancer Emergency Appeal if cancer treatment is the whole of the ask. Use the Indonesia Emergency Appeal if the Flores earthquake is why you came. Cataract charity UK is the eye-charity explainer. The childhood cancer treatment page is the paediatric cancer programme. Please give on the page that matches the search that brought you — and give today. ## What will a donation provide? - £10: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £25: A Digital Shoebox Medical Kit, bought nearby by local partners - £50: A contribution towards clinically recommended cancer care - £100: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £200: Contribution towards cataract care at a partner hospital - £500: Cancer surgery where partners quote this cost, or a larger relief package ## How to donate to a children's charity in the UK Donate to World Aid Network. A children’s charity donation here funds cataract surgery, childhood cancer treatment or emergency food, water and shelter. - Stay on this page: This is the children’s charity donation guide. It is not listed on the emergency appeals index. - Choose a cause: Eye surgery is typically a cataract operation at about £200. Cancer treatment includes childhood cancer. Emergency relief is food, water and shelter. - Give by card: Pay by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Optional: give monthly. - Optional: another URL: Gift of Sight for named cataract checkout. Cancer Emergency Appeal for cancer. Sponsor a child page if you wanted a named-child scheme — we do not run one. ## Related pages - Gift of Sight Appeal — Named year-round cataract checkout — typically £200. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/gift-of-sight - Cancer Emergency Appeal — All types of cancer, including childhood cancer — treatment, not research. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency - Childhood cancer treatment — Paediatric chemotherapy and surgery for families who cannot pay. https://worldaidnetwork.org/childhood-cancer-treatment - Childhood cancer guide — Symptoms and the 80% vs under-20% survival gap. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/childhood-cancer - Best charities to donate to — We do not rank. Check the register and CharityCompare, then donate if the mandate matches. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/best-charities-to-donate-to - Best charity for cancer — We do not rank. Childhood cancer treatment is part of the Cancer Emergency Appeal. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/best-charity-for-cancer - Cataract charity UK — What a UK cataract charity and eye charity is. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/cataract-charity-uk - Sponsor a cataract operation — What £200 typically covers for one operation. https://worldaidnetwork.org/sponsor-a-cataract-operation - Sponsor a child — Sponsor a child’s cataract, cancer treatment or food and water — not a named-child letter scheme. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/sponsor-a-child - Indonesia Emergency Appeal — Food, water and shelter after earthquakes and tsunamis. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/indonesia-emergency - Pakistan Floods Appeal — Food, water and shelter after floods in Pakistan. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/pakistan-emergency - Emergency relief — How disaster gifts work — 48 to 72 hours, not reconstruction. https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief - Christmas Appeal — Seasonal gift of sight — typically £200. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/christmas-appeal - Digital Shoebox Appeal — £25 locally sourced Medical Kit — not a packed box. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/digital-shoebox-appeal - Charity virtual gifts — Dedicate a donation in someone’s name. https://worldaidnetwork.org/charity-virtual-gifts - How we work — Grants to partners, not cash to individuals. https://worldaidnetwork.org/how-we-work - Donate to charity — Year-round checkout if the children’s keyword is not why you came. https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate ## Frequently asked questions ### What does a children's charity donation to World Aid Network fund? Cataract surgery, cancer treatment (including childhood cancer) or emergency food, water and shelter in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. About £200 contributes towards cataract care. We do not sponsor a named child. ### Is World Aid Network a children's charity? It is a secular UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration whose Objects are medical care for poor patients and emergency relief for disaster-affected families in three countries. Children are among those we help. We do not run UK child-protection services or a named-child scheme. See Is World Aid Network a children's charity? ### Do you sponsor a named child? No. See Do you sponsor a named child? The sponsor a child page is the URL for that search. A gift of £200 contributes towards cataract care. We cannot always name a patient for privacy. ### How much does a child's cataract operation cost? A £200 gift contributes towards cataract care at a partner hospital — not £250 and not £150. Same typical cost as for an adult. Donate here or on the Gift of Sight Appeal. ### Can I donate to childhood cancer? Yes. Choose cancer treatment on this form, or give on the Cancer Emergency Appeal. That funds all types of cancer, including childhood cancer — not research and not NHS care. Programme page: childhood cancer treatment page. ### Will Gift Aid apply? Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks (application 5290505). You can donate now. We will contact donors when that happens. ### Is World Aid Network a registered charity? It is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (Charity Commission application 5290505). We will not publish a registered number until one is issued. ICO ZC156579. ### Do you send 100% of donations to children? No. World Aid Network does not claim a 100% donation policy. Gifts fund programme costs at partner hospitals and local partners. Read how we work. ### Is my donation restricted to children only? Objects fund poor patients and disaster-affected families of all ages. Children are among them. Choose a cause on the form. A note to info@worldaidnetwork.org can record a preference. We cannot promise a named child. ### How is this different from Save the Children? Save the Children is a large, well-known agency. We are a smaller UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration working in three countries. We do not rank charities. If you searched for them by name, give there. Donate here for a hospital-bill or relief-kit gift. Transparency: CharityCompare. ### Can I give in someone's name? Yes. Donate on this page and write to info@worldaidnetwork.org, or use charity virtual gifts. ### Is this listed on the emergency appeals index? No. Live earthquake, tsunami, flood, hunger, water, cancer and Gift of Sight appeals sit on the emergency appeals index. This URL stays /blog/childrens-charity-donation. ## How you can help Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/childrens-charity-donation or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=childrens-charity --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Christmas Appeal > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/christmas-appeal > Last reviewed: 2026-10-04 ## In short Donate to World Aid Network’s Christmas Appeal to fund cataract surgery, cancer treatment or emergency food, water and shelter in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. About £200 contributes towards cataract care. Give once, monthly, or as a gift in someone’s name. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks. Please donate this Christmas. About £200 contributes towards cataract care for a patient who cannot pay. Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/christmas-appeal. This seasonal campaign is not listed on https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal. Year-round cataract: https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/gift-of-sight. Christmas shoebox alternative: https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/digital-shoebox-appeal. ## At a glance - ~£200: Planning estimate only; actual eye care costs vary - £25: A suggested smaller contribution to the programme - 3 countries: Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia — our charitable Objects - All faiths: A secular UK charity — gifts are not reserved by religion ## What is the Christmas Appeal? The Christmas Appeal is World Aid Network’s seasonal charity appeal. Please donate so we can fund cataract surgery, cancer treatment or emergency food, water and shelter in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. About £200 contributes towards cataract care. This page is not listed on the emergency appeals index. Christmas is when many people in the UK look for a gift that means something. UNICEF, Save the Children and Oxfam all ask then. So do we. The useful gift is not wrapping paper. It is a hospital bill a family cannot meet, or food, water and shelter after a disaster. Please give to the Christmas Appeal. The flagship Christmas gift on this page is sight: a complete cataract operation at a partner hospital, typically about £200. You can also give towards cancer treatment — all types of cancer, not research and not NHS care — or towards emergency relief. Disaster gifts are food, clean water, hygiene kits and shelter. They do not rebuild houses or fund medical clinics. You do not have to travel. You do not have to pack a box. The useful thing you can do tonight is donate. Please give what you can. ## Why donate to charity at Christmas? Christmas is the largest giving season in the UK. A Christmas charity donation here becomes treatment or relief overseas, not a present that sits in a cupboard. Please donate if you want a gift that pays a partner hospital or puts food, water and shelter in someone’s hands. People search “donate to charity at Christmas” because they want the season to reach further than their own family. That is a good instinct. The kindest Christmas charity gift is usually money given to a cause you trust, not a parcel posted from Britain. Cataracts do not pause for 25 December. A chemotherapy course does not. A family sleeping under plastic after a flood still needs drinking water on Boxing Day. Please give to the Christmas Appeal so partners can keep lists moving when UK offices slow down. If you would rather honour someone than buy them another object, donate here and ask us for a digital gift card. The operation or the kit still goes to a patient or a family in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia. ## What will my Christmas charity donation provide? About £200 contributes towards cataract care. £50 is a suggested contribution to the cancer fund. £25 is a suggested contribution towards locally sourced supplies. Disaster amounts buy food, water and shelter. These are suggested contributions, not verified partner quotations or guaranteed outcomes. Please give what you can. Choose the amount that fits. A smaller gift is pooled. A gift of £200 is how most donors mark a Christmas Gift of Sight. We do not invent caseloads. We do not promise that your pound reaches a named person this week. We do promise it pays partner hospitals and local partners against trustee-approved lists — never cash to individuals. If you want a packed-box feeling in someone’s name, £25 on the Digital Shoebox Appeal funds a locally sourced Medical Kit. That checkout is a separate page. This Christmas Appeal is the seasonal campaign for the gift of sight, with cancer and relief still open if that is how you want to help. ## Can I give a Christmas Appeal donation as a gift? Yes. Donate on this page, then email info@worldaidnetwork.org with the name you want on a digital gift card. We will send a card you can pass on. The real gift still funds treatment or relief in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia. A Christmas charity gift works like a virtual gift: the person you honour receives the card; a patient or a displaced family receives the help. Charity virtual gifts is the menu if you are still choosing. This page is the Christmas checkout. Please tell the person the truth. Suggested gifts contribute towards eye care or locally sourced relief supplies; they do not guarantee a procedure or kit. We cannot always name a patient for privacy. ## How do I donate to a Christmas charity appeal from the UK? Use the form on this page. Choose an amount and give once or monthly. That is the World Aid Network Christmas Appeal. US donors who want dollars can use the US donate page. Other methods — payroll, crypto, legacy — are on ways to donate. Stay here if you want the seasonal campaign. Open Gift of Sight if you want the year-round cataract appeal. Open the Digital Shoebox Appeal if you searched for a Christmas shoebox. Open a named emergency appeal only if you want food, water and shelter after a specific disaster — those pages live on the appeals hub. This Christmas page is not listed there. If a workplace, church, mosque or family is collecting, gather what you can and donate the total here. Write to us if you want the gifts acknowledged as a named Christmas collection. ## How is this different from a Christmas shoebox? A traditional Christmas shoebox is a packed cardboard box shipped from the UK. World Aid Network does not accept those. The Digital Shoebox Appeal is our £25 locally sourced Medical Kit. This Christmas Appeal is the seasonal gift of sight — A £200 gift contributes towards cataract care — plus cancer treatment and emergency relief. If you searched “Christmas shoebox appeal”, go to the Digital Shoebox page. That is the packing-list alternative. If you searched “Christmas appeal” or “Christmas charity donation”, this page is the campaign: donate so a partner hospital can operate, or so a family can eat, drink and sleep dry. Please do not post toys, clothes or filled boxes to our London address. A gift here is the useful Christmas present. ## How is this different from the Gift of Sight Appeal? Gift of Sight is the year-round cataract appeal. The Christmas Appeal is the seasonal campaign that often funds the same operation — typically £200 — and also points to cancer treatment and emergency relief. Please donate on this page if you came looking for a Christmas charity appeal. You do not need to give twice. A Christmas gift marked for eye surgery is the same programme as Gift of Sight: locally licensed ophthalmologists in registered hospitals in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. WAN hires local doctors and arranges visiting specialist support for training and review. If it is July and you want to sponsor a cataract operation, Gift of Sight is the page. If it is Advent and you want a Christmas appeal, stay here. ## Does Christmas giving make this a Christian charity? No. Christmas is a UK giving season, not a statement that World Aid Network is a church mission. The charity is secular. People of every faith and none are welcome. The full Muslim charity / Christian charity answer lives at worldaidnetwork.org/blog/charity-for-humanity-beyond-faith-labels. Churches, Bible study groups and Christian individuals are warmly welcome — as are mosques, temples, gurdwaras, workplaces and people who give with no faith at all. We do not issue a religious ruling. We do not reserve Christmas gifts for Christian patients. Indonesia’s census records a large Christian population, many in eastern provinces where Christmas is widely observed. That is a published demographic fact, not a World Aid Network caseload. We also work in Pakistan and Malaysia. Gifts follow need and our Objects, not a donor’s assumption about who celebrates the day. ## Can a church, mosque or workplace collect for the Christmas Appeal? Yes. Ask people to give on this page, or collect and donate the total here. Write to info@worldaidnetwork.org if you want the gifts acknowledged as a named Christmas collection. Please tell donors what the money actually funds. A congregation can sponsor one cataract operation at about £200. A workplace can split that cost. A school that used to pack shoeboxes can give Digital Shoebox kits instead, or give here for sight. Honesty is part of the gift: this is treatment and relief overseas, not a UK NHS bill and not a packed box from Britain. ## Where does my Christmas donation go? Gifts pay partner hospitals and vetted local relief partners in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia against trustee-approved lists. We do not send cash to individuals. We do not claim a 100% donation policy. Read how we work if you want the grant path in full. A Christmas gift marked for eye surgery stays with cataract and related eye care. If you choose cancer or emergency relief on the donate form, it stays with that programme. Disaster money does not rebuild homes. Cancer gifts are treatment, not research. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration. Charity Commission registration is in progress (application 5290505). ICO reference ZC156579. We will not publish a registered charity number until one is issued. ## Will Gift Aid apply to a Christmas donation? Not yet. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks (application 5290505). You can donate to the Christmas Appeal now. We will contact UK taxpayers when Gift Aid becomes claimable. A £200 gift is £200 today — we do not subtract a fictional Gift Aid top-up. Older Christmas copy on the web used the wrong typical cost, and Gift Aid is not live. The typical partner cost for one complete cataract operation on this site is about £200. Please give that amount if you want to fund one operation, or give what you can. ## What will a donation provide? - £25: Contribution towards locally sourced medical and hygiene supplies - £50: A contribution towards clinically recommended cancer care, or two weeks of emergency food - £100: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £200: Contribution towards cataract care at a partner hospital - £400: Contribution towards eye care; actual costs and outcomes vary - £500: Cancer surgery where partners quote this cost, or a larger relief package ## How to donate to the Christmas Appeal Donate to the World Aid Network Christmas Appeal to fund cataract surgery, cancer treatment or emergency relief in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. - Open this appeal: Stay on this page or go to worldaidnetwork.org/donate. - Choose a cause: Eye surgery is the Christmas gift of sight. Cancer treatment and emergency relief are also open. - Choose an amount: About £200 contributes towards cataract care. Give once or monthly. - Optional: dedicate the gift: Write to info@worldaidnetwork.org for a digital gift card in someone’s name. ## Related pages - Giving Tuesday 2026 — Tuesday 1 December. Donate before Christmas — typically £200. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/giving-tuesday-2026-uk-charity-guide - Best charities to donate to — We do not rank. Check filings, then give if the mandate matches. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/best-charities-to-donate-to - Children's charity donation — Donate to help children — not a named-child scheme. Not listed on /appeal. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/childrens-charity-donation - Cataract charity UK — Eye charity explainer — typically £200. Not listed on /appeal. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/cataract-charity-uk - Gift of Sight Appeal — Year-round cataract checkout — typically £200. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/gift-of-sight - Muslim charity & Christian charity — Secular UK charity. Donors of every faith are welcome. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/charity-for-humanity-beyond-faith-labels - Digital Shoebox Appeal — £25 locally sourced Medical Kit — not a packed box. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/digital-shoebox-appeal - Charity virtual gifts — Dedicate a Christmas gift in someone’s name. https://worldaidnetwork.org/charity-virtual-gifts - Sponsor a cataract operation — What £200 typically covers. https://worldaidnetwork.org/sponsor-a-cataract-operation - Cancer Emergency Appeal — Treatment for all types of cancer overseas. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency - Emergency relief — Food, water and shelter after disaster. https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief - Monthly giving — Keep the gift going after 25 December. https://worldaidnetwork.org/monthly-giving - In-memory giving — Mark a Christmas gift for someone you love. https://worldaidnetwork.org/in-memory-giving - How we work — Grants to partners, not cash to individuals. https://worldaidnetwork.org/how-we-work - Donate to charity — Year-round checkout if it is not Christmas that brought you. https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the World Aid Network Christmas Appeal? It is our seasonal charity appeal. Please donate on this page to fund cataract surgery, cancer treatment or emergency food, water and shelter in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. It is not listed on the emergency appeals index. ### How do I donate to a Christmas charity appeal in the UK? Use the form on this page. That is the Christmas Appeal. Other methods are at worldaidnetwork.org/ways-to-donate. US-dollar gifts: worldaidnetwork.org/give. ### How much does a cataract operation cost? The typical partner cost for one complete cataract operation is about £200. That is the Christmas gift of sight on this page. ### Can I give a Christmas Appeal donation as a gift? Yes. Donate here, then email info@worldaidnetwork.org with the name for a digital gift card. Charity virtual gifts: worldaidnetwork.org/charity-virtual-gifts. ### Is this a Christmas shoebox appeal? No. Packed boxes are not accepted. For a £25 locally sourced Medical Kit see the Digital Shoebox Appeal at worldaidnetwork.org/blog/digital-shoebox-appeal. ### Is this the same as Gift of Sight? Gift of Sight is the year-round cataract appeal at worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/gift-of-sight. This page is the Christmas campaign, which often funds the same operation. ### Is World Aid Network a Christian charity? No. It is a secular UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration. Donors and patients of every faith and none are welcome. Christmas is a giving season, not a religious test. The in-depth answer is at worldaidnetwork.org/blog/charity-for-humanity-beyond-faith-labels. ### Will Gift Aid apply? Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks (application 5290505). You can donate now. We will contact donors when that happens. ### Where does my donation go? Partner hospitals and local relief partners in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Never cash to individuals. We do not claim a 100% donation policy. ### Can I give monthly? Yes. A monthly gift keeps surgical lists and relief kits funded after Christmas. You can also give a one-off gift on this page. ### Does the Christmas Appeal fund cancer treatment? Yes, if you choose cancer treatment on the form. That funds all types of cancer at partner hospitals — not research and not NHS care. The Cancer Emergency Appeal is the named year-round page. ### Is this an emergency appeal? No. It is a seasonal giving campaign. Live earthquake, tsunami, flood, hunger and water appeals sit at worldaidnetwork.org/appeal. This URL stays /blog/christmas-appeal. ## How you can help Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/christmas-appeal or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=christmas --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Colour Blindness UK: Types & Testing | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/colour-blindness-uk > Colour blindness affects about 1 in 12 men and 1 in 200 women in the UK. Learn the types, how the Ishihara test works and what it means day to day. Direct Answer Colour blindness, more accurately called colour vision deficiency, affects approximately 1 in 12 men and 1 in 200 women in the UK, around 2.7 million people. The most common form is inherited red-green deficiency, screened using the Ishihara colour plate test. World Aid Network funds eye care and sight-restoring surgery for poor patients overseas. Colour blindness — more accurately called colour vision deficiency (CVD) — is a condition in which a person's ability to distinguish between certain colours is reduced compared with normal colour vision. It affects approximately 1 in 12 men (8%) and 1 in 200 women (0.5%) in the UK — making it one of the most common inherited visual differences. Most colour blindness is inherited and present from birth; people with inherited CVD have always seen colours this way and often do not notice a problem until tested. Colour vision deficiency can also be acquired later in life through eye disease, neurological conditions or certain medications. This guide answers the twenty most commonly searched questions about colour blindness in the UK, drawing on NHS and RNIB sources. ## Types of colour vision deficiency The human retina contains three types of cone photoreceptors, each sensitive to different wavelengths of light: long-wavelength (L-cones, sensitive to red), medium-wavelength (M-cones, sensitive to green) and short-wavelength (S-cones, sensitive to blue). Colour vision deficiency occurs when one or more cone types are absent (dichromatism) or have shifted spectral sensitivity (anomalous trichromatism). The most common forms are red-green colour blindness: protanopia (absence of L-cones — difficulty distinguishing reds; reds appear very dark), deuteranopia (absence of M-cones — difficulty distinguishing reds and greens), protanomaly (reduced L-cone function) and deuteranomaly (reduced M-cone function — the most common form of CVD). Tritanopia (absent S-cones — blue-yellow colour confusion) is rare and more commonly acquired than inherited. Complete colour blindness (achromatopsia — seeing in greyscale) is very rare, affecting approximately 1 in 33,000 people. ## Testing for colour blindness The standard screening test for colour vision deficiency is the Ishihara colour plate test — a series of circular patterns of coloured dots in which numbers or shapes are visible to people with normal colour vision but not to those with red-green CVD (or vice versa for some plates). It is quick, widely available and highly sensitive for red-green CVD. The Ishihara test is not reliable for blue-yellow deficiency. More detailed assessment uses the Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue test or the City University Colour Vision test, which classify the type and severity of CVD. For occupational purposes (aviation, rail, seafaring, some NHS roles and the police), more stringent anomaloscopy testing (using a Nagel anomaloscope) may be required to determine whether colour vision meets specific standards. Help someone reach eye care About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. Any amount contributes to the Gift of Sight Appeal, and outcomes vary by condition. [Donate to eye care](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form) ## Acquired colour vision deficiency Colour vision can deteriorate or change due to acquired eye disease or neurological conditions. Common causes of acquired CVD include: glaucoma (which can cause blue-yellow colour confusion from retinal ganglion cell damage); age-related macular degeneration (AMD); diabetic retinopathy; optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve — common in multiple sclerosis; causes red-green desaturation); Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy; and central serous chorioretinopathy. Certain medications — including hydroxychloroquine (used in lupus and rheumatoid arthritis) and ethambutol (used in tuberculosis) — can cause acquired colour vision deficiency. Unlike inherited CVD, acquired colour vision loss is often asymmetric (affecting one eye more than the other), progressive, and associated with other visual symptoms. Any new or changing colour vision deficiency should be investigated by an ophthalmologist. [ Read our glaucoma, AMD and diabetic retinopathy guides ](/eye-health) ### Key takeaways - Colour blindness (colour vision deficiency) affects approximately 1 in 12 men and 1 in 200 women in the UK. The most common form is red-green colour blindness, which is inherited and present from birth. - Inherited colour blindness is caused by absent or abnormal cone photoreceptors. It does not worsen over time and does not cause total inability to see colour — it affects the ability to distinguish between specific colours. - There is no treatment for inherited colour blindness. Colour-filtering glasses (such as EnChroma) can enhance colour contrast for some people but do not restore normal colour vision. - Acquired colour vision deficiency — from eye disease, optic neuritis or certain medications — can be a sign of serious underlying pathology and should be assessed by an ophthalmologist. - Most colour-blind people live completely normal lives with minimal difficulty. Some occupations (aviation, seafaring, some healthcare roles) have specific colour vision requirements that may be affected. Help someone reach eye care About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. Any amount contributes to the Gift of Sight Appeal, and outcomes vary by condition. [Donate to eye care](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form) [Gift of Sight Appeal: how gifts are used](/appeal/gift-of-sight) ## Frequently asked questions What is colour blindness? Colour blindness — more accurately called colour vision deficiency (CVD) — is a reduced ability to distinguish between certain colours. It is not 'blindness' in the traditional sense — people with CVD can see clearly; they simply perceive certain colours differently. Approximately 1 in 12 men (8%) and 1 in 200 women (0.5%) in the UK have some form of colour vision deficiency. The most common type is red-green colour blindness, which is inherited and present from birth. What are the types of colour blindness? The main types are: protanomaly (weakened red sensitivity — the most common mild form); deuteranomaly (weakened green sensitivity); protanopia (complete absence of red cones — reds appear very dark or black); deuteranopia (complete absence of green cones — similar to protanopia in practical terms); tritanomaly/tritanopia (blue-yellow confusion — rare, often acquired); and achromatopsia (complete colour blindness, seeing in greyscale — very rare). Most colour-blind people have anomalous trichromatism (shifted cone function) rather than absent cones. What causes colour blindness? Inherited colour blindness is caused by mutations in the genes encoding the cone photopigments (opsin genes) on the X chromosome — which explains why it is far more common in men (who have one X chromosome) than women (who have two, with the functional allele usually dominant). Deuteranomaly and protanomaly result from shifted spectral sensitivity; deuteranopia and protanopia result from absent cone types. Blue-yellow CVD and achromatopsia are caused by mutations in other genes. Acquired CVD is caused by eye disease, optic nerve disease or neurotoxic medications. How common is colour blindness in the UK? Approximately 1 in 12 men (8%) and 1 in 200 women (0.5%) in the UK have some form of inherited colour vision deficiency. This means approximately 2.7 million people in the UK — predominantly men — have CVD. Red-green colour blindness (deuteranomaly, deuteranopia, protanomaly, protanopia) accounts for the vast majority. Complete colour blindness (achromatopsia) is very rare, affecting approximately 1 in 33,000 people. How is colour blindness inherited? The most common forms of inherited colour blindness — red-green CVD — are caused by mutations in the OPN1LW (L-cone opsin) and OPN1MW (M-cone opsin) genes, which are located on the X chromosome. Inheritance is X-linked recessive: men have one X chromosome and one Y, so a single mutated copy causes CVD. Women have two X chromosomes — they need mutations on both to be colour-blind (rare), but can be carriers (one mutated copy) who pass CVD on to their sons with 50% probability. This is why CVD is approximately 16 times more common in men than women. What is the Ishihara test? The Ishihara colour plate test is the standard screening test for red-green colour vision deficiency. It consists of a series of circular patterns (plates) made up of dots of various sizes and colours. Each plate contains a number or shape that is visible to people with normal colour vision but not to those with certain types of CVD, or vice versa. The full Ishihara test has 38 plates; screening versions have 14 or 24 plates. It is widely used by opticians, GPs and occupational health services. It does not diagnose blue-yellow CVD. Is colour blindness more common in men? Yes, significantly so. Because the genes causing the most common forms of red-green colour blindness are located on the X chromosome, and because men have only one X chromosome (from their mother), a single mutated copy is sufficient to cause CVD. Women have two X chromosomes — they need mutated copies on both X chromosomes to be colour-blind, which is much rarer. Approximately 1 in 12 men (8%) have some form of red-green CVD, compared with approximately 1 in 200 women (0.5%). Can colour blind people see any colour at all? Yes — the vast majority of colour-blind people can see many colours perfectly well. Most have anomalous trichromatism — they have all three cone types but one has shifted sensitivity, meaning they have difficulty distinguishing between specific colours (typically reds and greens), not an inability to see all colour. Only people with achromatopsia (complete cone absence — very rare) see entirely in shades of grey. People with dichromacy (protanopia or deuteranopia) have two functional cone types and can distinguish many colours, but confuse reds and greens. Do colour blind people see in black and white? Almost never. The rare condition called achromatopsia — in which all cone types are absent or non-functional — causes truly greyscale vision, but it affects approximately 1 in 33,000 people and is usually accompanied by other visual problems (photophobia, nystagmus and poor visual acuity). The vast majority of colour-blind people see a full range of colours — they simply have difficulty distinguishing between specific colour pairs (typically red/green or, rarely, blue/yellow) that appear very similar to them but clearly different to people with normal colour vision. Does colour blindness get worse over time? Inherited colour blindness does not worsen over time — it is a stable, lifelong condition caused by the genetic structure of the cone photoreceptors. Most people with inherited CVD are unaware of any change in their colour perception throughout their lives. Acquired colour vision deficiency — caused by eye disease, optic nerve disease or medications — can worsen if the underlying condition progresses. Any perceived change in colour vision (particularly if one eye is more affected than the other) should prompt an ophthalmology assessment. Can colour blindness be cured? There is currently no treatment or cure for inherited colour blindness. The cone photoreceptors are structurally normal but with shifted or absent pigment; no approved treatment corrects this. Research into gene therapy for colour blindness is in early experimental stages. For rare achromatopsia caused by CNGB3 or CNGA3 gene mutations, gene therapy clinical trials are under way. Colour-filtering glasses (such as EnChroma or Pilestone) can enhance colour contrast and saturation for some wearers and may be helpful in everyday situations, but they do not restore normal colour vision. What are EnChroma glasses? EnChroma glasses use a selective light-filtering lens technology designed to enhance colour discrimination for people with red-green colour vision deficiency. They selectively filter specific wavelengths at the overlap between the red and green cone sensitivity curves, increasing the colour contrast that the wearer perceives. They do not restore 'normal' colour vision and do not work for all types or severities of CVD. Many colour-blind people report enhanced vibrancy and improved discrimination with EnChroma glasses in certain lighting conditions, though responses vary considerably. They are not a medical treatment and cannot be prescribed on the NHS. How does colour blindness affect children at school? Colour-blind children may struggle with colour-coding in teaching materials, colour-coded maps, graphs and diagrams, coloured pens and pencils in art and design, and certain science experiments. Teachers who are unaware of a child's colour vision deficiency may misinterpret difficulties as lack of attention or learning difficulties. The RNIB and Colour Blind Awareness recommend that all children are screened for colour vision deficiency before starting school or in Year 1, so that appropriate adjustments can be made. Adjustments include labelling coloured items, using high-contrast alternatives and digital accessibility tools. Can colour blind people drive? Yes. Colour vision deficiency does not prevent driving in the UK. Standard traffic lights are designed to be distinguishable by colour-blind people — by position (red at top, green at bottom in vertical lights) as well as colour. The DVLA does not require colour vision testing for driving licences. However, people with CVD should be aware that certain road signs and hazard-marking systems (coloured road markings, coloured warning signs) may be more difficult to interpret, and should adapt accordingly. Which jobs require normal colour vision? Certain occupations have specific colour vision requirements for safety reasons. Aviation (commercial pilots, air traffic controllers) requires normal or near-normal colour vision assessed by anomaloscopy. Maritime officers must meet colour vision standards set by the MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency). Train drivers require normal colour vision. Some electrical work (colour-coded wiring) requires adequate colour discrimination. Colour vision requirements vary between forces for police and fire services. The RAF and Royal Navy have specific standards. It is worth checking occupational requirements early if colour blindness is suspected. What is acquired colour blindness? Acquired colour vision deficiency develops later in life due to damage to the retina, optic nerve or visual cortex — unlike inherited CVD which is present from birth. Common causes include: optic neuritis (often the first sign of multiple sclerosis — causes red-green desaturation in the affected eye); glaucoma (blue-yellow CVD); AMD; diabetic retinopathy; ethambutol toxicity (TB treatment); hydroxychloroquine toxicity; and toxic optic neuropathy from alcohol, tobacco or other substances. Acquired CVD is typically asymmetric and should be investigated urgently. Can women be colour blind? Yes, though far less commonly than men. For women to have inherited red-green colour blindness, they need to inherit the relevant mutation on both X chromosomes — one from each parent. This happens when the father is colour-blind (and therefore passes a mutated X to all his daughters) and the mother is a carrier. Approximately 0.5% (1 in 200) of women in the UK have some form of colour vision deficiency. Women can also be carriers — they have one normal and one mutated X chromosome, have normal colour vision themselves, but have a 50% probability of passing CVD to their sons. How does colour blindness affect people in developing countries? Colour vision deficiency is equally prevalent across all ethnic groups and populations worldwide — approximately 8% of men globally have some form of CVD. In low-income countries, colour blindness screening is not routinely performed in schools or clinics, so most people are unaware of their condition and receive no information about adaptations. Acquired colour vision loss — a potential sign of serious eye disease — may go unrecognised and untreated. World Aid Network funds eye health services through locally-licensed ophthalmologists, supporting better diagnosis and care in the regions where we operate. Published by World Aid Network. Check the original sources and their dates. General information is not individual medical, legal or tax advice. Our editorial policy explains responsibility and corrections. ## What are the sources for this guide? Follow the original guidance for its evidence, dates and limitations. General background references are not a clinical review of this page. - [NHS — Colour vision deficiency](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/colour-vision-deficiency/) [Editorial policy](/editorial-policy) · [Corrections and reporting an error](/corrections) ## Help bring eye health services to those who need them most Colour vision deficiency is one of many eye health conditions affecting communities worldwide. World Aid Network funds sight-restoring eye surgery and eye care through locally-licensed ophthalmologists. Your donation helps protect sight and improve lives. [Donate to eye care](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form)[Gift of Sight Appeal: funding details](/appeal/gift-of-sight)[Eye charity programmes](/blindness-charity) ## Before you give Suggested amounts contribute to the programme. They do not guarantee a named patient, procedure or quantity of relief. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) - [Published impact and reporting](/our-impact) - [Gift Aid eligibility and current status](/gift-aid) ## Share this guide [Share by email](mailto:?subject=World%20Aid%20Network%20guide&body=https%3A%2F%2Fworldaidnetwork.org%2Fblog%2Fcolour-blindness-uk) Only the public article link is included. ## How can I help someone access eye care? Understand the care available, explore its costs and see how a donation reaches a treatment partner. - [Give to eye care](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form) About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. Any amount contributes to the Gift of Sight Appeal. - [Sponsor cataract surgery](/sponsor-a-cataract-operation) Learn how to help fund an operation. - [Plan an eye-care gift](/eye-surgery-cost-calculator) Calculate your giving total without assuming a number of operations. - [Where your donation goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and accounted for. - [Sight-restoring eye surgery](/eye-surgery) Explore the eye care programme and treatment pathway. - [Getting help for vision changes](/eye-health/screening-checker) Find guidance on professional eye care and support enquiries. - [Clinicians and hospital enquiries](/eye-care-partners) Review standards, participation and professional introductions. - [Screening locations and availability](/free-eye-screening-camps) Check published schedules and what to ask before attending. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Digital Shoebox Appeal > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/digital-shoebox-appeal > Last reviewed: 2026-09-12 ## In short The Digital Shoebox Appeal funds locally sourced supplies for families in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia instead of a box packed and posted from the UK. Local partners buy supplies nearby. Suggested amounts are contributions; final kit contents and costs depend on assessed needs and local quotes. Give by card on this page. Gift Aid is not currently available. Support locally sourced supplies for families who need them — without packing a box. Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/digital-shoebox-appeal ## At a glance - Programme focus: Locally sourced hygiene and basic first-aid supplies - Countries covered: Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia - Reporting: Verified appeal totals and delivery reports are not yet published - Any amount: A contribution to the programme, not a guaranteed outcome ## What is the Digital Shoebox Appeal? Suggested amounts contribute towards locally sourced supplies; final kit contents and costs depend on assessed needs and local quotes. You do not fill a cardboard box, pay freight, or wait on customs. Your gift becomes medical and hygiene essentials for a poor patient or a family displaced by disaster. For years, kind people in the UK have packed physical shoeboxes at Christmas — toothpaste, soap, a toy, a note. The feeling is right. The logistics often are not. A box packed in Britain can spend weeks at sea. Freight, insurance, storage and customs take a slice of the value before anyone opens the lid. Goods chosen thousands of miles away can duplicate what a family already has, or miss what they need that week. The Digital Shoebox Appeal is our alternative. We invite you to fund a Medical Kit: a locally sourced bundle of medical and hygiene essentials, bought and delivered in-country by trusted local partners in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia. Same gifting spirit. No cardboard. No airport queue. You do not have to travel. You do not have to pack a box. The useful thing you can do tonight is donate. Suggested amounts contribute towards locally sourced supplies; final kit contents and costs depend on assessed needs and local quotes. ## What is a shoebox appeal? A shoebox appeal is a charity drive where people pack a physical box of gifts — often at Christmas — to send overseas. Our Digital Shoebox Appeal is the online version of that kindness: a charity shoebox donation that funds a Medical Kit bought locally, instead of shipping a filled box from the UK. Search “shoebox appeal UK” or “Christmas shoebox appeal” and you will find packing lists, drop-off points and closing dates. Those schemes ask you to fill a cardboard shoebox with items chosen in Britain. The Digital Shoebox Appeal asks you to give money so a partner who already knows the patient or the displaced family can buy what is actually useful. If you want a charity Christmas gift box that still feels like a present, this page is that gift. After you donate, write to info@worldaidnetwork.org with the name you want on a digital gift card. We will send a card you can pass on. The kit still goes to someone who needs it. ## Why not pack a physical Christmas shoebox? A packed shoebox from the UK is well meant, but shipping is slow and expensive, customs charges eat the value, and goods often miss local need. A locally sourced Medical Kit costs less to deliver, arrives faster, and is chosen by people who know the recipient. When a shoebox is packed in Britain and flown or shipped overseas, a large share of the kindness is spent before it reaches anyone. Freight, insurance, warehouse time, customs clearance and last-mile distribution all carry costs. Items can arrive after the moment of need has passed. Sizes, brands and seasons can be wrong. A locally sourced Medical Kit sidesteps those costs. Partners buy from nearby suppliers, which also supports a shop in a community that has already been hurt. The kit is fresher. Nothing is past its use-by date as an afterthought from a UK cupboard. World Aid Network does not accept packed shoeboxes, toys or clothes at our London address. A card gift on this page is the fastest way to help. ## What is in a Digital Shoebox Medical Kit? Each Medical Kit holds practical medical and hygiene essentials chosen by local partners — typically oral rehydration salts, wound dressings, paracetamol, soap, toothpaste, sanitary supplies and a reusable water bottle. Exact contents vary. Suggested amounts contribute towards locally sourced supplies; final kit contents and costs depend on assessed needs and local quotes. Partners adjust the bundle to the person who will receive it. A patient recovering after sight-restoring eye surgery needs different items from a family sleeping in a school after floods. What every kit shares is dignity: nothing second-hand, nothing expired, nothing guessed at from a UK packing list. Hygiene items sit with our clean-water Object because dirty water spreads disease. Basic first-aid supplies are not a clinic and not a hospital bill. Cancer treatment and cataract surgery are separate appeals. This appeal funds kits, not reconstruction, not cash to individuals, and not medical clinics from disaster funds. - Oral rehydration salts and a reusable water bottle - Wound dressings and basic over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol - Soap, toothpaste and sanitary supplies - Other medical and hygiene essentials the partner judges useful that week ## Who receives a Medical Kit? Local partners identify recipients. Priority goes to poor patients recovering after treatment we have funded — including eye surgery and cancer care — and to families displaced by floods, earthquakes or other disasters in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia. These are the two groups at the heart of World Aid Network’s charitable Objects. Donations to the Digital Shoebox Appeal are restricted to in-country procurement and distribution of Medical Kits to those recipients. We do not send cash. We do not invent caseloads. Partners decide who is next on the list. Suggested amounts contribute towards locally sourced supplies; final kit contents and costs depend on assessed needs and local quotes. If you want emergency food, drinking water and shelter after a named disaster, use that disaster appeal. This page is the Medical Kit. ## How much does a Digital Shoebox cost? Suggested amounts contribute towards locally sourced supplies; final kit contents and costs depend on assessed needs and local quotes. Gift Aid requires HMRC recognition, donor eligibility and a valid declaration — subject to those requirements. Suggested amounts are contributions, not published partner quotes or guarantees of a completed kit. What a family receives depends on the country and on what they need that week. Until Charity Commission registration is granted (application 5290505), please do not assume a 25% Gift Aid top-up. Any future eligibility will be explained on our Gift Aid page. Card donations are open now. - £10 — contribution towards locally sourced hygiene and basic first-aid supplies - £25 — contribution towards locally sourced hygiene and basic first-aid supplies - £50 — contribution towards locally sourced hygiene and basic first-aid supplies - £100 — contribution towards locally sourced hygiene and basic first-aid supplies - £250 — contribution towards locally sourced hygiene and basic first-aid supplies - £500 — contribution towards locally sourced hygiene and basic first-aid supplies ## Can I gift a Digital Shoebox for Christmas? Yes. The Digital Shoebox Appeal is a Christmas shoebox appeal you can give from the sofa. Suggested amounts contribute towards locally sourced supplies; final kit contents and costs depend on assessed needs and local quotes. We send a digital gift card you can print or forward. The Medical Kit still goes to a patient or a displaced family. Christmas, birthdays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and in-memory dates are when people search for a charity Christmas gift box or a virtual shoebox. This page is that gift. You are not wrapping toothpaste in Britain. You are funding a kit someone will actually use. Suggested amounts contribute towards locally sourced supplies; final kit contents and costs depend on assessed needs and local quotes. If you want a wider virtual-gift menu, see charity virtual gifts. ## Can I donate a shoebox in someone else’s name? Yes. After you donate, write to info@worldaidnetwork.org with the name you want the Digital Shoebox acknowledged in. We will send a digital gift card you can pass on. Suggested amounts contribute towards locally sourced supplies; final kit contents and costs depend on assessed needs and local quotes. A workplace team, a school class, a mosque committee or a church home group can run a Digital Shoebox collection without a hall full of cardboard. Gather the money and donate it on this page. Tell us the dedication names if you want cards. In-memory gifts are welcome. We will mark the Medical Kit for someone you love. ## How can I donate to the Digital Shoebox Appeal from the UK? You can give on this page by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. From the United Kingdom, that is the simplest shoebox charity donation. You do not need a drop-off point or a packing list. If you are collecting as a group, gather the gifts and give them here. Use the form beside this appeal, or open the donate page and keep the Digital Shoebox Appeal selected. That gift is your online shoebox donation. We will turn it into a Medical Kit bought nearby. Money is more useful than a packed box, toys or clothes, unless a partner has asked for a specific item in writing. Parcels from Britain usually arrive late and cost more than buying locally. ## Is this an alternative to a traditional shoebox charity? Yes. Suggested amounts contribute towards locally sourced supplies; final kit contents and costs depend on assessed needs and local quotes. We are not a packing scheme and we are not affiliated with other shoebox brands. We do not collect filled boxes. We do not publish a “what to put in a charity shoebox” list, because the honest answer is: do not pack one for us. Donate here so a partner can buy what is needed. Local sourcing is the whole point. Every pound avoids a freight invoice. ## What will my donation to the Digital Shoebox Appeal provide? Your donation funds a locally sourced Medical Kit for a poor patient or a disaster-displaced family. Suggested amounts contribute towards locally sourced supplies; final kit contents and costs depend on assessed needs and local quotes. Larger gifts fund several kits in one partner delivery. This is not food parcels, shelter materials, or a hospital operation. Please choose an amount and donate. The table below is a guide. What a recipient receives will depend on the country and on need that week. That is the promise of this appeal: you give; we turn your money into a kit in someone’s hands. ## How does my donation reach a family? You donate. Trustees release a restricted amount to local partners in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia. Those partners buy Medical Kit contents nearby and intend to distribute them to families. We never send cash to individuals. Buying locally is faster, and it is kinder. A shopkeeper in a damaged town still has a customer. A recovering patient does not wait for a container from Europe. If you want to give in memory of someone, or as a group, write to us and we will mark the gift for the Digital Shoebox Appeal. ## Do you accept packed shoeboxes, toys or clothes? No. World Aid Network does not accept packed shoeboxes, toy donations or clothing at our UK address. Please donate to the Digital Shoebox Appeal instead. Suggested amounts contribute towards locally sourced supplies; final kit contents and costs depend on assessed needs and local quotes. UK clothing banks remain a good option for clothes you no longer wear. Guides on donating toys and donating clothes explain the same point: shipping, storage and mismatched items eat the value. The Digital Shoebox Appeal is the donate page for people who still want the gifting feeling without the cardboard. If a partner ever asks in writing for a specific item, we will say so. Until then, please give money here. ## Can I give a Digital Shoebox every month? Yes — a monthly donation keeps Medical Kits funded between Christmas drives. Please set up a regular gift on this page. Suggested amounts contribute towards locally sourced supplies; final kit contents and costs depend on assessed needs and local quotes. You can change the amount later. A one-off gift is welcome too. Physical shoebox schemes often close after December. Need does not. Patients leave hospital in March. Floods displace families in monsoon season. A monthly Digital Shoebox means partners can assemble kits without waiting for the next Christmas campaign. Please start at the amount that is comfortable. ## How is a Digital Shoebox different from Gift of Sight or emergency food? A Digital Shoebox funds a Medical Kit. Suggested amounts contribute towards locally sourced supplies; final kit contents and costs depend on assessed needs and local quotes. Disaster appeals fund emergency food, clean water and shelter. The Cancer Emergency Appeal funds treatment for all types of cancer. Please choose the page that matches how you want to help. Do not give twice unless you want to. A gift here stays with Medical Kits. It does not pay a surgeon’s bill and it does not rebuild a house. If you want food, water and shelter after a disaster in Indonesia, use the Indonesia Emergency Appeal. If you want monsoon help in Pakistan, use the Pakistan Floods Appeal. Charity virtual gifts is the menu if you are still deciding. This page is the checkout for the kit. ## Can a workplace, school or church run a Digital Shoebox collection? Yes. Skip the hall full of cardboard. Suggested amounts contribute towards locally sourced supplies; final kit contents and costs depend on assessed needs and local quotes. A group collection contributes towards supplies; the number of kits depends on the approved budget and local quotes. Write to us if you want the gifts acknowledged as a named collection. Schools that used to run a packing morning can still have a moment of giving — a collective Digital Shoebox instead of a mountain of boxes. Workplaces can gift kits in a colleague’s name. Mosques and churches can collect after a service and donate the total here. Please tell donors the truth: this is not a physical shoebox. It is a locally sourced Medical Kit. That honesty is part of the gift. ## What will a donation provide? - £10: Contribution towards locally sourced hygiene and basic first-aid supplies - £25: Contribution towards locally sourced hygiene and basic first-aid supplies - £50: Contribution towards locally sourced hygiene and basic first-aid supplies - £100: Contribution towards locally sourced hygiene and basic first-aid supplies - £250: Contribution towards locally sourced hygiene and basic first-aid supplies - £500: Contribution towards locally sourced hygiene and basic first-aid supplies ## How to donate to the Digital Shoebox Appeal Donate to the Digital Shoebox Appeal so World Aid Network can fund a locally sourced Medical Kit instead of shipping a cardboard shoebox from the UK. - Open this appeal: Stay on this page or go to worldaidnetwork.org/donate. - Choose the Digital Shoebox Appeal: Select emergency relief and keep this appeal selected. - Give by card: Pay by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Suggested amounts contribute towards locally sourced supplies; final kit contents and costs depend on assessed needs and local quotes. - Optional: dedicate the gift: Write to info@worldaidnetwork.org for a digital gift card in someone’s name, or give monthly. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is a digital shoebox appeal? It is World Aid Network’s online shoebox donation. Suggested amounts contribute towards locally sourced supplies; final kit contents and costs depend on assessed needs and local quotes. You do not pack a cardboard box. ### How do I donate to a shoebox appeal UK? Give on this page by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. That is the Digital Shoebox Appeal. There is no UK drop-off point for packed boxes. ### What should I put in a charity shoebox? Please do not pack a box for World Aid Network. Suggested amounts contribute towards locally sourced supplies; final kit contents and costs depend on assessed needs and local quotes. ### Is this an operation shoebox UK alternative? If you searched for an operation shoebox UK alternative, this page is World Aid Network’s version: a locally sourced Medical Kit, not a physical packing scheme and not another charity’s brand. ### Can I send a virtual shoebox online? Yes. A Digital Shoebox is a virtual shoebox. Donate here, then ask for a digital gift card in someone’s name at info@worldaidnetwork.org. ### Can I gift a Medical Kit for Christmas? Yes. The Digital Shoebox Appeal is designed as a Christmas shoebox appeal and as a birthday or in-memory gift. Suggested amounts contribute towards locally sourced supplies; final kit contents and costs depend on assessed needs and local quotes. ### What is in a Medical Kit? Typical contents include oral rehydration salts, wound dressings, paracetamol, soap, toothpaste, sanitary supplies and a reusable water bottle. Partners adjust the kit. It is not a hospital operation and not a clinic. ### Will Gift Aid apply? Gift Aid requires HMRC recognition, donor eligibility and a valid declaration (application 5290505). We will contact donors when that happens. Card gifts are open now. ### Which countries receive kits? Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia only — the countries in our charitable Objects. We cannot send a Digital Shoebox to another country. ### Can I send this gift to another country? No. Kits are for recipients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia only. For food, water and shelter after a named disaster, use that disaster appeal. ### Is the donation restricted? Yes. Gifts to the Digital Shoebox Appeal are restricted to in-country procurement and distribution of Medical Kits to poor patients and disaster-displaced families. ### Do you accept toys, clothes or packed boxes? No. UK clothing banks remain a good local option for clothes. See our guides on donating toys and donating clothes for why parcels from Britain rarely help. ### Does this appeal fund cancer treatment or cataract surgery? No. Those are separate programmes. Suggested amounts contribute towards locally sourced supplies; final kit contents and costs depend on assessed needs and local quotes. The Cancer Emergency Appeal funds treatment for all types of cancer. This page funds Medical Kits. ### Can I donate in memory of someone? Yes. Write to info@worldaidnetwork.org and we will mark your Digital Shoebox gift in their memory. ### Can I give monthly? Yes. Suggested amounts contribute towards locally sourced supplies; final kit contents and costs depend on assessed needs and local quotes. ## How you can help Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/digital-shoebox-appeal or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=emergency-relief&appeal=digital-shoebox --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Donate Your Car to Charity UK | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/donate-car-to-charity-uk > World Aid Network does not collect vehicles. Learn how UK car donation usually works, the DVLA steps, and how to give the proceeds of a sale by card. Direct Answer World Aid Network does not currently collect donated vehicles. If you want your car to help, you can sell it yourself or through a dealer, tell the DVLA, and donate some or all of the proceeds by card. Some other charities use vehicle-collection partners; check who collects the car and what share the charity receives. Many UK households have a car, van or motorcycle they no longer use. Giving its value to charity is a generous idea, and there are two common ways to do it: sell the vehicle and donate the money, or use a charity's vehicle-collection scheme where one exists. World Aid Network does not currently run a vehicle-collection scheme or work with a collection partner. This guide explains how car donation generally works in the UK, the paperwork involved, and how to give the proceeds of a sale to our work: eye surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay, and emergency relief after disasters, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. ## Does World Aid Network collect donated cars? No. We do not currently collect vehicles, arrange auctions or work with a vehicle-donation partner. Please do not send us a V5C logbook or arrange a handover in our name. If you would like your car to help, the simplest route is to sell it and donate some or all of the proceeds by card on our donate page, as a one-off or monthly gift. [ Donate the proceeds by card ](/donate#donate-form) ## How do charity car donation schemes usually work? Charities that accept vehicles usually work with a specialist collection company. The company collects the vehicle, sells it at auction or sends it to an authorised treatment facility for recycling, and passes an agreed share of the proceeds to the charity. Before you use any scheme, ask who collects the vehicle, whether collection is free, how the vehicle is sold, what fees are deducted and what share reaches the charity. Ask for written confirmation of the amount the charity received. Give to eye surgery, cancer treatment or disaster relief Eye surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay, and relief after disasters, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Give once or monthly by card. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## What paperwork is involved when you sell or give away a car? When a vehicle changes hands you must tell the DVLA. You can do this online at gov.uk/sold-bought-vehicle, using the details on the V5C logbook. If the vehicle has outstanding finance, such as a hire purchase or PCP agreement, it usually belongs to the finance company until the agreement is settled, so you cannot sell or donate it first. Once the DVLA knows you are no longer the keeper, any full months of vehicle tax left are refunded automatically. Contact your insurer to cancel or transfer your policy. ## Does Gift Aid apply to a car donation? Gift Aid applies to gifts of money from UK taxpayers to charities recognised by HMRC. It does not apply to the gift of a vehicle itself. Gift Aid is not currently available on any gift to World Aid Network, including money from the sale of a car, because our CIO application (5290505) is pending and HMRC recognition is a separate later step. ## What would the proceeds contribute to at World Aid Network? Gifts contribute to our two charitable objects: eye surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot afford it, and emergency food, water, shelter and seasonal relief after disasters, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation, supplied by a consultant ophthalmic surgeon. It is not a fixed price, so we do not convert a car's sale value into a number of operations. [ Where your money goes ](/where-your-money-goes) ### Key takeaways - World Aid Network does not currently collect donated vehicles or work with a vehicle-donation partner. - You can sell your car and donate some or all of the proceeds by card, once or monthly. - Tell the DVLA online when a vehicle changes hands, and settle any outstanding finance first. - If you use another charity's collection scheme, ask what fees are deducted and what share the charity receives. - Gift Aid does not apply to the gift of a vehicle, and it is not currently available on any gift to World Aid Network. Give to eye surgery, cancer treatment or disaster relief Eye surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay, and relief after disasters, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Give once or monthly by card. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## Frequently asked questions Can I donate my car to World Aid Network? Not as a vehicle. We do not currently collect cars, vans or motorcycles. You can sell the vehicle and donate some or all of the proceeds by card on our donate page. How do I donate my car to charity in the UK? Check whether the charity you want to support runs a vehicle-donation scheme, usually through a collection company. Ask how the vehicle will be sold, what fees are deducted and what share the charity receives, and keep written confirmation of the amount. Do I need to notify the DVLA when I give away my car? Yes. You must tell the DVLA when a vehicle changes hands. You can do this online at gov.uk/sold-bought-vehicle. Until the DVLA is told, you remain the registered keeper. Can I donate a car that still has outstanding finance? Usually not. A car on hire purchase or PCP normally belongs to the finance company until the agreement is settled, so you need to pay it off before you can sell or donate it. Does Gift Aid apply to a car donation? No. Gift Aid applies to gifts of money, not to the gift of a vehicle. Gift Aid is also not currently available on any gift to World Aid Network while our CIO application is pending. What will money from my car contribute to? Gifts contribute to eye surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot afford it, or emergency relief after disasters, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation; it is not a fixed price, so we do not convert a car's value into a number of operations. Published by World Aid Network. Check the original sources and their dates. General information is not individual medical, legal or tax advice. Our editorial policy explains responsibility and corrections. ## What are the sources for this guide? Follow the original guidance for its evidence, dates and limitations. Background references explain the need; they are not evidence of WAN fundraising or delivery. - [GOV.UK — Find charity information](https://www.gov.uk/find-charity-information) [Editorial policy](/editorial-policy) · [Corrections and reporting an error](/corrections) ## Sold your car? Donate the proceeds World Aid Network does not collect vehicles, but you can give some or all of the money from a sale by card. Gifts contribute to eye surgery, cancer treatment or emergency relief. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## Before you give Suggested amounts contribute to the programme. They do not guarantee a named patient, procedure or quantity of relief. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) - [Published impact and reporting](/our-impact) - [Gift Aid eligibility and current status](/gift-aid) ## Share this guide [Share by email](mailto:?subject=World%20Aid%20Network%20guide&body=https%3A%2F%2Fworldaidnetwork.org%2Fblog%2Fdonate-car-to-charity-uk) Only the public article link is included. ## Make an informed donation Check what the organisation offers, understand the conditions and choose a way to give that suits you. - [Compare ways to donate](/ways-to-donate) Card giving, monthly gifts and other routes, with current availability. - [Gift Aid eligibility explained](/gift-aid) Understand donor conditions and the current status at WAN. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and how estimates differ from results. - [Check our registration status](/about/registration-status) Distinguish the application reference from a registered charity number. - [Practical donor resources](/donor-resources) Find answers, useful tools and giving options. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Donate Clothes to Charity: UK Guide | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/donate-clothes-to-charity > Find a suitable place to donate clothes, check acceptance and arrange delivery. WAN accepts financial gifts rather than physical goods or collections. Direct Answer To donate clothes, contact a local charity shop or organisation that has asked for those items. Check condition and safety requirements, opening times and any collection arrangements. World Aid Network does not accept physical goods. If you want to support our overseas programmes, choose a financial gift through the relevant appeal. ## Check what the recipient actually needs Ask the organisation whether it currently accepts clothes, which items are useful and how to prepare them. Demand and storage space change. Do not assume a charity, school or hospital can take an unsolicited delivery. ## Prepare and arrange the handover Give clean, usable items that meet the recipient’s requirements. Keep any parts or instructions together where applicable. Arrange a staffed drop-off or confirmed collection. For items that cannot be reused, follow your council’s recycling guidance. Give to eye surgery, cancer treatment or disaster relief Eye surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay, and relief after disasters, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Give once or monthly by card. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## Local donations and overseas relief serve different needs Useful donated goods can support local reuse or an agreed collection. Shipping overseas adds transport, sorting and distribution work. Send goods internationally only when an organisation requests and coordinates them. A financial donation can fund locally assessed needs, but still has delivery and administration costs. ## How to support World Aid Network WAN raises funds for eye care, cancer treatment and emergency relief in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. We do not offer a collection service or accept parcels. Gifts contribute to programmes; a suggested amount does not guarantee a kit or operation. [ Choose a way to donate ](/ways-to-donate) ### Key takeaways - To donate clothes, contact a local charity shop or organisation that has asked for those items. Check condition and safety requirements, opening times and any collection arrangements. World Aid Network does not accept physical goods. If you want to support our overseas programmes, choose a financial gift through the relevant appeal. Give to eye surgery, cancer treatment or disaster relief Eye surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay, and relief after disasters, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Give once or monthly by card. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## Frequently asked questions Does WAN collect clothes? No. Please contact a local organisation that accepts physical goods. Can I give money instead? Yes. Review the purpose and current status of the appeal, choose an affordable amount and retain your donation confirmation. Published by World Aid Network. Read the linked primary sources and our editorial policy. Public sources explain the background; they do not verify WAN delivery, financial results or individual outcomes. ## What are the sources for this guide? Follow the original guidance for its evidence, dates and limitations. Background references explain the need; they are not evidence of WAN fundraising or delivery. - [Charity Retail Association — Find a shop](https://charityretail.org.uk/find-a-shop) - [GOV.UK — Find charity information](https://www.gov.uk/find-charity-information) [Editorial policy](/editorial-policy) · [Corrections and reporting an error](/corrections) ## Help fund care and relief Choose a programme and give an amount that is comfortable for you. Read the funding details before donating. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## Before you give Suggested amounts contribute to the programme. They do not guarantee a named patient, procedure or quantity of relief. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) - [Published impact and reporting](/our-impact) - [Gift Aid eligibility and current status](/gift-aid) ## Share this guide [Share by email](mailto:?subject=World%20Aid%20Network%20guide&body=https%3A%2F%2Fworldaidnetwork.org%2Fblog%2Fdonate-clothes-to-charity) Only the public article link is included. ## Make an informed donation Check what the organisation offers, understand the conditions and choose a way to give that suits you. - [Compare ways to donate](/ways-to-donate) Card giving, monthly gifts and other routes, with current availability. - [Gift Aid eligibility explained](/gift-aid) Understand donor conditions and the current status at WAN. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and how estimates differ from results. - [Check our registration status](/about/registration-status) Distinguish the application reference from a registered charity number. - [Practical donor resources](/donor-resources) Find answers, useful tools and giving options. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Donate Toys to Charity: UK Guide | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/donate-toys-to-charity > Find a suitable place to donate toys, check acceptance and arrange delivery. WAN accepts financial gifts rather than physical goods or collections. Direct Answer To donate toys, contact a local charity shop or organisation that has asked for those items. Check condition and safety requirements, opening times and any collection arrangements. World Aid Network does not accept physical goods. If you want to support our overseas programmes, choose a financial gift through the relevant appeal. ## Check what the recipient actually needs Ask the organisation whether it currently accepts toys, which items are useful and how to prepare them. Demand and storage space change. Do not assume a charity, school or hospital can take an unsolicited delivery. ## Prepare and arrange the handover Give clean, usable items that meet the recipient’s requirements. Keep any parts or instructions together where applicable. Arrange a staffed drop-off or confirmed collection. For items that cannot be reused, follow your council’s recycling guidance. Give to eye surgery, cancer treatment or disaster relief Eye surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay, and relief after disasters, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Give once or monthly by card. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## Local donations and overseas relief serve different needs Useful donated goods can support local reuse or an agreed collection. Shipping overseas adds transport, sorting and distribution work. Send goods internationally only when an organisation requests and coordinates them. A financial donation can fund locally assessed needs, but still has delivery and administration costs. ## How to support World Aid Network WAN raises funds for eye care, cancer treatment and emergency relief in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. We do not offer a collection service or accept parcels. Gifts contribute to programmes; a suggested amount does not guarantee a kit or operation. [ Choose a way to donate ](/ways-to-donate) ### Key takeaways - To donate toys, contact a local charity shop or organisation that has asked for those items. Check condition and safety requirements, opening times and any collection arrangements. World Aid Network does not accept physical goods. If you want to support our overseas programmes, choose a financial gift through the relevant appeal. Give to eye surgery, cancer treatment or disaster relief Eye surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay, and relief after disasters, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Give once or monthly by card. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## Frequently asked questions Does WAN collect toys? No. Please contact a local organisation that accepts physical goods. Can I give money instead? Yes. Review the purpose and current status of the appeal, choose an affordable amount and retain your donation confirmation. Published by World Aid Network. Read the linked primary sources and our editorial policy. Public sources explain the background; they do not verify WAN delivery, financial results or individual outcomes. ## What are the sources for this guide? Follow the original guidance for its evidence, dates and limitations. Background references explain the need; they are not evidence of WAN fundraising or delivery. - [Charity Retail Association — Find a shop](https://charityretail.org.uk/find-a-shop) - [GOV.UK — Find charity information](https://www.gov.uk/find-charity-information) [Editorial policy](/editorial-policy) · [Corrections and reporting an error](/corrections) ## Help fund care and relief Choose a programme and give an amount that is comfortable for you. Read the funding details before donating. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## Before you give Suggested amounts contribute to the programme. They do not guarantee a named patient, procedure or quantity of relief. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) - [Published impact and reporting](/our-impact) - [Gift Aid eligibility and current status](/gift-aid) ## Share this guide [Share by email](mailto:?subject=World%20Aid%20Network%20guide&body=https%3A%2F%2Fworldaidnetwork.org%2Fblog%2Fdonate-toys-to-charity) Only the public article link is included. ## Make an informed donation Check what the organisation offers, understand the conditions and choose a way to give that suits you. - [Compare ways to donate](/ways-to-donate) Card giving, monthly gifts and other routes, with current availability. - [Gift Aid eligibility explained](/gift-aid) Understand donor conditions and the current status at WAN. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and how estimates differ from results. - [Check our registration status](/about/registration-status) Distinguish the application reference from a registered charity number. - [Practical donor resources](/donor-resources) Find answers, useful tools and giving options. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Donate Your Birthday: UK Fundraising | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/donate-your-birthday > Donate your birthday and ask friends to give instead of buying gifts. See how a birthday fundraiser works, what gifts contribute to and how to start. Direct Answer Donating your birthday means asking friends and family to give to a charity you care about instead of buying you a gift. A typical personal birthday fundraiser raises between £100 and £1,000\. At World Aid Network, a £250 contributes towards cataract care, performed by a locally licensed surgeon in the patient's own country. What if, instead of another candle, another card and another gift you did not really need, your birthday raised money to restore someone's sight, treat a child's cancer, or feed a family displaced by a flood? Donating your birthday is a growing trend that peaks every January with New Year resolutions but now runs all year round. It is a simple, generous way to mark the day — and it can raise far more than you might expect. This guide explains what 'donate your birthday' actually means, why it works, how to set up a birthday fundraiser for World Aid Network, and what your friends' and family's gifts contribute to. ## What does 'donate your birthday' mean? Donating your birthday simply means asking the people who would normally give you cards, gifts or money to donate to a charity you care about instead. It can be done quietly between a few friends, or shared widely on social media. It works because the people closest to you already want to mark your day. By giving them a meaningful way to do that, you turn a moment of personal celebration into something that lasts well beyond the day itself. ## Why donating your birthday is one of the most powerful ways to give It costs you nothing. You are redirecting gifts and goodwill that already exist — not asking anyone to give more than they normally would. It multiplies a single act of generosity. One birthday post can mobilise dozens of people who might never have donated to that charity on their own. It carries a personal story. People give more, and more thoughtfully, when they are giving in honour of someone they care about. It removes the awkwardness of cluttered gift-giving. A donation is a meaningful, lasting present — and most adults already have more than enough 'stuff'. Give to eye surgery, cancer treatment or disaster relief Eye surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay, and relief after disasters, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Give once or monthly by card. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## How to donate your birthday in three simple steps Pick a charity and a goal. Choose a UK charity whose work you genuinely care about — like World Aid Network — and set a fundraising target you would feel proud to hit. £100, £500 or £1,000 are all realistic for a personal birthday fundraiser. Set up your fundraiser. You can use a free fundraising platform such as JustGiving, GoFundMe or Facebook Fundraisers and link it directly to the charity. Add a short personal message explaining why this cause matters to you. Share, thank and update. Post about the fundraiser on the run-up to your birthday, thank every donor by name where possible, and post a final total once it closes. A heartfelt thank-you almost always lifts the total higher. ## How much can a birthday fundraiser raise? What different amounts fund How much a birthday fundraiser raises depends mainly on how personally and specifically you share your story — not the size of your contact list. The table below shows what different totals achieve at World Aid Network: What your birthday fundraiser achieves at World Aid Network | Amount raised | What it funds | Who benefits | | ------------- | ------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------ | | £25 | Contribution towards relief supplies | A family displaced by floods or an earthquake | | £100 | Contribution towards relief supplies delivered locally | Four disaster-displaced families | | £250 | A full sight-restoring cataract operation | A poor patient who would otherwise go blind | | £500 | Contribution toward a cancer treatment course | A child with a treatable cancer | | £1,000 | Four cataract operations | Four patients who regain their sight permanently | [ Start your birthday fundraiser ](/donate) ## What your birthday gift will do at World Aid Network World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration. We have two charitable Objects and we do not stray outside them. A birthday fundraiser of £200 — well within reach for many people — is around our planning estimate for one cataract operation, carried out by local doctors in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia. Real costs vary, so gifts go into the eye-care programme. A larger fundraiser of £500 contributes meaningfully toward a course of cancer treatment for a child, or contributes towards locally sourced relief supplies delivered to families displaced by floods or earthquakes through our trusted local partner organisations. Whichever Object your gift supports, you will be turning a single day into something that lasts for the rest of someone else's life. ## Birthday fundraising tips that actually work Start three to four weeks before your birthday — most donations come in the final few days, but the build-up matters. Tell a story. Share why you chose this charity, what your gift will do, and why you are skipping presents this year. Match the first £50 yourself if you can. Donors are far more likely to give to a fundraiser that is already off the ground. Remind your network on the day itself. A short, sincere message on your actual birthday almost always lifts the total. Check Gift Aid before you promise it. Gift Aid is not currently available on gifts to World Aid Network while our CIO application is pending. ### Key takeaways - Donating your birthday means asking friends and family to give to a charity you care about instead of buying you a gift. - Birthday fundraisers are a growing year-round trend that peaks every January with New Year resolutions. - A typical personal birthday fundraiser raises between £100 and £1,000. - World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration funding sight-restoring eye surgery, cancer treatment and emergency disaster relief. - Gift Aid adds 25p to every £1 your UK donors give at no extra cost to them. It is not currently available for gifts to World Aid Network. Give to eye surgery, cancer treatment or disaster relief Eye surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay, and relief after disasters, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Give once or monthly by card. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## Frequently asked questions How do I donate my birthday to World Aid Network? Set up a free fundraiser on JustGiving, GoFundMe or Facebook Fundraisers, choose World Aid Network as the beneficiary, set a target, and share it with your friends and family in the weeks before your birthday. Do I have to wait until my birthday to start the fundraiser? No — most birthday fundraisers run for three to four weeks leading up to the day, with most donations arriving in the last 48 hours. Starting early gives you time to build momentum. How much do birthday fundraisers usually raise? It varies, but a personal birthday fundraiser shared with close friends and family typically raises between £100 and £1,000\. The total depends less on the number of contacts and more on the personal story behind the appeal. Can my donors claim Gift Aid on a birthday donation? Not for World Aid Network at present. Gift Aid is not currently available while our CIO application (5290505) is pending. For charities recognised by HMRC, UK taxpayers who tick the Gift Aid box add 25p to every £1 at no extra cost. Where will the money raised go? Donations to World Aid Network are held strictly within our two charitable Objects: sight-restoring eye surgery and cancer treatment for poor patients, or emergency relief for families displaced by natural disasters. Published by World Aid Network. Check the original sources and their dates. General information is not individual medical, legal or tax advice. Our editorial policy explains responsibility and corrections. ## What are the sources for this guide? Follow the original guidance for its evidence, dates and limitations. Background references explain the need; they are not evidence of WAN fundraising or delivery. - [GOV.UK — Find charity information](https://www.gov.uk/find-charity-information) [Editorial policy](/editorial-policy) · [Corrections and reporting an error](/corrections) ## Donate your birthday this year Help save a life and make a real difference on your special day. Your birthday gift contributes to eye surgery, cancer treatment or emergency relief in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate now. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## Before you give Suggested amounts contribute to the programme. They do not guarantee a named patient, procedure or quantity of relief. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) - [Published impact and reporting](/our-impact) - [Gift Aid eligibility and current status](/gift-aid) ## Share this guide [Share by email](mailto:?subject=World%20Aid%20Network%20guide&body=https%3A%2F%2Fworldaidnetwork.org%2Fblog%2Fdonate-your-birthday) Only the public article link is included. ## Make an informed donation Check what the organisation offers, understand the conditions and choose a way to give that suits you. - [Compare ways to donate](/ways-to-donate) Card giving, monthly gifts and other routes, with current availability. - [Gift Aid eligibility explained](/gift-aid) Understand donor conditions and the current status at WAN. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and how estimates differ from results. - [Check our registration status](/about/registration-status) Distinguish the application reference from a registered charity number. - [Practical donor resources](/donor-resources) Find answers, useful tools and giving options. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Donating Goods & Assets: Tax Relief | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/donating-goods-assets-charity-tax-relief > Donating goods, stock, shares or land to charity carries VAT, Corporation Tax and CGT reliefs. Learn how a £15,000 share gain can escape CGT entirely. Direct Answer Businesses donating goods to charity generally do not account for output VAT, and donating trading stock attracts Corporation Tax relief. Gifting shares or land avoids capital gains tax: shares bought for £5,000 and now worth £20,000 escape CGT on the £15,000 gain. World Aid Network accepts qualifying asset gifts. Always take independent tax advice. Charitable giving does not have to involve cash. UK businesses can donate stock, equipment and other goods to charity and claim relief from VAT and Corporation Tax. Individuals and businesses can donate land, property or qualifying shares and be exempt from Capital Gains Tax on any gain, while also claiming income tax or Corporation Tax relief on the market value. These reliefs are significantly underused. Many business owners are unaware that donating trading stock to a charity can be more tax-efficient than selling it at a discount or writing it off. And many individual investors do not realise that donating appreciated shares directly to a charity avoids CGT entirely. This guide explains how each relief works in 2026\. It is for general information only and does not constitute tax advice. Always seek advice from a qualified accountant, solicitor or tax adviser before making a significant asset donation. ## VAT relief on business donations to charity in 2026 When a VAT-registered business donates goods to a charity, HMRC does not generally require the business to account for output VAT on the donation, provided the goods are given as a genuine gift with no expectation of return. This means a business can donate surplus stock, equipment or other goods to a registered charity without having to charge or pay VAT on the market value of those goods. However, if the business claimed input VAT when it originally purchased the goods, HMRC's position on whether the donation triggers a VAT liability (through the 'business gifts' rules) depends on the value of the items and the nature of the gift. Items costing the business more than £50 (excluding VAT) and given to a single recipient in a single year may trigger output VAT under the business gifts rules. For donations to charities specifically, the rules are more favourable — but the detail matters. Seek advice from a VAT specialist before making a large in-kind donation. ## Donating stock to charity: Corporation Tax relief A UK limited company that donates trading stock or equipment to a qualifying charity can deduct the cost of the goods (not the market value) from its profits for Corporation Tax purposes. This is separate from any VAT treatment. If the goods have a market value higher than their book cost, the company does not receive Corporation Tax relief on the uplift — only on the cost to the company. But the donation is still more tax-efficient than disposing of the stock as waste. The goods must be donated to a qualifying charity. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration and will qualify once registration is confirmed. Give to eye surgery, cancer treatment or disaster relief Eye surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay, and relief after disasters, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Give once or monthly by card. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## Capital gains tax relief on donating land or shares to charity When an individual or company donates a qualifying investment — listed shares, unit trusts, qualifying unlisted shares, land or buildings — to a UK registered charity, two reliefs apply simultaneously. First, the donor is exempt from Capital Gains Tax on any gain in the value of the asset since acquisition. This can be highly significant for assets held for a long time or appreciated substantially. Second, the donor can claim income tax relief (individuals) or Corporation Tax relief (companies) on the full market value of the asset donated — not just the original cost. For example: an individual holds shares originally purchased for £5,000 that are now worth £20,000\. Selling the shares would trigger CGT on the £15,000 gain. Donating the shares to charity instead avoids the CGT entirely, and the donor can claim income tax relief on the full £20,000 market value through their self-assessment return. This relief applies to qualifying investments donated to registered charities. It does not apply to assets sold to a charity at a discount — only to outright gifts. ## How to donate qualifying assets to World Aid Network World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration. We accept cash donations online, but we can also accept donations of qualifying shares or other assets by arrangement. If you are considering donating shares, land or other assets to World Aid Network, please contact info@worldaidnetwork.org in the first instance. We will discuss the proposed donation with our trustees and, where accepted, provide formal documentation to support your tax relief claim. All non-cash donations accepted by World Aid Network are converted to cash and held in our restricted charitable funds, used strictly within our two charitable Objects. ### Key takeaways - Businesses donating goods to charity generally do not need to account for output VAT on the gift — but the rules depend on the nature and value of the goods. - Donating trading stock to charity allows a UK company to deduct the cost of the goods from taxable profits for Corporation Tax purposes. - Donating listed shares or land to charity exempts the donor from Capital Gains Tax on any gain, and allows income or Corporation Tax relief on the full market value. - All reliefs are subject to qualifying conditions — always seek advice from a qualified accountant or tax adviser. - World Aid Network accepts qualifying asset donations by arrangement — contact info@worldaidnetwork.org. Give to eye surgery, cancer treatment or disaster relief Eye surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay, and relief after disasters, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Give once or monthly by card. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## Frequently asked questions Do I have to pay VAT when donating goods to a charity? Generally no, for genuine gifts to a registered charity — but the rules depend on the nature and value of the goods and whether you claimed input VAT on purchase. Seek advice from a VAT specialist for significant donations. Can I avoid Capital Gains Tax by donating shares to charity? Yes. Donating qualifying shares directly to a UK registered charity exempts the gain from CGT entirely, and the donor can claim income tax relief on the full market value. Always seek independent tax advice before acting. Does World Aid Network accept share donations? Yes, by arrangement. Contact info@worldaidnetwork.org to discuss a qualifying share or asset donation. We provide formal documentation to support your tax relief claim. What happens to non-cash donations at World Aid Network? Non-cash donations accepted by World Aid Network are converted to cash by the trustees and held in our restricted charitable funds, used within our two charitable Objects: sight-restoring surgery and cancer treatment, or emergency disaster relief. Published by World Aid Network. Check the original sources and their dates. General information is not individual medical, legal or tax advice. Our editorial policy explains responsibility and corrections. ## What are the sources for this guide? Follow the original guidance for its evidence, dates and limitations. Background references explain the need; they are not evidence of WAN fundraising or delivery. - [HMRC — Gift Aid for donors](https://www.gov.uk/donating-to-charity/gift-aid) - [HMRC — Gift Aid requirements](https://www.gov.uk/claim-gift-aid) [Editorial policy](/editorial-policy) · [Corrections and reporting an error](/corrections) ## Give cash, shares or assets World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration, so gifts do not currently qualify for tax relief. Donate online, or contact us about other assets. Your gift contributes to eye surgery, cancer treatment or emergency relief. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## Before you give Suggested amounts contribute to the programme. They do not guarantee a named patient, procedure or quantity of relief. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) - [Published impact and reporting](/our-impact) - [Gift Aid eligibility and current status](/gift-aid) ## Share this guide [Share by email](mailto:?subject=World%20Aid%20Network%20guide&body=https%3A%2F%2Fworldaidnetwork.org%2Fblog%2Fdonating-goods-assets-charity-tax-relief) Only the public article link is included. ## Make an informed donation Check what the organisation offers, understand the conditions and choose a way to give that suits you. - [Compare ways to donate](/ways-to-donate) Card giving, monthly gifts and other routes, with current availability. - [Gift Aid eligibility explained](/gift-aid) Understand donor conditions and the current status at WAN. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and how estimates differ from results. - [Check our registration status](/about/registration-status) Distinguish the application reference from a registered charity number. - [Practical donor resources](/donor-resources) Find answers, useful tools and giving options. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # What is emergency aid? > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/emergency-aid > Last reviewed: 2026-08-24 ## In short Emergency aid is food, clean water, hygiene kits and temporary shelter in the first days after a flood, earthquake or tsunami. World Aid Network funds that work in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia through local partners. Donate on this page. Gifts do not rebuild homes or fund medical clinics. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks. Emergency aid is food, clean water, hygiene kits and temporary shelter after a flood, earthquake or tsunami — not reconstruction, cash or a medical clinic. Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/emergency-aid. Emergency aid is food, clean water, hygiene kits and temporary shelter — not reconstruction, cash to individuals or medical clinics. This page is not listed on https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal. Programme hub: https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief. Named checkout: https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/humanitarian-appeal. Water-only: https://worldaidnetwork.org/clean-water-charity. ## At a glance - 4 things: Food, clean water, hygiene kits and temporary shelter — that is the whole of this gift - Needs-led: Timing depends on funding, access and local capacity - 15 litres: Sphere Handbook minimum water per person per day in an emergency (sector standard, not a WAN caseload) - 3 countries: Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia — our charitable Objects ## What is emergency aid? Emergency aid is humanitarian help given in the first days and weeks after a sudden disaster — a flood, earthquake, tsunami or storm. For World Aid Network it means food, clean water, hygiene kits and temporary shelter in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. It is not reconstruction, not cash to individuals, and not a medical clinic. The impulse after a shock is universal. The quality of the response is not. A family without drinking water, a meal or a dry place to sleep does not need a five-year plan. They need those four things now. That is what emergency aid is. This URL is the emergency aid explainer, with a donate form. It is not listed on the emergency appeals index. Search for “what is emergency aid” should land here. Search for a disaster relief charity programme should land on emergency relief. Search for Humanitarian Appeal checkout should land on the Humanitarian Appeal. - Food — ready-to-eat rations and dry staples bought nearby. - Clean water — purification, bottled water or a household filter. Not wells. - Hygiene kits — soap, jerrycans and sanitary items. - Temporary shelter — tarpaulins, tents and weatherproof sheeting. ## How does emergency aid work? You donate. Trustees release funds when disaster-driven need is confirmed in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia. Local partners buy food, water, hygiene kits and shelter nearby and intend to distribute them to families. World Aid Network does not fly UK staff in and does not send cash to individuals. Partners aim to start within forty-eight to seventy-two hours of activation. Cut roads take longer. International supply chains are slow. A partner who already knows the roads, the market and the families can move while a foreign team is still booking flights. Local purchase also means the money stays in a community that has already been hurt. Each deployment sits under a signed agreement. Trustees receive itemised reports. We do not invent caseloads on this page. How grants are released is explained on how we work. ## How is emergency aid different from humanitarian aid? People use the two phrases as if they were the same. Humanitarian aid is the wider field: anything done to protect people in a crisis. Emergency aid is the first slice of that field — the food, water, hygiene kits and shelter that keep a family alive after a shock. World Aid Network’s Humanitarian Appeal is the standing checkout for that slice. This page explains the idea. A Humanitarian Appeal guide on our charity-guides library explains why a focused appeal reaches families faster. That article is not this URL and not the checkout. If you searched “donate to humanitarian appeal”, use the Humanitarian Appeal. If you searched “what is emergency aid”, stay here. We do not rank other humanitarian organisations. If you named the Disasters Emergency Committee, that is a separate UK body. Our standing disaster checkout is Disasters Emergency Relief. ## How is emergency aid different from development aid? Emergency aid is for the days after a disaster. Development aid is for years: schools, livelihoods, boreholes, clinics. World Aid Network’s disaster Object is the first of those jobs only. We will not spend a disaster gift on rebuilding a house or drilling a well. Both jobs matter. Mixing them on one page is how donors think a tarpaulin gift will rebuild a street. It will not. Reconstruction sits outside our Objects. Permanent water infrastructure sits on other charities’ mandates — not this water charity and not this emergency aid guide. If you want hospital care, that is a different Object: the Cancer Emergency Appeal or Gift of Sight Appeal. First Aid is a written UK skills guide. None of those are emergency aid. ## What does emergency aid include? Four things. Emergency food parcels sufficient for a family for days or weeks. Clean drinking water — tablets, bottles or a filter, not a new well. Hygiene kits so dirty water does not become the next outbreak. Temporary shelter — tarpaulins, tents, sheeting. Seasonal extras such as extra sheeting in winter sit on the winter relief guide. Partners kit what the ground allows that week. Figures on this page are suggested donation amounts, not verified partner quotations or a menu for a named village. Suggested amounts are contributions towards emergency essentials. They do not guarantee a quantity or duration of supplies. We do not send clothes, shoes or bottled water from Britain unless a partner has asked for a specific item in writing. Parcels arrive late and cost more than buying locally. - Food — Ready-to-eat rations and dry staples suited to local diets - Clean water — Purification tablets, bottled water or a household filter — not wells - Hygiene kits — Soap, jerrycans and sanitary items - Temporary shelter — Tarpaulins, tents and weatherproof sheeting ## Why do the first 72 hours matter? After a flood or quake, wells spoil and food stores are lost. Sphere’s Handbook sets 15 litres of water per person per day as established practice in an emergency. WHO says in a humanitarian emergency you should assume water is at risk of contamination until it is treated. Partners aim to start within forty-eight to seventy-two hours of activation. The Sphere Handbook is the sector’s minimum standards, not a World Aid Network delivery claim: https://spherestandards.org/handbook/. WHO’s note on water in humanitarian emergencies is https://www.who.int/teams/environment-climate-change-and-health/water-sanitation-and-health/environmental-health-in-emergencies/humanitarian-emergencies. Diarrhoeal disease remains a leading killer of young children where water is unsafe (WHO fact sheet: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diarrhoeal-disease). The cameras leave. Thirst does not. A standing gift on this page, or a monthly gift, means trustees are not waiting for a new headline before they can release funds. ## Why does local delivery matter for emergency aid? The organisations best placed to help are already there. World Aid Network funds locally registered partners. They know the roads, the suppliers and the families. We do not deploy UK staff for disaster response. Local purchase is faster and cheaper than a container from Britain. The useful thing you can do is give money, not pack a box. A foreign logistics chain has customs, flights and warehousing. A partner with a purchase order can fill jerrycans the same day the road reopens. That is how emergency aid works when it is done well. How we work explains the grant chain. We do not send cash to individuals. ## Should I send food or bottled water from Britain? Money is more useful. Partners buy food and purify or buy water nearby. Parcels from the United Kingdom arrive late, cost more than they help, and often duplicate what is already on the ground. A card gift on this page is how you donate emergency aid from the UK. If your mosque, church or workplace is collecting, bring the money here. A Digital Shoebox Appeal is a £25 Medical Kit assembled in-country — still not a packed cardboard box from Britain. Clothes and shoes from UK attics are almost never the right response unless a partner has asked in writing. ## How do I donate emergency aid from the UK? Keep emergency relief selected. The gift is marked for the Humanitarian Appeal so it funds food, water, hygiene kits and shelter. You can also give on the emergency relief programme or any named disaster checkout. A monthly gift keeps kits ready. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks. From the United States or Canada, use the give-from-the-USA page for dollars. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation, not a US 501(c)(3) and not a registered Canadian charity. Gifts are generally not tax-deductible there. If you want the gift restricted to drinking water only, use Clean Water Charity or the Clean Water Emergency Appeal. If you want food only, use the food aid charity page or the Hunger Crisis Appeal. ## How is this different from emergency relief? This page owns “what is emergency aid” as a concept. Emergency relief is World Aid Network’s disaster programme hub — floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, monsoon and winter, plus how donations are held. Both fund the same four things. The programme detail and disaster-type guides live on emergency relief. If you searched “disaster relief charity UK”, go to emergency relief. If you searched “what is emergency aid”, stay here. We will not pretend they are different products. They are different search jobs. ## How is this different from the Humanitarian Appeal? The Humanitarian Appeal is the standing checkout on the appeals index for food, water, hygiene kits and shelter in a humanitarian emergency. This page is the explainer for emergency aid, with a donate form that uses that same appeal. You can give on either page. Search for Humanitarian Appeal should land on the checkout. Search for emergency aid should land here. The Humanitarian Appeal guide in the library explains why focused giving is faster. It is not the checkout and not this URL. Crisis Appeal is a separate standing checkout when a crisis hits. It is not the Hunger Crisis Appeal, which is food-only. ## How is this different from the Crisis Appeal? Crisis Appeal is a named standing checkout — food, water, hygiene kits and shelter when a crisis hits. Emergency aid is the type of help that checkout buys. Please stay here if you wanted the definition. Neither is the Hunger Crisis Appeal. Disasters Emergency Relief is another standing disaster checkout. It is not the Disasters Emergency Committee. Indonesia Emergency Appeal is for earthquakes and tsunamis there, including Flores on 15 August 2026. Pakistan Floods Appeal is for monsoon flooding in Pakistan. ## How is this different from the Indonesia Emergency Appeal and Pakistan Floods Appeal? Those are named, country-restricted checkouts. The Indonesia Emergency Appeal is food, water and shelter after earthquakes and tsunamis in Indonesia. The Pakistan Floods Appeal is the same four things for flood-affected families in Pakistan. This emergency aid page is the generic explainer. A gift here, through the Humanitarian Appeal, can be released to whichever Object-country disaster trustees confirm next. A restricted Indonesia or Pakistan gift cannot be moved to the other country. That is the point of a named appeal. ## How is this different from a water charity gift? Clean Water Charity is restricted to emergency drinking water — purification, bottles and filters, not wells. Emergency aid includes water and also food, hygiene kits and shelter. The named water checkout is the Clean Water Emergency Appeal. Flood relief explains why contaminated water is the first threat after a flood. Do not ship bottles from Britain on either page. ## How is this different from food aid? The food aid charity page and the Hunger Crisis Appeal fund emergency food parcels. Emergency aid includes food and the other three needs. Please use those pages if you want nutrition only. We do not run agricultural development or school-feeding programmes. Emergency food is parcels after a shock or an acute hunger crisis, bought nearby. ## How is this different from First Aid? First Aid is a free written guide for a UK emergency: call 999, stop bleeding, cool burns, help someone choking, start CPR. It is not a fundraising appeal and not a British Red Cross course. Emergency aid is overseas disaster kits. Please do not donate to First Aid — there is no such fund. For UK courses and the first aid app, use https://www.redcross.org.uk/first-aid. If someone in front of you is unresponsive, call 999. This page will not help them. ## How is an emergency aid donation held? Disaster gifts are held for emergency food, clean water, hygiene kits and temporary shelter under our second charitable Object. We do not send cash to individuals. We do not claim a 100% donation policy. Card fees apply. How grants move is on how we work. The 100% donation policy guide explains why overhead slogans mislead. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks. If a specific disaster is already funded, trustees can hold the gift for the next qualifying emergency in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia. Restricted named-appeal gifts stay on that appeal. A standing fund means trustees do not have to start a new campaign each time. ## Can I give monthly to emergency aid? Yes. A monthly donation keeps food, water, hygiene kits and shelter ready before the next monsoon or quake. Please set up a regular gift on this page. You can change it later. A one-off gift is welcome too. You can also give in memory of someone — write to info@worldaidnetwork.org. Monthly giving explains the year-round product. In-memory giving is for funeral and tribute gifts. A gift in your will is legacy giving — Gift Aid does not apply to will gifts. The UK will-writing guide is how to make a will, not how to donate emergency aid. ## Which countries receive emergency aid from World Aid Network? Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia only — the countries in our charitable Objects. Donors may give from any country. Delivery is through local partners, not WAN-operated camps. We cannot redirect a restricted country gift to somewhere outside those three. Malaysia is in the Objects for medical care and for disaster relief when a qualifying emergency is confirmed. Named live disaster checkouts you will see most often are Indonesia and Pakistan. The standing Humanitarian Appeal covers all three. ## What will a donation provide? - £10: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £25: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £50: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £100: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £250: Contribution towards emergency food, water, hygiene and shelter - £500: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary ## How to donate emergency aid from the UK Give so World Aid Network can fund food, clean water, hygiene kits and temporary shelter after disasters in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. - Open this page: Stay here, or go to worldaidnetwork.org/donate and choose emergency relief. - Keep the Humanitarian Appeal selected: That marks the gift for food, water, hygiene kits and shelter. - Give by card: Pay by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. From the US, you can use the dollar checkout. - Optional: give monthly: A monthly gift keeps kits ready before the next disaster. ## Related pages - Emergency relief — Disaster programme hub — floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, winter. https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief - Humanitarian Appeal — Standing checkout — food, water, hygiene kits and shelter. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/humanitarian-appeal - Humanitarian Appeal guide — Why focused giving reaches families faster. Not the checkout. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/humanitarian-appeal - Crisis Appeal — Standing checkout when a crisis hits. Not Hunger Crisis Appeal. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/crisis-appeal - Disasters Emergency Relief — Standing disaster checkout. Not the Disasters Emergency Committee. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/disasters-emergency-relief - Indonesia Emergency Appeal — Earthquakes and tsunamis — including Flores, 15 August 2026. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/indonesia-emergency - Pakistan Floods Appeal — Monsoon flooding — food, water, hygiene kits and shelter. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/pakistan-emergency - Clean Water Charity — Water charity — emergency drinking water, not wells. https://worldaidnetwork.org/clean-water-charity - Food aid charity — Emergency nutrition parcels — not the full aid package. https://worldaidnetwork.org/food-aid-charity - Flood relief — Why contaminated water is the first threat after a flood. https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief/floods - Earthquake relief — Why the first 72 hours matter. https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief/earthquakes - First Aid — UK skills guide — not a fundraising appeal. https://worldaidnetwork.org/first-aid - How we work — Grants to local partners, not cash to individuals. https://worldaidnetwork.org/how-we-work - 100% donation policy guide — Why overhead slogans mislead. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/100-percent-donation-policy-truth - Emergency relief calculator — See what a gift of food, water or shelter can provide. https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief-calculator - Donate — Year-round checkout — choose the cause. https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate - Monthly giving — A regular gift keeps kits ready. https://worldaidnetwork.org/monthly-giving - All emergency appeals — Named checkouts, Gift of Sight and cancer care. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal ## Frequently asked questions ### What is emergency aid? Help in the first days after a disaster: food, clean water, hygiene kits and temporary shelter. World Aid Network funds that in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Not reconstruction, cash to individuals or medical clinics. ### How does emergency aid work? You donate. Trustees release funds to local partners, who buy supplies nearby and distribute them. Timing depends on assessed need, funding, access, supplies and local capacity. We do not fly UK staff in. ### How do I donate emergency aid from the UK? Give by card on this page or at https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate, with emergency relief and the Humanitarian Appeal selected. Apple Pay and Google Pay are ready now. ### What will my emergency aid donation pay for? Suggested gifts contribute towards food, water, hygiene and shelter. Partner quotations, access and available funds determine the quantity delivered. ### Is emergency aid the same as humanitarian aid? Humanitarian aid is the wider field. Emergency aid is the first slice: food, water, hygiene kits and shelter. Our Humanitarian Appeal is the standing checkout for that slice. ### Is this the same as emergency relief? Same four things, different search job. This page owns “what is emergency aid”. The programme hub is https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief. ### Should I send food or bottled water from Britain? Money is more useful. Local purchase is faster and cheaper. Do not pack a box unless a partner has asked in writing. ### Do you rebuild homes? No. Temporary shelter only. Reconstruction sits outside our Objects. ### Do you send cash to families? No. Partners buy kits. We do not send cash to individuals. ### Is this a 100% donation policy? No. We do not claim that. Disaster gifts are restricted to the four emergency items. Card fees apply. See https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/100-percent-donation-policy-truth. ### How quickly can emergency aid be delivered? Partners aim for 48 to 72 hours after the fund is activated. Cut roads take longer. ### Which countries benefit? Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia only. ### Will Gift Aid apply? Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks (application 5290505). We will contact donors when that happens. ### Can I give monthly? Yes. A monthly gift keeps kits ready. You can also give once. ### How is this different from the Indonesia Emergency Appeal? That checkout is locked to Indonesia earthquakes and tsunamis. This page is the generic explainer. Use the named appeal if you want the gift restricted to Indonesia. ### How is this different from the Pakistan Floods Appeal? That checkout is locked to flood-affected families in Pakistan. Use it if you want the gift marked for Pakistan. ### How is this different from First Aid? First Aid is a UK skills guide (999, bleeding, burns, choking, CPR), not a fund. Emergency aid is overseas disaster kits. ### How is this different from a water charity? Clean Water Charity is water only — purification, bottles and filters, not wells. Emergency aid includes water plus food, hygiene kits and shelter. ### Is this the Disasters Emergency Committee? No. DEC is a separate UK organisation. Our standing disaster checkout is Disasters Emergency Relief. ### What if there is no active disaster when I donate? The gift is held for the next qualifying emergency in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia. Pre-positioned funds are why partners can start without a new campaign. ### Does this page fund cancer treatment or eye surgery? No. Those are separate programmes. Please use the Cancer Emergency Appeal or Gift of Sight Appeal. ## How you can help Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/emergency-aid or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=emergency-relief&appeal=humanitarian-appeal --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Gift Aid Explained: Rules & Eligibility | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/gift-aid-explained-uk > Understand Gift Aid eligibility, declarations, taxpayer responsibilities and higher-rate relief. Check why Gift Aid is not currently available at WAN. Direct Answer Gift Aid lets an HMRC-recognised charity or community amateur sports club claim 25p for each eligible £1 gift when the donor makes a valid declaration and has paid enough UK Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax. WAN cannot currently claim Gift Aid. Higher-rate tax relief is separate and depends on the donor’s circumstances. ## What Gift Aid does For an eligible £100 donation, the charity can normally reclaim £25 from HMRC. The gift is treated as £125 before basic-rate tax. This is why the top-up is 25% of the donation, not 20%. It is an illustration of the scheme, not a statement that WAN can claim it. ## Check the organisation and the gift The charity or eligible sports club must be recognised by HMRC. Charity Commission registration and HMRC recognition are separate processes. Check the receiving organisation’s current position and that the particular payment qualifies. Payments for goods, services, raffle tickets or significant donor benefits cannot automatically be treated as charitable gifts. Company donations have different rules. [ WAN’s current Gift Aid status ](/gift-aid) Give to eye surgery, cancer treatment or disaster relief Eye surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay, and relief after disasters, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Give once or monthly by card. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## Check how much qualifying tax you have paid You must have paid enough UK Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax to cover the total Gift Aid claimed by all organisations on your donations in the tax year. VAT and council tax do not count. If too little tax has been paid, HMRC can ask you to pay the difference. Living in the UK alone does not establish eligibility. Equally, location by itself does not determine whether someone has paid qualifying UK tax. Check your actual circumstances. ## Make and maintain a valid declaration Follow the eligible recipient’s declaration process and provide the required name, address and confirmation. Tell the recipient when your tax position or details change and cancel a declaration if you no longer qualify. Do not tick a box solely because it is preselected. ## Higher-rate and additional-rate relief Eligible donors who pay tax above the basic rate may claim the difference between their rate and the basic rate on the gross donation, through Self Assessment or an adjusted tax code. Scottish Income Tax rates differ. Personal allowances, tax bands and other circumstances can affect the calculation. For illustration, an eligible £100 gift is £125 gross. At a qualifying 40% rate, the difference from 20% is £25\. That is relief for the donor, separate from the £25 claimed by the charity. [ Explore a general Gift Aid illustration ](/gift-aid-calculator) ## Giving through a company or by payroll A company usually claims qualifying charitable donations under Corporation Tax rules, not individual Gift Aid. Payroll Giving uses a different tax-relief mechanism. Do not claim both mechanisms for the same payment. [ Compare donation methods ](/ways-to-donate) ## What this means for a WAN donation Gift Aid is not currently available for WAN donations. Our checkout does not collect a Gift Aid declaration. Do not assume a top-up or personal Gift Aid tax relief for your gift. Any future eligibility, including possible treatment of earlier gifts, needs confirmation rather than a promise. [ Check registration and recognition status ](/about/registration-status) ### Key takeaways - Gift Aid lets an HMRC-recognised charity or community amateur sports club claim 25p for each eligible £1 gift when the donor makes a valid declaration and has paid enough UK Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax. WAN cannot currently claim Gift Aid. Higher-rate tax relief is separate and depends on the donor’s circumstances. Give to eye surgery, cancer treatment or disaster relief Eye surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay, and relief after disasters, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Give once or monthly by card. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## Frequently asked questions Does every donation to a charity qualify? No. The receiving organisation, the payment and the donor must satisfy the rules, including a valid declaration and enough qualifying tax. Can I claim Gift Aid on a WAN donation now? No. Gift Aid is not currently available at WAN. Check the current status before relying on tax relief. Does a registered charity number automatically enable Gift Aid? No. HMRC recognition and the donor and payment conditions are separate requirements. Can a non-taxpayer sign a Gift Aid declaration? Do not sign a declaration if you have not paid enough qualifying UK tax to cover the Gift Aid. Ask HMRC or a qualified adviser if uncertain. Published by World Aid Network. Check the original sources and their dates. General information is not individual medical, legal or tax advice. Our editorial policy explains responsibility and corrections. ## What are the sources for this guide? Follow the original guidance for its evidence, dates and limitations. Background references explain the need; they are not evidence of WAN fundraising or delivery. - [HMRC — Claim Gift Aid](https://www.gov.uk/claim-gift-aid) - [HMRC — Donating through Gift Aid](https://www.gov.uk/donating-to-charity/gift-aid) - [HMRC — Company donations](https://www.gov.uk/tax-limited-company-gives-to-charity) [Editorial policy](/editorial-policy) · [Corrections and reporting an error](/corrections) ## Choose an affordable gift Support a WAN programme by card if you wish. Gift Aid is not currently available; review the funding and status pages before donating. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## Before you give Suggested amounts contribute to the programme. They do not guarantee a named patient, procedure or quantity of relief. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) - [Published impact and reporting](/our-impact) - [Gift Aid eligibility and current status](/gift-aid) ## Share this guide [Share by email](mailto:?subject=World%20Aid%20Network%20guide&body=https%3A%2F%2Fworldaidnetwork.org%2Fblog%2Fgift-aid-explained-uk) Only the public article link is included. ## Make an informed donation Check what the organisation offers, understand the conditions and choose a way to give that suits you. - [Compare ways to donate](/ways-to-donate) Card giving, monthly gifts and other routes, with current availability. - [Gift Aid eligibility explained](/gift-aid) Understand donor conditions and the current status at WAN. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and how estimates differ from results. - [Check our registration status](/about/registration-status) Distinguish the application reference from a registered charity number. - [Practical donor resources](/donor-resources) Find answers, useful tools and giving options. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Giving Tuesday 2026 > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/giving-tuesday-2026-uk-charity-guide > Last reviewed: 2026-10-04 ## In short Giving Tuesday 2026 is Tuesday 1 December. Donate to World Aid Network on this page to fund cataract surgery, cancer treatment or emergency food, water and shelter in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. About £200 contributes towards cataract care. We are not an official Giving Tuesday partner. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks. Tuesday 1 December 2026. Please donate on this page if our mandate matches. Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/giving-tuesday-2026-uk-charity-guide. Giving Tuesday 2026 is Tuesday 1 December (not 2 December). About £200 contributes towards cataract care. World Aid Network is not an official Giving Tuesday partner. Official movement: https://www.givingtuesday.org.uk/. This page is not listed on https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal. Christmas Appeal: https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/christmas-appeal. Year-round checkout: https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate. ## At a glance - 1 Dec 2026: Giving Tuesday 2026 — the Tuesday after US Thanksgiving - ~£200: Planning estimate only; actual eye care costs vary - 3 countries: Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia — our charitable Objects - Not a partner: Official campaign: the official Giving Tuesday UK site ## What is Giving Tuesday? Giving Tuesday is a global day of generosity on the Tuesday after US Thanksgiving. In 2026 that is Tuesday 1 December. Please donate on this page if World Aid Network’s mandate matches. About £200 contributes towards cataract care. The movement itself sits on the official Giving Tuesday UK site. The day began in 2012 as a counterweight to Black Friday and Cyber Monday. People give money, time or skills. Schools, workplaces and charities use it. You do not have to take part in a branded campaign to give well. When is Giving Tuesday 2026? is the date question. How do I donate on Giving Tuesday in the UK? is the checkout. Is World Aid Network an official Giving Tuesday partner? is the honesty check: we are not. Please stay and give if you want a hospital bill or a relief kit funded in three countries. This URL keeps “2026” in the path so last year’s searches still land. The tests have not changed because the calendar changed. - Giving Tuesday 2026 is Tuesday 1 December — not 2 December. - Donate here if our Objects match. About £200 contributes towards cataract care. - Official movement: the official Giving Tuesday UK site. We are not listed as a partner. - This page is not listed on the emergency appeals index. ## When is Giving Tuesday 2026? Tuesday 1 December 2026. That is the Tuesday after US Thanksgiving (Thursday 26 November 2026). Black Friday is 27 November. Cyber Monday is 30 November. Please donate on this page — you do not have to wait until the day itself. Older copy on this site said 2 December 2026. That was wrong. Thanksgiving 2026 is 26 November, so Giving Tuesday is 1 December. We have corrected it. Should I wait until 1 December to give? is answered below: no. Partners do not pause lists until a branded Tuesday. A gift this week funds the same operation or the same kit. ## How do I donate on Giving Tuesday in the UK? Please donate on this page by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. From the United Kingdom that is the simplest way to fund an operation, a chemotherapy session or emergency kits overseas. You are not paying for NHS lists. You do not need to travel. You do not need to send parcels. If your workplace, school, mosque or church is collecting for Giving Tuesday, bring the money here. Payroll schemes are explained on the payroll giving page. How is this different from the Christmas Appeal? sits next in the season. How is this different from the year-round donate page? is the checkout without this guide. ## What will a Giving Tuesday donation provide? Your donation pays partner hospitals and local relief partners. A £200 gift contributes towards cataract care. £50 is a suggested contribution to the cancer fund. Disaster gifts buy food, water and shelter. Suggested amounts are contributions, not verified partner quotes or guaranteed outcomes. Please choose an amount and donate. Cancer gifts fund all types of cancer — not research and not NHS care. Use the Cancer Emergency Appeal if cancer is the whole of the ask. Eye surgery gifts typically fund cataract operations — Gift of Sight. Emergency gifts do not rebuild houses. Partners typically start within 48 to 72 hours. The Indonesia Emergency Appeal is the standing earthquake and tsunami page. We do not send cash to individuals. We do not invent caseloads. We do not claim a 100% donation policy. The 100% donation policy guide is the overhead myth, not this page. ## Will Gift Aid apply to a Giving Tuesday gift? Not yet. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks (application 5290505). You can donate now. We will contact UK taxpayers when that happens. A £200 gift is £200 today — we do not add a fictional 25 pence in the pound. Older Giving Tuesday copy treated Gift Aid as live and used the wrong typical cataract cost. The typical partner cost for one complete cataract operation on this site is about £200. Please give that amount if you want to fund one operation, or give what you can. The Gift Aid page is the status explainer. The registration status page is the legal position. ## Can my employer match a Giving Tuesday donation? Many UK employers match staff gifts. Ask HR or payroll whether your scheme includes a gift to World Aid Network. We do not run a matching scheme of our own and we will not invent a multiplier. Please donate here first, then claim the match if your employer offers one. A match is the employer’s rule, not ours. Some schemes need a registered charity number. We do not have one yet (application 5290505). If the scheme cannot pay us until that number is issued, give here anyway — or give through the payroll giving page if that is how your workplace pays. Corporate grants and workplace campaigns are explained on corporate partnerships. Honesty: we will not say your employer “will double” a World Aid Network gift. ## How is this different from the Christmas Appeal? Giving Tuesday is 1 December. The Christmas Appeal is the seasonal gift-of-sight campaign that follows. Both can take a card gift. Both are not listed on the emergency appeals index. Please donate here for the Tuesday; use the Christmas Appeal if Christmas is why you came. A packed Christmas shoebox is the Digital Shoebox Appeal — £25 for a locally sourced Medical Kit. We do not accept cardboard boxes from Britain. Named year-round cataract checkout is Gift of Sight. ## Is World Aid Network an official Giving Tuesday partner? No. The movement is run in this country from the official Giving Tuesday UK site. World Aid Network is not listed as a partner. Please donate here if our mandate matches. Please give through that site’s own directory if you wanted their campaign, not ours. We will not borrow their logo or their partner badge. What is Giving Tuesday? remains their story. What a World Aid Network gift buys remains ours: partner-hospital bills and local relief kits in three countries. ## Where does my Giving Tuesday donation go? Gifts pay partner hospitals and vetted local relief partners in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia against trustee-approved lists. We do not send cash to individuals. Charity Commission registration is in progress. Please donate so that chain can start. A restricted eye-surgery gift stays with eye care. A cancer gift stays with cancer treatment. A disaster gift stays with food, water, hygiene kits and shelter. Unrestricted gifts can go where trustees see the most urgent list. ICO ZC156579. Read how we work for the grant path. ## How is this different from the year-round donate page? This page answers Giving Tuesday searches and lets you donate. The year-round donate page is the checkout if you already decided to give. Both can take a card gift. This URL is not listed on the emergency appeals index. Search engines treat “Giving Tuesday 2026 UK” and “donate to charity” as different questions. We keep them on different URLs. Stay here if the Tuesday is why you came. Use the year-round donate page if you only wanted a form. ## Should I wait until 1 December to give? No. Please donate today if the mandate matches. Lists and kits do not wait for a branded Tuesday. A gift this week funds the same cataract operation, chemotherapy session or relief package. If you want the date in the story you tell your workplace, give on 1 December. If you want the work funded, give now. Can I give monthly instead of only on Giving Tuesday? is the longer habit. ## Can I give monthly instead of only on Giving Tuesday? Yes. A monthly donation means the next patient or the next disaster kit is not left waiting for the next branded day. Please set up a regular gift on this page, or use the monthly giving page. You can change it later. If you would rather give once, that gift is welcome too. Please donate today if Giving Tuesday was the prompt and our Objects are the match. ## Can I give from the USA on Giving Tuesday? Yes, on the give-from-the-USA page or here in pounds. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation, not a US 501(c)(3). Gifts are generally not US tax-deductible. Giving Tuesday started in the United States; our Objects are still Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Do not send parcels. Do not assume a US charity rating applies. We do not rank nonprofits. The best-charities guide is the honesty page for that search. ## What will a donation provide? - £10: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £25: A Digital Shoebox Medical Kit, bought nearby by local partners - £50: A contribution towards clinically recommended cancer care - £100: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £200: Contribution towards cataract care at a partner hospital - £500: Cancer surgery where partners quote this cost, or a larger relief package ## How to donate on Giving Tuesday 2026 Giving Tuesday 2026 is Tuesday 1 December. Donate to World Aid Network if the mandate matches — you do not have to wait until the day. - Check the date: Giving Tuesday 2026 is Tuesday 1 December. You can donate before that. - Match the mandate: Our Objects are eye surgery and cancer treatment for poor patients, and food, water and shelter after disaster, in three countries. - Give an amount: About £200 contributes towards cataract care. A smaller gift still helps. - Optional: another URL: Christmas Appeal if Christmas is why you came. Year-round donate page if you only wanted a form. ## Related pages - Giving Tuesday UK (official) — The national movement. We are not a listed partner. https://www.givingtuesday.org.uk/ - Christmas Appeal — Seasonal gift of sight after Giving Tuesday — typically £200. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/christmas-appeal - Digital Shoebox Appeal — £25 locally sourced Medical Kit — not a packed box. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/digital-shoebox-appeal - Donate to charity — Year-round checkout if the Tuesday is not why you came. https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate - Gift of Sight Appeal — Named year-round cataract checkout — typically £200. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/gift-of-sight - Cancer Emergency Appeal — All types of cancer — treatment, not research. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency - Indonesia Emergency Appeal — Food, water and shelter after earthquakes and tsunamis. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/indonesia-emergency - Best charities to donate to — We do not rank. Check filings, then give if the mandate matches. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/best-charities-to-donate-to - Payroll giving — Give from your salary if that is how your workplace pays. https://worldaidnetwork.org/payroll-giving - Corporate partnerships — Workplace collections and grants — we do not invent a match. https://worldaidnetwork.org/corporate-partnerships - Monthly giving — A regular gift keeps lists and kits funded after the Tuesday. https://worldaidnetwork.org/monthly-giving - Donate in US dollars — Give in US dollars from the US, Canada or anywhere. Not 501(c)(3). https://worldaidnetwork.org/give - How we work — Grants to partners, not cash to individuals. https://worldaidnetwork.org/how-we-work - Registration status — Charity Commission application 5290505. https://worldaidnetwork.org/about/registration-status ## Frequently asked questions ### When is Giving Tuesday 2026? Tuesday 1 December 2026 — the Tuesday after US Thanksgiving. Not 2 December. See When is Giving Tuesday 2026? ### What is Giving Tuesday? A global day of generosity after Black Friday and Cyber Monday. See What is Giving Tuesday? Official movement: https://www.givingtuesday.org.uk/. ### How do I donate on Giving Tuesday in the UK? Use the form on this page. About £200 contributes towards cataract care. Other methods: https://worldaidnetwork.org/ways-to-donate. ### Is World Aid Network an official Giving Tuesday partner? No. See Is World Aid Network an official Giving Tuesday partner? Donate here if our mandate matches. ### Will Gift Aid apply? Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks (application 5290505). You can donate now. We will contact donors when that happens. ### Will my employer match my gift? Ask your employer. We do not run a matching scheme and we will not invent a multiplier. Some schemes need a registered number we do not have yet. ### How much does a typical gift fund? A £200 gift contributes towards cataract care. £50 is a suggested cancer care contribution, not a session price. Disaster gifts buy food, water and shelter. Suggested amounts are contributions; costs and outcomes vary. ### Is this the Christmas Appeal? No. See How is this different from the Christmas Appeal? Christmas checkout: https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/christmas-appeal. ### Should I wait until 1 December? No. Please donate today if the mandate matches. See Should I wait until 1 December to give? ### Is this listed on the emergency appeals index? No. Live earthquake, tsunami, flood, hunger, water, cancer and Gift of Sight appeals sit on the emergency appeals index. This URL stays /blog/giving-tuesday-2026-uk-charity-guide. ## How you can help Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/giving-tuesday-2026-uk-charity-guide or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=giving-tuesday --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # How to Keep Your Eyes Healthy | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/how-to-keep-eyes-healthy > The WHO estimates 80% of visual impairment is avoidable. Learn the NHS-backed steps for healthy eyes: eye tests, UV protection, diet and warning signs. Direct Answer The most important steps for eye health are regular eye tests at least every two years, not smoking, wearing UV400-rated sunglasses, eating leafy greens and oily fish, and managing diabetes and blood pressure. The World Health Organization estimates roughly 80% of visual impairment worldwide is avoidable. World Aid Network funds eye surgery for poor patients. Sight is consistently rated the sense people fear losing most. Yet many of the conditions that cause blindness and visual impairment — including cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration — can be prevented, significantly delayed or caught early enough to treat, through simple lifestyle measures and regular eye care. The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 80% of visual impairment worldwide is avoidable — meaning it could have been prevented or treated. In the UK, the NHS provides free eye tests for those at risk, and opticians can detect a wide range of eye conditions — and even systemic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure — during a routine examination. This guide answers the twenty most commonly searched questions about how to look after your eyes, drawing on NHS and WHO guidance. ## The most important things you can do for your eye health The NHS identifies the following as the most important steps: attend regular eye tests (at least every two years, more frequently if recommended); do not smoke — smoking significantly increases the risk of macular degeneration, cataracts and optic nerve damage; wear UV-protective sunglasses (UV400 rated, CE marked) in bright sunlight; eat a varied diet rich in leafy green vegetables, oily fish and colourful fruit; maintain a healthy weight and manage diabetes and blood pressure well; protect your eyes from injury at work and during sport. Many serious eye conditions — including glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration — develop without symptoms in their early stages. A routine eye examination is the only reliable way to detect them before significant, irreversible damage has occurred. The NHS provides free eye tests for people over 60, those with a family history of glaucoma (from age 40), people of black African or Caribbean heritage (from age 40), and others at elevated risk. ## Diet and nutrition for eye health A nutritious diet supports eye health by providing the antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that protect retinal cells from oxidative damage. The nutrients with the strongest evidence for eye health include: lutein and zeaxanthin — found in leafy greens (kale, spinach, broccoli) and eggs — which concentrate in the macula and protect against age-related macular degeneration and cataracts; omega-3 fatty acids (oily fish: salmon, sardines, mackerel) — associated with reduced AMD risk and dry eye symptom improvement; vitamin A (orange and yellow vegetables, dairy) — essential for the rod photoreceptors used in dim-light vision; and vitamins C and E plus zinc, which contribute to the antioxidant defence of retinal tissue. Large clinical trials (the AREDS and AREDS2 studies) demonstrated that specific high-dose antioxidant and zinc supplements reduce the risk of progression from intermediate to advanced AMD by approximately 25–30% in people with existing intermediate AMD. These supplements — available over the counter as 'AREDS formula' preparations — are recommended by ophthalmologists for this specific group but are not proven to prevent AMD in people who do not yet have the condition. Help someone reach eye care About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. Any amount contributes to the Gift of Sight Appeal, and outcomes vary by condition. [Donate to eye care](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form) ## Warning signs of serious eye conditions Some eye symptoms require urgent or emergency assessment. Contact your GP, optician or A&E immediately if you experience: sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes; a sudden increase in floaters (dark spots or strings in your vision) especially with flashes of light — these can indicate retinal detachment, which is a surgical emergency; a curtain or shadow coming across your vision; sudden onset of a red, painful eye with blurred vision (possible acute angle-closure glaucoma); or eye pain associated with headache, nausea and vomiting. Non-urgent symptoms that should be assessed by your optician within a few weeks include: gradual worsening of vision not corrected by your current glasses; distortion or waviness of straight lines (a classic symptom of wet AMD); persistent double vision; or any new change in your vision that concerns you. ### Key takeaways - The most important steps for eye health are: regular eye tests (at least every two years), not smoking, wearing UV400-rated sunglasses, eating leafy greens and oily fish, and managing diabetes and blood pressure well. - Screen use does not cause permanent eye damage — but does cause digital eye strain. The 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds) reduces eye fatigue. - Wear UV400/CE marked sunglasses. UV radiation contributes to cataract formation and macular degeneration. UV protection is cumulative — sun protection from childhood onwards matters. - Know the warning signs requiring urgent attention: sudden vision loss, sudden increase in floaters with flashes of light, a curtain across your vision, or a suddenly painful red eye. - The WHO estimates 80% of global visual impairment is avoidable. Sight charities including World Aid Network fund eye surgery and eye care for poor patients who would otherwise lose their sight unnecessarily. Help someone reach eye care About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. Any amount contributes to the Gift of Sight Appeal, and outcomes vary by condition. [Donate to eye care](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form) [Gift of Sight Appeal: how gifts are used](/appeal/gift-of-sight) ## Frequently asked questions How often should I have an eye test? The NHS recommends a routine eye test at least every two years for most adults. Some people need more frequent tests — including those with diabetes (annual), people with glaucoma or at high risk of it (six-monthly or annual), children and young people, and those with high myopia (short-sightedness). Your optician will advise you on the recommended interval based on your eyes and risk factors. Eye tests detect more than just vision problems — they can also identify early signs of diabetes, hypertension, and brain tumours. What foods are good for eye health? The NHS advises a varied, balanced diet for eye health. Foods with the strongest evidence for supporting vision include: leafy green vegetables (kale, spinach, broccoli) and eggs — rich in lutein and zeaxanthin which protect the macula; oily fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel) — rich in omega-3 fatty acids linked to reduced AMD risk; orange and yellow vegetables (carrots, sweet potato, squash) — rich in beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A essential for dim-light vision; and citrus fruits, berries and nuts for vitamins C and E. Does smoking affect eyesight? Yes, significantly. Smoking is one of the biggest modifiable risk factors for sight loss. It approximately doubles the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — the most common cause of permanent vision loss in the UK — and is strongly associated with an increased risk of cataracts and optic nerve damage. Smoking restricts blood flow to the retina and introduces oxidative stress that damages photoreceptor cells. Stopping smoking at any age reduces the risk of smoking-related eye disease, and the NHS offers free smoking cessation support. How does diabetes affect eyesight? Diabetes causes diabetic retinopathy — damage to the small blood vessels in the retina caused by consistently high blood sugar. In early stages, blood vessels become leaky (background retinopathy). In advanced stages, new fragile blood vessels grow on the retina (proliferative retinopathy), which can bleed and cause sudden vision loss, vitreous haemorrhage or traction retinal detachment. Diabetic macular oedema — fluid accumulation in the macula — is the most common cause of diabetes-related vision loss. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults in the UK. All people with diabetes should attend their annual NHS diabetic eye screening. What vitamins are good for eye health? Key vitamins and minerals for eye health include: vitamin A (essential for the photopigment rhodopsin in rod cells; deficiency causes night blindness — the most common preventable cause of childhood blindness globally); vitamin C (antioxidant protective of the lens — reduced levels linked to cataract); vitamin E (antioxidant protective of retinal cell membranes); zinc (required for vitamin A metabolism and protective of macular cells); and lutein and zeaxanthin (carotenoids that filter harmful blue light and protect macular cells from oxidative damage). AREDS2 supplements are recommended by ophthalmologists for patients with intermediate AMD. Does blue light from screens damage eyesight? Current NHS and WHO guidance states that normal use of digital screens does not cause permanent damage to the eyes. The amount of blue light emitted by smartphone, computer and tablet screens is far below the level shown to cause retinal harm in laboratory studies. Screen use does cause digital eye strain (tired, dry, sore eyes and temporary blurring) due to reduced blinking and sustained near-focus. Blue-light-blocking glasses are not recommended by opticians as a way to prevent eye disease — their benefit is unproven. Good screen habits — regular breaks and correct screen distance — are the effective solution. What is the 20-20-20 rule? The 20-20-20 rule is an NHS-recommended strategy to reduce digital eye strain during prolonged screen use: every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet (6 metres) away for at least 20 seconds. This gives the ciliary muscles inside the eye — which contract to focus on near objects — a brief rest, reducing fatigue. Additional measures include adjusting screen brightness to match your surroundings, positioning the screen slightly below eye level, ensuring good lighting, and using lubricating eye drops if your eyes feel dry. What sunglasses protect eyes from UV radiation? The NHS advises choosing sunglasses labelled 'UV400' — meaning they block 99–100% of UV radiation — and carrying the CE mark, confirming they meet European safety standards. The category of lens darkness does not indicate UV protection; cheap sunglasses with dark lenses but no UV coating can be worse than no glasses, as dilated pupils admit more UV. Wraparound styles provide better peripheral protection. UV protection matters year-round — UV radiation reflects off snow, water and sand — and from early childhood, as UV damage to the lens is cumulative. How can I protect my eyes at work? Appropriate eye protection at work is both a legal requirement and essential to prevent injury. Safety spectacles, goggles, face shields or welding visors should be worn when working with: hazardous chemicals, dust or particles; power tools; welding or cutting equipment; lasers; or in environments with flying debris. Employers are legally required to provide suitable eye protection under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations. Those who work at screens all day are entitled to an employer-funded eye test and, if needed, basic spectacles for screen use. Can high blood pressure affect eyesight? Yes. Chronic high blood pressure (hypertension) damages the blood vessels of the retina, causing hypertensive retinopathy — changes including vessel narrowing, haemorrhages, exudates and, in severe cases, optic disc swelling (papilloedema). Very severe acute hypertension (hypertensive emergency) can cause sudden visual loss. High blood pressure also contributes to the risk of central retinal vein or artery occlusion — a stroke equivalent affecting the eye — which can cause sudden, severe vision loss. Your optician can detect hypertensive changes to retinal blood vessels during a routine eye examination. What are the early signs of eye problems? Changes that warrant a prompt optician appointment include: gradual blurring of distance or near vision not corrected by your current glasses; increased glare from lights; halos around lights; difficulty seeing in dim conditions; distortion of straight lines; colour vision changes; and persistent or increasing eye strain or headaches. Many serious conditions — including glaucoma — produce no early symptoms, which is why regular eye tests are essential even when your vision feels normal. What are the warning signs that need urgent attention? The following symptoms require urgent or emergency eye assessment: sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes; a sudden large increase in floaters, especially accompanied by flashes of light (possible retinal detachment — a surgical emergency); a curtain or shadow coming across your visual field; sudden onset of a red, painful eye with blurred vision and nausea (possible acute angle-closure glaucoma); sudden double vision; or eye pain with severe headache. If you experience any of these, go to A&E or your nearest eye casualty department immediately. How can I prevent macular degeneration? Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) cannot be entirely prevented, but several modifiable factors reduce risk. The NHS advises: stopping smoking (doubles AMD risk); eating a diet rich in leafy greens, oily fish and colourful vegetables (sources of lutein, zeaxanthin, omega-3 and antioxidants); wearing UV-protective sunglasses; maintaining a healthy weight; and attending regular eye tests for early detection. AREDS2 antioxidant supplements are recommended by ophthalmologists to slow progression in people already diagnosed with intermediate AMD. Does rubbing your eyes cause damage? Frequent and vigorous eye rubbing is associated with two main risks. First, in people with keratoconus (a condition in which the cornea becomes progressively thinner and cone-shaped), habitual eye rubbing appears to accelerate progression and is strongly advised against. Second, rubbing can transfer bacteria from hands to the eye, increasing the risk of infection. The urge to rub itchy eyes is often caused by allergic conjunctivitis; antihistamine eye drops, cold compresses and avoiding allergens are more effective approaches than rubbing. How should I care for contact lenses? Contact lens hygiene is important to prevent infections, including Acanthamoeba keratitis — a rare but serious infection that can cause permanent corneal scarring and vision loss. The NHS advises: always wash and dry hands thoroughly before handling lenses; never sleep in daily lenses unless specifically prescribed for overnight wear; never use tap water to clean or store lenses or lens cases; never swim in lenses; replace the lens case regularly (at least monthly); and remove lenses immediately if your eye becomes red, painful or your vision changes. Annual optician check-ups are required for contact lens prescriptions. What is dry eye syndrome? Dry eye syndrome (dry eye disease) occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly, leaving the ocular surface inadequately lubricated. Symptoms include: grittiness, burning, stinging, redness, intermittent blurred vision and, paradoxically, watering eyes (reflex tearing in response to dryness). Risk factors include prolonged screen use, contact lens wear, air-conditioned environments, ageing, menopause, certain medications (antihistamines, antidepressants, beta-blockers) and autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome. Treatment includes preservative-free lubricating eye drops, eyelid hygiene, heated eye masks and, in more severe cases, prescription medications. Can sleep deprivation affect eyesight? Insufficient sleep can cause temporary eye symptoms including eye twitching (myokymia), eye strain, light sensitivity, blurred vision, dry eyes and difficulty focusing. These are caused by eye muscle fatigue and insufficient tear production during waking hours. Serious, permanent vision damage from sleep deprivation alone is not documented in clinical literature. However, some conditions worsened by sleep deprivation — such as dry eye disease and certain types of headache — can affect vision indirectly. Most eye symptoms caused by poor sleep resolve with adequate rest. Are there eye exercises to improve vision? There is no reliable clinical evidence that eye exercises improve refractive errors such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness or astigmatism — these require glasses, contact lenses or laser eye surgery. Eye exercises are used therapeutically by orthoptists for convergence insufficiency (difficulty coordinating the eyes for near work) and certain types of lazy eye (amblyopia). The 20-20-20 rule is a helpful practice for reducing eye strain rather than improving optical correction. Claims that exercises can correct refractive error or cure eye disease are not supported by the NHS or WHO. What should I do if I get something in my eye? For a small particle such as dust or an eyelash: do not rub the eye; try blinking repeatedly to flush it out; rinse the eye with clean water or sterile saline. For a chemical splash: immediately flush the eye with large amounts of clean water for at least 15–20 minutes, holding the eyelid open; call 999 or go to A&E urgently. For a penetrating injury (something embedded in the eye): do not try to remove it; cover the eye loosely (do not apply pressure) and go to A&E immediately. Never rub an eye when a penetrating injury is suspected. How does access to eye care differ around the world? The WHO estimates that 80% of global visual impairment is avoidable — meaning it could have been prevented or treated with available interventions. In the UK, NHS eye tests are free for many groups, cataracts are treated routinely, glaucoma is managed with affordable drops and laser, and diabetic eye screening is offered annually to all people with diabetes. In low-income countries, there is a severe shortage of ophthalmologists — often fewer than one per million people in the poorest regions — and essential treatments are unaffordable to the rural poor. World Aid Network funds sight-restoring eye surgery and eye care for poor patients through locally-licensed ophthalmologists. Published by World Aid Network. Check the original sources and their dates. General information is not individual medical, legal or tax advice. Our editorial policy explains responsibility and corrections. ## What are the sources for this guide? Follow the original guidance for its evidence, dates and limitations. General background references are not a clinical review of this page. - [NHS — Eye health](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/opticians/) [Editorial policy](/editorial-policy) · [Corrections and reporting an error](/corrections) ## Help give the gift of sight to those who cannot afford eye care The WHO estimates 80% of global blindness is avoidable. In the UK, eye care is accessible and often free. In low-income countries, millions lose their sight needlessly because basic eye surgery and treatment are out of reach. World Aid Network funds sight-restoring surgery through locally-licensed ophthalmologists. Your donation contributes to eye care for people who cannot afford it. [Donate to eye care](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form)[Gift of Sight Appeal: funding details](/appeal/gift-of-sight)[Eye charity programmes](/blindness-charity) ## Before you give Suggested amounts contribute to the programme. They do not guarantee a named patient, procedure or quantity of relief. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) - [Published impact and reporting](/our-impact) - [Gift Aid eligibility and current status](/gift-aid) ## Share this guide [Share by email](mailto:?subject=World%20Aid%20Network%20guide&body=https%3A%2F%2Fworldaidnetwork.org%2Fblog%2Fhow-to-keep-eyes-healthy) Only the public article link is included. ## How can I help someone access eye care? Understand the care available, explore its costs and see how a donation reaches a treatment partner. - [Give to eye care](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form) About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. Any amount contributes to the Gift of Sight Appeal. - [Sponsor cataract surgery](/sponsor-a-cataract-operation) Learn how to help fund an operation. - [Plan an eye-care gift](/eye-surgery-cost-calculator) Calculate your giving total without assuming a number of operations. - [Where your donation goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and accounted for. - [Sight-restoring eye surgery](/eye-surgery) Explore the eye care programme and treatment pathway. - [Getting help for vision changes](/eye-health/screening-checker) Find guidance on professional eye care and support enquiries. - [Clinicians and hospital enquiries](/eye-care-partners) Review standards, participation and professional introductions. - [Screening locations and availability](/free-eye-screening-camps) Check published schedules and what to ask before attending. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Humanitarian Aid Organisations UK | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/humanitarian-aid-organisations > Humanitarian aid organisations respond to floods, earthquakes and medical need. Learn how UK charities are regulated and what to check before you give. Direct Answer Humanitarian aid organisations respond to both sudden emergencies, such as floods and earthquakes, and longer-term medical needs. All UK charities with annual income above £5,000 must register with the Charity Commission and publish annual accounts. World Aid Network funds medical care and disaster relief in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia through trusted local partners. Humanitarian aid organisations exist to respond to the most urgent human needs — the aftermath of floods and earthquakes, the slow grind of extreme poverty, the collapse of health systems in communities that were already fragile. In the UK, dozens of charities work in this space. Some are enormous, with thousands of staff and operations across dozens of countries. Others are small, focused organisations working with trusted local partners in a handful of communities. This guide explains what humanitarian aid organisations actually do, how they are funded, how they are regulated in the UK, and what to look for when choosing one to support. ## What humanitarian aid organisations do Humanitarian aid organisations respond to two broad types of need. The first is emergency relief — responding to a sudden crisis such as a flood, earthquake, cyclone or conflict with immediate food, water, shelter and medical assistance. Speed is everything in the acute phase of an emergency. The second is longer-term development and medical support — funding treatments, building health infrastructure, or running programmes that address the root causes of poverty and vulnerability. This work is slower and less visible than emergency response, but its impact compounds over time. World Aid Network focuses on both: emergency disaster relief when crises strike, and sight-restoring eye surgery and cancer treatment as a sustained medical programme for poor patients who cannot afford private care. ## How UK humanitarian charities are regulated All charities operating in England and Wales with annual income above £5,000 must register with the Charity Commission. The Commission maintains a public register of all registered charities, their trustees, annual accounts and governing documents. Registered charities must operate within their stated charitable Objects — the specific purposes for which they were established. This is important for donors: if a charity's Objects are defined as humanitarian relief, the charity cannot legally redirect donations to unrelated activities. When you donate to a registered UK humanitarian charity, you can verify the organisation's registration, read its annual accounts, and check its trustees on the Charity Commission website at charity.gov.uk. Help families after floods and earthquakes Gifts contribute towards food, water, hygiene supplies and shelter for families affected by disasters in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. [Donate to emergency relief](/donate?cause=emergency-relief&appeal=emergency-floods#donate-form) ## Types of humanitarian aid organisation Large international NGOs — organisations like Oxfam, Save the Children, Islamic Relief and the British Red Cross — operate across dozens of countries, run their own field offices and employ thousands of staff. They have the scale to respond to major global crises but also carry significant overhead costs. Smaller, focused charities work in fewer countries, often through trusted local partners rather than their own field offices. This model can be more agile and cost-effective: because local partners already have community relationships, goods and services reach families faster and at lower cost. World Aid Network operates through the second model. We work with trusted local partner organisations who understand the communities they serve, procure goods locally, and can distribute assistance quickly when a crisis strikes. ## What to look for when choosing a humanitarian charity Clarity of purpose: can the charity tell you specifically what your money does? 'Helping people' is not specific enough. 'Funding one sight-restoring cataract operation for a poor patient' is. Financial transparency: does the charity publish its annual accounts? Can you see how much goes to programmes versus administration? Registered UK charities must file accounts with the Charity Commission. Local partner model: does the charity work with trusted organisations already embedded in the communities it serves? Local procurement and distribution are almost always faster, cheaper and more culturally appropriate than shipping goods from the UK. Restricted giving: can you direct your donation to a specific appeal or purpose? Restricted gifts give donors confidence that their money will be used as intended. ## World Aid Network's approach World Aid Network is a focused UK humanitarian charity with two specific charitable Objects: funding sight-restoring eye surgery and cancer treatment for poor patients who cannot afford private care, and providing emergency food, water, shelter and seasonal relief to families displaced by natural disasters. We work exclusively through trusted local partner organisations. We do not run our own field offices, which keeps our overhead costs low. All donations to a specific appeal are restricted to that purpose. Our trustees are named and our charitable Objects are legally binding. Once charity registration is granted, our trustees and annual accounts will appear on the Charity Commission public register. ### Key takeaways - Humanitarian aid organisations respond to both sudden emergencies (floods, earthquakes) and longer-term medical and development needs. - All UK charities with annual income above £5,000 must register with the Charity Commission and publish annual accounts. - Smaller charities working through local partners can often deliver assistance faster and at lower cost than large NGOs. - Look for clarity of purpose, financial transparency, a local partner model and the ability to make restricted gifts. - World Aid Network funds sight-restoring eye surgery, cancer treatment and emergency disaster relief through trusted local partner organisations. Help families after floods and earthquakes Gifts contribute towards food, water, hygiene supplies and shelter for families affected by disasters in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. [Donate to emergency relief](/donate?cause=emergency-relief&appeal=emergency-floods#donate-form) [Emergency Floods & Earthquake Appeal: how gifts are used](/appeal/emergency-floods) ## Frequently asked questions What is the difference between humanitarian aid and development aid? Humanitarian aid responds to immediate crises — floods, earthquakes, displacement — with emergency food, water, shelter and medical care. Development aid addresses longer-term structural issues such as poverty, health infrastructure and education. Many organisations work in both areas. How do I know if a UK humanitarian charity is legitimate? Search the Charity Commission public register at charity.gov.uk. All legitimate UK charities with income above £5,000 must be registered. Check the charity's annual accounts and trustee list before donating. Are smaller humanitarian charities less effective than large ones? Not necessarily. Smaller charities with a focused mandate and a strong local partner network can deliver assistance more quickly and cost-effectively than large organisations with high overheads. The key questions are how efficiently the money is used and how clearly the outcomes are reported. Can I specify where my donation goes? At World Aid Network, donations to a specific appeal are restricted to that purpose. You can donate to our Emergency Disaster Relief fund or our Eye Surgery and Cancer Treatment programme, and your money will be used accordingly. What is World Aid Network's charity registration number? Please visit the Charity Commission public register at charity.gov.uk and search for 'World Aid Network' to find our current registration details and annual accounts. Published by World Aid Network. Check the original sources and their dates. General information is not individual medical, legal or tax advice. Our editorial policy explains responsibility and corrections. ## What are the sources for this guide? Follow the original guidance for its evidence, dates and limitations. Background references explain the need; they are not evidence of WAN fundraising or delivery. - [GOV.UK — Find charity information](https://www.gov.uk/find-charity-information) [Editorial policy](/editorial-policy) · [Corrections and reporting an error](/corrections) ## Support focused humanitarian aid World Aid Network raises funds for eye surgery, cancer treatment and emergency disaster relief in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Read where your money goes before you give. [Donate to emergency relief](/donate?cause=emergency-relief&appeal=emergency-floods#donate-form)[Emergency Floods & Earthquake Appeal: funding details](/appeal/emergency-floods)[Emergency relief programme](/emergency-relief) ## Before you give Suggested amounts contribute to the programme. They do not guarantee a named patient, procedure or quantity of relief. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) - [Published impact and reporting](/our-impact) - [Gift Aid eligibility and current status](/gift-aid) ## Share this guide [Share by email](mailto:?subject=World%20Aid%20Network%20guide&body=https%3A%2F%2Fworldaidnetwork.org%2Fblog%2Fhumanitarian-aid-organisations) Only the public article link is included. ## How can I help families affected by a disaster? Explore food, water and broader relief needs, then choose the kind of support that fits your intentions. - [Donate to emergency relief](/donate?cause=emergency-relief#donate-form) Gifts contribute towards food, water, hygiene supplies and shelter after disasters. - [Monthly charity donations](/monthly-giving) Consider regular support for ongoing programme needs. - [Emergency disaster relief](/emergency-relief) Understand the relief programme and its priorities. - [Food aid for families](/food-aid-charity) Learn how food support meets immediate needs. - [Clean water donations](/clean-water-charity) Explore support for access to safe water. - [Aid organisation partnerships](/partner-with-us) Explore delivery proposals, safeguarding and reporting. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # How to Assess a Humanitarian Appeal | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/humanitarian-appeal > Use a practical checklist to assess a humanitarian appeal: need, funding restrictions, delivery evidence and reporting. Explore WAN’s emergency relief. Direct Answer A humanitarian appeal asks for support for people affected by crisis. Before giving, check the organisation’s identity, the specific need, how the money may be used and what evidence it publishes. WAN’s relief appeals support emergency essentials in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia, subject to assessed need, funding, access and partner capacity. ## Identify the organisation and the need Start from the organisation’s official website. Check its registration status, contact details and the dates of its emergency sources. Be cautious about copied images, payment links from unfamiliar accounts and claims that cannot be traced to a source. ## Understand what your donation supports Look for a clear distinction between programme aims, fundraising totals and completed delivery. A narrow appeal is not automatically faster or more effective. Ask how the organisation works, what costs apply and what happens if the original need changes. [ How WAN explains the use of donations ](/where-your-money-goes) Help families after floods and earthquakes Gifts contribute towards food, water, hygiene supplies and shelter for families affected by disasters in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. [Donate to emergency relief](/donate?cause=emergency-relief&appeal=humanitarian-appeal#donate-form) ## Read the evidence, including what is not yet available A useful report states the place, reporting period, activity and evidence behind a number. WAN publishes its reporting status and approved material when available. The lack of a published outcome should remain visible rather than be filled with an estimate. [ Published impact and evidence ](/our-impact) ## Choose an affordable way to give A one-off gift can suit a specific moment; a monthly gift can provide ongoing support. Check the appeal purpose and cancellation arrangements before choosing. Contact the charity before making unusual restrictions. [ Explore WAN’s Humanitarian Appeal ](/appeal/humanitarian-appeal) ### Key takeaways - A humanitarian appeal asks for support for people affected by crisis. Before giving, check the organisation’s identity, the specific need, how the money may be used and what evidence it publishes. WAN’s relief appeals support emergency essentials in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia, subject to assessed need, funding, access and partner capacity. Help families after floods and earthquakes Gifts contribute towards food, water, hygiene supplies and shelter for families affected by disasters in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. [Donate to emergency relief](/donate?cause=emergency-relief&appeal=humanitarian-appeal#donate-form) [Humanitarian Appeal: how gifts are used](/appeal/humanitarian-appeal) ## Frequently asked questions Is a local partner automatically faster? Local knowledge can help, but timing depends on access, supplies, funding and capacity. A fixed response time needs evidence. What does WAN’s appeal support? Emergency food, safe water, hygiene supplies and temporary shelter within its published geographic scope. Published by World Aid Network. Read the linked primary sources and our editorial policy. Public sources explain the background; they do not verify WAN delivery, financial results or individual outcomes. ## What are the sources for this guide? Follow the original guidance for its evidence, dates and limitations. Background references explain the need; they are not evidence of WAN fundraising or delivery. - [GOV.UK — Find charity information](https://www.gov.uk/find-charity-information) - [IFRC — Disaster management](https://www.ifrc.org/our-work/disasters-climate-and-crises) [Editorial policy](/editorial-policy) · [Corrections and reporting an error](/corrections) ## Support emergency essentials Read the Humanitarian Appeal to understand the purpose, available evidence and donation options. [Donate to emergency relief](/donate?cause=emergency-relief&appeal=humanitarian-appeal#donate-form)[Humanitarian Appeal: funding details](/appeal/humanitarian-appeal)[Emergency relief programme](/emergency-relief) ## Before you give Suggested amounts contribute to the programme. They do not guarantee a named patient, procedure or quantity of relief. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) - [Published impact and reporting](/our-impact) - [Gift Aid eligibility and current status](/gift-aid) ## Share this guide [Share by email](mailto:?subject=World%20Aid%20Network%20guide&body=https%3A%2F%2Fworldaidnetwork.org%2Fblog%2Fhumanitarian-appeal) Only the public article link is included. ## How can I help families affected by a disaster? Explore food, water and broader relief needs, then choose the kind of support that fits your intentions. - [Donate to emergency relief](/donate?cause=emergency-relief#donate-form) Gifts contribute towards food, water, hygiene supplies and shelter after disasters. - [Monthly charity donations](/monthly-giving) Consider regular support for ongoing programme needs. - [Emergency disaster relief](/emergency-relief) Understand the relief programme and its priorities. - [Food aid for families](/food-aid-charity) Learn how food support meets immediate needs. - [Clean water donations](/clean-water-charity) Explore support for access to safe water. - [Aid organisation partnerships](/partner-with-us) Explore delivery proposals, safeguarding and reporting. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Lazy Eye (Amblyopia): Treatment | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/lazy-eye-amblyopia-uk > Amblyopia, or lazy eye, affects 2 to 3% of people and is the top cause of childhood vision loss. Learn about glasses, patching and NHS eye screening. Direct Answer Amblyopia, widely known as lazy eye, affects approximately 2 to 3% of people and is the most common cause of vision loss in children. It is treated with glasses first, then patching or atropine drops, and works best before age seven or eight. World Aid Network funds eye care for children who cannot afford treatment. Amblyopia — widely known as lazy eye — is the most common cause of vision impairment in children, affecting approximately 2–3% of the population. It occurs when one eye (rarely both) develops reduced visual acuity during the critical period of visual development in early childhood, because the brain receives a poorer-quality or misaligned image from that eye and begins to favour the other. Amblyopia cannot be corrected with spectacles or contact lenses alone, because the problem lies not in the optics of the eye but in the neural connections between the eye and the visual cortex. Treatment requires active steps to encourage the brain to use the weaker eye — most commonly by temporarily occluding (patching) the stronger eye. This guide answers the twenty most commonly searched questions about lazy eye in the UK, drawing on NHS and WHO sources. ## Types and causes Strabismic amblyopia is the most common form — caused by misalignment of the eyes (strabismus, or squint). When the eyes are not aligned, the brain suppresses the image from the misaligned eye to avoid double vision, and over time that eye's visual cortex pathways become functionally underused, leading to permanently reduced acuity if not treated in childhood. Strabismus must be treated (with glasses to correct refractive error, prism, patching, and/or surgery) to allow amblyopia treatment to succeed. Refractive amblyopia (anisometropic amblyopia) is caused by a significant difference in refractive error between the two eyes — for example, one eye is much more short-sighted or long-sighted than the other. The brain favours the eye with the clearer image, suppressing the other. Deprivation amblyopia — the most severe type — is caused by an obstruction to vision in early life (congenital cataract, ptosis/drooping eyelid, corneal opacity) that prevents a clear image from reaching the retina. It requires urgent treatment — often within weeks of birth — to prevent severe, permanent amblyopia. ## Detection and NHS screening Amblyopia is typically detected through the NHS childhood vision screening programme. In England, a formal orthoptic or optometric vision screening is offered at age 4–5 (before school entry). The screening tests visual acuity in each eye separately using age-appropriate tests (Kay pictures, Snellen letters) and checks ocular alignment. Children found to have reduced vision in one eye or a squint are referred to an orthoptist or community ophthalmology service for assessment and treatment. Children are also checked during the neonatal examination (at birth for obvious eye abnormalities), at the 6–8-week GP check (red reflex and alignment), and at regular developmental health checks. Parents should seek assessment if they notice a squint, one eye turning or wandering, or a white reflection (leukocoria) in a child's eye — which can indicate cataract, retinoblastoma or other serious pathology. Help someone reach eye care About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. Any amount contributes to the Gift of Sight Appeal, and outcomes vary by condition. [Donate to eye care](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form) ## Treatment The first step in treating amblyopia is to correct any underlying refractive error with glasses — many children show significant improvement in amblyopic eye acuity simply from wearing the appropriate spectacle correction for several months. If residual amblyopia persists after refractive correction, the 'good' eye is penalised to force the brain to use the amblyopic eye. The standard method is occlusion therapy — patching the better eye with an adhesive patch for a prescribed number of hours per day, typically 2–6 hours. Atropine penalisation is an alternative — a drop of atropine is instilled into the better eye several times per week, blurring near vision in that eye and encouraging use of the amblyopic eye. It is as effective as patching for moderate amblyopia and preferred when children resist patching. Digital amblyopia therapy (dichoptic treatment — presenting different images to each eye through a tablet or gaming system) is being evaluated in clinical trials and shows promise. Treatment is most effective in children under 7–8 years (within the critical period of visual development), though evidence supports treatment up to 12 years and beyond. ### Key takeaways - Amblyopia (lazy eye) affects 2–3% of people and is the most common cause of vision loss in children. It occurs when the brain suppresses or underuses one eye during the critical period of visual development. - The three main types are strabismic (caused by squint), refractive/anisometropic (caused by unequal refractive error between eyes) and deprivation (caused by congenital cataract or ptosis). - Treatment works best in early childhood (before age 7–8). Glasses are the first step; then patching (occlusion) or atropine drops to force the brain to use the weaker eye. - Children who miss treatment in the critical period may have permanent reduced vision in the amblyopic eye. This is why NHS vision screening at age 4–5 is essential. - Amblyopia treatment in adults is possible but less effective than in childhood. Some benefit can still be achieved, particularly for those who missed childhood treatment. Help someone reach eye care About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. Any amount contributes to the Gift of Sight Appeal, and outcomes vary by condition. [Donate to eye care](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form) [Gift of Sight Appeal: how gifts are used](/appeal/gift-of-sight) ## Frequently asked questions What is amblyopia (lazy eye)? Amblyopia — commonly called lazy eye — is a developmental vision disorder in which one eye (rarely both) develops reduced visual acuity despite there being no structural abnormality in the eye itself. The problem lies in the neural pathways between the eye and the brain's visual cortex, which fail to develop normally because the brain receives a poorer quality or misaligned image from that eye during the critical period of visual development in early childhood. It affects approximately 2–3% of people and is the most common cause of vision loss in children. What causes lazy eye? The three main causes are: strabismus (squint) — misalignment of the eyes causes the brain to suppress the image from the deviating eye; significant anisometropia — unequal refractive error between the two eyes (one eye much more short-sighted, long-sighted or astigmatic than the other) means the brain favours the sharper-image eye and suppresses the other; and visual deprivation — any condition that prevents a clear image from reaching the retina in one eye during early development, such as congenital cataract, drooping eyelid (ptosis) or corneal opacity. What is a squint? A squint (strabismus) is a misalignment of the eyes — one eye looks straight ahead while the other turns in (esotropia), out (exotropia), up (hypertropia) or down (hypotropia). It is the most common cause of amblyopia. Squints may be constant or intermittent. When a squint is present, the brain suppresses the image from the misaligned eye to avoid double vision — over time, the suppressed eye's visual pathways become underused and visual acuity deteriorates (amblyopia). Treatment of the squint (glasses, patching, prism, surgery) is part of amblyopia management. Does lazy eye cause the eye to wander? The term 'lazy eye' is sometimes confused with strabismus (squint) because a squint can look like a 'wandering eye'. However, the two are different: amblyopia is reduced vision in an eye; strabismus is misalignment of the eyes. They frequently coexist — strabismus is the most common cause of amblyopia — but amblyopia can also exist without any obvious squint (in anisometropic or deprivation amblyopia). Conversely, some people have a squint without amblyopia. A thorough orthoptic assessment distinguishes between them. How is amblyopia diagnosed? Amblyopia is diagnosed by testing visual acuity in each eye separately and finding a significant difference that cannot be explained by the refractive error (glasses prescription) alone. In children, age-appropriate tests are used: Kay pictures or LogMAR crowding tests in young children; Snellen letters in older children. Orthoptic assessment also checks ocular alignment, binocular function and stereopsis (3D vision). A dilated refraction (using cyclopentolate drops to relax accommodation and accurately measure the full refractive error) is performed to identify any anisometropia. What is occlusion therapy (patching)? Occlusion therapy — patching — involves covering the better eye with an adhesive patch for a prescribed number of hours per day (typically 2–6 hours, depending on severity). With the better eye occluded, the child is forced to use the amblyopic eye, stimulating the neural pathways between that eye and the visual cortex and improving acuity. Patching is prescribed by an orthoptist and progress is reviewed at regular intervals. Compliance (wearing the patch as prescribed) is the most important factor determining treatment success. Activities that require visual attention (drawing, jigsaws, reading) during patching hours enhance the treatment effect. What is atropine penalisation for amblyopia? Atropine penalisation is an alternative to patching for treating amblyopia. Atropine eye drops (1%) are instilled into the better eye, typically 1–3 times per week. Atropine dilates the pupil and paralyses accommodation (the eye's ability to focus at near distances) in the treated eye, making near vision blurry. This forces the child to use the amblyopic eye for close-up tasks. Clinical trials (PEDIG studies) have shown atropine to be as effective as full-time patching for moderate amblyopia. It is preferred for children who resist wearing a patch. At what age should amblyopia be treated? Treatment is most effective during the critical period of visual development — generally considered to be from birth to approximately 7–8 years of age. The earlier treatment begins (particularly for deprivation amblyopia), the better the outcome. However, the critical period is not a sharp cut-off: there is evidence that treatment remains effective up to at least 12 years, with diminishing but real benefit in adolescence and adulthood. The UK NHS vision screening programme at age 4–5 aims to detect amblyopia before the critical period closes. Can adults be treated for amblyopia? Yes, though treatment is less effective in adults than in children. The traditional view was that amblyopia could only be treated during the critical period (up to \~7 years). Evidence now shows that patching, atropine and dichoptic visual training can produce modest but meaningful improvements in visual acuity in adults who did not receive treatment as children. Adults with amblyopia who develop disease in their better eye are particularly motivated to seek treatment, and specialist visual rehabilitation services can provide support. Will glasses fix lazy eye? Glasses (or contact lenses) correct the refractive error that may be contributing to amblyopia but cannot fix amblyopia on their own once it is established, because the problem lies in the neural connections between the eye and brain — not in the optics of the eye. However, in refractive/anisometropic amblyopia, full-time spectacle correction for several months often produces significant improvement in the amblyopic eye's acuity before any patching is needed. For deprivation and strabismic amblyopia, glasses address the refractive component, but further active treatment (patching or atropine) is usually required. Can amblyopia be cured? With early detection and consistent treatment during the critical period, amblyopia can be substantially reversed — many children achieve normal or near-normal visual acuity in the affected eye. 'Cure' in this context means achieving visual acuity within one to two lines of the better eye on a standard acuity chart. However, full normalisation of all visual functions (including stereopsis/3D vision and contrast sensitivity) may not always be achieved. Adults who missed childhood treatment are unlikely to achieve full normalisation but can make meaningful improvements with treatment. What happens if amblyopia is not treated? Untreated amblyopia results in permanently reduced vision in the affected eye — typically below 6/9 on the Snellen chart, and sometimes much worse. The amblyopic eye does not 'catch up' on its own after the critical period closes. Beyond the impact on the affected eye's vision, untreated amblyopia eliminates binocular vision and stereopsis (the ability to perceive depth and 3D using both eyes together), which has implications for some occupations and activities. People with one normal eye and one amblyopic eye are also more vulnerable to total blindness if the normal eye is later affected by injury or disease. How does deprivation amblyopia differ from other types? Deprivation amblyopia is the most severe form of amblyopia, caused by complete visual obstruction during early development — most commonly by a congenital cataract, but also by corneal opacity, severe ptosis (drooping eyelid) or other media opacities. It requires the most urgent treatment — often surgery within days to weeks of birth (for congenital cataract) — followed by intensive patching to drive use of the previously deprived eye. Without extremely prompt treatment, the amblyopia can be profound and permanent, as the visual system requires visual stimulation from birth to develop normally. Can both eyes have amblyopia? Bilateral amblyopia (reduced acuity in both eyes) is rare but can occur in bilateral deprivation (e.g. bilateral congenital cataracts) or bilateral high refractive error that is not corrected in early childhood (bilateral high hyperopia or astigmatism). Bilateral amblyopia may go undetected for longer than unilateral amblyopia because neither eye dominates; both eyes may appear to function, but both have reduced acuity. NHS childhood vision screening tests each eye separately, which allows bilateral amblyopia to be detected. Does patching hurt or damage the good eye? Patching does not damage the better eye. There is a theoretical concern that excessive patching of the better eye could cause 'occlusion amblyopia' — temporarily reduced acuity in the patched eye. For this reason, orthoptists carefully calibrate the prescribed patching hours based on the child's age and amblyopia severity, and monitor the better eye's acuity at regular follow-up. Modern part-time patching regimens (2–6 hours per day) have been shown to be as effective as full-time patching in clinical trials, with essentially zero risk of occlusion amblyopia. What is dichoptic therapy for amblyopia? Dichoptic therapy is a newer approach to amblyopia treatment that presents different images simultaneously to each eye (typically through virtual reality headsets, gaming systems or tablets), requiring both eyes to work together to see the complete image. This approach is designed to reduce suppression and strengthen binocular visual processing. Clinical trials — particularly the PEDIG BRAVADA trial — have evaluated dichoptic video game treatment in children with amblyopia. Results to date show modest improvement, broadly similar to patching, and research into optimising the approach is ongoing. How does amblyopia affect vision in developing countries? In low-income countries, early childhood vision screening programmes are largely absent, strabismus and refractive error frequently go undetected, and congenital cataracts may not be operated on within the critical window due to limited surgical access. The result is a much higher burden of amblyopia-related permanent vision loss in children. World Aid Network funds sight-restoring eye surgery and eye care through locally-licensed ophthalmologists, supporting access to paediatric eye care — including cataract surgery in children — for the poorest families. Published by World Aid Network. Check the original sources and their dates. General information is not individual medical, legal or tax advice. Our editorial policy explains responsibility and corrections. ## What are the sources for this guide? Follow the original guidance for its evidence, dates and limitations. General background references are not a clinical review of this page. - [NHS — Lazy eye](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lazy-eye/) [Editorial policy](/editorial-policy) · [Corrections and reporting an error](/corrections) ## Help give children the gift of sight Amblyopia caused by untreated congenital cataract is preventable — but requires surgery within days to weeks of birth. In low-income countries, paediatric eye surgery is largely inaccessible to the poorest families. World Aid Network funds sight-restoring eye surgery through locally-licensed ophthalmologists. Please donate today. [Donate to eye care](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form)[Gift of Sight Appeal: funding details](/appeal/gift-of-sight)[Eye charity programmes](/blindness-charity) ## Before you give Suggested amounts contribute to the programme. They do not guarantee a named patient, procedure or quantity of relief. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) - [Published impact and reporting](/our-impact) - [Gift Aid eligibility and current status](/gift-aid) ## Share this guide [Share by email](mailto:?subject=World%20Aid%20Network%20guide&body=https%3A%2F%2Fworldaidnetwork.org%2Fblog%2Flazy-eye-amblyopia-uk) Only the public article link is included. ## How can I help someone access eye care? Understand the care available, explore its costs and see how a donation reaches a treatment partner. - [Give to eye care](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form) About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. Any amount contributes to the Gift of Sight Appeal. - [Sponsor cataract surgery](/sponsor-a-cataract-operation) Learn how to help fund an operation. - [Plan an eye-care gift](/eye-surgery-cost-calculator) Calculate your giving total without assuming a number of operations. - [Where your donation goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and accounted for. - [Sight-restoring eye surgery](/eye-surgery) Explore the eye care programme and treatment pathway. - [Getting help for vision changes](/eye-health/screening-checker) Find guidance on professional eye care and support enquiries. - [Clinicians and hospital enquiries](/eye-care-partners) Review standards, participation and professional introductions. - [Screening locations and availability](/free-eye-screening-camps) Check published schedules and what to ask before attending. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # How to make a will in the UK > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/making-a-will-legacy-giving-uk-guide > Last reviewed: 2026-08-24 ## In short A Will Aid poll in 2024 found 56% of UK adults have never made a will. In England and Wales you must sign in front of two independent adult witnesses who also sign. World Aid Network publishes this how-to; gifts in wills sit on our legacy giving page. Not legal advice. Seven steps to a valid last will and testament in England and Wales — executors, witnessing, intestacy and where a charity gift fits. Not legal advice. This is a how-to for making a will in England and Wales, published at https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/making-a-will-legacy-giving-uk-guide. It is general information, not legal advice. Rules differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Gifts in wills / World Aid Network wording: https://worldaidnetwork.org/legacy-giving. Free will writing schemes: https://worldaidnetwork.org/legacy-giving/free-will-writing. One paid online will for straightforward England and Wales estates: https://swiftwill.co.uk/ (not a WAN product; still needs two witnesses on paper). Gift Aid does not apply to gifts in a will. Official: https://www.gov.uk/make-will. ## At a glance - 56%: UK adults who have never made a will (Will Aid poll, November 2024 — sector figure, not WAN) - 2 witnesses: England and Wales: you sign in their presence; they sign in yours (GOV.UK) - £526: Probate application fee in England and Wales from 13 July 2026 for estates over £5,000 (HMCTS) - No Gift Aid: Gift Aid is a lifetime relief — it never applies to a gift in a will ## What is a last will and testament? A last will and testament is a written legal document that says who should receive your money, property and possessions after you die. In England and Wales it must be signed and witnessed correctly or it has no effect. World Aid Network publishes this guide as general information. It is not a solicitor’s letter and not legal advice. GOV.UK’s making a will guide is the official starting point: https://www.gov.uk/make-will. A will also lets you name an executor, appoint guardians for children under 18, and say whether any share should go to a charity. Without a valid will, intestacy rules decide who inherits — not your wishes, and not a charity. Pensions and some life policies often pass outside a will, under a nomination form. Joint property held as joint tenants usually passes to the surviving owner. List those separately when you take stock. A solicitor can tell you what actually sits in your estate. ## Why should I make a will in the UK? A will is how you choose who inherits, who administers the estate, and who looks after children under 18. A Will Aid poll in November 2024 found 56% of UK adults have never made one. Dying intestate can leave an unmarried partner, stepchildren, friends and charities with nothing. Making a will is the only way to leave a gift in your will. The National Wills Register’s 2025 report found 37% of UK adults said they had made a will — so most still have not. Those are sector figures, not World Aid Network caseloads. The cost of putting it off is not a fee. It is other people deciding for you. A will can be updated. Marriage, divorce, a child, a house, or a change in who you trust as executor are all reasons to look at it again. A current will is better than an old one that no longer matches your life. ## How do I make a will in the UK? List your estate, choose beneficiaries and an executor, name guardians if you have children under 18, draft the document, then sign it in front of two independent adult witnesses who also sign. Store the original and tell the executor where it is. Use a solicitor if the estate is not straightforward. GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/make-will. That sequence is the same whether you use a solicitor, an online will-writing service, or a template. The legal risk sits in the wording and the witnessing, not in the software. A small error can make a gift fail or the whole will invalid. One paid online option for a straightforward England and Wales estate is SwiftWill (https://swiftwill.co.uk/). It is not a World Aid Network product. For a charity beneficiary, use the full legal name and address. World Aid Network does not yet have a registered charity number (Charity Commission application 5290505). The exact clause sits on the legacy giving page. Do not copy a number from another charity. - Take stock of property, savings, debts, pensions and anything that passes outside the will. - Name people and organisations in full — including a charity’s legal name. - Choose an executor who is willing, and a substitute. - Name guardians for children under 18. - Draft, then execute with two independent witnesses in England and Wales. - Store the original and tell the executor where to find it. ## How do I sign and witness a will in England and Wales? You (the testator) must sign the will in the presence of two adult witnesses, who then sign in your presence. Witnesses must not be beneficiaries, and must not be married to or in a civil partnership with a beneficiary, or their gift can fail. A will that is not correctly witnessed is not valid. Remote or video witnessing is not the ordinary rule. GOV.UK states you need the will formally witnessed and signed to make it legally valid. Both witnesses should see you sign, and you should see them sign. Using a beneficiary as a witness is a classic way to void that person’s gift. Pick two adults who take nothing under the will. An executor who is also a beneficiary may still act as executor. They must not also witness. If you are unsure, a solicitor will run the execution so the paper is valid on the day. ## What happens if I die without a will? The intestacy rules decide who inherits. In England and Wales that is a fixed family hierarchy: spouse or civil partner, then children, then parents, then siblings. An unmarried partner, however long you have lived together, receives nothing under intestacy. Neither do stepchildren who were not adopted, friends, or charities. Official tool: https://www.gov.uk/inherits-someone-dies-without-will. GOV.UK publishes a checker for who can apply for probate and inherit if there is no will. The administrator is usually the closest living relative, not the person you would have chosen as executor. The estate can take longer to wind up. If you want a partner, a friend, or World Aid Network to receive anything, you need a valid will. Intestacy will not read a note on the fridge. ## Do Scotland and Northern Ireland have different will rules? Yes. GOV.UK’s making a will guide is written for England and Wales and says the rules differ in Scotland and in Northern Ireland. Scotland has different witnessing, a different age of capacity, and different intestacy. Do not use an England-and-Wales template for a Scottish estate. Instruct a solicitor where you live. This page explains the England and Wales sequence because that is what most UK searchers mean by “how to make a will”. It is not a Scotland or Northern Ireland manual. Cross-border property, a house in two countries, or a will already made abroad needs specialist advice. World Aid Network is applying to register as a CIO in England and Wales. A solicitor in any UK nation can still name us as a beneficiary. The wording is on the legacy giving page. ## What should I include in a last will and testament? Name yourself, revoke earlier wills, appoint executors (and a substitute), appoint guardians if you have children under 18, and set out specific gifts and the residue. Date it. Sign and witness it. A letter of wishes can sit beside the will for funeral preferences; it is not binding. Changes after signature need a codicil or a new will. Specific gifts are named items or sums. The residue is everything left after debts, tax, costs and those gifts. A charity gift is usually a residuary share, a pecuniary (cash) sum, or a specific asset. How those three work — and Inheritance Tax — is the job of the legacy giving page, not this how-to. Be precise. Full legal names. For a charity, the legal name and address, and the registered number when you have one. Vague wording (“the cancer charity”) is how gifts fail. ## What does an executor of a will do? The executor administers the estate: registers the death, finds the will, values assets, pays debts and tax, applies for probate if needed, and distributes what remains. Anyone can be an executor. The role can take months. Professional help is paid from the estate. An executor who is also a beneficiary is allowed; an executor who witnesses the will is not. GOV.UK’s applying for probate guide is https://www.gov.uk/applying-for-probate. Probate is the court’s confirmation that the executor may deal with the estate. Banks often will not release larger accounts without it. You may not need probate for small savings or some jointly owned assets — ask each institution. Name someone who will actually do the work, and a substitute if they cannot. A solicitor can be a co-executor. Tell them you have named them. ## Who should I name as guardian for my children? If you have children under 18, your will should name who you want to care for them if both parents have died. Speak to that person first. Without a nomination a court decides. This is one of the strongest reasons for a parent to make a will, even with a modest estate. A guardian is not the same as an executor, though one person can be both. You can record non-binding wishes about schooling or faith in a letter of wishes. The legal appointment belongs in the will. If you share care with an ex-partner, a solicitor should draft the clause so it does not fight the other parent’s parental responsibility. ## How much does it cost to write a will in the UK? Prices vary. A straightforward solicitor will is often a few hundred pounds; complex estates cost more. Online services publish their own fees — SwiftWill states £35 once for an England and Wales will (https://swiftwill.co.uk/, checked 24 August 2026). Templates are cheaper and easier to get wrong. World Aid Network does not rank firms. The Law Society’s find-a-solicitor tool is https://solicitors.lawsociety.org.uk/. GOV.UK says you can write a will yourself, but you should get advice if it is not straightforward — foreign property, a business, trusts, a previous marriage, or Inheritance Tax planning. The fee is usually less than the cost of a dispute. We do not take a commission from will writers. SwiftWill is one online service, not a WAN partner. If a firm offers a “free will” in return for a suggested donation to their partner charities, that is a scheme: see the free will writing page. There is no obligation to leave World Aid Network a gift. - Solicitor (wills and probate) — Complex estates, foreign assets, tax planning, or anyone who wants a professional on the execution - Online will-writing service — Simple England and Wales estates and a guided questionnaire — still must be signed and witnessed on paper. Example: SwiftWill (https://swiftwill.co.uk/) - DIY template — Lowest cash cost; highest risk of a void gift or an invalid will - Free will scheme — A participating solicitor drafts a basic will; a donation to the scheme’s charities is voluntary ## Can I make a will online? Yes, for a straightforward estate in England and Wales, if you still print the document and sign it in front of two independent adult witnesses. One paid service is SwiftWill (https://swiftwill.co.uk/). World Aid Network does not sell wills and does not rank firms. Use a solicitor if you need tax planning, trusts, foreign property, or you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland. SwiftWill’s own site says you answer a questionnaire, pay a one-time fee they publish as £35, download a PDF, then print and sign with two witnesses. Mirror wills for a couple are a separate checkout on their site. They describe the product as legal information and software, not legal advice. We have not audited their document. An online will is not valid until the paper is executed. Remote or video witnessing is not the ordinary England and Wales rule. If SwiftWill’s suitability check (or your own circumstances) points to a solicitor, take that path. ## Can I write my own will? Yes. GOV.UK says you can write a will yourself. It is still only valid if it is correctly signed and witnessed. A missing clause, a beneficiary as witness, or an unclear residue can undo the gift. For most people the saving is smaller than the risk. A guided online service such as SwiftWill is a different route from a blank template. Get advice if anything about the estate is not simple. Home-printed packs and website templates are not checked by the Probate Registry in advance. Problems surface after death, when you cannot explain what you meant. That is when families spend the estate on lawyers. If you do write your own, use two independent witnesses, date it, revoke earlier wills, and store the original. Then tell the executor where it is. If you would rather follow a questionnaire, see Can I make a will online? ## What is a free will writing service? Free Wills Month, Will Aid and similar schemes let participating solicitors write a basic will at no fee, often asking for a voluntary donation to their partner charities. You are never obliged to leave a charity a gift. World Aid Network is not a listed partner of those schemes. The mechanics sit on the free will writing page. A “free will” is still a legal document. It must be witnessed like any other. If the solicitor is not experienced in your type of estate, pay for proper advice instead. SwiftWill is a paid online will, not a free solicitor-week scheme. Using a free scheme does not put World Aid Network in your will. If you want us named, take the wording from the legacy giving page to whichever solicitor you use. ## Can I change my will after I have made it? Yes, while you have testamentary capacity. A small change can be a codicil — signed and witnessed like the original. Larger changes are usually cleaner as a new will that revokes the old one. Do not write on the signed original. An unrevoked earlier will can compete with a later one. GOV.UK says that to update a will you make a codicil or a new will. Crossing out a line at home is not a safe amendment. Destroying the old original after a new will is executed helps, but the new will should still revoke previous wills in writing. If you used an online service such as SwiftWill, downloading a fresh PDF is not enough — print it and sign it again with two witnesses. Tell the executor if you move the original. An unfound new will is as bad as none. ## Does getting married revoke my will? In England and Wales, marriage or civil partnership usually revokes a previous will, unless the will was made in contemplation of that marriage. Divorce does not revoke the whole will, but it typically treats an ex-spouse as if they had died for gifts and appointments. Review the will after either event. A solicitor should draft the contemplation clause if you need it. Couples who live together without marrying are not in the same legal position as spouses. Intestacy still ignores an unmarried partner. A will is how you protect them. If you have remarried and kept an old will “because it still feels right”, check. The law may have already cancelled it. ## Where should I store my will? Keep the signed original in a safe place and tell your executor where it is. Options include a solicitor’s strongroom, a will storage service, or HMCTS will storage. A photocopy is not the original. An unfound will is treated like no will. Do not store the only original in a bank box the executor cannot open. The National Will Register is a private register some people use so a will can be found later. Registration is not the same as making the will valid. Validity is the paper and the witnessing. If you revoke a will, destroy the old original once the new one is properly executed, or you risk two documents in circulation. ## What is probate and how much does it cost? Probate is the legal right to deal with someone’s estate. From 13 July 2026 the application fee in England and Wales is £526 for estates worth more than £5,000; estates of £5,000 or less stay exempt (HMCTS / Court and Tribunal Fees Order 2026). Extra official copies cost a separate fee. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own processes. The fee was £273 for several years, then £300 from May 2024, then £526 from 13 July 2026. This guide previously stated £273. That figure is out of date. Confirm the current fee on GOV.UK before you apply: https://www.gov.uk/applying-for-probate. The court fee is not the solicitor’s bill. Many estates also pay a practitioner to value assets, complete tax forms and collect in accounts. Those costs come from the estate. ## How do I leave a gift to charity in my will? Ask your solicitor to add a residuary share, a cash (pecuniary) sum, or a specific asset, using the charity’s full legal name. Provide for the people you love first. There is no minimum. The types of gift, Inheritance Tax including the 10% reduced rate, and World Aid Network’s wording live on the legacy giving page — this page is the how-to for the will itself. A charity gift in a will is not a card donation. It takes effect after death. Gift Aid does not apply. Qualifying gifts to charity are generally deducted before Inheritance Tax is calculated; HMRC explains the reduced 36% rate if 10% or more of the net estate goes to qualifying charities: https://www.gov.uk/inheritance-tax. World Aid Network’s registration is in progress (application 5290505). Your solicitor should use our legal name and address now, and add the registered number when it is granted. Email info@worldaidnetwork.org if you would like us to write when that number exists. Telling us does not lock the gift in. ## Does Gift Aid apply to a gift in my will? No. Gift Aid is a lifetime relief on donations you make while you are alive. HMRC does not add 25p to a testamentary gift. A card donation on this page is a lifetime gift; Gift Aid on those starts when Charity Commission registration is granted. Will gifts are a different route on the legacy giving page. Mixing the two is a common search-engine mix-up. If you want the 25% top-up, give now by card and complete a Gift Aid declaration when we can claim. If you want a gift that costs nothing during your lifetime, that is a will clause. In-memory giving is a third route: other people give after a death. That is not your will. ## Can I leave a gift to World Aid Network in my will? Yes. Ask a solicitor to name World Aid Network, a Charitable Incorporated Organisation in England and Wales, of International House, 51 Borough High Street, London SE1 1NB, Charity Commission application 5290505. Suggested wording is on the legacy giving page. You can restrict the gift to eye surgery, cancer treatment or emergency relief, or leave it unrestricted. A residuary percentage keeps pace with the estate. A fixed cash sum is simple and can be eroded by inflation. A house or shareholding is a specific gift and needs extra advice if someone lives in the property. We do not invent how many operations a typical UK estate will fund. Please provide for your family first. There is no minimum. You can change your mind. A lifetime card gift on this form is optional and separate. ## Is this legal advice? No. This is general information from World Aid Network about how wills usually work in England and Wales, so you can ask better questions of a solicitor. We are not a law firm. Rules change. Your circumstances are not on this page. If the will is not straightforward, get professional advice before you sign. Primary sources: GOV.UK making a will (https://www.gov.uk/make-will), GOV.UK intestacy (https://www.gov.uk/inherits-someone-dies-without-will), GOV.UK probate (https://www.gov.uk/applying-for-probate), GOV.UK Inheritance Tax (https://www.gov.uk/inheritance-tax). Will Aid’s November 2024 poll: https://www.willaid.org.uk/news/two-thirds-uk-adults-without-up-to-date-will. SwiftWill’s own process and fees: https://swiftwill.co.uk/. For a gift in your will to World Aid Network, use the legacy giving page and a solicitor. For a gift today, use the form. ## What a lifetime gift can provide - £10: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £50: A contribution towards clinically recommended cancer care - £200: Contribution towards cataract care at a partner hospital - £250: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £1,000: Contribution towards eye care; actual costs and outcomes vary - £2,000: Contribution towards eye care; actual costs and outcomes vary ## How to make a will in the UK Steps to a valid last will and testament in England and Wales, including how a charitable gift fits. General information, not legal advice. - Take stock of your estate: List property, savings, investments, personal possessions, debts, and anything that passes outside the will such as pensions or joint tenancies. - Decide your beneficiaries: Name people and organisations in full. For a charity, use the legal name and address. World Aid Network wording is on the legacy giving page. - Choose your executor: Pick someone willing to obtain probate, pay debts and tax, and distribute the estate. Name a substitute. They can instruct a solicitor. - Name guardians if you have children under 18: Say who should care for them if both parents have died. Speak to that person first. - Draft the will: Use a solicitor for anything that is not straightforward. Online services such as SwiftWill (https://swiftwill.co.uk/) and templates still need correct witnessing. GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/make-will. - Sign and witness correctly: In England and Wales, sign in the presence of two independent adult witnesses who are not beneficiaries, then they sign in your presence. - Store the original and tell your executor: Keep the signed original safe. A copy is not enough. An unfound will is treated like no will. ## Related pages - Legacy giving — Leave a gift in your will — residuary, pecuniary or specific, plus IHT. https://worldaidnetwork.org/legacy-giving - Free will writing — No-obligation schemes. We are not a listed partner. https://worldaidnetwork.org/legacy-giving/free-will-writing - SwiftWill — Paid online will for England and Wales. Not a WAN product. Still needs two witnesses on paper. https://swiftwill.co.uk/ - In-memory giving — Gifts other people make after a death — not your will. https://worldaidnetwork.org/in-memory-giving - Gift Aid — Lifetime 25% top-up — never on a will gift. https://worldaidnetwork.org/gift-aid - Tax-efficient giving — Lifetime income tax, payroll and shares. https://worldaidnetwork.org/tax-efficient-giving - Donate shares — Give listed shares during your lifetime. https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate-shares - Ways to donate — Card, monthly, payroll, crypto, legacy and more. https://worldaidnetwork.org/ways-to-donate - Registration status — Charity Commission application 5290505. https://worldaidnetwork.org/about/registration-status - Gift of Sight Appeal — A £200 gift contributes towards cataract care. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/gift-of-sight - Cancer Emergency Appeal — Treatment for patients who cannot pay. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency - Emergency relief — Food, water, hygiene kits and shelter after disaster. https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief - What is emergency aid? — How emergency aid works — not the programme hub. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/emergency-aid - Contact us — Talk about a planned will gift in confidence. https://worldaidnetwork.org/contact ## Frequently asked questions ### How do I make a will in the UK? List your estate, choose beneficiaries and an executor, name guardians for children under 18, draft the will, then sign it in front of two independent adult witnesses in England and Wales. Store the original. Get advice if it is not straightforward. https://www.gov.uk/make-will ### How do I write a will? The same seven steps. Writing is the draft; validity is the witnessing. A template that is never correctly signed is not a will. ### What is a last will and testament? The legal document that says who inherits your estate, who acts as executor, and who should care for minor children. Without a valid one, intestacy rules apply. ### Do I need a solicitor to write a will? Not always. GOV.UK says you can write one yourself. One paid online service for a straightforward England and Wales estate is SwiftWill (https://swiftwill.co.uk/). Use a solicitor if you have foreign property, a business, trusts, a previous marriage, or Inheritance Tax planning, or if you are unsure. ### How much does a will cost in the UK? Fees vary. SwiftWill publishes £35 once for an England and Wales will (https://swiftwill.co.uk/). A straightforward solicitor will is often a few hundred pounds. Complex estates cost more. Free solicitor-week schemes exist with no obligation to leave a charity a gift. ### Can I write my own will? Yes, but it must still be correctly signed and witnessed. Errors show up after death. A guided online service such as SwiftWill (https://swiftwill.co.uk/) is a different route from a downloaded pack. For complex estates use a solicitor. ### How many witnesses does a will need in England and Wales? Two adult witnesses. They must see you sign, and you must see them sign. They should not be beneficiaries or married to beneficiaries. ### What happens if I die without a will? Intestacy rules decide who inherits. An unmarried partner, unadopted stepchildren, friends and charities usually receive nothing. GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/inherits-someone-dies-without-will ### What does an executor of a will do? They administer the estate: find the will, value assets, pay debts and tax, apply for probate if needed, and distribute what remains. The role can take months. ### Can an executor also be a beneficiary? Yes. That is common. An executor must not also witness the will. ### Does marriage revoke a will? In England and Wales, usually yes, unless the will was made in contemplation of that marriage. Review the will after you marry or enter a civil partnership. ### Can I change my will? Yes. Use a codicil for a small change or a new will that revokes the old one. Both must be signed and witnessed. Do not annotate the signed original. ### What is the probate fee in 2026? From 13 July 2026 the England and Wales application fee is £526 for estates over £5,000. Estates of £5,000 or less remain exempt. Confirm on GOV.UK before you apply. ### How do I leave money to charity in my will? Ask a solicitor to add a residuary, pecuniary or specific gift using the charity’s full legal name. World Aid Network’s wording is on https://worldaidnetwork.org/legacy-giving. Provide for your family first. ### Does Gift Aid apply to a gift in my will? No. Gift Aid is for lifetime donations of money. It does not apply to testamentary gifts. ### Can I leave a gift to World Aid Network before you have a charity number? Yes. Use our legal name, address and Charity Commission application 5290505. Ask the solicitor to add the registered number when it is granted. ### Can I make a will online? Yes, for a straightforward England and Wales estate if you print it and sign with two independent adult witnesses. One paid service is SwiftWill (https://swiftwill.co.uk/). Use a solicitor for tax planning, trusts, Scotland, Northern Ireland or a likely dispute. This is not legal advice. ### Is World Aid Network a Will Aid or Free Wills Month partner? No. Those schemes have their own partner lists. You can still name World Aid Network in a will written through any solicitor. See https://worldaidnetwork.org/legacy-giving/free-will-writing. ### Are the rules the same in Scotland? No. GOV.UK flags different rules for Scotland and Northern Ireland. Use a solicitor where you live. Do not rely on this England-and-Wales how-to. ### Where should I keep my will? The signed original in a solicitor’s storage, a will storage service, or another safe place the executor can access. Tell them where it is. A photocopy is not enough. ### Does this page give legal advice? No. It is general information from World Aid Network. Instruct a solicitor for your circumstances. ## How you can help Leave a gift in your will at https://worldaidnetwork.org/legacy-giving or donate now at https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/making-a-will-legacy-giving-uk-guide --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Movember and prostate cancer > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/movember-prostate-cancer-developing-world > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Movember is the November men’s health campaign covering prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health. World Aid Network is independent of the official campaign. You can organise a separate November fundraiser for WAN’s Cancer Emergency Appeal, which supports care across cancer types in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Tell sponsors who receives their money before they give. Start a conversation about men’s health. Make an informed choice about where your fundraising goes. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/movember-prostate-cancer-developing-world ## At a glance - November: Annual men’s health awareness campaign - Independent: WAN is not an official Movember partner - All types: Scope of the Cancer Emergency Appeal - Your choice: One-off or monthly giving ## What is Movember? Movember brings attention to prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention. People raise funds and start conversations during November. For the official campaign, use Movember’s own website. Read its programme information and fundraising terms to understand what your gift supports. WAN’s independent appeal has a different beneficiary and purpose. ## When is Movember 2026? The campaign month runs from 1 to 30 November 2026. An independent fundraiser can be planned beforehand and cancer donations can be made throughout the year. Set a manageable activity, a closing date and a target for contributions. A fundraising target is not a promise that the same amount buys a specific operation or treatment course. ## Is World Aid Network part of official Movember? No. WAN is independent of the official Movember campaign. An official Movember fundraising page does not direct gifts to WAN. If you choose to support WAN in November, describe your event as an independent fundraiser for World Aid Network. Do not imply endorsement by Movember or use another organisation’s branding as if you were its partner. ## What should I know about prostate cancer and PSA tests? Early prostate cancer may have no symptoms. New urinary changes or blood in urine should be discussed with a doctor. These symptoms can have other causes; a website cannot diagnose them. Anyone with a prostate can discuss PSA testing with a GP. The test has benefits and limitations: a raised result is not a cancer diagnosis, and testing can lead to further investigations or treatment that may not have been needed. Read the prostate cancer guide for symptoms, testing and treatment information. Use the private GP discussion planner to prepare questions. Seek advice about symptoms at any age instead of waiting for a campaign or screening invitation. ## Why does access to cancer care matter? Paying for tests, travel and treatment can be difficult for patients and their families. Access varies between communities, providers and countries. WHO identifies timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment and supportive care as essential parts of cancer services. WAN’s appeal addresses financial barriers for patients who cannot afford care. A UK survival percentage cannot be compared fairly with an unspecified group of countries. It also cannot predict how an individual will respond to care. This guide does not use an assumed overseas survival rate or present general statistics as WAN’s own results. ## How can I organise a November fundraiser for WAN? Choose an activity, explain that it benefits World Aid Network, and share the Cancer Emergency Appeal with sponsors. A walk, workplace challenge or moustache fundraiser can make space for conversations about men’s health. Keep participation voluntary and choose an activity that suits the people taking part. Suggested invitation: ‘We’re organising an independent November fundraiser for World Aid Network’s Cancer Emergency Appeal. Donations support cancer care for patients who cannot afford it in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. WAN is separate from the official Movember campaign.’ - Set a realistic contribution target and closing date. - Link sponsors directly to the Cancer Emergency Appeal. - Explain that the appeal supports all cancer types, including prostate cancer. - Share public updates without exposing anyone’s private medical information. ## What can my donation support? Contributions support the Cancer Emergency Appeal across cancer types. The care available depends on clinical need, funding and the medical provider. There is no fixed gift that guarantees a chemotherapy session, scan or operation. Read where your money goes and the appeal’s evidence and reporting information for the programme’s purpose and current reporting position. An independent fundraiser does not create a prostate-only restricted fund. If a particular restriction matters to you, contact WAN before collecting donations. ## How do I donate to WAN’s cancer appeal? Use the donation form with the Cancer Emergency Appeal selected. Check the amount, frequency and recipient before completing payment. A successful payment confirms the donation, not that a named patient has received a particular treatment. Patient care and programme reporting happen separately. Check the current Gift Aid information on the donation page. Do not promise sponsors an automatic tax top-up. ## Can I give monthly after November? Yes. You can choose monthly giving or make a one-off contribution. Give an amount that works for you. The monthly giving page explains the options and how to manage a regular gift. Supporting cancer care does not depend on taking part in a seasonal campaign. ## What will a donation provide? - £10: A contribution to the Cancer Emergency Appeal; no fixed treatment or outcome is guaranteed. - £25: A contribution to the Cancer Emergency Appeal; no fixed treatment or outcome is guaranteed. - £50: A contribution to the Cancer Emergency Appeal; no fixed treatment or outcome is guaranteed. - £100: A contribution to the Cancer Emergency Appeal; no fixed treatment or outcome is guaranteed. - £250: A contribution to the Cancer Emergency Appeal; no fixed treatment or outcome is guaranteed. - £500: A contribution to the Cancer Emergency Appeal; no fixed treatment or outcome is guaranteed. ## Plan an independent November cancer fundraiser Make the beneficiary, purpose and donation route clear to sponsors. - Choose the beneficiary: Decide whether you want the official Movember campaign or an independent WAN fundraiser. - Explain your fundraiser: Name World Aid Network and the wider Cancer Emergency Appeal in your invitation. - Share the appeal: Let donors review the allocation and evidence information before they give. - Choose a contribution: Use the WAN form and check the selected amount and frequency before payment. ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I nominate WAN on an official Movember fundraising page? WAN is not an official Movember partner. To support WAN, organise a separate fundraiser and direct sponsors to its Cancer Emergency Appeal. ### Does a donation here fund only prostate cancer? No. It supports the wider Cancer Emergency Appeal, which includes prostate cancer and other cancer types. Contact WAN before collecting money if you need a specific restriction. ### Does £50 pay for one chemotherapy session? No fixed treatment is guaranteed for £50 or any other standard donation amount. Costs depend on the patient, treatment and provider. Your gift contributes to the appeal. ### Should I wait until Movember to ask about symptoms? No. Speak to your GP about a new or worrying change when you notice it. A campaign date should not delay assessment. ### Does WAN provide a UK prostate cancer helpline? WAN’s role is funding care overseas. For personal medical advice, contact your healthcare team. Prostate Cancer UK and Macmillan offer UK information and support. ## How you can help Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/movember-prostate-cancer-developing-world or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - Movember — Our cause: https://uk.movember.com/about/cause - NHS — PSA test, benefits and limitations: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/psa-test/ - NHS — Prostate cancer symptoms: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms/ - WHO — Cancer and access to diagnosis and treatment: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Non Profit Organisation: UK Guide | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/non-profit-organisation-uk-donor-guide > A non profit organisation delivers public benefit, not private profit. Learn how trustees and written Objects legally limit where your donation can go. Direct Answer A non profit organisation exists to deliver public benefit rather than private profit. In the UK, trustees are legally required to spend funds only within written charitable Objects, which protects donors. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration, holding two narrow Objects: medical care for poor patients, and emergency disaster relief. A non profit organisation is set up to deliver a public benefit, not to make money for owners or shareholders. In the UK, the most common form of non profit organisation is the registered charity. Behind every well-run charity is a structure that protects donors. Written charitable Objects define what the money can be spent on. A board of trustees is legally responsible for making sure it is. And the Charity Commission for England and Wales regulates the whole thing. This guide explains how a non profit organisation works in the UK, why governance matters, and how those rules shape the way World Aid Network spends every pound you give. ## What is a non profit organisation in the UK? A non profit organisation is a body set up for public benefit. Its income and assets must be applied to its purposes, and any surplus is reinvested in the mission rather than distributed to owners. In the UK, most non profit organisations are registered charities. They have a constitution, registered charitable purposes (often called 'Objects'), and a board of trustees who are legally accountable for how the charity is run. ## Why governance matters to donors Trustees are not employees. They serve voluntarily and they carry legal duties: to act in the charity's best interests, to manage its resources responsibly, and to make sure it does not stray from its charitable Objects. Strong governance means that when you donate, the money is held under written rules. It cannot quietly be redirected to something the charity was not set up to do. That protection is one of the most important things a registered charity offers a donor. Give to eye surgery, cancer treatment or disaster relief Eye surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay, and relief after disasters, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Give once or monthly by card. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## How World Aid Network is structured World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration. We have two charitable Objects, both narrow on purpose. The first Object funds sight-restoring eye surgery and cancer treatment for poor patients — delivered by locally-licensed and registered doctors and surgeons in registered hospitals in the patient's own country. The second Object funds emergency food, clean drinking water, shelter and seasonal relief for families displaced by floods, earthquakes and other natural disasters, working through trusted local partner organisations on the ground. ## What this means for your donation Because our Objects are written narrowly and our governance is in place, donations to World Aid Network cannot be spent on anything outside that remit. Restricted appeal funds — for example our Emergency Floods Appeal or Ray of Hope Appeal — are held even more tightly. If you are a UK taxpayer giving to a charity recognised by HMRC, ticking the Gift Aid box adds 25p to every £1 you donate at no cost to you. A £40 donation becomes £50 in the charity's hands. Gift Aid is not currently available on gifts to World Aid Network. ### Key takeaways - A non profit organisation exists to deliver a public benefit, not private profit. - In the UK, most non profit organisations are registered charities regulated by the Charity Commission. - Trustees and written charitable Objects protect donors by setting legal limits on how money is spent. - World Aid Network has two narrow Objects: medical care for poor patients and emergency disaster relief. - Gift Aid adds 25p to every £1 donated by a UK taxpayer. It is not currently available for gifts to World Aid Network. Give to eye surgery, cancer treatment or disaster relief Eye surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay, and relief after disasters, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Give once or monthly by card. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## Frequently asked questions What is the difference between a non profit organisation and a registered charity? In the UK, almost every non profit organisation that fundraises from the public is a registered charity. The Charity Commission regulates them and requires written Objects, trustees and annual reporting. Who runs World Aid Network? World Aid Network is run by a board of trustees who are legally responsible for the charity's work and finances, supported by volunteers and trusted local partner organisations. Can a non profit organisation refuse to spend a donation outside its Objects? Yes — and it must. Trustees are legally required to apply funds within the charitable Objects. That is why focused charities offer donors strong protection. Where will my donation be spent? Strictly within our two charitable Objects: sight-restoring eye surgery and cancer treatment for poor patients, or emergency relief for disaster-displaced families. Published by World Aid Network. Check the original sources and their dates. General information is not individual medical, legal or tax advice. Our editorial policy explains responsibility and corrections. ## What are the sources for this guide? Follow the original guidance for its evidence, dates and limitations. Background references explain the need; they are not evidence of WAN fundraising or delivery. - [GOV.UK — Find charity information](https://www.gov.uk/find-charity-information) [Editorial policy](/editorial-policy) · [Corrections and reporting an error](/corrections) ## Give to a focused non-profit organisation Help save a life and make a real difference today. Your gift contributes to eye surgery, cancer treatment or emergency relief in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate now. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## Before you give Suggested amounts contribute to the programme. They do not guarantee a named patient, procedure or quantity of relief. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) - [Published impact and reporting](/our-impact) - [Gift Aid eligibility and current status](/gift-aid) ## Share this guide [Share by email](mailto:?subject=World%20Aid%20Network%20guide&body=https%3A%2F%2Fworldaidnetwork.org%2Fblog%2Fnon-profit-organisation-uk-donor-guide) Only the public article link is included. ## Make an informed donation Check what the organisation offers, understand the conditions and choose a way to give that suits you. - [Compare ways to donate](/ways-to-donate) Card giving, monthly gifts and other routes, with current availability. - [Gift Aid eligibility explained](/gift-aid) Understand donor conditions and the current status at WAN. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and how estimates differ from results. - [Check our registration status](/about/registration-status) Distinguish the application reference from a registered charity number. - [Practical donor resources](/donor-resources) Find answers, useful tools and giving options. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Overseas Aid Charities: UK Guide | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/overseas-aid-charities > Overseas aid charities range from emergency response to long-term healthcare. Learn the four tests that separate the strong ones from the vague ones. Direct Answer Overseas aid charities cover everything from emergency response to long-term healthcare, so assessing them well matters. Focus, transparency, governance and local delivery separate the strong from the weak. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration, with two charitable Objects: medical care for poor patients, and emergency disaster relief. Overseas aid charities cover an enormous spectrum of work — from headline-grabbing emergency response to long-term healthcare programmes that never make the news. For a UK donor trying to choose between them, the variety can feel overwhelming. The good news is that the same principles that separate good UK charities from weak ones apply just as clearly to overseas aid charities. Focus, transparency, governance and local delivery matter just as much abroad as at home. This guide explains what overseas aid charities actually do, what to look for when choosing one, and why World Aid Network's deliberately focused model — funding sight-restoring surgery, cancer treatment and emergency relief through locally-licensed doctors and trusted local partners — delivers more impact per pound than many of its larger peers. ## What do overseas aid charities actually do? Overseas aid charities work outside the UK on a wide range of issues — emergency disaster response, healthcare, water and sanitation, education, food security, livelihoods and human rights, among others. Some are very large multilateral organisations with hundreds of programmes across dozens of countries. Others are small, focused charities that do one or two things well in a handful of places. Both models have a place — but they make very different demands of donor trust. ## How to assess an overseas aid charity Is it registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales? You can check the public register in seconds. Can it describe what it does in one clear sentence? Strong overseas aid charities can. Vague ones cannot. Who delivers the work on the ground? Care delivered by locally-licensed doctors, locally-registered partner organisations and locally-employed staff almost always costs less and works better than imported foreign teams. How much detail does the charity give about specific outcomes? Look for examples of patients treated or families helped — not just headline totals. Are the trustees named and accountable? Strong governance protects donors. Give to eye surgery, cancer treatment or disaster relief Eye surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay, and relief after disasters, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Give once or monthly by card. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## Why focused overseas aid charities tend to deliver more per pound A charity that runs forty programmes across fifty countries has to spread thin. Senior staff manage relationships rather than outcomes. Donors are asked to choose between competing internal causes. A focused overseas aid charity with two charitable Objects can ask harder questions of every funding decision. Partner relationships go deeper. Reporting is simpler. Trustees can hold programmes accountable rather than juggle them. Focused does not mean small. But it almost always means clearer about who benefits. ## How World Aid Network fits the overseas aid model World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration. Our remit is two charitable Objects — and they are narrow on purpose. The first Object funds sight-restoring eye surgery and cancer treatment for poor patients, delivered by locally-licensed and registered doctors and surgeons in registered hospitals in the patient's own country. The second Object funds emergency food, clean drinking water, shelter and seasonal relief for families displaced by floods, earthquakes and other natural disasters, working through trusted local partner organisations on the ground. We support treatment and relief through local facilities and organisations. For eye care, WAN hires local doctors and arranges visiting specialist support for training and review. ## How to make your gift to an overseas aid charity go further If you are a UK taxpayer, ticking the Gift Aid box adds 25p to every £1 you give to a registered charity at no cost to you. A regular monthly gift, however small, is often more useful than a one-off donation because it lets trustees plan ahead and respond faster when a disaster strikes. Ask your employer about matching — many UK employers will match charitable donations made by their staff. ### Key takeaways - Overseas aid charities cover everything from emergency response to long-term healthcare — assessing them well matters. - Focus, transparency, governance and local delivery separate strong overseas aid charities from weak ones. - Focused overseas aid charities tend to deliver more impact per pound than sprawling ones. - World Aid Network funds locally-delivered care under two narrow charitable Objects — medical care and emergency relief. - Gift Aid adds 25p to every £1 donated by a UK taxpayer at no cost to the donor. It is not currently available for gifts to World Aid Network. Give to eye surgery, cancer treatment or disaster relief Eye surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay, and relief after disasters, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Give once or monthly by card. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## Frequently asked questions What are overseas aid charities? Overseas aid charities are UK-registered charities that work outside the UK on issues such as emergency disaster relief, healthcare, water and sanitation, education and food security. How do I choose between overseas aid charities? Look for focus, transparency, named trustees, locally-delivered care and clear examples of outcomes. The Charity Commission's public register is the best place to start. Is World Aid Network an overseas aid charity? Yes. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration funding sight-restoring eye surgery, cancer treatment and emergency disaster relief through locally-licensed doctors and trusted local partner organisations. How can I make my gift to an overseas aid charity go further? Tick the Gift Aid box if you are a UK taxpayer and the charity is recognised by HMRC (Gift Aid is not currently available for World Aid Network), set up a regular monthly gift if you can, and ask your employer whether they will match your donation. Published by World Aid Network. Check the original sources and their dates. General information is not individual medical, legal or tax advice. Our editorial policy explains responsibility and corrections. ## What are the sources for this guide? Follow the original guidance for its evidence, dates and limitations. Background references explain the need; they are not evidence of WAN fundraising or delivery. - [GOV.UK — Find charity information](https://www.gov.uk/find-charity-information) [Editorial policy](/editorial-policy) · [Corrections and reporting an error](/corrections) ## Support overseas aid that actually delivers Help save a life and make a real difference today. Your gift contributes to eye surgery, cancer treatment or emergency relief in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate now. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## Before you give Suggested amounts contribute to the programme. They do not guarantee a named patient, procedure or quantity of relief. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) - [Published impact and reporting](/our-impact) - [Gift Aid eligibility and current status](/gift-aid) ## Share this guide [Share by email](mailto:?subject=World%20Aid%20Network%20guide&body=https%3A%2F%2Fworldaidnetwork.org%2Fblog%2Foverseas-aid-charities) Only the public article link is included. ## Make an informed donation Check what the organisation offers, understand the conditions and choose a way to give that suits you. - [Compare ways to donate](/ways-to-donate) Card giving, monthly gifts and other routes, with current availability. - [Gift Aid eligibility explained](/gift-aid) Understand donor conditions and the current status at WAN. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and how estimates differ from results. - [Check our registration status](/about/registration-status) Distinguish the application reference from a registered charity number. - [Practical donor resources](/donor-resources) Find answers, useful tools and giving options. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Pakistan Flood Donations: What to Check | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/pakistan-floods-donation-guide > Check a Pakistan flood appeal before donating: its purpose, dated evidence, local delivery, use of funds and reporting. Explore WAN’s standing appeal. Direct Answer A Pakistan flood donation should go through a clearly identified organisation with a stated appeal purpose and reporting process. Check when the evidence was published, what the fund supports and how surplus donations may be used. WAN’s standing Pakistan appeal raises funds for emergency essentials; it does not guarantee a delivery time or household quantity. ## Check the date and the appeal’s purpose Distinguish a report about a past flood from an update on a current emergency. Statistics from the 2022 Pakistan floods describe that event, not today’s caseload or World Aid Network’s delivery. Check the dated sources on the appeal before sharing a number. [ Pakistan Floods Appeal: sources and funding details ](/appeal/pakistan-emergency) ## Check how money becomes relief Look for the intended supplies, the delivery arrangements and the conditions that can delay access. WAN’s appeal supports emergency food, safe drinking water, hygiene supplies and temporary shelter. Local costs, funding, access and partner capacity determine what can be provided. Help families after floods and earthquakes Gifts contribute towards food, water, hygiene supplies and shelter for families affected by disasters in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. [Donate to emergency relief](/donate?cause=emergency-relief&appeal=pakistan-emergency#donate-form) ## Understand restrictions and surplus funds Use the named appeal at checkout if its stated purpose matches your intention. Read its surplus-funds policy. If you want a narrower restriction, contact the charity before paying; a message in a payment reference does not establish that it can accept your conditions. ## Look for evidence after donating Keep the confirmation and check subsequent financial or delivery reports. An emergency statistic or suggested gift amount is not a verified WAN outcome. Our impact page explains reporting status and the difference between plans and approved evidence. [ Check published impact and reporting ](/our-impact) ## Consider ongoing support A monthly gift can support the programme over time if it fits your budget. It does not ensure an immediate response to the next disaster. You can review regular giving and management options before subscribing. [ Understand monthly donations ](/monthly-giving) ### Key takeaways - A Pakistan flood donation should go through a clearly identified organisation with a stated appeal purpose and reporting process. Check when the evidence was published, what the fund supports and how surplus donations may be used. WAN’s standing Pakistan appeal raises funds for emergency essentials; it does not guarantee a delivery time or household quantity. Help families after floods and earthquakes Gifts contribute towards food, water, hygiene supplies and shelter for families affected by disasters in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. [Donate to emergency relief](/donate?cause=emergency-relief&appeal=pakistan-emergency#donate-form) [Pakistan Emergency Appeal: how gifts are used](/appeal/pakistan-emergency) ## Frequently asked questions Does WAN promise delivery within 72 hours? No. Timing depends on needs assessment, available funds, access and partner capacity. Does a £50 gift supply a whole household? It contributes to the selected fund. We do not promise a fixed household quantity from a suggested amount. Where can I read the appeal? The Pakistan Floods Appeal explains its purpose, dated background sources, donation options and reporting status. Published by World Aid Network. Read the linked primary sources and our editorial policy. Public sources explain the background; they do not verify WAN delivery, financial results or individual outcomes. ## What are the sources for this guide? Follow the original guidance for its evidence, dates and limitations. Background references explain the need; they are not evidence of WAN fundraising or delivery. - [GOV.UK — Find charity information](https://www.gov.uk/find-charity-information) - [UNICEF — Pakistan floods background](https://www.unicef.org/emergencies/devastating-floods-pakistan-2022) [Editorial policy](/editorial-policy) · [Corrections and reporting an error](/corrections) ## Support Pakistan flood relief Read the standing Pakistan appeal and contribute towards food, water, hygiene supplies and temporary shelter. [Donate to emergency relief](/donate?cause=emergency-relief&appeal=pakistan-emergency#donate-form)[Pakistan Emergency Appeal: funding details](/appeal/pakistan-emergency)[Flood relief guide](/emergency-relief/floods) ## Before you give Suggested amounts contribute to the programme. They do not guarantee a named patient, procedure or quantity of relief. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) - [Published impact and reporting](/our-impact) - [Gift Aid eligibility and current status](/gift-aid) ## Share this guide [Share by email](mailto:?subject=World%20Aid%20Network%20guide&body=https%3A%2F%2Fworldaidnetwork.org%2Fblog%2Fpakistan-floods-donation-guide) Only the public article link is included. ## How can I help families affected by a disaster? Explore food, water and broader relief needs, then choose the kind of support that fits your intentions. - [Donate to emergency relief](/donate?cause=emergency-relief#donate-form) Gifts contribute towards food, water, hygiene supplies and shelter after disasters. - [Monthly charity donations](/monthly-giving) Consider regular support for ongoing programme needs. - [Emergency disaster relief](/emergency-relief) Understand the relief programme and its priorities. - [Food aid for families](/food-aid-charity) Learn how food support meets immediate needs. - [Clean water donations](/clean-water-charity) Explore support for access to safe water. - [Aid organisation partnerships](/partner-with-us) Explore delivery proposals, safeguarding and reporting. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Prostate cancer in Black men > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/prostate-cancer-black-men > Last reviewed: 2026-08-22 ## In short Black men in the UK have a 1 in 4 lifetime risk of prostate cancer — roughly double the 1 in 8 risk for men overall. Discuss a PSA blood test with a GP from age 45, even without symptoms. World Aid Network funds treatment overseas for men who cannot pay. This page is information, not a diagnosis. Black men have a 1 in 4 lifetime risk. Discuss a PSA test from 45. Donate to fund treatment overseas for men who cannot pay. Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/prostate-cancer-black-men. Black men in the UK have a 1 in 4 lifetime risk of prostate cancer (Prostate Cancer UK). Discuss a PSA test with a GP from age 45. This page is information, not a diagnosis and not NHS care. Named checkout: https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency. Prostate guide: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/prostate-cancer. PSA risk checker: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/risk-checker. ## At a glance - 1 in 4: Lifetime risk of prostate cancer in Black men in the UK (Prostate Cancer UK) - 1 in 8: Lifetime risk in UK men overall (Prostate Cancer UK) - Age 45: When Black men are advised to discuss a PSA test with a GP - ~1,600: Black men diagnosed with prostate cancer each year in England ## Why are Black men at higher risk of prostate cancer? Black men in the UK have about a 1 in 4 lifetime risk of prostate cancer, roughly double the 1 in 8 risk for men overall. It can start younger. Genetic factors appear to play a large part. Later testing means some men are diagnosed when treatment is harder. Discuss a PSA test from age 45. This applies to men of Black African, Black Caribbean and mixed Black heritage. You cannot change ethnicity or family history. What you can change is whether you have the PSA conversation at 45 rather than waiting for symptoms — early prostate cancer often has none. Almost 1,600 Black men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year in England. Prostate Cancer UK advises Black men to talk to a GP about a PSA test from 45. Our PSA risk checker can help you see where you sit before that appointment. ## What is the 1 in 4 lifetime risk for Black men? Prostate Cancer UK puts lifetime risk at about 1 in 4 for Black men in the UK, versus 1 in 8 for men overall. That is not a diagnosis. It means the chance over a lifetime is higher, so the PSA talk starts younger. See a GP from age 45. World Aid Network does not run UK clinics. A father or brother with prostate cancer roughly doubles risk for any man, and a BRCA2 gene change can raise it further. If both apply — Black ethnicity and family history — raise that with a GP. Do not wait for urinary symptoms. Full UK statistics, including around 57,900 diagnoses a year (Cancer Research UK), sit on the prostate cancer guide. This page owns the Black men and 1 in 4 questions. ## At what age should Black men ask for a PSA test? Discuss a PSA blood test with a GP from age 45 if you are Black. Most men can ask from 50. There is no national NHS screening programme. A PSA test is informed choice after talking through false alarms and slow-growing cancers. You do not need symptoms to ask. This is not a diagnosis. PSA measures a protein made by the prostate. A raised result can mean cancer, an enlarged prostate, infection, recent ejaculation or vigorous exercise. The usual next step is an MRI, not an instant cancer label. If your GP does not offer a test, you can still request one. A clear way to start is: you are a Black man aged 45 or over and you want to discuss a PSA test because your lifetime risk is about 1 in 4. - Most men — 50 — informed-choice PSA test after a discussion with a GP - Black African or Black Caribbean men — 45 — lifetime risk is about 1 in 4, not 1 in 8 - Father or brother had prostate cancer — 45 — family history roughly doubles lifetime risk - BRCA2 or related gene change — Ask a GP — inherited risk can start younger - Urinary, blood or bone-pain symptoms — Any adult age — that is investigation, not screening ## What are the symptoms of prostate cancer in Black men? Symptoms are the same regardless of ethnicity. Early prostate cancer often has none — which is why Black men should not wait for a warning sign. When symptoms appear they are often urinary: weak flow, peeing more at night, or a bladder that does not empty. Blood in urine or semen, or new bone pain, should be checked by a GP. Many of those urinary changes are caused by a non-cancerous enlarged prostate. Still see a GP. Do not assume it is ‘just age’, especially if you are Black and 45 or over. Detailed symptom tables and treatment options live on the prostate cancer guide. Use that page for Gleason score, stages and NHS pathways. Use this page for the 1 in 4 risk and the age-45 PSA talk. ## Is prostate cancer more aggressive in Black men? Research suggests prostate cancer in Black men can start younger and look more aggressive under the microscope — higher Gleason scores — and is more often found when it has already grown. Later testing plays a part. When cancer is found early and treated, outcomes are broadly comparable. That is why the PSA conversation at 45 matters. Gleason score and stage are explained on the prostate cancer guide. This page does not replace a specialist. If you have been diagnosed, ask your team to explain grade group in plain English before you decide on treatment. ## Does the NHS screen Black men for prostate cancer? No. The UK does not run a national prostate cancer screening programme for any group, including Black men. You can still ask a GP for a PSA test from 45 if you are Black. Screening for everyone has not been introduced because PSA misses some cancers and raises false alarms. Informed choice is the current NHS approach. If you have symptoms, that is investigation, not screening — see a GP either way. Prostate Cancer UK publishes UK information and a helpline. World Aid Network is not a UK patient helpline and does not provide NHS care. ## How do I talk to a GP about a PSA test if I am Black? Book a GP appointment from age 45. Say you are Black and you want to discuss a PSA blood test because lifetime risk is about 1 in 4. Mention a father or brother with prostate cancer if that applies. You do not need urinary symptoms to ask. Use the PSA risk checker first if you want a thirty-second prompt. Avoid ejaculation and vigorous exercise such as cycling for 48 hours before the blood test, and wait if you have a urine infection — those can raise PSA. A raised result usually leads to MRI, not an instant diagnosis. Please do not use this page as personal medical advice. See a GP or NHS 111. Then donate here if you also want treatment funded for a man who cannot pay overseas. ## How is this different from the prostate cancer guide? This page owns prostate cancer in Black men — the 1 in 4 risk and PSA from age 45 — with a donate form. The prostate cancer guide owns symptoms, Gleason score, stages, treatment and UK survival. The PSA risk checker is a short tool. Movember 2026 is the November gift. Please read the page that matches your question. Both information pages are reviewed against NHS, Prostate Cancer UK and Cancer Research UK sources. Neither is a diagnosis. Donate on this page or on the Cancer Emergency Appeal if you want a hospital bill paid in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia. ## Why is prostate cancer deadlier where men cannot pay? In the UK, about 8 in 10 men survive prostate cancer for ten years or more (Cancer Research UK). Where PSA tests, scans and hormone therapy are unaffordable, men are often diagnosed late and die without meaningful treatment. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment — including prostate cancer where partners can deliver it — in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. We do not invent caseloads. We do not run clinics or fly surgical teams from Britain. Locally licensed oncologists treat; we pay the bill a family cannot meet. Please donate if that is the help you want to send. This is not UK NHS care and not laboratory research. The Cancer Emergency Appeal funds all types of cancer a partner hospital can treat, not prostate cancer alone. ## How can I donate to prostate cancer treatment? Please give on this page by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. The gift is marked for the Cancer Emergency Appeal, which funds prostate cancer and every other type a partner hospital can treat. £50 contributes towards cancer care. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks — application 5290505. Use the form beside this guide, or open the donate page and choose cancer treatment. If you are collecting as a group, bring the total here. For a gift in memory of someone, write to info@worldaidnetwork.org. Do not assume a 25% Gift Aid top-up for a WAN donation. Any future eligibility will be explained on our Gift Aid page. Card donations are open now. ## What will my donation to prostate cancer treatment provide? Your donation contributes towards diagnosis and treatment a poor patient cannot afford. We do not quote fixed prices for a session or scan, because costs vary by patient and hospital. Trustees send the Cancer Emergency Appeal to the most urgent bill — prostate cancer and every other type a partner hospital can treat. Please give what you can. Clinicians decide the medical plan. What a patient receives depends on diagnosis, stage and what that hospital can deliver. The amounts below are contributions, not prices for a particular item or a guaranteed treatment. - £50 — contributes towards supportive medicines and aftercare - £150 — contributes towards diagnostic tests and clinical assessment - £250 — contributes towards diagnostic work and treatment costs - £500 — a larger contribution towards clinically recommended treatment ## Can I give monthly or in memory of someone? Yes. A monthly gift to the Cancer Emergency Appeal matches a chemotherapy course, which does not end after one appointment. Please set up a regular amount on this page. You can also give once. To mark a gift in memory of a man who had prostate cancer, write to info@worldaidnetwork.org. You can change a monthly gift later. Please do not wait for the next awareness month. The invoice arrives in between campaigns too. ## What will a donation provide? - £10: Contribution towards cancer medicines - £25: Contribution towards clinically indicated cancer tests - £50: Contribution towards clinically recommended cancer care - £100: Contribution towards clinically recommended cancer tests - £250: Contribution towards clinically recommended cancer treatment - £500: Contribution towards hospital-based cancer treatment ## How to discuss a PSA test if you are a Black man in the UK Black men in the UK have about a 1 in 4 lifetime risk of prostate cancer. Discuss a PSA blood test with a GP from age 45, even without symptoms. - Check your risk: Note your age, that you are Black, and whether a father or brother had prostate cancer. The PSA risk checker takes about thirty seconds. - Book a GP appointment from 45: Say you want to discuss a PSA test. You do not need urinary symptoms to ask. - Talk through the pros and cons: A raised PSA can lead to MRI and biopsy even when you do not have cancer. Some slow-growing cancers never need treatment. - Optional: donate for treatment overseas: If you also want a hospital bill paid in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia, give on this page to the Cancer Emergency Appeal. ## Related pages - Prostate cancer guide — Symptoms, PSA test, Gleason score, treatment and UK survival. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/prostate-cancer - PSA risk checker — Thirty seconds — age, ethnicity and family history. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/risk-checker - Prostate Cancer UK — UK patient information and helpline — not World Aid Network. https://prostatecanceruk.org/ - Cancer Emergency Appeal — Fund treatment for all types of cancer — not research. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency - Movember 2026 — November gift for prostate cancer treatment overseas. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/movember-prostate-cancer-developing-world - Cancer hub — Nineteen type guides and the donate form. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer - Best charity for cancer — We do not rank. Donate if treatment overseas matches. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/best-charity-for-cancer - Cancer charities compared — Research versus paying a hospital bill overseas. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer-charities - Cancer in developing countries — Why survival collapses when treatment is out of reach. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/cancer-in-developing-countries - Monthly giving — Keep chemotherapy funded between campaigns. https://worldaidnetwork.org/monthly-giving - In-memory giving — Mark a gift for a man you love. https://worldaidnetwork.org/in-memory-giving - How we work — Grants to partner hospitals, not cash to individuals. https://worldaidnetwork.org/how-we-work - Donate by card — Give to the Cancer Emergency Appeal with the form on this page. https://worldaidnetwork.org#appeal-donation ## Frequently asked questions ### Why are Black men at higher risk of prostate cancer? Black men in the UK have about a 1 in 4 lifetime risk, versus 1 in 8 for men overall (Prostate Cancer UK). The cancer can start younger and be more aggressive. Genetics and later diagnosis both play a part. Discuss a PSA test with a GP from age 45. ### What age should Black men get tested for prostate cancer? Discuss a PSA blood test with a GP from age 45 if you are Black — five years earlier than the usual 50. Men with a father or brother who had prostate cancer should also start that talk at 45. You do not need symptoms to ask. ### What are the symptoms of prostate cancer in Black men? The same as in other men, and early disease often has none. Urinary changes, blood in urine or semen, or new back, hip or bone pain should be checked by a GP. See the prostate cancer guide for the full symptom table. ### Is prostate cancer more aggressive in Black men? It can present younger and with higher Gleason scores, and is more often found later. When found early and treated, outcomes are broadly comparable. That is why the age-45 PSA conversation matters. ### Does the NHS screen Black men for prostate cancer? No. There is no national screening programme. Black men can still ask a GP for an informed-choice PSA test from 45. ### How do I talk to my GP about a PSA test? Book from age 45. Say you are Black and you want to discuss a PSA test because lifetime risk is about 1 in 4. Mention family history if it applies. Use the PSA risk checker first if you want a short prompt. ### Does World Aid Network treat prostate cancer in the UK? No. We do not provide NHS care or UK clinics. We fund cancer treatment — including prostate cancer where partner hospitals can deliver it — for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. ### How can I donate to prostate cancer treatment? Give by card on this page or at https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate and choose the Cancer Emergency Appeal. We do not quote a typical chemotherapy session price. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks (application 5290505). ### Will Gift Aid apply? Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks (application 5290505). We will contact donors when that happens. Card gifts are open now. ### Where should UK Black men go for patient support? See a GP or NHS 111 for medical advice. Prostate Cancer UK and Macmillan Cancer Support offer UK information and helplines. World Aid Network funds treatment overseas; we are not a UK patient helpline. ### How is this different from Movember? Movember 2026 is World Aid Network’s November landing for overseas cancer treatment. Official Movember is a separate campaign at uk.movember.com. This page owns Black men, 1 in 4 risk and PSA from 45, year-round. ## How you can help Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/prostate-cancer-black-men or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Retinal Detachment: Emergency Signs | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/retinal-detachment-uk > Retinal detachment affects 1 in 10,000 people in the UK each year and is a sight-threatening emergency. Learn the warning signs and why 24 hours matters. Direct Answer Retinal detachment is a sight-threatening emergency: go immediately to A&E or eye casualty if you notice a sudden shower of floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow spreading across your vision. Around 1 in 10,000 people in the UK develops one each year. World Aid Network funds eye surgery for poor patients who cannot afford treatment. Retinal detachment is a medical emergency in which the retina — the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye — separates from its underlying support layer, the retinal pigment epithelium. Without prompt surgical treatment, a retinal detachment will cause permanent, irreversible vision loss. Around 1 in 10,000 people in the UK develops a retinal detachment each year. It can happen to anyone, but risk is significantly higher in people with short-sightedness (myopia), those who have had previous eye surgery or eye trauma, and those with a family history of retinal detachment. This guide answers the twenty most commonly searched questions about retinal detachment in the UK, drawing on NHS guidance. ## Warning signs — act immediately The NHS advises going immediately to A&E or an eye casualty department if you experience any of the following: a sudden, dramatic increase in floaters — dark spots, threads, cobwebs or rings floating in your vision; flashes of light (photopsia), particularly in dim conditions or peripheral vision; a dark shadow, curtain or veil appearing at the edge of your vision and spreading inward; a sudden decrease in vision in one eye; or a sense that a section of your visual field is missing. A retinal tear (without detachment) produces similar symptoms — particularly floaters and flashes — and also requires urgent assessment. Laser retinopexy performed promptly for a retinal tear can prevent progression to a full detachment. Never wait to see if symptoms settle — the window for preventing detachment or limiting its extent is narrow. ## Types of retinal detachment Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) is the most common type — it occurs when a tear or hole in the retina allows liquid vitreous to seep beneath the retina, lifting it away from the RPE. Most retinal tears arise from posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) — the natural age-related separation of the vitreous gel from the retina, which produces the classic floater-and-flash symptoms. The vast majority of retinal detachments in people with no other risk factors are rhegmatogenous. Tractional retinal detachment (TRD) occurs when fibrovascular scar tissue on the retinal surface — most commonly from proliferative diabetic retinopathy — pulls the retina away from the RPE without a retinal break. Exudative (serous) retinal detachment occurs when fluid accumulates beneath the retina due to inflammation, tumour or severe hypertension — without a retinal break. These types are treated differently from RRD. Help someone reach eye care About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. Any amount contributes to the Gift of Sight Appeal, and outcomes vary by condition. [Donate to eye care](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form) ## Treatment For retinal tears without detachment: laser retinopexy (laser applied around the tear to create a weld) or cryotherapy (freezing probe applied to the sclera adjacent to the tear) seals the tear and prevents detachment. For rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: the primary surgical options are pneumatic retinopexy (a gas bubble is injected into the vitreous to tamponade the tear while the laser weld forms — suitable for superior retinal tears); scleral buckle (a silicone band sutured around the outside of the eye, indenting the sclera to close the tear); or vitrectomy (removal of the vitreous and internal gas/oil tamponade). Vitrectomy is the most commonly performed procedure in the UK for primary RRD — particularly if the macula is already detached. If the macula has not detached ('macula-on' detachment), surgery is performed urgently (within 24 hours) as an emergency to preserve central vision. If the macula is already detached ('macula-off'), surgery is still urgent but the priority is preventing further visual loss rather than restoring normal central vision. ### Key takeaways - Retinal detachment is a sight-threatening emergency. Go immediately to A&E or eye casualty if you experience: a sudden shower of floaters, flashes of light, a shadow or curtain spreading across your vision, or sudden vision loss. - A retinal tear — which produces similar symptoms — can be treated with laser to prevent progression to a full detachment. Never wait to see if symptoms resolve. - 'Macula-on' retinal detachment (central vision not yet affected) requires emergency surgery within 24 hours to preserve central vision. 'Macula-off' detachment has a worse visual prognosis. - Risk is highest in people with myopia (short-sightedness), previous eye surgery, previous retinal detachment, eye trauma and a family history of detachment. - In low-income countries, retinal detachment surgical facilities are absent from most district hospitals. Patients who present with a detachment frequently lose the eye permanently. Help someone reach eye care About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. Any amount contributes to the Gift of Sight Appeal, and outcomes vary by condition. [Donate to eye care](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form) [Gift of Sight Appeal: how gifts are used](/appeal/gift-of-sight) ## Frequently asked questions What is retinal detachment? Retinal detachment is a serious eye emergency in which the retina — the thin, light-sensitive membrane lining the inside of the back of the eye — separates from the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), the supportive layer beneath it. Separated from its blood supply, the retina loses function and is at risk of permanent damage. Without prompt surgical treatment, retinal detachment causes irreversible vision loss. What are the symptoms of retinal detachment? Warning symptoms include: a sudden, significant increase in floaters (dark spots, threads, cobwebs or rings drifting across vision); flashes of light (photopsia) in peripheral vision, particularly in dim light; a dark shadow, curtain or veil appearing at the edges of vision and spreading inward; blurred vision in one eye; or a feeling that part of the visual field is missing. These symptoms require immediate attendance at A&E or an eye casualty department — do not wait for a GP appointment. Is retinal detachment an emergency? Yes. Retinal detachment is a medical emergency requiring urgent surgical treatment to prevent permanent vision loss. If the detachment has not reached the macula (the central, high-resolution area of the retina), emergency surgery within 24 hours can preserve central vision — this is a 'macula-on' detachment. Once the macula has detached, central vision loss is likely to be permanent even after successful surgical reattachment. Anyone with sudden floaters, flashes or a visual curtain should go immediately to A&E or their nearest eye casualty unit. What causes retinal detachment? The most common cause is a retinal tear — a break in the retina through which liquid vitreous seeps beneath the retina, lifting it away from its supporting layer. Retinal tears are most commonly caused by posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) — the natural, age-related separation of the vitreous gel from the retina, which produces floaters and flashes. Most PVDs do not cause retinal tears, but people with risk factors (myopia, previous eye surgery) have a higher probability. Less commonly, retinal detachment is caused by diabetic tractional scarring or inflammatory exudation. What are floaters and are they serious? Floaters are dark shapes — spots, threads, rings or cobwebs — that drift across your vision and move as you move your eyes. Most floaters are caused by age-related changes in the vitreous gel (syneresis) and are harmless. However, a sudden onset of multiple new floaters — particularly if accompanied by flashes of light — can indicate a posterior vitreous detachment or, more seriously, a retinal tear or detachment. Any sudden increase in floaters should be assessed urgently by an ophthalmologist or optician the same day. What are the risk factors for retinal detachment? Key risk factors include: myopia (short-sightedness) — even moderate myopia significantly increases risk, and high myopia (over -6 diopters) increases risk substantially; previous retinal detachment in either eye; a family history of retinal detachment; previous cataract surgery (approximately 1–2% of patients develop RRD over time after phacoemulsification); eye trauma or penetrating injury; certain inherited retinal conditions (Marfan syndrome, Stickler syndrome); and lattice degeneration (peripheral retinal thinning) with retinal holes. What is a retinal tear? A retinal tear is a break in the retina that can progress to a detachment if liquid vitreous seeps beneath it. Retinal tears produce the same symptoms as early retinal detachment — floaters and flashes — and require urgent ophthalmological assessment. Most retinal tears are caused by the vitreous gel pulling on the retina as it detaches (posterior vitreous detachment). Treated promptly with laser retinopexy or cryotherapy, the tear can be sealed and detachment prevented. A retinal tear is therefore a warning sign that must not be ignored. How is retinal detachment diagnosed? Retinal detachment is diagnosed by dilated fundus examination — an ophthalmologist examines the retina after dilating the pupil with eye drops, using indirect ophthalmoscopy and slit-lamp biomicroscopy. Ultrasound B-scan is used when the view of the retina is obscured (e.g. by vitreous haemorrhage). OCT may be used to assess macular involvement. Diagnosis requires clinical examination in a hospital or eye casualty unit — it cannot be diagnosed reliably by an optician without specialist equipment and training. What is the treatment for retinal detachment? Treatment depends on the type and extent of detachment. For rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (the most common), options include: vitrectomy (removal of vitreous and internal gas/oil tamponade — most commonly used in the UK); scleral buckle (a silicone band applied to the outside of the eye, indenting the sclera to close the retinal break); and pneumatic retinopexy (an office-based procedure using an injected gas bubble — suitable for specific superior breaks in selected patients). Most patients in the UK are treated with vitrectomy. What is a vitrectomy for retinal detachment? Vitrectomy is a microsurgical procedure performed under local or general anaesthetic in which the vitreous gel is removed from inside the eye using fine instruments inserted through small incisions in the sclera. The detached retina is flattened using perfluorocarbon liquid, laser is applied around all retinal breaks, and the vitreous is replaced with a gas tamponade (SF6 or C3F8) or silicone oil to hold the retina in place while it heals. Gas absorbs spontaneously over weeks; silicone oil requires a second procedure for removal. What is a scleral buckle? A scleral buckle is an external surgical procedure in which a silicone band or sponge is sutured around the outside of the eyeball, indenting (buckling) the sclera inward. This reduces traction on the retinal break and brings the RPE into contact with the detached retina, allowing fluid to reabsorb. It is particularly effective for younger patients with phakic eyes (natural lens intact), inferior detachments and certain types of break. Scleral buckles remain permanently in place and do not require removal. How long does recovery take after retinal detachment surgery? Recovery varies by the surgical technique used and whether the macula was involved. After vitrectomy with gas tamponade, patients must maintain a specific head position (face-down posturing) for up to one to two weeks to keep the gas bubble over the retinal break — this is essential for surgical success but demanding for patients. Vision improves gradually over weeks to months as the retina heals and the gas bubble absorbs. Full recovery of vision — to whatever level is achievable given the extent of detachment and macular involvement — may take three to six months. Can vision be fully restored after retinal detachment? Visual outcomes depend principally on whether the macula was detached before surgery. In 'macula-on' retinal detachment (operated within 24 hours before the macula detaches), the majority of patients recover excellent central vision. In 'macula-off' detachment, the macula has already lost its blood supply; successful surgical reattachment prevents further loss but often leaves permanent central vision impairment — the extent of which depends on how long the macula was detached. Peripheral vision tends to recover better than central vision after macular detachment. Can retinal detachment reoccur after surgery? Yes. Retinal detachment recurrence (re-detachment) occurs in approximately 5–15% of cases following primary vitrectomy, most commonly due to proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) — the formation of scar tissue on the retinal surface that contracts and causes re-detachment. Re-detachment usually occurs within the first few months and requires further surgery. The risk is higher in complex detachments, large or multiple breaks, and cases with existing PVR at the time of surgery. What is posterior vitreous detachment (PVD)? Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) is the age-related separation of the vitreous gel from the retinal surface. As the vitreous liquefies and shrinks with age, it pulls away from the retina — most commonly in people over 50\. This causes sudden floaters (from vitreous strands collapsing) and flashes of light (from the vitreous tugging on the retina). Most PVDs are harmless, but approximately 10–15% cause a retinal tear. Any PVD symptoms require urgent ophthalmology review to exclude a retinal tear. Who is most likely to get retinal detachment? Retinal detachment can affect anyone, but risk is significantly higher in: people with moderate to high myopia (every 3-diopter increase in myopia raises risk approximately 3-fold); people aged 40–70 (peak incidence as PVD becomes more common); those with a previous retinal detachment (10–15% risk in the fellow eye); people who have had cataract surgery; those with retinal thinning (lattice degeneration); people who have suffered eye trauma; and those with inherited connective tissue disorders (Marfan, Stickler syndrome). Can you prevent retinal detachment? There is no guaranteed way to prevent retinal detachment, but several measures reduce risk. People with high myopia or lattice degeneration should attend regular retinal examinations and report new floaters or flashes immediately rather than waiting. Prophylactic laser retinopexy to seal symptomatic retinal tears or high-risk lattice lesions prevents progression to detachment. Avoiding high-impact head trauma (wearing appropriate protective equipment in contact sports) reduces traumatic retinal detachment risk. All eye symptoms that develop suddenly should be reported promptly. What is the difference between a retinal detachment and a retinal tear? A retinal tear is a full-thickness break in the retinal tissue — the precursor to a retinal detachment. If liquid vitreous passes through the tear and accumulates beneath the retina, the retina begins to separate — this is retinal detachment. A retinal tear without detachment can be sealed with laser or cryotherapy in a clinic, preventing detachment. Once detachment has occurred, surgical intervention (vitrectomy or scleral buckle) in an operating theatre is required. The symptoms of both are similar — floaters and flashes — making urgent assessment critical. What happens if retinal detachment is not treated? Without treatment, a retinal detachment will progressively extend to involve the entire retina, including the macula. Prolonged detachment causes progressive, irreversible damage to photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cells. The longer the detachment is present — particularly if the macula is involved — the worse the visual outcome even after successful surgical reattachment. In some cases, untreated detachment leads to a chronically hypotonic, atrophic eye (phthisis bulbi). Prompt surgery significantly improves the chance of preserving useful vision. How does retinal detachment affect people in developing countries? Retinal detachment surgery — vitrectomy or scleral buckle — requires specialist vitreoretinal surgeons, operating theatre facilities and equipment that are absent from most hospitals in low-income countries. Patients who present with a retinal detachment to a district hospital are typically referred on — often travelling long distances — only to find the wait too long or the service unavailable. The result is permanent blindness from a condition that is eminently treatable with timely surgery. World Aid Network funds eye care through locally-licensed ophthalmologists. Published by World Aid Network. Check the original sources and their dates. General information is not individual medical, legal or tax advice. Our editorial policy explains responsibility and corrections. ## What are the sources for this guide? Follow the original guidance for its evidence, dates and limitations. General background references are not a clinical review of this page. - [NHS — Detached retina](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/detached-retina-retinal-detachment/) [Editorial policy](/editorial-policy) · [Corrections and reporting an error](/corrections) ## Help bring sight-saving eye surgery to those who cannot afford it Retinal detachment surgery requires specialist facilities unavailable in most low-income country hospitals. Patients who should be cured in hours lose their sight permanently because the care is simply not there. World Aid Network funds eye surgery through locally-licensed ophthalmologists. [Donate to eye care](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form)[Gift of Sight Appeal: funding details](/appeal/gift-of-sight)[Eye charity programmes](/blindness-charity) ## Before you give Suggested amounts contribute to the programme. They do not guarantee a named patient, procedure or quantity of relief. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) - [Published impact and reporting](/our-impact) - [Gift Aid eligibility and current status](/gift-aid) ## Share this guide [Share by email](mailto:?subject=World%20Aid%20Network%20guide&body=https%3A%2F%2Fworldaidnetwork.org%2Fblog%2Fretinal-detachment-uk) Only the public article link is included. ## How can I help someone access eye care? Understand the care available, explore its costs and see how a donation reaches a treatment partner. - [Give to eye care](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form) About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. Any amount contributes to the Gift of Sight Appeal. - [Sponsor cataract surgery](/sponsor-a-cataract-operation) Learn how to help fund an operation. - [Plan an eye-care gift](/eye-surgery-cost-calculator) Calculate your giving total without assuming a number of operations. - [Where your donation goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and accounted for. - [Sight-restoring eye surgery](/eye-surgery) Explore the eye care programme and treatment pathway. - [Getting help for vision changes](/eye-health/screening-checker) Find guidance on professional eye care and support enquiries. - [Clinicians and hospital enquiries](/eye-care-partners) Review standards, participation and professional introductions. - [Screening locations and availability](/free-eye-screening-camps) Check published schedules and what to ask before attending. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Retinitis Pigmentosa: Symptoms | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/retinitis-pigmentosa-uk > Retinitis pigmentosa affects around 25,000 people in the UK and involves over 100 causative genes. Learn the symptoms, genetic testing and treatments. Direct Answer Retinitis pigmentosa is the most common inherited retinal dystrophy, affecting around 25,000 people in the UK. Over 100 causative genes have been identified, and it causes progressive photoreceptor degeneration beginning with night blindness. Voretigene neparvovec is the first NICE-approved gene therapy. World Aid Network funds eye care for poor patients overseas. Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is the most common group of inherited retinal dystrophies, affecting approximately 25,000 people in the UK and 1.5–2 million people worldwide. It is caused by mutations in any of over 100 identified genes that lead to progressive degeneration of the photoreceptors — first the rod cells (responsible for peripheral and night vision) and later the cone cells (responsible for central and colour vision). The hallmark early symptom is night blindness (difficulty seeing in dim light), followed by gradual narrowing of the visual field — creating the characteristic 'tunnel vision' that worsens over time. The rate of progression varies widely between individuals and between the different genetic subtypes. This guide answers the twenty most commonly searched questions about retinitis pigmentosa in the UK, drawing on NHS, Retina UK and WHO sources. ## Genetics and inheritance RP is genetically highly heterogeneous — over 100 different genes have been identified as causative, with new genes still being discovered. The three main inheritance patterns are autosomal dominant RP (adRP — approximately 20–25% of cases; caused by mutations in genes including RHO, PRPF31, PRPF8 and RP1), autosomal recessive RP (arRP — approximately 50–60% of cases; caused by mutations in genes including USH2A, RPGR binding protein, CNGB1 and many others), and X-linked RP (xlRP — approximately 15–20% of cases; caused predominantly by mutations in the RPGR gene on the X chromosome; tends to be the most severe form). Genetic testing for RP is available through NHS Clinical Genetics and specialist retinal dystrophy services. Identifying the causative gene is increasingly important because it determines prognosis (some genes cause faster progression than others), guides eligibility for gene therapy clinical trials, and enables accurate genetic counselling and cascade family testing. Consanguinity significantly increases the probability of autosomal recessive RP. ## Diagnosis The diagnosis of RP is confirmed by: full-field electroretinography (ERG) — the gold-standard electrophysiological test, demonstrating markedly reduced or absent rod and cone responses; visual field testing (Goldmann perimetry or automated perimetry) documenting the characteristic ring scotoma or peripheral field constriction; fundus examination showing the classical triad of intraretinal bone spicule pigmentation, attenuated (thin) retinal blood vessels and waxy disc pallor; and OCT, which shows outer retinal layer loss and photoreceptor degeneration. Genetic testing (gene panel or whole exome sequencing) is now a standard part of the diagnostic pathway in specialist retinal dystrophy clinics. Not all RP patients have the classical fundus appearance — particularly in early disease — and some have a pigmented appearance without the bone spicule pattern (pigment epithelium atrophy or sector RP). Molecular confirmation is the definitive test. Help someone reach eye care About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. Any amount contributes to the Gift of Sight Appeal, and outcomes vary by condition. [Donate to eye care](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form) ## Treatment and management There is currently no cure for most forms of RP. Vitamin A palmitate (15,000 IU daily) was shown in a US clinical trial (Berson et al., 1993) to slow the rate of ERG amplitude decline in adults with typical RP by approximately 20% per year, though the evidence remains contested. It is recommended by some retinal specialists but not universally adopted in the UK. Patients on vitamin A should have regular liver function monitoring and should avoid vitamin E supplements. Dark sunglasses may slow photoreceptor degeneration in some RP subtypes. Gene therapy using adeno-associated viral vectors (AAV) represents the most promising therapeutic avenue. Voretigene neparvovec (Luxturna) — approved by NICE for RPE65-associated Leber congenital amaurosis and early-onset severe retinal dystrophy — is the first approved gene therapy for a retinal dystrophy caused by RPE65 gene mutations (a small subset of RP/LCA). Multiple gene therapy and optogenetics trials are ongoing for other RP-causing genes. The Second Sight Argus II retinal prosthesis (electronic retinal implant) was available for severe RP, though this device is no longer supported commercially. ### Key takeaways - Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is the most common inherited retinal dystrophy, affecting \~25,000 people in the UK. It causes progressive photoreceptor degeneration, beginning with rod cells (night blindness, peripheral vision loss) and often later affecting cones (central vision). - Night blindness is typically the first symptom, followed by gradual peripheral vision loss creating tunnel vision. Rate of progression varies widely between genetic subtypes and individuals. - Genetic testing is important for diagnosis confirmation, prognosis, family planning, and eligibility for gene therapy trials. Over 100 causative genes have been identified. - Voretigene neparvovec (Luxturna) is the first NICE-approved gene therapy for RPE65-associated retinal dystrophy. Multiple clinical trials for other RP-causing genes are active. - Retina UK is the primary UK patient support and research charity for RP and allied conditions. NHS specialist retinal dystrophy clinics offer multidisciplinary care. Help someone reach eye care About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. Any amount contributes to the Gift of Sight Appeal, and outcomes vary by condition. [Donate to eye care](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form) [Gift of Sight Appeal: how gifts are used](/appeal/gift-of-sight) ## Frequently asked questions What is retinitis pigmentosa? Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited retinal dystrophies caused by mutations in over 100 different genes, leading to progressive degeneration of the rod and cone photoreceptors in the retina. It is the most common inherited retinal dystrophy, affecting approximately 25,000 people in the UK and 1.5–2 million people worldwide. The name reflects the characteristic pigment deposits visible in the retina on examination — though these are not the direct cause of vision loss. What are the symptoms of retinitis pigmentosa? Night blindness (nyctalopia) — difficulty seeing in dim light or adapting from bright to dark environments — is usually the first symptom, often beginning in childhood or adolescence. This is followed by gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision, creating characteristic 'tunnel vision' that narrows progressively over years to decades. Central vision, colour vision and visual acuity are usually preserved until later in the disease course, though they can be affected — particularly when associated macular degeneration or cataract develops. Photophobia (sensitivity to bright light) and glare are also common. What causes retinitis pigmentosa? RP is caused by mutations in any of over 100 genes involved in photoreceptor function or retinal pigment epithelium biology. These mutations cause rod photoreceptors to degenerate progressively — losing their structure and function — followed by secondary cone degeneration as the interdependence of rod and cone cell health is lost. The underlying biological mechanisms vary by gene: some mutations cause defective phototransduction, some affect the visual cycle, some cause ciliary dysfunction (cilioapathies), and some cause protein trafficking defects in photoreceptors. Is retinitis pigmentosa hereditary? Yes. RP is always caused by an inherited gene mutation, though in approximately 30–40% of cases no family history is apparent (simplex RP — often autosomal recessive with unaffected carrier parents). The three main inheritance patterns are: autosomal dominant (adRP) — one mutated gene copy is sufficient to cause disease; autosomal recessive (arRP) — two mutated copies are required, usually from two carrier parents; and X-linked (xlRP) — the gene is on the X chromosome; affected males inherit it from carrier mothers and typically have more severe disease; carrier females may have mild or no symptoms. How is retinitis pigmentosa diagnosed? RP is diagnosed by: full-field electroretinography (ERG) — a definitive test measuring the electrical response of the retina to light, which is markedly reduced or absent in RP; visual field testing (Goldmann or automated perimetry) documenting peripheral field loss; fundus examination showing bone spicule pigmentation, attenuated vessels and waxy disc pallor; and OCT showing outer retinal layer thinning and photoreceptor loss. Genetic testing (gene panel or whole exome sequencing) identifies the causative mutation and is now routine in specialist retinal dystrophy clinics. What is night blindness? Night blindness (nyctalopia) is the inability to see clearly in low-light or dark conditions, or to adapt quickly when moving from bright to dark environments. It occurs in RP because the rod photoreceptors — which are responsible for vision in dim light — are the first cells to degenerate. Night blindness is the earliest and most characteristic symptom of RP, often beginning in childhood or adolescence. It may manifest as difficulty driving at night, difficulty in dark restaurants or cinemas, or stumbling in dark environments. Night blindness can also be caused by vitamin A deficiency. What is tunnel vision? Tunnel vision (tubular vision) is a progressive constriction of the peripheral visual field, leaving only a narrow central 'tunnel' of vision, like looking through a tube. In RP, peripheral field loss begins as a ring scotoma (a ring-shaped area of visual loss) in the mid-periphery, which gradually expands inward over years to decades. The rate of progression varies widely. In some patients, visual field constriction progresses to less than 10 degrees (legally blind in the UK), while central visual acuity may remain relatively preserved. Does retinitis pigmentosa always lead to blindness? Not always. RP progression is highly variable between individuals and between the different genetic subtypes. Some patients retain useful central vision throughout their lives; others progress to severe visual impairment or legal blindness (less than 3/60 or less than 10 degrees of visual field). The most severe form is typically X-linked RP (caused by RPGR mutations). All patients with RP are at risk of developing posterior subcapsular cataract and macular oedema — both treatable complications that, if not addressed, can accelerate vision loss beyond that caused by the RP itself. Is there a treatment for retinitis pigmentosa? There is currently no established cure for most forms of RP. Voretigene neparvovec (Luxturna) — the first approved gene therapy for an inherited retinal dystrophy — is NICE-approved for RPE65-associated Leber congenital amaurosis and early-onset severe retinal dystrophy (a small subset of RP). Vitamin A palmitate (15,000 IU/day) has shown a modest effect on slowing ERG decline in some RP patients in clinical trials, though this evidence is debated and requires specialist guidance. Treating associated complications (posterior subcapsular cataract, macular oedema with carbonic anhydrase inhibitors or anti-VEGF) can preserve useful vision. What is Luxturna (voretigene neparvovec)? Luxturna (voretigene neparvovec) is a gene therapy approved by NICE (and EMA) for RPE65-associated retinal dystrophy — caused by mutations in the RPE65 gene, which is responsible for a critical step in the visual cycle. Luxturna delivers a functional copy of the RPE65 gene directly into retinal pigment epithelium cells via a single subretinal injection of an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector. It is the first approved ocular gene therapy in the UK and EU. In clinical trials, it significantly improved light sensitivity, visual field and navigational vision in patients with RPE65-associated disease. What is electroretinography (ERG)? Electroretinography (ERG) is an electrophysiological test that measures the electrical responses of the retina's photoreceptor cells (rods and cones) to light stimuli. An electrode (embedded in a soft contact lens or placed on the lower eyelid) records the retinal response to flashing lights of varying intensities and wavelengths. Full-field ERG evaluates both rod and cone function across the entire retina. In RP, ERG responses are characteristically reduced or extinguished — even before significant visual field loss is apparent — making it the gold-standard objective test for confirming the diagnosis. What associated conditions can occur with RP? Posterior subcapsular cataract (lens opacity at the back of the crystalline lens) occurs in approximately 50% of patients with RP and can significantly reduce visual acuity — it is treatable with cataract surgery, often with worthwhile visual improvement. Macular oedema (swelling of the central retina) occurs in approximately 30% of patients and can be treated with oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (acetazolamide) or topical dorzolamide. Usher syndrome — the combination of RP and sensorineural hearing loss — is the most common cause of combined deafness and blindness; Usher syndrome type II is the most common subtype. What is Usher syndrome? Usher syndrome is the most common cause of combined vision and hearing loss in the UK, caused by mutations in genes (USH2A, MYO7A, CDH23 and others) that affect both the inner ear and retinal photoreceptors. It is autosomal recessive. There are three types: Usher type I (profound congenital deafness, absent vestibular function, RP from childhood); Usher type II (moderate-severe hearing loss, normal balance, RP in adolescence — the most common type, usually caused by USH2A mutations); and Usher type III (progressive hearing loss, variable RP). Gene therapy trials targeting USH2A and MYO7A are under way. Can vitamin A help retinitis pigmentosa? A clinical trial by Berson and colleagues (1993) found that adults with typical RP taking 15,000 IU/day of vitamin A palmitate had a slower rate of ERG amplitude decline than those on placebo — approximately 20% slower per year. However, the clinical significance of this ERG finding (whether it translates to slower visual field loss) has been debated. Some UK retinal specialists recommend it for adults with typical RP, with regular liver function monitoring. It should not be taken during pregnancy (teratogenic at high doses). Vitamin E supplements should be avoided alongside high-dose vitamin A as they may counteract the benefit. What low vision aids are available for RP? People with RP can access a range of low vision aids and rehabilitation support: magnifiers (optical and digital) for reading; high-contrast materials; lighting optimisation (RP patients often benefit from increased lighting); dark glasses and brimmed hats to reduce glare and photophobia; screen magnification software; text-to-speech and audio description technology; cane or guide dog mobility support; and GPS navigation aids. NHS low vision clinics and the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) provide assessment and access to assistive technology. Retina UK provides peer support and information. What support is available for people with RP in the UK? The key support organisations are: Retina UK (formerly British Retinitis Pigmentosa Society) — the UK's leading patient charity for RP and allied conditions, offering information, helpline, peer support groups, financial grants and research funding; RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) — equipment, benefits advice, talking books, emotional support; NHS low vision services; Certificate of Visual Impairment (CVI) for those meeting sight impairment criteria, which unlocks benefits and social care; and Access to Work grants for people of working age with RP who require workplace adaptations. How does retinitis pigmentosa affect people in developing countries? In low-income countries, RP is frequently misdiagnosed or entirely undiagnosed because electroretinography and specialist retinal services are unavailable. Genetic testing — essential for accurate prognosis and family planning — is absent from most public health systems. Treatable complications such as posterior subcapsular cataract and macular oedema go unmanaged, accelerating vision loss unnecessarily. World Aid Network funds eye care through locally-licensed ophthalmologists, supporting access to ophthalmic services for the poorest communities in the regions where we operate. Published by World Aid Network. Check the original sources and their dates. General information is not individual medical, legal or tax advice. Our editorial policy explains responsibility and corrections. ## What are the sources for this guide? Follow the original guidance for its evidence, dates and limitations. General background references are not a clinical review of this page. - [Moorfields Eye Hospital — Retinitis pigmentosa](https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/private/eye-conditions-and-treatments/retinitis-pigmentosa) [Editorial policy](/editorial-policy) · [Corrections and reporting an error](/corrections) ## Help bring eye care to those who cannot afford it In low-income countries, sight-threatening RP complications — cataract and macular oedema — go untreated because specialist eye services are inaccessible. World Aid Network funds eye care through locally-licensed ophthalmologists. Your donation helps protect sight for those most in need. [Donate to eye care](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form)[Gift of Sight Appeal: funding details](/appeal/gift-of-sight)[Eye charity programmes](/blindness-charity) ## Before you give Suggested amounts contribute to the programme. They do not guarantee a named patient, procedure or quantity of relief. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) - [Published impact and reporting](/our-impact) - [Gift Aid eligibility and current status](/gift-aid) ## Share this guide [Share by email](mailto:?subject=World%20Aid%20Network%20guide&body=https%3A%2F%2Fworldaidnetwork.org%2Fblog%2Fretinitis-pigmentosa-uk) Only the public article link is included. ## How can I help someone access eye care? Understand the care available, explore its costs and see how a donation reaches a treatment partner. - [Give to eye care](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form) About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. Any amount contributes to the Gift of Sight Appeal. - [Sponsor cataract surgery](/sponsor-a-cataract-operation) Learn how to help fund an operation. - [Plan an eye-care gift](/eye-surgery-cost-calculator) Calculate your giving total without assuming a number of operations. - [Where your donation goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and accounted for. - [Sight-restoring eye surgery](/eye-surgery) Explore the eye care programme and treatment pathway. - [Getting help for vision changes](/eye-health/screening-checker) Find guidance on professional eye care and support enquiries. - [Clinicians and hospital enquiries](/eye-care-partners) Review standards, participation and professional introductions. - [Screening locations and availability](/free-eye-screening-camps) Check published schedules and what to ask before attending. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Save Children: Sight, Cancer, Disaster | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/save-children-world-aid-network > World Aid Network helps children through eye surgery, cancer treatment and disaster relief. About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. Direct Answer World Aid Network helps children through two charitable Objects: eye surgery and cancer treatment for patients, including children, who cannot afford private care, and emergency relief after disasters. About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation, supplied by a consultant ophthalmic surgeon; real costs vary by patient and hospital. Every year, thousands of children lose their sight to conditions that a single operation could cure. Thousands more receive no treatment for cancers that are, in wealthier settings, routinely survivable. And when floods or other disasters strike, it is children — the youngest, the most physically fragile, the least able to protect themselves — who bear the heaviest toll. World Aid Network is not a children's charity as such, but its two clearly defined charitable objects — medical care for poor patients and emergency aid for disaster-affected families — include children whose futures can depend on whether a surgeon can see them in time, whether treatment is funded, or whether emergency food and shelter arrive. ## How can a children's charity save children from blindness? Congenital cataracts need prompt surgery, often within the first weeks of a baby's life, to give the best chance of good vision. Costs vary by patient and hospital; about £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. For families without means, cost can be the difference between treatment and none. The World Health Organisation estimates that 19 million children worldwide are visually impaired, and that 90% of childhood blindness is either preventable or treatable. Congenital cataracts affect approximately three to four children per 10,000 births and account for a significant proportion of cases of permanent childhood blindness globally. The tragedy is that surgery exists, surgeons exist, and hospitals exist — what is missing is the funding to reach children whose families cannot pay. World Aid Network saves children from blindness by funding eye surgery performed by locally-licensed ophthalmologists — qualified surgeons registered with the relevant national medical councils (PMDC in Pakistan, KKI in Indonesia, MMC in Malaysia). This is not foreign volunteers operating in temporary field clinics. It is properly credentialled professionals working within established hospital settings, funded by charitable donations channelled through WAN's medical care programme. The conditions most commonly causing blindness in children include congenital cataracts (clouding of the lens present at birth), congenital glaucoma (raised intraocular pressure damaging the optic nerve), trachoma (a bacterial infection that progressively scars the inner eyelid) and vitamin A deficiency (a nutritional cause common in food-insecure communities). In most cases, timely surgery or treatment results in full or near-full restoration of sight. The biological clock is real: in congenital cataract cases, the visual cortex stops developing if surgery is delayed beyond the first two months of life, making the damage permanent even if the cataract is later removed. [ Learn more about our eye surgery programme ](/eye-surgery) ## How does WAN save children from cancer? The paediatric treatment fund explained Childhood cancer survival rates in lower-income communities fall below 20% for many diagnoses — not because the biology of the cancer is different, but because treatment is unaffordable. In high-income countries, the same cancers — acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, retinoblastoma, Wilms' tumour — are routinely survived by more than 80% of children treated. The gap is entirely explained by access to care. The WHO estimates that over 400,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year worldwide, and that children in low- and middle-income countries account for the majority of childhood cancer deaths. For a child with retinoblastoma (a cancer of the eye most common in children under five), the survival rate in a high-income setting approaches 95%. Without treatment, it is fatal — and the eye is lost to the tumour before death. In WAN's operating regions, a family facing this diagnosis may have no realistic route to treatment without charitable support. World Aid Network helps children facing cancer by funding access to treatment through locally-licensed oncologists and established clinical pathways. WAN does not operate its own hospitals or clinics. Instead, it funds the cost of treatment — surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and supportive care — for patients whose families cannot meet those costs. The cancer treatment fund covers all cancer types, including the paediatric cancers with the strongest outcomes when treated early. For families without resources, a cancer diagnosis in a child is not just a medical emergency — it is an economic catastrophe. Treatment costs force impossible choices: sell assets, borrow beyond the ability to repay, or forgo treatment entirely. WAN's involvement changes that calculation. When a donor gives to the cancer treatment fund, they are funding a specific clinical outcome for a specific child who would otherwise receive no care at all. [ Give to the cancer treatment fund ](/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency#donate-form) Help someone reach eye care About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. Any amount contributes to the Gift of Sight Appeal, and outcomes vary by condition. [Donate to eye care](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form) ## Humanitarian aid for children: what WAN delivers when disasters strike When a flood sweeps through a community, the adults who survive can often rebuild — with effort, with time, with help. Children cannot. A child displaced by a flood loses not just shelter but routine, nutrition, warmth, safety and sometimes the adults who protected them. The humanitarian literature is consistent: children suffer disproportionate mortality and long-term harm in disaster events. Malnutrition in the first 1,000 days of life — the period from conception to age two — causes irreversible cognitive and physical impairment. A few weeks without adequate food during this window can affect a child for life. World Aid Network delivers emergency humanitarian aid through trusted local partner organisations with established logistics and community reach. Immediately following a disaster, WAN-funded aid includes emergency food parcels, clean drinking water, and temporary shelter materials. As the acute phase passes, the programme extends to seasonal relief — warm clothing and fuel for winter months — targeting the most vulnerable families, which disproportionately means families with young children. This is what humanitarian aid for children looks like in practice: not a photograph of a celebrity visiting a camp, but a lorry arriving with food before a family's last meal runs out. For emergency relief, WAN funds local responders who know the terrain, the community and the logistics — and who can move faster than any international deployment because they are already there. UNICEF estimates that children represent more than half of disaster-displaced populations in the regions WAN serves, yet they are physically the least able to withstand the consequences. [ Read more about our emergency relief programme ](/emergency-relief) ## What does a £25, £50 or £200 donation contribute towards? Suggested amounts are contributions to WAN's programmes, not prices for a parcel, a pack or an operation. Allocation depends on assessed need, partner costs and available funds. The table shows what each amount contributes towards. What different gifts contribute towards (contributions, not prices) | Donation | Contributes towards | Programme | | -------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------- | | £25 | Locally sourced emergency food after a disaster | Emergency relief | | £50 | An eye assessment and lens measurements | Eye surgery | | £100 | Food, water and other urgent supplies | Emergency relief | | £150 | Diagnostic tests and clinical assessment | Cancer treatment | | £200 | Around our planning estimate for one cataract operation; actual costs vary | Eye surgery | | £500 | Clinically recommended cancer treatment (a larger contribution, not a guaranteed course) | Cancer treatment | ## How is World Aid Network different from other children's charities? Most large children's charities operate across dozens of programmes — education, advocacy, nutrition, rights, development, emergency response, domestic poverty. This breadth is not a criticism; it reflects the breadth of children's needs globally. But it creates a challenge for donors who want to know exactly where their money goes and what it achieves. World Aid Network does two things only: medical care (eye surgery and cancer treatment) for poor patients, and emergency humanitarian aid for families affected by disasters. This is not a compromise or a limitation — it is a deliberate structural choice. The two charitable objects are legally binding under WAN's constitution. Trustees cannot spend charitable funds on anything outside them. The implications for donors are significant. When you give to WAN's eye surgery programme, your donation funds eye surgery — not a portion of a general fund that is then allocated across programmes. When you give to emergency relief, your donation funds food, water and shelter in disaster response — not advocacy or administrative campaigns. The narrowness is the point. WAN works through local facilities and organisations, with locally hired doctors and visiting specialist support for eye-care training and review. All clinical care is delivered by locally-licensed doctors — surgeons and oncologists registered with the national medical councils of Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Emergency aid is delivered through trusted local partner organisations with established logistics. This approach is faster, cheaper and more sustainable than model that requires international deployment. ## Why children are most at risk — and why focused charitable objects matter The choice of World Aid Network's two charitable objects — medical care and disaster relief — is not arbitrary. They represent the two most acute, most time-sensitive forms of suffering that affect children in lower-income communities. Preventable blindness compounds over a lifetime. Untreated cancer progresses within weeks. Malnutrition in a disaster sets in within days. These are emergencies with biological clocks — and a children's charity that operates slowly or diffusely cannot meaningfully help in these situations. Children are disproportionately represented among those affected by both. They are physiologically more vulnerable to the infectious diseases associated with contaminated water after floods. They are more likely to develop permanent disability from untreated eye conditions because the window for treatment is shorter. They are less able to advocate for themselves in healthcare systems that prioritise paying patients. A children's charity that focuses narrowly, acts quickly and works through credentialled local partners is structurally better placed to save children than one that works broadly across many causes with diluted impact. WAN's model is designed around these realities. Two objects. Locally-licensed professionals. Trusted partner organisations. No overseas staff. No scope creep. The narrow focus means every pound donated goes to one of two clearly defined outcomes: restored sight or cancer treatment for a child who could not otherwise afford care, or emergency food, water and shelter for a child whose home has been destroyed. ## Congenital cataracts in children: the sight that surgery can save Congenital cataracts — a clouding of the eye's lens present at or shortly after birth — affect an estimated three to four children per 10,000 births and are one of the leading causes of preventable childhood blindness worldwide. When a child is born with cataracts, the visual system does not develop normally during the critical window of early childhood. If surgery is not performed promptly — ideally within the first six to eight weeks for dense cataracts — the brain's visual cortex does not learn to process images from the affected eye, leading to permanent amblyopia (lazy eye) or total blindness, even after the cataract is eventually removed. The surgery itself is well-established. Paediatric cataract extraction, combined with optical rehabilitation (contact lenses or glasses) and patching therapy for the fellow eye, produces excellent outcomes when performed in time. The barrier is not the existence of treatment — it is access to a paediatric ophthalmologist and the funds to pay for the procedure and follow-up care. World Aid Network's eye surgery programme directly addresses this barrier, funding operations through locally-credentialled surgeons for families who cannot pay. The long-term return on investment in saving children's sight is profound. A child who regains full vision after cataract surgery at six months of age has a life ahead of normal education, employment and independence. The cost of that surgery is a fraction of what untreated childhood blindness costs — in human welfare, in lost productivity and in lifetime dependency. ## Emergency humanitarian aid for children: the critical first 72 hours In the immediate aftermath of a flood or comparable disaster, the survival calculus for children is stark. Infants and toddlers cannot regulate their body temperature without adequate clothing and shelter. Breastfeeding mothers who are dehydrated or malnourished cannot feed their infants. Children under five who drink contaminated floodwater are highly susceptible to cholera, typhoid and other waterborne diseases that can be fatal within hours of symptom onset. The WHO estimates that waterborne disease following floods kills more children than the initial disaster event itself in many lower-income settings. World Aid Network's humanitarian aid programme, delivered through established local partner organisations, is designed to reach affected families within this critical window. Emergency food parcels provide immediate caloric intake for families who have lost all food stores. Clean water — whether through distribution of treated water or purification tablets — prevents the waterborne disease cascade. Temporary shelter materials protect infants from exposure during the period before families can reach formal emergency housing. Beyond the acute phase, WAN's seasonal relief programme targets families with children during winter months, when the combination of displacement and cold creates acute vulnerability. The charity is a humanitarian aid organisation focused on outcomes, not presence — it does not need to place its own staff at a disaster site to deliver effective aid. Partner organisations on the ground do that work, funded by donations from WAN supporters. ## How WAN supports care through local professionals Many people assume that charity work in lower-income communities requires sending foreign professionals to do the work. World Aid Network is built on a different principle: the most effective help is delivered by people who are already there, who are professionally qualified by their own national systems, and who have community relationships that take years to build. All clinical care funded by WAN — whether eye surgery or cancer treatment — is performed by locally-licensed medical professionals: ophthalmologists registered with the relevant national medical councils (PMDC, KKI, MMC), oncologists credentialled within established hospital systems. WAN does not send UK-based surgeons abroad. It funds the surgeons who are already serving their own communities but whose patients cannot afford to pay. The same principle applies to humanitarian aid. When a disaster occurs, WAN funds trusted local partner organisations that already have logistics networks, community trust and geographic knowledge. This means aid moves faster, costs less to deliver and reaches families who would be invisible to an external team parachuting in from overseas. It is a model designed not for the comfort of donors who want to see foreign volunteers, but for the safety and dignity of children and families who need help now. ## How to choose a children's charity: questions that reveal real impact The children's charity sector is large and varied. Some organisations focus on advocacy, some on education, some on specific diseases. When choosing a children's charity, it is worth asking: what does this organisation actually do, and what evidence exists that it works? A children's charity that helps children effectively will be able to tell you — in specific terms — what a donation of a given size funds, what clinical or humanitarian outcomes result, and how those outcomes are verified. A registered UK children's charity must file its accounts with the Charity Commission, which makes them publicly available. Its registration number, trustee list and annual returns are all searchable at gov.uk/find-charity-information. Any children's charity that cannot demonstrate Charity Commission registration, public accounts and a clear description of its charitable objects warrants caution. World Aid Network does not yet meet every test: it is applying for CIO registration (application 5290505), so it has no charity number or filed accounts yet. Its two charitable objects are precisely defined, and you can read our registration status, where your money goes and our reporting status before you give. ## What is the long-term impact of saving a child's sight or funding cancer treatment? A child who undergoes successful cataract surgery at three months of age will, all else being equal, go to school, read, learn a trade, form relationships, raise a family and participate fully in their community. The surgery takes less than an hour. Its effect spans a lifetime — typically fifty or more years of vision that would otherwise have been lost. The return on a single donation that funds that surgery is, in the strictest sense of the term, incalculable. For childhood cancer: a child successfully treated for retinoblastoma or leukaemia does not simply survive — they recover, grow, develop and, in most cases, go on to live a normal lifespan. The alternative — no treatment — is not merely a shorter life. It is a death measured in weeks to months, watching parents exhaust their savings in desperation, and leaving siblings and communities marked by the loss of someone who could have been saved. Emergency humanitarian aid for children prevents a different kind of permanent harm. Malnutrition in the first 1,000 days of life — the period from conception to age two — reduces IQ, stunts physical development and permanently limits cognitive capacity. Even moderate malnutrition sustained over two to four weeks during this window causes irreversible damage. Emergency food aid delivered in time does not just prevent a death. It preserves a developmental trajectory that cannot be recovered if the moment is missed. ## How to donate to a children's charity that funds surgery and emergency aid Donating to World Aid Network is straightforward. You can give online by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay through our secure checkout, as a one-off or monthly gift. Gift Aid is not currently available while our CIO application is pending. Regular monthly giving is particularly valuable for a children's charity focused on surgical programmes, because it creates predictable funding that allows forward planning. When WAN can rely on its monthly income, surgeons can be scheduled, theatre time can be booked and families can be identified and prepared in advance. £17 a month adds up to about £200 a year, close to our planning estimate for one cataract operation. For donors who cannot give financially, sharing information about WAN's work — through social media, in workplaces or within faith communities — extends the reach of the charity's mission. Fundraising on behalf of WAN through sponsored events, birthday fundraisers or workplace giving schemes generates income that goes directly to eye surgery, cancer treatment and emergency humanitarian aid for children. [ Donate to World Aid Network ](/donate) ### Key takeaways - World Aid Network saves children through two precisely defined charitable objects: sight-restoring eye surgery and cancer treatment for children who cannot afford private care, and emergency humanitarian aid for families devastated by floods and disasters. - Childhood blindness from congenital cataracts, glaucoma and trachoma is largely preventable — but only if surgery is funded and delivered in time. WAN funds that surgery through locally-licensed ophthalmologists. - About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation; real costs vary by patient and hospital. Cost can stand between a child and sight-saving surgery. - 90% of childhood blindness is preventable or treatable (WHO). 19 million children worldwide are visually impaired. Surgery must happen within the first 6–8 weeks of life for congenital cataracts — delay causes permanent damage even if the cataract is later removed. - Childhood cancer survival rates fall below 20% in lower-income communities for diagnoses that are survived by 80%+ of children in the UK. The gap is entirely explained by access to affordable treatment — which WAN's cancer treatment fund directly addresses. - Children represent more than half of disaster-displaced populations in WAN's operating regions (UNICEF). Malnutrition over just 2–4 weeks in the first 1,000 days of life causes irreversible cognitive and physical damage — making rapid emergency food aid a developmental intervention, not just survival aid. - All WAN clinical care is delivered by locally-licensed medical professionals (PMDC/KKI/MMC registered) — not foreign volunteers. This model is faster, more sustainable and delivers better outcomes than overseas deployment. - WAN is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration with named trustees and two legally binding charitable objects. - £17 a month adds up to about £200 a year, close to our planning estimate for one cataract operation. Gift Aid is not currently available. - WAN is different from most children's charities in one key respect: it does only two things. Two legally binding charitable objects. Every donation funds either medical care or emergency relief — with no portion diverted to advocacy, awareness campaigns or overhead-heavy international deployments. Help someone reach eye care About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. Any amount contributes to the Gift of Sight Appeal, and outcomes vary by condition. [Donate to eye care](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form) [Gift of Sight Appeal: how gifts are used](/appeal/gift-of-sight) ## Frequently asked questions How does World Aid Network save children? World Aid Network saves children in two specific ways. First, it funds sight-restoring eye surgery and cancer treatment for children from poor families who cannot access or afford private clinical care — delivered by locally-licensed surgeons and oncologists within established hospital settings. Second, it delivers emergency humanitarian aid — food parcels, clean water and temporary shelter — to families with children affected by floods and disasters, through trusted local partner organisations. Both programmes are funded entirely by charitable donations from UK and international supporters. What is a children's charity? A children's charity is a charitable organisation whose primary purpose is to benefit children by improving their health, safety, education or welfare. In the UK, a children's charity must be registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales and operate for the public benefit as defined in its charitable objects. World Aid Network is not a children's charity as such: it is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration, with two charitable objects — medical care (eye surgery and cancer treatment) for poor patients, and emergency humanitarian aid for disaster-affected families — that can benefit children among others. How much does it cost to save a child's sight? Costs vary with the child, the hospital, anaesthesia and follow-up. About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation, supplied by consultant ophthalmic surgeon Mr Mohamed Mohyudin; it is not a fixed price. For a child born with congenital cataracts, prompt surgery gives the best chance of good vision. Gifts of any amount contribute to the eye-care programme rather than paying for one named child. Which children's charity is best for funding direct medical care? The best children's charities for direct medical impact are those with clearly defined charitable objects, delivery through qualified local professionals, and transparent accounts verifiable at the Charity Commission. World Aid Network focuses exclusively on two programmes: sight-restoring eye surgery and cancer treatment, and emergency disaster relief. All clinical care is performed by locally-licensed surgeons and oncologists — not foreign volunteers. This model produces specific, verifiable outcomes: a funded operation, a completed treatment course, an emergency food parcel delivered. How does humanitarian aid help children after a disaster? Humanitarian aid saves children after disasters by addressing the most acute threats to their survival and development: dehydration from contaminated water, malnutrition from disrupted food supply, and hypothermia from lack of shelter. Children under five are physiologically the most vulnerable — they cannot regulate body temperature, they are most susceptible to waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid, and their developing brains are permanently damaged by even short periods of malnutrition in the first 1,000 days of life. World Aid Network funds emergency food, clean water and shelter through trusted local partner organisations who reach affected families within the critical first 72 hours. How does World Aid Network save children from blindness? World Aid Network saves children from blindness by funding eye surgery performed by locally-licensed ophthalmologists at partner hospitals. The most common cause of preventable childhood blindness is congenital cataracts — present at birth and treatable with a surgical procedure. Surgery must be performed within the first six to eight weeks of a baby's life; delay causes permanent visual cortex damage. WAN also funds treatment for glaucoma and other treatable eye conditions in children. The WHO estimates 90% of childhood blindness is preventable or treatable — making funding the only missing element for thousands of children. How does World Aid Network help children with cancer? World Aid Network helps children with cancer by funding access to treatment — surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and supportive care — through locally-licensed oncologists for children whose families cannot afford the cost. Paediatric cancers including retinoblastoma, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and Wilms' tumour have survival rates above 80% in high-income settings but below 20% in lower-income communities where treatment is unaffordable. WAN's cancer treatment fund closes this gap by financing care through established clinical pathways. All clinical services are delivered by professionals registered with national medical councils in WAN's operating regions. What causes preventable blindness in children? The main causes of preventable or treatable blindness in children are: congenital cataracts (clouding of the lens present at birth — surgery needed within 6–8 weeks of life); congenital glaucoma (raised intraocular pressure damaging the optic nerve in infancy, treatable with surgery); trachoma (a bacterial infection causing progressive scarring, treatable with antibiotics and surgery in advanced cases); and vitamin A deficiency (preventable with supplementation). All of these are either preventable or treatable — childhood blindness from these causes is entirely a function of access to care, not medical impossibility. World Aid Network funds surgery and treatment to close that access gap. Is World Aid Network a registered UK children's charity? World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration with charity registration in progress with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. It has two charitable objects: medical care (eye surgery and cancer treatment) for poor patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia, and emergency humanitarian aid for disaster-affected families in those same regions. Both charitable objects directly benefit children as a primary group within the communities WAN serves. How is World Aid Network different from other children's charities? World Aid Network differs from most children's charities in three key ways. First, it does only two things — medical care and emergency disaster relief — defined in legally binding charitable objects. Second, all clinical care is delivered by locally-licensed doctors (not foreign volunteers), which means faster delivery, lower cost and stronger community relationships. Third, programme costs and delivery should be checked against budgets and reports; an organisational model alone does not establish the proportion of a donation reaching a particular outcome. For donors who want to fund a specific operation or specific emergency aid rather than a broad general fund, WAN's structure is designed for that clarity. How much does it cost to save a child from cancer? The cost of cancer treatment varies by diagnosis, stage and hospital, so we do not quote a price for treating a child. Gifts to the Cancer Emergency Appeal go to the wider fund and do not buy a guaranteed treatment or result. For retinoblastoma (eye cancer in young children), early treatment can save both the child's life and their sight. Contact WAN at info@worldaidnetwork.org for details on the cancer treatment fund. Can I use Gift Aid when donating to a children's charity? For charities recognised by HMRC, Gift Aid lets the charity reclaim basic-rate tax on donations from UK taxpayers, adding 25p to every £1\. Gift Aid is not currently available for gifts to World Aid Network: it is applying for CIO registration (application 5290505), and HMRC recognition is a separate later step. How does emergency disaster relief protect children specifically? Children — especially infants and toddlers — are physiologically more vulnerable to disaster consequences than adults. They cannot regulate their body temperature without shelter and clothing. Breastfeeding infants are threatened when mothers become malnourished or dehydrated. Children under five who consume contaminated water are highly susceptible to cholera, typhoid and dysentery, which can be fatal within hours. Critically, malnutrition in the first 1,000 days of life (conception to age two) causes irreversible cognitive and physical impairment — meaning emergency food aid is not just survival aid but a developmental intervention. World Aid Network's humanitarian aid programme provides emergency food, clean water and shelter to families in the critical first days after a disaster. How does untreated childhood cancer affect a child and their family? Untreated childhood cancer progresses rapidly. For a child with retinoblastoma or acute leukaemia, the absence of treatment means a deteriorating trajectory measured in weeks to months. For a child with retinoblastoma specifically, the tumour grows and destroys the eye before spreading — meaning delay costs not just the child's life but their sight first. For the family, untreated childhood cancer means watching a child suffer without the ability to intervene, exhausting savings and borrowing in desperation, and ultimately losing a child to a disease that is survived by 80%+ of children who receive treatment in wealthier settings. World Aid Network's cancer treatment fund intervenes directly in this situation. Can I fundraise for World Aid Network on behalf of children? Yes — fundraising on behalf of WAN is a valued form of support. Sponsored events, birthday fundraisers, workplace giving schemes and online crowdfunding pages all raise money that contributes to eye surgery, cancer treatment and humanitarian aid, including for children. You can request a fundraising page through our Fundraise for us page. Any funds raised are treated as a donation to WAN's general charitable fund and allocated to its two charitable objects. Contact WAN at info@worldaidnetwork.org to discuss fundraising materials or support. Why do children in lower-income communities have worse cancer survival rates? The gap in childhood cancer survival rates between high-income and lower-income communities is almost entirely explained by access to treatment, not by the biology of the cancers. The same paediatric cancers routinely survived by 80%+ of children in the UK — acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, retinoblastoma, Wilms' tumour — have survival rates below 20% in communities where families cannot afford diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy and follow-up care. The WHO estimates that over 400,000 children are diagnosed with cancer annually worldwide, with the majority of cancer deaths occurring in lower-income settings. World Aid Network's cancer treatment fund finances treatment through locally-licensed oncologists for children whose families cannot pay. What does a £10 donation to a children's charity actually do? A £10 donation to World Aid Network contributes towards emergency food, water and shelter after a disaster, or towards eye-care costs such as assessment and preparation for surgery. Suggested amounts are contributions, not prices for a specific parcel or operation: allocation depends on assessed need, partner costs and available funds. Gift Aid is not currently available while CIO registration is pending. At £10 a month, a regular donor gives £120 a year, which helps us plan support before emergencies happen. How can I support a children's charity if I cannot donate money? There are several ways to support a children's charity without making a financial donation. You can raise awareness by sharing information about WAN's work through social media, in workplaces or within faith communities — extending reach to potential donors who would not otherwise find the charity. You can fundraise on WAN's behalf through sponsored events, birthday fundraisers or workplace giving schemes. You can offer professional skills on a pro bono basis — many small charities have significant unmet needs in legal, accounting, communications or IT. Published by World Aid Network. Check the original sources and their dates. General information is not individual medical, legal or tax advice. Our editorial policy explains responsibility and corrections. ## What are the sources for this guide? Follow the original guidance for its evidence, dates and limitations. Background references explain the need; they are not evidence of WAN fundraising or delivery. - [gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/find-charity-information) - [who.int](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blindness-and-visual-impairment) - [who.int](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer-in-children) - [unicef.org](https://www.unicef.org/reports/state-of-worlds-children) - [gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/charities-detailed-guidance-notes/chapter-3-gift-aid) [Editorial policy](/editorial-policy) · [Corrections and reporting an error](/corrections) ## Give to eye care or emergency relief About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. Any amount contributes to eye care or emergency relief for families in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. [Donate to eye care](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form)[Gift of Sight Appeal: funding details](/appeal/gift-of-sight) ## Before you give Suggested amounts contribute to the programme. They do not guarantee a named patient, procedure or quantity of relief. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) - [Published impact and reporting](/our-impact) - [Gift Aid eligibility and current status](/gift-aid) ## Share this guide [Share by email](mailto:?subject=World%20Aid%20Network%20guide&body=https%3A%2F%2Fworldaidnetwork.org%2Fblog%2Fsave-children-world-aid-network) Only the public article link is included. ## Make an informed donation Check what the organisation offers, understand the conditions and choose a way to give that suits you. - [Compare ways to donate](/ways-to-donate) Card giving, monthly gifts and other routes, with current availability. - [Gift Aid eligibility explained](/gift-aid) Understand donor conditions and the current status at WAN. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and how estimates differ from results. - [Check our registration status](/about/registration-status) Distinguish the application reference from a registered charity number. - [Practical donor resources](/donor-resources) Find answers, useful tools and giving options. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Sole Trader Charity Donations & Tax | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/sole-trader-charity-donations-tax-relief > Sole traders cannot deduct charity donations as a business expense, but higher-rate relief can cut a £100 gift to £75. Learn what you can claim. Direct Answer Sole traders cannot deduct charitable donations as a business expense, but they can give tax-efficiently as individuals through Gift Aid. A higher-rate taxpayer donating £100 can reclaim a further £25 through self-assessment, making the gift cost £75 net. Gifts to World Aid Network do not qualify yet, because its CIO application is pending. Sole traders and people in business partnerships are taxed as individuals on their business profits — which means the tax rules that apply to their charitable giving are the individual Gift Aid rules, not the Corporation Tax rules that apply to limited companies. This is sometimes misunderstood. A sole trader cannot deduct a charitable donation as a business expense on their tax return. But as an individual UK taxpayer, they can give through Gift Aid — which adds 25p to every £1 they give at no cost, and allows higher-rate and additional-rate taxpayers to claim back further relief through self-assessment. This guide explains the Gift Aid rules for sole traders and individuals in business partnerships, how higher-rate tax relief on charitable donations works, and what that means for gifts to World Aid Network while Gift Aid is not yet available. This article is for general information only and does not constitute tax advice. Always seek advice from a qualified accountant or tax adviser for your specific circumstances. ## Sole trader Gift Aid rules: the basics Gift Aid is available to any UK taxpayer — including sole traders, partners and company directors donating in their personal capacity. The key condition is that the donor must have paid sufficient UK income tax or capital gains tax in the current or previous tax year to cover the amount the charity claims. When a sole trader makes a Gift Aid donation, they declare that they are a UK taxpayer and the charity claims 25p from HMRC for every £1 donated. The donor pays nothing extra — the claim is funded by the basic rate of income tax already paid on the income used to make the donation. For a sole trader on a fluctuating income, it is worth checking each year that your tax liability is sufficient to cover the Gift Aid claims on any donations made. If your income falls below the personal allowance in a given year, any Gift Aid declarations made that year may need to be reviewed. ## Higher rate tax relief on charitable donations for sole traders A sole trader — or any individual — paying the higher rate of income tax (currently 40 per cent on income above £50,270) or the additional rate (45 per cent) can claim back the difference between basic rate and their marginal rate on Gift Aid donations through their self-assessment tax return. For a higher-rate taxpayer donating £100 through Gift Aid: the charity receives £125 (the £100 donation plus the £25 basic rate tax credit). The higher-rate taxpayer can then claim a further £25 through self-assessment (the difference between the 40% and 20% rates on the gross donation of £125). The effective net cost of the £100 donation is therefore £75. For an additional-rate taxpayer, the further relief is even greater: up to 25p per £1 donated can be reclaimed, making a £100 donation cost effectively £62.50 after all reliefs. Give to eye surgery, cancer treatment or disaster relief Eye surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay, and relief after disasters, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Give once or monthly by card. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## How to claim higher rate tax relief on charity gifts Higher-rate and additional-rate taxpayers claim the extra relief on their annual self-assessment tax return. You will need to enter the total amount of Gift Aid donations made in the tax year on your return. You do not need to provide receipts to HMRC when submitting your return, but you should retain records — including donation confirmation emails or receipts — for at least 22 months after the end of the tax year in question. If you do not complete a self-assessment return, you can ask HMRC to adjust your tax code to reflect charitable giving, or submit a claim using form P810. ## Personal tax relief on business donations: what sole traders cannot claim Unlike limited companies, sole traders cannot deduct charitable donations as a business expense to reduce their taxable profits. The donation must be treated as personal rather than business expenditure. The exception is payroll giving (Give As You Earn), which is available to employed individuals but not typically to self-employed sole traders. This means the tax-efficient giving route for sole traders runs through Gift Aid on personal donations — not through business accounts. ## Donating to World Aid Network as a sole trader World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration. Gift Aid is not currently available for WAN donations. Because Gift Aid is not available, gifts to World Aid Network cannot currently be included in a higher-rate relief claim on your self-assessment return. You can still give by card. ### Key takeaways - Sole traders cannot deduct charitable donations as a business expense — but they can give tax-efficiently through Gift Aid as individuals. - Gift Aid adds 25p to every £1 donated by a UK taxpayer at no cost to the donor. It is not currently available for gifts to World Aid Network. - Higher-rate taxpayers can reclaim the difference between 40% and 20% tax on Gift Aid donations through self-assessment — making a £100 gift cost effectively £75. - Additional-rate taxpayers can reduce the effective cost of a £100 gift to £62.50 after all reliefs. - World Aid Network cannot claim Gift Aid yet: it is applying for CIO registration and HMRC recognition is a separate later step. Give to eye surgery, cancer treatment or disaster relief Eye surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay, and relief after disasters, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Give once or monthly by card. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## Frequently asked questions Can a sole trader claim a charitable donation as a business expense? No. Charitable donations are not allowable as business expenses for sole traders. The tax-efficient giving route for sole traders is through personal Gift Aid donations. Can I claim higher rate tax relief on my donations to World Aid Network? Not at present. Higher-rate relief applies only to Gift Aid donations, and Gift Aid is not currently available for World Aid Network while our CIO application (5290505) is pending. Always seek advice from a qualified tax adviser for your specific circumstances. What if my income varies year to year as a sole trader? You should check each year that your tax liability is sufficient to cover the Gift Aid claims on donations made that year. A qualified accountant can help you review this. Is World Aid Network registered for Gift Aid? World Aid Network's charity registration is in progress. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility — we will update our Gift Aid page if that changes. Published by World Aid Network. Check the original sources and their dates. General information is not individual medical, legal or tax advice. Our editorial policy explains responsibility and corrections. ## What are the sources for this guide? Follow the original guidance for its evidence, dates and limitations. Background references explain the need; they are not evidence of WAN fundraising or delivery. - [HMRC — Gift Aid for donors](https://www.gov.uk/donating-to-charity/gift-aid) - [HMRC — Gift Aid requirements](https://www.gov.uk/claim-gift-aid) [Editorial policy](/editorial-policy) · [Corrections and reporting an error](/corrections) ## Giving as a sole trader Gifts to World Aid Network do not currently qualify for Gift Aid or tax relief while our CIO application (5290505) is pending. You can still give by card. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## Before you give Suggested amounts contribute to the programme. They do not guarantee a named patient, procedure or quantity of relief. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) - [Published impact and reporting](/our-impact) - [Gift Aid eligibility and current status](/gift-aid) ## Share this guide [Share by email](mailto:?subject=World%20Aid%20Network%20guide&body=https%3A%2F%2Fworldaidnetwork.org%2Fblog%2Fsole-trader-charity-donations-tax-relief) Only the public article link is included. ## Make an informed donation Check what the organisation offers, understand the conditions and choose a way to give that suits you. - [Compare ways to donate](/ways-to-donate) Card giving, monthly gifts and other routes, with current availability. - [Gift Aid eligibility explained](/gift-aid) Understand donor conditions and the current status at WAN. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and how estimates differ from results. - [Check our registration status](/about/registration-status) Distinguish the application reference from a registered charity number. - [Practical donor resources](/donor-resources) Find answers, useful tools and giving options. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Sponsor a child > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/sponsor-a-child > Last reviewed: 2026-10-04 ## In short World Aid Network does not run a named-child letter scheme. Sponsor a child here by funding cataract surgery, childhood cancer treatment or emergency food and water in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia. About £200 contributes towards cataract care. Donate on this page. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks. Please donate. Sponsor a child’s cataract, cancer treatment, or food and water — not a named-child letter scheme. Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/sponsor-a-child. World Aid Network does not run a named-child letter scheme. Sponsor a child here by funding cataract surgery, childhood cancer treatment or emergency food and water. About £200 contributes towards cataract care. This page is not listed on https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal. Children's charity donation: https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/childrens-charity-donation. Gift of Sight: https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/gift-of-sight. Cancer Emergency Appeal: https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency. ## At a glance - No letters: We do not sell a named-child photograph and pen-pal pack - ~£200: Planning example, not a guaranteed operation price - £50: A contribution towards clinically recommended cancer care for a child who cannot pay - 3 countries: Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia — our charitable Objects ## What does it mean to sponsor a child? On this page, to sponsor a child means to pay for a child’s care — a cataract operation, childhood cancer treatment, or emergency food and water — in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia. It does not mean buying a named child, a welcome-pack photograph and two letters a year. Please donate here if the care is what you wanted to sponsor. What is child sponsorship? In the UK it is usually sold as a monthly gift, a child’s name, a photo and a promise of updates. The named child is often an ambassador for a whole community programme. That can be honest work. It is not our product, and we will not dress a hospital bill up as a pen pal. A cataract does not wait for a letter. A chemotherapy cycle does not wait for a drawing. After a flood, a child needs a drink before anyone needs a brochure. Please sponsor that. Give on this page. About £200 contributes towards cataract care. Choose cancer treatment or emergency relief on the form if that is the gift you meant. Please donate today. You do not have to pick a face from a grid first. ## Do you sponsor a named child? No. World Aid Network does not run a sponsor-a-child letter scheme. We do not assign you a named child, a photograph and a yearly update as the product. A gift of about £200 contributes towards cataract care. Write to info@worldaidnetwork.org if you would like a partner update. We cannot always name a patient for privacy. A hospital list is not a catalogue. The child who needs the next operation is already in a partner hospital, or will be when the surgeon can operate. Putting that child on a public website with a filter for age and gender is not how we work. Privacy is part of the care. If a named child, letters and a welcome pack are what you wanted, go to a charity that sells that product. If you wanted to sponsor a child’s sight, a child’s chemotherapy, or a child’s water after a disaster, stay here and donate. ## How do I find a child to sponsor? You do not find a child on this site. There is no boy-or-girl filter and no photo grid. Trustees fund the next verified patient or family on a partner list in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia. Please donate so that list can move. That is how you sponsor a child here. Letter schemes often ask you to choose a child by country, age or gender. That search is real. This page answers it without pretending we have a child waiting in a database for your click. The need is a bill, a kit, a meal — not a profile. If you want to mark the gift in someone’s name at home — a birthday, a memorial — use charity virtual gifts after you give. The patient overseas still is not named to you. Please give first so the hospital can act. ## How do I sponsor a child in the UK? Please donate on this page by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Choose eye surgery to sponsor a child’s cataract, cancer treatment to sponsor a child’s chemotherapy, or emergency relief for food, water and shelter. Optional: give monthly. You are not paying for NHS lists and you are not adopting a child. You do not need to travel. You do not need to send toys, clothes or bottled water from Britain. Local partners buy nearby. A Digital Shoebox Appeal is a £25 Medical Kit assembled in-country — not a packed cardboard box. From the United States, use the give-from-the-USA page. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation, not a US 501(c)(3). If your workplace, school, mosque or church is collecting to sponsor a child, bring the money here and say what the gift should fund. ## How much does it cost to sponsor a child? There is no monthly minimum for a named-child product, because we do not sell one. About £200 contributes towards cataract care. £50 is a suggested cancer care contribution, not a session price. £10 can cover drinking water for a displaced family for a week. Give the amount that is right for you. Please donate today. UK letter schemes often ask for a set monthly amount. That is their price for their product. Ours is typical partner costs, not a subscription for a photograph. Costs vary by country and by what the hospital quotes that week. The table is a guide, not a menu for a named child. A monthly gift on this form — or the monthly giving page — sponsors the next child’s care without waiting for a one-off drive. You can change it later. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks. We will not add Gift Aid to a table as if it were live. ## Can I sponsor a child's eye surgery? Yes. Choose eye surgery on this form, or give on the Gift of Sight Appeal. About £200 contributes towards cataract care at a partner hospital — surgeon, lens, anaesthesia and follow-up. Locally licensed ophthalmologists operate. We fund the bill. A child with a dense cataract is not waiting for a community well. They are waiting for an operation. That is a different gift from school fees or a borehole, and we will not blur them. Cataract charity UK explains the eye-charity job. Sponsor a cataract operation is the single-operation explainer. Please donate so a child who cannot pay is not sent home still blind. We do not fly surgical teams from Britain. We do not run clinics. Partners in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia already know how to operate. ## Can I sponsor a child's cancer treatment? Yes. Choose cancer treatment on this form, or give on the Cancer Emergency Appeal. That funds all types of cancer, including childhood cancer — not research and not NHS care. Please donate so a child mid-chemotherapy is not sent home because the bill ran out. A child with cancer in a high-income country has around an 80% chance of survival with funded treatment. For a poor family without funded care, that figure often falls below 20%. Those are published survival gaps, not World Aid Network caseloads. Continuity matters more than a new start: stopping mid-course because a family cannot pay is more dangerous than a delayed start. The childhood cancer treatment page explains the programme. The childhood cancer guide explains symptoms. Please sponsor the hospital bill, not a laboratory. Locally licensed oncologists treat the patient. We pay. ## Can I sponsor food and water for a child? Yes. Choose emergency relief on the form. Disaster gifts buy food, clean water, hygiene kits and temporary shelter for families — and the children in them — in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Partners typically start within 48 to 72 hours. We do not rebuild houses. We do not send cash to individuals. After a quake or a flood, a child needs a drink, a meal and a dry place to sleep. That is the whole of a disaster gift here. The Indonesia Emergency Appeal is the standing page for earthquakes and tsunamis in Indonesia, including the 15 August 2026 Flores shock. The Pakistan Floods Appeal is the standing flood page for Pakistan. Please donate money rather than parcels from the UK, unless a partner has asked for a specific item in writing. Parcels arrive late. Local partners buy nearby. Emergency relief does not fund medical clinics from disaster money. Eye surgery and cancer treatment are separate causes. Pick the cause that matches what you want to sponsor. ## Will I receive letters and a photograph? No. We do not send a welcome pack with a child’s photograph, two handwritten messages a year, or a drawing in return for your gift. If you would like a partner update, write to info@worldaidnetwork.org. We cannot always name a patient for privacy. Please donate anyway — the operation does not need a pen pal. Letters can be kind. They can also turn a sick child into stationery. We will not ask a family in a hospital corridor to pose for a sponsor pack. How we work explains grants to partners, not cash to individuals. If correspondence with a named child is the gift you wanted, that product exists elsewhere. If the gift you wanted is a child who can see, a child who can finish chemotherapy, or a child with water after the flood, sponsor that here. ## How is this different from a child sponsorship letter scheme? Letter schemes usually pool monthly gifts into community programmes and give you a named ambassador child, a photo and updates. World Aid Network funds partner-hospital bills and local relief kits in three countries. We do not rank those charities. If you searched for them by name, go to them. Please give here if a cataract, a chemotherapy session or emergency food and water is what you wanted to sponsor. ActionAid, World Vision UK, Compassion UK and Plan International UK all run sponsor-a-child products. Their objects, countries and letter programmes are theirs. We do not borrow their logos. We do not claim their caseloads. We do not say we are better. We say what we do. World Vision and Compassion are faith-inspired organisations. World Aid Network is secular. Donors of every faith and none are welcome. Patients are never asked their religion. Charity for humanity is the identity explainer. For filing transparency on registered UK charities, check CharityCompare. World Aid Network has no registered charity number yet (application 5290505), so it will not appear as a fully rated CharityCompare profile until registration is granted. You can still donate on this page. - A named child, photo and letters — We do not sell that product - A child’s cataract operation — About £200 at a partner hospital - A child’s cancer treatment — Imaging, surgery or chemotherapy — all types, not research - Food and water after disaster — Kits for families. Not reconstruction. Not cash - Countries — Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia only - Registration — CIO; Charity Commission application 5290505 in progress ## How is this different from a children's charity donation? This page answers “sponsor a child” and “child sponsorship”. The children's charity donation page answers “children’s charity donation” without the sponsorship keyword. Both can take a card gift for cataract surgery, childhood cancer treatment or emergency food and water. Neither is a named-child scheme. Neither is listed on the emergency appeals index. Search engines treat those questions as different. We keep them on different URLs so each answer stays extractable. Stay here if you typed sponsor a child. Use the children's charity donation page if that was the search. Use Gift of Sight if you want the named cataract checkout. Use the Cancer Emergency Appeal if cancer treatment is the whole of the ask. ## Will Gift Aid apply if I sponsor a child here? Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks (application 5290505). You can donate now. We will contact donors when that happens. We will not tick a Gift Aid box that we cannot yet claim. When registration is granted, a UK taxpayer’s eligible gift can add 25 pence in the pound at no extra cost to the donor. That is not live on this site today. The Gift Aid page is the status explainer. ## Where does my sponsorship gift go? Gifts pay partner hospitals and vetted local relief partners in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia against trustee-approved lists. A restricted eye-surgery gift stays with eye care. A cancer gift stays with cancer treatment. A disaster gift stays with food, water, hygiene kits and shelter. We do not send cash to individuals. Unrestricted gifts can go where trustees see the most urgent list. We do not claim a 100% donation policy. Read how we work and the 100% donation policy guide. ICO ZC156579. Please donate so that chain can start. ## Can I give monthly to sponsor a child's care? Yes. A monthly donation matches a chemotherapy course and a surgery list better than a one-off drive. Please set up a regular gift on this page, or use the monthly giving page. You can change it later. You are still not buying a named-child letter scheme. If you would rather give once, that gift is welcome too. Please donate today if sponsoring a child’s cataract, cancer treatment, or food and water is what you came to do. ## What will a donation provide? - £10: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £25: A Digital Shoebox Medical Kit, bought nearby by local partners - £50: A contribution towards clinically recommended cancer care - £100: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £200: Contribution towards cataract care at a partner hospital - £500: Cancer surgery where partners quote this cost, or a larger relief package ## How to sponsor a child in the UK with World Aid Network We do not run a named-child letter scheme. Donate to fund a child’s cataract surgery, childhood cancer treatment or emergency food and water. - Refuse the photo grid: This page does not let you pick a named child by age or gender. Care is the product. - Choose what to sponsor: Eye surgery is typically a cataract at about £200. Cancer treatment includes childhood cancer. Emergency relief is food, water and shelter. - Give by card: Pay by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Optional: give monthly. - Optional: another URL: Children's charity donation page if you did not search “sponsor a child”. Gift of Sight or the Cancer Emergency Appeal for named checkouts. ## Related pages - Children's charity donation — Same care, without the sponsorship keyword. Not a named-child scheme. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/childrens-charity-donation - Gift of Sight Appeal — Named year-round cataract checkout — typically £200. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/gift-of-sight - Cancer Emergency Appeal — All types of cancer, including childhood cancer — treatment, not research. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency - Childhood cancer treatment — Paediatric chemotherapy and surgery for families who cannot pay. https://worldaidnetwork.org/childhood-cancer-treatment - Childhood cancer guide — Symptoms and the 80% vs under-20% survival gap. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/childhood-cancer - Sponsor a cataract operation — What £200 typically covers for one operation — not a named child. https://worldaidnetwork.org/sponsor-a-cataract-operation - Sponsor an orphan — A different search. We still do not run a named-child scheme. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/sponsor-an-orphan - Indonesia Emergency Appeal — Food, water and shelter after earthquakes and tsunamis. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/indonesia-emergency - Pakistan Floods Appeal — Food, water and shelter after floods in Pakistan. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/pakistan-emergency - Monthly giving — A regular gift sponsors the next child’s care, not a letter pack. https://worldaidnetwork.org/monthly-giving - Charity virtual gifts — Dedicate a donation in someone’s name at home. https://worldaidnetwork.org/charity-virtual-gifts - How we work — Grants to partners, not cash to individuals. https://worldaidnetwork.org/how-we-work - Registration status — Charity Commission application 5290505. https://worldaidnetwork.org/about/registration-status - Donate to charity — Year-round checkout if sponsorship is not why you came. https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate ## Frequently asked questions ### What does it mean to sponsor a child? Here it means funding a child’s cataract operation, childhood cancer treatment or emergency food and water in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia. It does not mean a named child, a photograph and letters. About £200 contributes towards cataract care. Donate on this page. ### What is child sponsorship? See What does it mean to sponsor a child? UK letter schemes usually pool monthly gifts into community programmes with a named ambassador child. World Aid Network funds hospital bills and relief kits. Different jobs. ### Do you sponsor a named child? No. See Do you sponsor a named child? We cannot always name a patient for privacy. A gift of £200 contributes towards cataract care. ### How do I find a child to sponsor? You do not find a child on this site. See How do I find a child to sponsor? Please donate so trustees can fund the next verified patient or family on a partner list. ### How much does it cost to sponsor a child? A £200 gift contributes towards cataract care. £50 is a suggested cancer care contribution, not a session price. £10 can cover drinking water for a displaced family for a week. There is no named-child monthly tariff because we do not sell that product. ### How do I sponsor a child in the UK? Donate on this page. Choose eye surgery, cancer treatment or emergency relief. Optional: monthly. See How do I sponsor a child in the UK? ### Will I receive letters and a photograph? No. See Will I receive letters and a photograph? Write to info@worldaidnetwork.org if you would like a partner update. ### Is this the same as ActionAid, World Vision, Compassion or Plan? No. See How is this different from a child sponsorship letter scheme? If you searched for those organisations by name, go to them. We do not rank them. ### Will Gift Aid apply? Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks. You can donate now. We will contact donors when that happens. ### Do you send 100% of donations overseas? No. World Aid Network does not claim a 100% donation policy. Read how we work and the 100% donation policy guide. ### Is this listed on the emergency appeals index? No. Live earthquake, tsunami, flood, hunger, water, cancer and Gift of Sight appeals sit on the emergency appeals index. This URL stays /blog/sponsor-a-child. ## How you can help Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/sponsor-a-child or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=sponsor-a-child --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Sponsor an Orphan: A Dignified Way | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/sponsor-an-orphan > Most sponsor an orphan schemes pool donations across many children. See how a focused monthly gift contributes to surgery and relief with dignity. Direct Answer Most sponsor-an-orphan schemes pool donations to fund partner organisations that care for many children, not one named child. World Aid Network does not run child sponsorship. You can give monthly by card instead, and about £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. Searches for 'sponsor an orphan' rise every year, particularly during Ramadan, Christmas and the major giving moments in the calendar. Behind the search is a powerful, generous instinct — to do something for the children who have lost the most. The traditional sponsor-an-orphan model promises a named child, a regular update and the feeling of one-to-one connection. In practice, most schemes pool donations to fund care for many orphans through partner organisations on the ground. That is the right way to do it — but it is not always how it is described. This guide explains what to look for if you want to sponsor an orphan, why a focused regular gift to a charity like World Aid Network can be a more dignified and effective alternative, and how your support changes the lives of the most vulnerable children in the communities we serve. ## What does 'sponsor an orphan' really involve? In most reputable schemes, your regular gift is pooled with others and used to fund a partner organisation that cares for many orphans — not just one. The named child is real, but the money supports the whole programme. There is nothing wrong with pooled funding. It is almost always the most effective way to look after vulnerable children. But donors deserve to know how the model actually works. A more dignified version of the same idea is to give regularly to a focused charity that funds healthcare and emergency relief for the most vulnerable children — without using a single child as a mascot for the wider programme. ## How World Aid Network helps the most vulnerable children World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration. Our two charitable Objects directly benefit some of the most vulnerable children in the communities we serve — many of whom have lost one or both parents. Our first Object funds sight-restoring eye surgery and cancer treatment for poor patients — including childhood cancers, paediatric cataracts and other treatable conditions. Care is delivered by locally-licensed and registered doctors and surgeons in registered hospitals in the patient's own country. Our second Object funds emergency food, clean drinking water, shelter and seasonal relief for families displaced by floods, earthquakes and other natural disasters. Relief is given by need, and families caring for orphaned children can be among those helped. Give to eye surgery, cancer treatment or disaster relief Eye surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay, and relief after disasters, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Give once or monthly by card. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## Why a focused regular gift can be more dignified A focused regular gift treats the children we serve as patients and beneficiaries — not as marketing material. There is no photograph required, no implied promise that your money goes to one named child, no annual letter written under pressure. It also lets the charity respond where need is greatest. Trustees can direct funds to the children most at risk in any given month — a child needing urgent cataract surgery, a child mid-way through a cancer protocol, a family of orphaned children in a flood-affected village. ## What does a regular gift contribute to? The table below shows what different gifts add up to over a year. Amounts are contributions to the programme, not prices for an operation, a kit or one child's care. Gift Aid is not currently available. What a gift to World Aid Network adds up to (contributions, not prices) | Gift | Annual total | What it contributes to | | ------------ | ------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | £10/month | £120/year | Eye surgery, cancer treatment or emergency relief, as trustees direct | | £17/month | £204/year | Close to our £200 planning estimate for one cataract operation | | £25/month | £300/year | A larger regular contribution across our programmes | | One-off £200 | Single gift | Around our planning estimate for one cataract operation; actual costs vary | [ Give monthly by card ](/donate?frequency=monthly#donate-form) ## What your regular gift will do for vulnerable children A regular gift lets trustees plan support before emergencies happen and respond to assessed need across both of our charitable Objects. Gifts are pooled, so they do not pay for one named child. Read where your money goes and our reporting status before you give. Whichever Object your gift supports, it changes the trajectory of a vulnerable child's life. ### Key takeaways - Most sponsor-an-orphan schemes pool donations to fund partner organisations that care for many children, not one. - A focused regular gift to a charity with clearly defined objects is often a more dignified alternative. - World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration funding sight-restoring eye surgery, cancer treatment and emergency relief that directly benefits the most vulnerable children. - £17 a month adds up to about £200 a year, close to our planning estimate for one cataract operation. Gift Aid is not currently available. - Trustees can direct funds where vulnerable children need them most each month. Give to eye surgery, cancer treatment or disaster relief Eye surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay, and relief after disasters, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Give once or monthly by card. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## Frequently asked questions Does World Aid Network run a sponsor-an-orphan scheme? No. You can give monthly by card instead. Regular gifts are pooled and contribute to eye surgery, cancer treatment and emergency relief, without naming a single child as the face of the appeal. We believe this model is more dignified. Will my donation directly help orphaned and vulnerable children? Help is given by clinical and financial need, so children, including orphaned children, can be among the patients and families helped. Your gift is pooled and is not linked to a named child. How do I set up a regular monthly gift for vulnerable children? Visit worldaidnetwork.org/donate, choose the monthly option and pick an amount. Gift Aid is not currently available. You can change or cancel at any time. Can I give a single one-off gift instead of a monthly one? Yes. One-off gifts of any amount are welcome. About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation; smaller gifts contribute to eye care, cancer treatment or emergency relief. Published by World Aid Network. Check the original sources and their dates. General information is not individual medical, legal or tax advice. Our editorial policy explains responsibility and corrections. ## What are the sources for this guide? Follow the original guidance for its evidence, dates and limitations. Background references explain the need; they are not evidence of WAN fundraising or delivery. - [GOV.UK — Find charity information](https://www.gov.uk/find-charity-information) [Editorial policy](/editorial-policy) · [Corrections and reporting an error](/corrections) ## Help a vulnerable child today A £25 monthly gift contributes to eye surgery, cancer treatment and emergency relief for people who cannot afford them. Gift Aid is not currently available. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## Before you give Suggested amounts contribute to the programme. They do not guarantee a named patient, procedure or quantity of relief. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) - [Published impact and reporting](/our-impact) - [Gift Aid eligibility and current status](/gift-aid) ## Share this guide [Share by email](mailto:?subject=World%20Aid%20Network%20guide&body=https%3A%2F%2Fworldaidnetwork.org%2Fblog%2Fsponsor-an-orphan) Only the public article link is included. ## Make an informed donation Check what the organisation offers, understand the conditions and choose a way to give that suits you. - [Compare ways to donate](/ways-to-donate) Card giving, monthly gifts and other routes, with current availability. - [Gift Aid eligibility explained](/gift-aid) Understand donor conditions and the current status at WAN. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and how estimates differ from results. - [Check our registration status](/about/registration-status) Distinguish the application reference from a registered charity number. - [Practical donor resources](/donor-resources) Find answers, useful tools and giving options. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Symptoms | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/squamous-cell-carcinoma-skin-uk > Squamous cell carcinoma is the UK's second most common skin cancer, with about 16,000 cases a year, and it can spread. Learn the signs and treatment. Direct Answer Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer in the UK, with approximately 16,000 cases diagnosed each year, and unlike basal cell carcinoma it can spread, so prompt treatment matters. Surgical excision achieves high cure rates. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for poor patients who cannot afford care. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin is the second most common type of skin cancer in the UK, after basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Approximately 16,000 cases are diagnosed each year, and — unlike the more common BCC — SCC carries a meaningful risk of spreading to lymph nodes and distant organs in approximately 5–10% of high-risk cases. SCC arises from squamous cells — the flat cells that make up the outer layers of the skin (the epidermis). It most commonly develops on sun-exposed areas: the face, scalp, ears, back of the hands, forearms and lower legs. Actinic keratoses (also called solar keratoses) — rough, scaly patches on sun-damaged skin — are the most common precursor lesion. This guide answers the twenty most commonly searched questions about cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in the UK, drawing on NHS and WHO sources. ## Risk factors and precursor lesions Cumulative ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure is the most important cause of cutaneous SCC — both from sunlight and from artificial UV sources (sunbeds). Fair skin, light eyes and hair, a tendency to burn rather than tan, and a history of extensive sun exposure or sunburn all increase risk. Actinic keratoses (AKs) — rough, scaly, pink or brown patches on chronically sun-damaged skin — are pre-malignant lesions caused by UV-induced DNA damage. The risk of progression from an individual AK to SCC is low (approximately 0.1–0.5% per year), but patients with multiple AKs have a significantly elevated cumulative risk. A particularly important risk group is organ transplant recipients on long-term immunosuppressive therapy — their risk of cutaneous SCC is increased approximately 65–250-fold. SCCs in immunosuppressed patients are more aggressive, more likely to recur and more likely to metastasise. Other risk factors include: chronic scarring conditions (burn scars, chronic ulcers — Marjolin's ulcer); HPV infection (particularly periungual and anogenital SCC); ionising radiation exposure; chemical carcinogens (arsenic); smoking (lip SCC); and pre-existing chronic inflammatory skin conditions such as lichen sclerosus. ## Diagnosis SCC is typically diagnosed on clinical appearance and confirmed by skin biopsy — either incisional (a small sample taken from the lesion) or excisional (the entire lesion removed for examination). Dermoscopy — examination of the skin surface with a handheld illuminated magnifier — can improve clinical diagnostic accuracy. The histopathology report confirms the diagnosis, grades the tumour (well, moderately or poorly differentiated) and assesses features that determine high-risk status. High-risk SCC features include: tumour thickness over 6 mm (Breslow-equivalent depth); poorly differentiated histology; perineural invasion; lymphovascular invasion; diameter over 20 mm; location on the lip, ear, nose or in a scar; and immunosuppression. High-risk SCCs require wider excision margins (6–10 mm), consideration of sentinel lymph node biopsy in some cases, and multidisciplinary team discussion. Help a patient afford cancer care Gifts go to the Cancer Emergency Appeal’s wider fund for patients who cannot pay. They do not buy a guaranteed treatment or result. [Donate to cancer care](/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency#donate-form) ## Treatment Surgical excision with clear margins is the primary treatment for most cutaneous SCCs. Standard excision margins are 4–6 mm for low-risk SCC and 6–10 mm for high-risk tumours. Mohs micrographic surgery — a specialised technique in which the tumour is removed in stages with immediate frozen-section margin assessment — achieves the highest cure rates for high-risk SCCs on the face, particularly on the nose, eyelids, ears and lips, where tissue conservation is critical. Radiotherapy is used for patients in whom surgery is not appropriate (frail, elderly, large tumour, refusal of surgery) or as adjuvant treatment after surgery for high-risk cases (positive margins, perineural invasion). For locally advanced (inoperable) or metastatic cutaneous SCC, cemiplimab (Libtayo) — a PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor — is NICE-approved and achieves durable responses in a significant proportion of patients, with an objective response rate of approximately 47% in clinical trials. ### Key takeaways - SCC is the second most common skin cancer in the UK, arising from squamous cells in the skin's outer layer. Unlike BCC, it can metastasise — making prompt treatment essential. - Key warning signs: a firm, rough, scaly or crusted lump on sun-exposed skin; an ulcerated wound that does not heal; a raised pink or flesh-coloured nodule; or a rapidly growing wart-like growth. Any skin lesion that grows, bleeds or does not heal should be assessed by a GP. - Actinic keratoses (rough, scaly patches on sun-damaged skin) are pre-malignant lesions. Treating them — with topical fluorouracil, imiquimod, cryotherapy or PDT — reduces progression risk. - Surgical excision (or Mohs surgery for facial/high-risk SCCs) achieves high cure rates. Cemiplimab (PD-1 inhibitor) is NICE-approved for locally advanced or metastatic SCC. - Organ transplant recipients have up to 250-fold increased SCC risk. They should have annual full-skin examinations by a dermatologist and use strict photoprotection. Help a patient afford cancer care Gifts go to the Cancer Emergency Appeal’s wider fund for patients who cannot pay. They do not buy a guaranteed treatment or result. [Donate to cancer care](/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency#donate-form) [Cancer Emergency Appeal: how gifts are used](/appeal/cancer-emergency) ## Frequently asked questions What is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin? Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a malignant tumour arising from squamous cells — the flat cells that make up the outer layers of the epidermis (the skin's surface layer). It is the second most common type of skin cancer in the UK, with approximately 16,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Unlike basal cell carcinoma, SCC has a meaningful risk of spreading to lymph nodes and distant organs in high-risk cases — making early diagnosis and treatment important. What does squamous cell carcinoma look like? SCC typically appears on sun-exposed areas of the skin (face, scalp, ears, back of the hands, forearms) as one of the following: a firm, rough, scaly or crusted pink, red or skin-coloured lump or nodule that may grow rapidly; a flat, scaly red patch that may resemble eczema or psoriasis but does not resolve; an ulcerated wound or sore that does not heal; a raised, wart-like growth; or a thickened, indurated plaque on a lip (SCC of the lip). SCC in situ (Bowen's disease) appears as a persistent, slowly enlarging, flat, scaly red or pink patch. What is the difference between SCC and BCC? Both SCC and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) are non-melanoma skin cancers caused primarily by UV radiation. BCC arises from basal cells in the deepest layer of the epidermis; SCC arises from squamous cells in the outer layers. BCC almost never metastasises — it is locally destructive but rarely spreads beyond the skin. SCC is more aggressive and carries approximately 5–10% risk of lymph node or distant spread in high-risk cases. SCC requires wider surgical margins than BCC and closer follow-up. What causes squamous cell carcinoma? Cumulative ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure — from sunlight and sunbeds — is the primary cause, inducing mutations in the TP53 tumour suppressor gene in squamous cells. Other causes include: chronic scarring (burn scars, chronic ulcers — Marjolin's ulcer); HPV infection (particularly for periungual, anogenital and oropharyngeal SCC); ionising radiation; immunosuppression (organ transplant recipients have 65–250-fold elevated risk); arsenic exposure; smoking (lip SCC); and pre-existing inflammatory skin conditions. SCC can also develop in areas of chronic skin damage unrelated to UV. What is an actinic keratosis? Actinic keratoses (AKs) — also called solar keratoses — are rough, scaly, pink, red or brown patches or plaques that develop on chronically sun-damaged skin. They represent a pre-malignant condition caused by UV-induced DNA damage in epidermal keratinocytes. The individual risk of progression from a single AK to SCC is low (approximately 0.1–0.5% per year), but patients with multiple AKs have a significantly elevated cumulative risk. AKs can be treated with cryotherapy, topical fluorouracil (5-FU), imiquimod, ingenol mebutate (Picato), diclofenac gel or photodynamic therapy (PDT). What is Bowen's disease? Bowen's disease is SCC in situ — squamous cell carcinoma confined to the epidermis that has not yet invaded the dermis. It appears as a slowly enlarging, persistent flat, scaly red or pink patch, often on the lower legs (particularly in women) or face. It is caused by UV radiation or HPV. Bowen's disease has a low but real risk of progression to invasive SCC if untreated. Treatment options include cryotherapy, topical 5-fluorouracil cream, imiquimod cream, curettage and cautery, photodynamic therapy (PDT) or surgical excision. How is squamous cell carcinoma diagnosed? Diagnosis is confirmed by skin biopsy — a small incisional biopsy (taking a sample from the lesion) or excisional biopsy (removing the entire lesion). The specimen is examined histopathologically to confirm the diagnosis, assess the degree of differentiation (well, moderate or poor), measure tumour thickness, identify perineural or lymphovascular invasion, and assess excision margins. Dermoscopy improves clinical diagnostic accuracy. High-risk features on histology — thick tumour, poor differentiation, perineural invasion, large diameter — trigger wider re-excision and MDT discussion. What is the treatment for squamous cell carcinoma? Primary treatment is surgical excision with clear margins: 4–6 mm margins for low-risk SCC; 6–10 mm for high-risk tumours. Mohs micrographic surgery achieves the highest cure rates for high-risk SCCs on the face. Radiotherapy is used when surgery is not appropriate or as adjuvant treatment after surgery. For locally advanced (inoperable) or metastatic cutaneous SCC: cemiplimab (Libtayo, a PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor) is NICE-approved and achieves durable responses in a significant proportion (\~47% objective response rate). Pembrolizumab is also approved for some patients. What is Mohs surgery? Mohs micrographic surgery is a specialised surgical technique used for high-risk skin cancers on cosmetically and functionally important sites (face, scalp, ears, nose, eyelids, lips). The tumour is removed in thin horizontal layers; each layer is immediately processed and examined under the microscope before the next layer is removed. This process continues until all margins are clear. Mohs surgery achieves the highest cure rates of any modality (five-year recurrence rates under 3% for primary facial SCC), while conserving as much normal skin as possible. Can SCC spread? Yes. SCC can spread to regional lymph nodes (lymphatic spread) and, less commonly, to distant organs (haematogenous spread — most commonly lung, liver, bone and brain). The risk of metastasis depends on tumour characteristics: low-risk SCC (small, well-differentiated, thin, non-immunosuppressed patient) has a very low metastatic risk (approximately 1–2%); high-risk SCC (large, poorly differentiated, deeply invasive, perineural invasion, immunosuppressed patient) has a metastatic risk of 5–10% or higher. Metastatic cutaneous SCC requires systemic treatment with cemiplimab. Who is at highest risk of SCC? The highest-risk groups are: people with a history of extensive UV exposure (outdoor workers, sunbed users, those who have lived in high-UV climates); fair-skinned people who burn easily; organ transplant recipients on immunosuppressive therapy (65–250-fold elevated risk — SCC is 3–5 times more common than BCC in this group, the reverse of the immunocompetent population); HIV-positive individuals; patients with chronic scarring conditions or chronic ulcers; those with multiple actinic keratoses; and people who have had previous SCC (10–25% develop a second SCC within 2 years). What is the survival rate for SCC? For most cutaneous SCCs, prognosis is excellent — five-year survival for low-risk, localised SCC treated with surgery is over 95%. High-risk SCCs with lymph node involvement have approximately 50–70% five-year survival. Distant metastatic cutaneous SCC has a poor prognosis — historically five-year survival was under 30%, but cemiplimab immunotherapy has significantly improved outcomes for patients achieving durable responses. The most important factors affecting prognosis are tumour size, depth, differentiation, perineural invasion, lymph node status and immune function. What is the difference between SCC and melanoma? Melanoma arises from melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) and is the most dangerous type of skin cancer due to its high metastatic potential. SCC arises from squamous cells in the outer epidermis. Melanoma typically presents as a pigmented lesion (brown, black, multi-coloured) — though amelanotic (non-pigmented) melanoma exists. SCC typically presents as a non-pigmented lump, ulceration or scaly plaque. Melanoma is more likely to spread early. Both require prompt surgical excision. Any concerning pigmented or non-pigmented skin lesion should be assessed urgently by a GP using the ABCDE criteria. How can I prevent squamous cell carcinoma? UV radiation reduction is the primary prevention strategy: use SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen daily on sun-exposed areas; wear protective clothing (long sleeves, wide-brimmed hat); avoid sunbeds; seek shade during peak UV hours (11am–3pm); and never allow sunburn. Treat actinic keratoses promptly to reduce SCC risk. Organ transplant recipients should be counselled about their elevated risk, use strict sun protection, and attend annual full-skin surveillance with a dermatologist. Regular self-examination of the skin helps with early detection. What is cemiplimab for SCC? Cemiplimab (Libtayo) is a PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy drug approved by NICE for locally advanced (inoperable) or metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma that cannot be treated with surgery or radiotherapy. It works by blocking the PD-1 protein on T cells, re-activating the immune system's ability to recognise and attack cancer cells. Clinical trials showed an objective response rate of approximately 47%, with durable responses in many patients. It is given as an intravenous infusion every three weeks. What is the difference between SCC and SCC in situ? SCC in situ (also called Bowen's disease or intraepidermal SCC) is squamous cell carcinoma that is confined entirely to the epidermis — it has not yet broken through the basement membrane into the dermis. SCC in situ has essentially zero metastatic risk in this stage. Invasive SCC has breached the basement membrane and entered the dermis, giving it access to blood vessels and lymphatics — and therefore the capacity to spread. SCC in situ is treated more conservatively (topical treatment, cryotherapy, PDT) compared with invasive SCC, which requires surgical excision. Do transplant recipients get more skin cancer? Yes, significantly so. Organ transplant recipients on long-term immunosuppressive therapy have a 65–250-fold increased risk of cutaneous SCC and a 10-fold increased risk of BCC, compared with the immunocompetent population. This is the reverse of the general population pattern (where BCC is far more common than SCC). Transplant-associated SCCs are more aggressive — thicker, more likely to recur and more likely to metastasise. All organ transplant recipients should be counselled on sun protection, perform regular skin self-examination and receive annual full-skin surveillance by a dermatologist from the time of transplant. How does SCC affect people in developing countries? Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin is globally the most common cancer in populations living close to the equator with high UV exposure. In many parts of Africa, the Middle East and South Asia — the regions WAN operates in — SCC presents at a more advanced stage due to delayed medical assessment and limited dermatology services. Cemiplimab immunotherapy for advanced SCC is unaffordable and unavailable in these settings. Surgical excision with adequate margins requires skin pathology services that are absent in many district hospitals. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment through locally-licensed oncologists. Published by World Aid Network. Check the original sources and their dates. General information is not individual medical, legal or tax advice. Our editorial policy explains responsibility and corrections. ## What are the sources for this guide? Follow the original guidance for its evidence, dates and limitations. General background references are not a clinical review of this page. - [NHS — Non-melanoma skin cancer](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/non-melanoma-skin-cancer/) [Editorial policy](/editorial-policy) · [Corrections and reporting an error](/corrections) ## Fund cancer treatment for those who cannot afford it In high-UV regions of the world, SCC is a major cancer burden — but dermatology services and effective treatments are unavailable to the rural poor. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment through locally-licensed oncologists. Please donate today. [Donate to cancer care](/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency#donate-form)[Cancer Emergency Appeal: funding details](/appeal/cancer-emergency)[Cancer treatment programmes](/cancer) ## Before you give Suggested amounts contribute to the programme. They do not guarantee a named patient, procedure or quantity of relief. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) - [Published impact and reporting](/our-impact) - [Gift Aid eligibility and current status](/gift-aid) ## Share this guide [Share by email](mailto:?subject=World%20Aid%20Network%20guide&body=https%3A%2F%2Fworldaidnetwork.org%2Fblog%2Fsquamous-cell-carcinoma-skin-uk) Only the public article link is included. ## How can I support cancer treatment? Connect the information you have read with treatment support and the checks that protect your donation. - [Donate to cancer care](/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency#donate-form) Give to the Cancer Emergency Appeal’s wider fund for patients who cannot pay. - [Cancer Emergency Appeal](/appeal/cancer-emergency) See what the treatment fund supports. - [How donations reach care](/where-your-money-goes) Understand programme funding and accountability. - [Cancer information and support](/cancer) Find guides to cancer types, diagnosis and care. - [Cancer treatment support enquiries](/cancer/eligibility-checker) Prepare an enquiry and understand the review process. - [Childhood cancer support](/childhood-cancer-treatment) Explore help for children and their families. - [Hospital partnership enquiries](/partner-with-us) Eligibility, agreements and funding review for care providers. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # UK Charities: How to Choose Well | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/uk-charities-how-to-choose-and-give-well > With over 170,000 charities in England and Wales, choosing well matters. Learn five questions that separate focused, well-run charities from vague ones. Direct Answer There are over 170,000 registered charities in England and Wales, so choosing well matters. Five questions about who benefits, who delivers, who governs, what gets reported and how narrow the mission is will separate focused charities from sprawling ones. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration. There are over 170,000 registered charities in England and Wales. For a UK donor with limited time and a finite budget, choosing well can feel impossible. The good news is that a few simple questions will quickly separate the charities worth supporting from the ones that are not. You do not need to be a finance expert. You need to know what to look for. This guide explains how to assess UK charities, what makes a focused charity stronger than a sprawling one, and why World Aid Network limits itself to two charitable Objects on purpose. ## Five questions to ask before you give to any charity Is the charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales? You can check the public register in seconds. Can the charity describe what it does in one sentence? Focused charities can. Vague ones cannot. Who are the trustees, and are they named publicly? Trustees carry the legal responsibility for the charity's work. Where does the money go? A good charity will tell you, with examples and figures. Does the charity rely on local people in the places where it works? Local doctors, local partners and local staff almost always cost less and understand more than imported teams. ## Why focused charities tend to deliver better outcomes A charity that runs forty programmes in fifty countries has to spread thin. Senior staff manage relationships rather than outcomes. Donors are asked to choose between competing internal causes. A charity with two clear Objects can ask harder questions of every funding decision. Partner relationships go deeper. Reporting is simpler. Trustees can hold programmes accountable rather than juggle them. Focused charities are not always small. But they almost always know exactly who their beneficiaries are. Give to eye surgery, cancer treatment or disaster relief Eye surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay, and relief after disasters, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Give once or monthly by card. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## How World Aid Network fits the test World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration. Our remit is two Objects, with no mission drift. The first Object funds sight-restoring eye surgery and cancer treatment for poor patients, delivered by locally-licensed and registered doctors and surgeons in registered hospitals in the patient's own country. The second Object funds emergency food, clean drinking water, shelter and seasonal relief for families displaced by floods, earthquakes and other natural disasters, working through trusted local partner organisations. ## How to make your gift to a UK charity go further If you are a UK taxpayer, ticking the Gift Aid box adds 25p to every £1 you give to a registered charity, at no cost to you. A regular monthly gift, however small, is often more useful than a one-off donation because it lets trustees plan ahead and respond faster when a disaster strikes. ### Key takeaways - There are over 170,000 registered charities in England and Wales — choosing well matters. - Five quick questions can separate focused, well-run charities from sprawling, vague ones. - Focused charities tend to deliver clearer outcomes for donors and beneficiaries. - World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration with two charitable Objects: medical care and emergency relief. - Gift Aid adds 25p to every £1 donated by a UK taxpayer at no cost to the donor. It is not currently available for gifts to World Aid Network. Give to eye surgery, cancer treatment or disaster relief Eye surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay, and relief after disasters, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Give once or monthly by card. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## Frequently asked questions How do I check that a UK charity is registered? Look up the charity on the public register at the Charity Commission for England and Wales. The register lists registered charities, their trustees and their annual returns. Are smaller charities better than large ones? Not necessarily. What matters is focus, transparency and how deeply the charity is rooted in the communities it serves — not the headline budget. Is World Aid Network a registered UK charity? World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration with two charitable Objects. Where will my donation be spent? Strictly within our charitable Objects: sight-restoring eye surgery and cancer treatment for poor patients, or emergency relief for disaster-displaced families. Published by World Aid Network. Check the original sources and their dates. General information is not individual medical, legal or tax advice. Our editorial policy explains responsibility and corrections. ## What are the sources for this guide? Follow the original guidance for its evidence, dates and limitations. Background references explain the need; they are not evidence of WAN fundraising or delivery. - [GOV.UK — Find charity information](https://www.gov.uk/find-charity-information) [Editorial policy](/editorial-policy) · [Corrections and reporting an error](/corrections) ## Choose a charity you can trust Help save a life and make a real difference today. Your gift contributes to eye surgery, cancer treatment or emergency relief in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate now. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## Before you give Suggested amounts contribute to the programme. They do not guarantee a named patient, procedure or quantity of relief. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) - [Published impact and reporting](/our-impact) - [Gift Aid eligibility and current status](/gift-aid) ## Share this guide [Share by email](mailto:?subject=World%20Aid%20Network%20guide&body=https%3A%2F%2Fworldaidnetwork.org%2Fblog%2Fuk-charities-how-to-choose-and-give-well) Only the public article link is included. ## Make an informed donation Check what the organisation offers, understand the conditions and choose a way to give that suits you. - [Compare ways to donate](/ways-to-donate) Card giving, monthly gifts and other routes, with current availability. - [Gift Aid eligibility explained](/gift-aid) Understand donor conditions and the current status at WAN. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and how estimates differ from results. - [Check our registration status](/about/registration-status) Distinguish the application reference from a registered charity number. - [Practical donor resources](/donor-resources) Find answers, useful tools and giving options. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Corporation Tax Relief on Donations | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/uk-corporation-tax-relief-charitable-donations > UK companies can deduct qualifying charitable donations from taxable profits. At the 25% main rate a £10,000 gift costs £7,500 after relief. Learn how. Direct Answer UK limited companies can deduct qualifying charitable donations from taxable profits before Corporation Tax is calculated. At the 25% main rate, a £10,000 donation costs the company an effective £7,500 after relief, claimed on the CT600 return. World Aid Network accepts corporate gifts, restricted to its charitable Objects. Always confirm the position with your accountant. If your company pays Corporation Tax in the UK, a qualifying charitable donation can reduce your taxable profits — effectively allowing the company to give to charity at a lower net cost than a straightforward cash payment would suggest. The rules are straightforward but precise. This guide explains how UK Corporation Tax relief on charitable donations works in 2026, what qualifies, what HMRC requires, and how companies can give to World Aid Network as a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration. This article is for general information only and does not constitute tax advice. Always seek advice from a qualified accountant or tax adviser for your specific circumstances. ## How UK Corporation Tax relief on charitable donations works Under UK tax law, a company can deduct qualifying charitable donations from its business profits before calculating its Corporation Tax liability. The donation is treated as a business expense for tax purposes. For example: a company with £200,000 of taxable profits that makes a £10,000 qualifying charitable donation will pay Corporation Tax on £190,000 rather than £200,000\. At the current main Corporation Tax rate of 25 per cent (for profits over £250,000), that represents a tax saving of £2,500 on a £10,000 donation — an effective net cost to the company of £7,500. Companies paying the small profits rate of 19 per cent (for profits under £50,000) or the marginal relief rate will calculate savings at their applicable rate. ## What qualifies as a deductible corporate charitable donation under HMRC rules To qualify for Corporation Tax relief, the donation must be a genuine gift to a qualifying body — which includes charities registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales, Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) and certain other bodies. The donation must not give the company (or connected persons) a financial benefit worth more than the lesser of 25 per cent of the donation or £2,500\. Small benefits such as a charity's annual report are disregarded. The donation must be made in cash or in qualifying non-cash assets (see our guide to donating goods and assets). Payroll giving (Give As You Earn) follows different rules and is deducted before PAYE income tax rather than as a Corporation Tax expense. Importantly: Gift Aid does not apply to company donations in the same way as individual donations. A company claiming Corporation Tax relief on a charitable donation does not also claim Gift Aid — the two reliefs are separate and operate differently. Give to eye surgery, cancer treatment or disaster relief Eye surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay, and relief after disasters, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Give once or monthly by card. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## Deducting charity donations from business profits: the practical steps Confirm the recipient is a qualifying body — for UK registered charities, the Charity Commission register is the definitive source. Make the payment and obtain a receipt or acknowledgement letter from the charity that identifies the amount and date. Record the donation in your company's accounts as a gift to charity, separately from trading expenses. Deduct the qualifying donation from trading profits on your Company Tax Return (CT600). HMRC's CT600 guide and your accountant will advise on the correct boxes. Retain documentation — the receipt, bank records and board resolution (if required by your company's articles) — in case of HMRC enquiry. ## HMRC corporate giving rules in 2026: key points to watch The donation must not be conditional on any trading arrangement or benefit to the company. A payment made to a charity in exchange for advertising or sponsorship is not a gift — it is a business expense, treated differently. Connected party transactions: if a company director or shareholder is also a trustee of the recipient charity, HMRC will look closely at whether the donation is genuine. Companies in a group: group relief rules can affect how corporate charitable donations are treated. Seek advice if your company is part of a corporate group. ## How to make a corporate donation to World Aid Network World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration. It is not yet a registered charity, so company donations to it do not currently qualify for Corporation Tax relief. To make a corporate donation, contact info@worldaidnetwork.org. We will provide a formal acknowledgement letter suitable for your tax records and, on request, a summary of how your donation was used within our charitable Objects. Corporate donations are held in the same restricted funds as individual donations and are used strictly within our two charitable Objects: sight-restoring eye surgery and cancer treatment for poor patients, or emergency disaster relief for displaced families. ### Key takeaways - UK limited companies can deduct qualifying charitable donations from taxable profits before calculating Corporation Tax. - At the 25% main rate, a £10,000 donation costs the company an effective £7,500 after tax relief. - Donations must be genuine gifts to a qualifying body with no financial benefit to the company exceeding the de minimis threshold. - Gift Aid does not apply to company donations — Corporation Tax relief operates separately. - World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration; company donations to it do not currently qualify for Corporation Tax relief. Give to eye surgery, cancer treatment or disaster relief Eye surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay, and relief after disasters, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Give once or monthly by card. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## Frequently asked questions Can a UK limited company claim tax relief on a charitable donation? Yes. A qualifying charitable donation by a UK limited company is deductible from business profits before calculating Corporation Tax, under current HMRC rules. Does Gift Aid apply to company donations? No. Gift Aid applies to individual donations by UK taxpayers. Company donations are deducted from profits for Corporation Tax purposes through a separate mechanism. Is World Aid Network a qualifying charity for Corporation Tax relief? World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration. UK companies can claim Corporation Tax relief on qualifying charitable donations once charitable recognition is confirmed; we will update this page when that is in place. Do I need a receipt from the charity for HMRC purposes? Yes. You should retain a receipt or acknowledgement from the charity confirming the amount and date of the donation. World Aid Network provides formal acknowledgement letters on request. Published by World Aid Network. Check the original sources and their dates. General information is not individual medical, legal or tax advice. Our editorial policy explains responsibility and corrections. ## What are the sources for this guide? Follow the original guidance for its evidence, dates and limitations. Background references explain the need; they are not evidence of WAN fundraising or delivery. - [HMRC — Company giving](https://www.gov.uk/tax-limited-company-gives-to-charity) [Editorial policy](/editorial-policy) · [Corrections and reporting an error](/corrections) ## Make a corporate donation World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration; company donations do not currently qualify for Corporation Tax relief. Contact us to arrange a corporate donation and obtain a formal acknowledgement letter. Donate now. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## Before you give Suggested amounts contribute to the programme. They do not guarantee a named patient, procedure or quantity of relief. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) - [Published impact and reporting](/our-impact) - [Gift Aid eligibility and current status](/gift-aid) ## Share this guide [Share by email](mailto:?subject=World%20Aid%20Network%20guide&body=https%3A%2F%2Fworldaidnetwork.org%2Fblog%2Fuk-corporation-tax-relief-charitable-donations) Only the public article link is included. ## Make an informed donation Check what the organisation offers, understand the conditions and choose a way to give that suits you. - [Compare ways to donate](/ways-to-donate) Card giving, monthly gifts and other routes, with current availability. - [Gift Aid eligibility explained](/gift-aid) Understand donor conditions and the current status at WAN. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and how estimates differ from results. - [Check our registration status](/about/registration-status) Distinguish the application reference from a registered charity number. - [Practical donor resources](/donor-resources) Find answers, useful tools and giving options. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # What is a Nonprofit? UK Donor's Guide | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/what-is-a-nonprofit-and-how-to-choose-one > A nonprofit serves a cause, not owners. Learn how UK charities are governed by trustees, what separates a strong one from a weak one, and how to choose. Direct Answer A nonprofit is an organisation that exists to serve a cause rather than make money for owners. In the UK the closest equivalent is a charity governed by trustees. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration, with two charitable Objects: medical care for poor patients, and emergency disaster relief. The word 'nonprofit' is used loosely. People use it to mean any cause, any campaign, any organisation that is not a business. In practice, a nonprofit is a specific kind of organisation set up to do good rather than to make money for owners or shareholders. If you are a UK donor, the closest equivalent is a registered charity — an organisation regulated by the Charity Commission for England and Wales, governed by trustees and bound to spend its income on its stated charitable purposes. This guide explains what a nonprofit really is, how to tell a strong one from a weak one, and how a single gift to World Aid Network turns into sight-restoring eye surgery, life-saving cancer treatment or emergency relief for families displaced by disaster. ## What is a nonprofit, in plain English? A nonprofit is an organisation that exists to serve a cause rather than to make money for owners. Any income it receives — donations, grants, fundraising — must be spent on its mission, not handed out as profit. In the UK, most nonprofits are registered charities. They have a written constitution, a defined set of charitable purposes, and a board of trustees that is legally responsible for making sure money is spent the way it was promised. ## What separates a strong nonprofit from a weak one? A strong nonprofit has a focused mission. It can describe what it does in one sentence and tell you exactly who benefits. It is transparent about how it spends donations, names its trustees, and is honest about what it does not do. A nonprofit that promises to fix every problem in the world rarely fixes any of them well. It uses local people, local partners and local expertise where the work happens, rather than parachuting in foreign teams who cost more and understand less. Give to eye surgery, cancer treatment or disaster relief Eye surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay, and relief after disasters, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Give once or monthly by card. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## How World Aid Network operates as a nonprofit World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration. We have two charitable Objects and we do not stray outside them. The first funds sight-restoring eye surgery and cancer treatment for poor patients — including breast cancer, childhood cancers and other forms of the disease — delivered by locally-licensed and registered doctors and surgeons in registered hospitals. The second funds emergency food, clean drinking water, shelter and seasonal relief for families displaced by floods, earthquakes and other natural disasters, working through trusted local partner organisations. ## Why your donation matters to a focused nonprofit When you give to a focused nonprofit, you can see where your money has gone. Trustees can ask harder questions of every funding decision. Partner relationships go deeper. And donors are not subsidising marketing campaigns for programmes that compete for attention internally. A small monthly gift is often more useful than a single one-off donation, because it lets a nonprofit plan ahead and respond faster when a disaster strikes. ### Key takeaways - A nonprofit is an organisation that exists to serve a cause, not to make money for owners. - In the UK, the closest equivalent to a nonprofit is a registered charity governed by trustees. - Strong nonprofits are focused, transparent and rooted in the communities they serve. - World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration with two charitable Objects: medical care for poor patients and emergency disaster relief. - Gift Aid adds 25p to every £1 you donate if you are a UK taxpayer — at no cost to you. It is not currently available for gifts to World Aid Network. Give to eye surgery, cancer treatment or disaster relief Eye surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay, and relief after disasters, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Give once or monthly by card. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## Frequently asked questions Is a nonprofit the same as a charity? In the UK, most nonprofits are registered charities regulated by the Charity Commission for England and Wales. The terms are often used interchangeably, although 'nonprofit' is the more common phrase in the United States. How do I know if a nonprofit is legitimate? Check that it is registered with the Charity Commission, look up its trustees, read its annual report, and see whether its mission is clear and focused. Be wary of organisations that cannot tell you precisely who benefits. Is World Aid Network a registered nonprofit? World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration. Where will my donation be spent? Strictly within our two charitable Objects: sight-restoring eye surgery and cancer treatment for poor patients, or emergency relief for families displaced by natural disasters. Published by World Aid Network. Check the original sources and their dates. General information is not individual medical, legal or tax advice. Our editorial policy explains responsibility and corrections. ## What are the sources for this guide? Follow the original guidance for its evidence, dates and limitations. Background references explain the need; they are not evidence of WAN fundraising or delivery. - [GOV.UK — Find charity information](https://www.gov.uk/find-charity-information) [Editorial policy](/editorial-policy) · [Corrections and reporting an error](/corrections) ## Support a focused nonprofit today Help save a life and make a real difference. Your gift contributes to eye surgery, cancer treatment or emergency relief in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate now. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## Before you give Suggested amounts contribute to the programme. They do not guarantee a named patient, procedure or quantity of relief. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) - [Published impact and reporting](/our-impact) - [Gift Aid eligibility and current status](/gift-aid) ## Share this guide [Share by email](mailto:?subject=World%20Aid%20Network%20guide&body=https%3A%2F%2Fworldaidnetwork.org%2Fblog%2Fwhat-is-a-nonprofit-and-how-to-choose-one) Only the public article link is included. ## Make an informed donation Check what the organisation offers, understand the conditions and choose a way to give that suits you. - [Compare ways to donate](/ways-to-donate) Card giving, monthly gifts and other routes, with current availability. - [Gift Aid eligibility explained](/gift-aid) Understand donor conditions and the current status at WAN. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and how estimates differ from results. - [Check our registration status](/about/registration-status) Distinguish the application reference from a registered charity number. - [Practical donor resources](/donor-resources) Find answers, useful tools and giving options. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Women’s Cancer Charities: Giving Guide | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/womens-charities-cancer-giving > Compare ways to support women affected by cancer, from patient support to treatment access. Understand WAN’s scope, sources and donation conditions. Direct Answer Cancer-related giving can support research, practical help or access to treatment. Choose the purpose that matters to you and check the organisation’s evidence and current status. WAN raises funds towards clinically recommended cancer care overseas. It does not promise that a set donation buys screening or surgery, or operate a UK cancer service. ## Match your gift to the kind of help needed A research grant, a support helpline and a treatment fund perform different roles. Decide whether you want to advance knowledge, help people navigate illness or address barriers to care. Check what the receiving organisation actually offers. ## Keep screening and symptoms separate Screening is for eligible people without symptoms; a symptom needs clinical advice even after a recent screening result. Cervical screening aims to identify changes before cancer develops. Ask a qualified healthcare professional about your circumstances. [ Cervical screening and its limitations ](/cancer/cervical-cancer/cervical-screening) Help a patient afford cancer care Gifts go to the Cancer Emergency Appeal’s wider fund for patients who cannot pay. They do not buy a guaranteed treatment or result. [Donate to cancer care](/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency#donate-form) ## Support breast cancer care with accurate information Breast changes need assessment and do not always mean cancer. A confirmed diagnosis may involve different treatment options. Do not assume one treatment plan, cost or survival percentage applies to every patient or country. [ Breast cancer symptoms, tests and treatment ](/cancer/breast-cancer) ## Check how the fund is allocated The Cancer Emergency Appeal supports the wider cancer fund. Gifts are not automatically restricted to women, a particular diagnosis or a named patient. Read the allocation and surplus policy, and contact WAN before making a narrower request. [ Read the Cancer Emergency Appeal ](/appeal/cancer-emergency) ### Key takeaways - Cancer-related giving can support research, practical help or access to treatment. Choose the purpose that matters to you and check the organisation’s evidence and current status. WAN raises funds towards clinically recommended cancer care overseas. It does not promise that a set donation buys screening or surgery, or operate a UK cancer service. Help a patient afford cancer care Gifts go to the Cancer Emergency Appeal’s wider fund for patients who cannot pay. They do not buy a guaranteed treatment or result. [Donate to cancer care](/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency#donate-form) [Cancer Emergency Appeal: how gifts are used](/appeal/cancer-emergency) ## Frequently asked questions Does a fixed donation buy one screening test? No. Suggested gifts contribute towards the programme; actual costs depend on the clinical need and provider. Does WAN run a UK screening service? No. Use NHS guidance and your healthcare team for UK screening and symptom assessment. Published by World Aid Network. Read the linked primary sources and our editorial policy. Public sources explain the background; they do not verify WAN delivery, financial results or individual outcomes. ## What are the sources for this guide? Follow the original guidance for its evidence, dates and limitations. General background references are not a clinical review of this page. - [NHS — Cervical screening](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/) - [NHS — Breast cancer](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-women/) [Editorial policy](/editorial-policy) · [Corrections and reporting an error](/corrections) ## Support access to cancer care Read the appeal and contribute towards the wider cancer treatment programme. [Donate to cancer care](/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency#donate-form)[Cancer Emergency Appeal: funding details](/appeal/cancer-emergency)[Women's cancer programmes](/cervical-cancer-screening-charity) ## Before you give Suggested amounts contribute to the programme. They do not guarantee a named patient, procedure or quantity of relief. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) - [Published impact and reporting](/our-impact) - [Gift Aid eligibility and current status](/gift-aid) ## Share this guide [Share by email](mailto:?subject=World%20Aid%20Network%20guide&body=https%3A%2F%2Fworldaidnetwork.org%2Fblog%2Fwomens-charities-cancer-giving) Only the public article link is included. ## How can I support cancer treatment? Connect the information you have read with treatment support and the checks that protect your donation. - [Donate to cancer care](/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency#donate-form) Give to the Cancer Emergency Appeal’s wider fund for patients who cannot pay. - [Cancer Emergency Appeal](/appeal/cancer-emergency) See what the treatment fund supports. - [How donations reach care](/where-your-money-goes) Understand programme funding and accountability. - [Cancer information and support](/cancer) Find guides to cancer types, diagnosis and care. - [Cancer treatment support enquiries](/cancer/eligibility-checker) Prepare an enquiry and understand the review process. - [Childhood cancer support](/childhood-cancer-treatment) Explore help for children and their families. - [Hospital partnership enquiries](/partner-with-us) Eligibility, agreements and funding review for care providers. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # World Autism Awareness Day: 2 April | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/world-autism-awareness-day > World Autism Awareness Day falls on 2 April. Learn why disaster displacement is especially dangerous for autistic children and how relief reaches them. Direct Answer World Autism Awareness Day is observed on 2 April each year. At least one in a hundred people is estimated to be on the autism spectrum, and disaster displacement is especially dangerous for autistic children, whose routines and communication support collapse first. World Aid Network's Emergency Disaster Fund lets trustees respond within hours of a new crisis. Every year on 2nd April, World Autism Awareness Day invites people around the world to think about the lives of autistic people — the challenges they face, the support they need and the potential that goes unrealised when that support is absent. For UK donors, autism awareness is usually framed in terms of schools, diagnosis waiting lists and workplace inclusion. These are real and pressing issues. But there is another dimension to autism that receives almost no attention at all: what happens to autistic children and their families when a flood, an earthquake or another natural disaster strikes? World Aid Network works in some of the world's most disaster-prone regions. Our trustees and local partners regularly encounter families where a child or adult with autism — undiagnosed, unsupported and entirely dependent on routine and familiarity — is among those most severely affected by the sudden disruption a disaster brings. ## Autism does not stop at national borders Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects people in every country, every culture and every income level. Global prevalence estimates vary, but most studies suggest that at least one in every hundred people is on the autism spectrum — which means that in any major disaster affecting hundreds of thousands of families, thousands of those families will include an autistic child or adult. In high-income countries, autistic individuals have access to diagnosis, specialist education, structured therapies and, increasingly, workplace accommodations. In low- and middle-income countries, the picture is dramatically different. Most autistic people in these settings are never formally diagnosed. Many are misunderstood within their own families, labelled as difficult, disobedient or spiritually afflicted rather than neurodivergent. Without a diagnosis, there is no support plan, no emergency protocol and no advocate. In a disaster, that absence of support can be catastrophic. ## Why disaster is especially dangerous for autistic children Autistic children often rely heavily on routine, predictability and familiar sensory environments to feel safe. A flood or earthquake destroys all of these at once. The family home — with its known textures, sounds and smells — is gone. The child's school routine is interrupted. The familiar people and places that form the scaffolding of a manageable day have disappeared. The result can be acute distress, withdrawal, self-injurious behaviour, meltdowns and an inability to communicate needs to relief workers who have no training in autism and no tools to support it. Evacuation itself is dangerous. An autistic child who cannot tolerate the noise and chaos of an emergency shelter, who bolts from unfamiliar environments or who cannot communicate that they are thirsty, hungry, cold or in pain, is at serious risk in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. Their parents and carers are simultaneously managing their own trauma, loss and displacement — and the additional, invisible burden of keeping a child with complex needs safe in conditions that are objectively overwhelming. Give to eye surgery, cancer treatment or disaster relief Eye surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay, and relief after disasters, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Give once or monthly by card. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## The compounded effect: autism and untreated medical need For autistic children, untreated medical conditions carry an additional burden. Research consistently shows that autistic individuals are more likely to have co-occurring medical conditions — including vision and hearing impairments — than the general population. An autistic child with untreated cataracts faces a double barrier to learning and development. Poor vision compounds sensory processing difficulties, reduces a child's ability to interpret facial expressions and social cues, and makes the already challenging task of navigating an unfamiliar world even harder. When World Aid Network funds a sight-restoring cataract operation for a poor child who cannot afford private care, we do not know whether that child is autistic. We do not screen for it. But we know that in the populations we serve — where autism is undiagnosed, where co-occurring medical conditions are untreated, and where the simplest healthcare remains out of reach — autistic children are disproportionately represented among those left behind. ## How your donation helps on World Autism Awareness Day and beyond World Aid Network does not run autism-specific programmes. Our charitable Objects are focused: sight-restoring eye surgery and cancer treatment for poor patients, and emergency disaster relief for displaced families. But within those Objects, the people who benefit most from our work are often those with the least visibility and the fewest advocates — including autistic children and their families, who are harder to reach, harder to support and more dependent on the basics of safety and medical care than those without additional needs. On World Autism Awareness Day, we invite donors who care about autistic children and their families to consider giving to the relief and medical work that reaches them where they are — in disaster zones and in poor communities where the NHS and the SEND system simply do not exist. A gift of any amount contributes to eye care, cancer treatment or emergency relief, and about £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. A regular monthly gift helps trustees plan support before disasters strike, including for families with autistic children. ### Key takeaways - World Autism Awareness Day is observed on 2nd April each year — a day to think about autistic people and their families worldwide. - At least one in a hundred people is estimated to be on the autism spectrum — meaning thousands of autistic children are affected by every major natural disaster. - In low- and middle-income countries, most autistic people are never diagnosed and receive no support. - Autistic children are disproportionately at risk in disaster situations — routine collapse, sensory overwhelm and communication barriers make them especially vulnerable. - Co-occurring conditions like cataracts are harder to manage and more harmful for autistic children without diagnosis or treatment. Give to eye surgery, cancer treatment or disaster relief Eye surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay, and relief after disasters, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Give once or monthly by card. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## Frequently asked questions Does World Aid Network specifically support autistic children? We do not run autism-specific programmes. Our charitable Objects fund sight-restoring eye surgery and cancer treatment for poor patients, and emergency disaster relief for displaced families — but autistic children and their families are among the most vulnerable beneficiaries of this work. Why does World Autism Awareness Day matter for disaster relief? Natural disasters are especially dangerous for autistic children, who rely on routine and familiar environments. In communities where autism is undiagnosed and unsupported, a disaster can be catastrophic for the child and their family. What does a £200 donation do? About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation, so a £200 gift is around that estimate; real costs vary and gifts go into the eye-care programme. Co-occurring vision impairment is significantly more harmful for autistic children, making access to eye surgery especially important. How do I set up a regular monthly gift? Visit our Donate page and choose the monthly option. A regular gift of any amount helps trustees plan support before emergencies happen. Published by World Aid Network. Check the original sources and their dates. General information is not individual medical, legal or tax advice. Our editorial policy explains responsibility and corrections. ## What are the sources for this guide? Follow the original guidance for its evidence, dates and limitations. Background references explain the need; they are not evidence of WAN fundraising or delivery. - [GOV.UK — Find charity information](https://www.gov.uk/find-charity-information) [Editorial policy](/editorial-policy) · [Corrections and reporting an error](/corrections) ## Give for the children who are hardest to reach Gifts fund eye surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay, and emergency relief after disasters. World Aid Network does not run autism-specific programmes. [Donate](/donate#donate-form) ## Before you give Suggested amounts contribute to the programme. They do not guarantee a named patient, procedure or quantity of relief. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) - [Published impact and reporting](/our-impact) - [Gift Aid eligibility and current status](/gift-aid) ## Share this guide [Share by email](mailto:?subject=World%20Aid%20Network%20guide&body=https%3A%2F%2Fworldaidnetwork.org%2Fblog%2Fworld-autism-awareness-day) Only the public article link is included. ## How can I help families affected by a disaster? Explore food, water and broader relief needs, then choose the kind of support that fits your intentions. - [Donate to emergency relief](/donate?cause=emergency-relief#donate-form) Gifts contribute towards food, water, hygiene supplies and shelter after disasters. - [Monthly charity donations](/monthly-giving) Consider regular support for ongoing programme needs. - [Emergency disaster relief](/emergency-relief) Understand the relief programme and its priorities. - [Food aid for families](/food-aid-charity) Learn how food support meets immediate needs. - [Clean water donations](/clean-water-charity) Explore support for access to safe water. - [Aid organisation partnerships](/partner-with-us) Explore delivery proposals, safeguarding and reporting. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # World Sight Day: Support Eye Care | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/world-sight-day-charity > Mark World Sight Day with an eye-care conversation, awareness or fundraising. Understand WAN’s Gift of Sight Appeal and what donation estimates mean. Direct Answer World Sight Day is a global eye-health awareness day coordinated by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness. You can use it to discuss eye care, share reliable information or raise funds for access to treatment. WAN’s Gift of Sight Appeal is an independent fundraising option; giving does not guarantee a particular operation. ## Check the official campaign Visit IAPB for the current date, theme and campaign resources. Follow its terms when using materials. WAN’s appeal is separate; this page does not imply official campaign partnership or endorsement. ## Make awareness useful Encourage people to seek appropriate professional advice about their vision and share reliable information. Do not diagnose a friend’s symptoms or tell someone to wait for an awareness day to get help. [ Read our eye health guides ](/eye-health) Help someone reach eye care About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. Any amount contributes to the Gift of Sight Appeal, and outcomes vary by condition. [Donate to eye care](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form) ## Plan a fundraiser with a clear purpose Choose an affordable target, explain the receiving organisation and show supporters where to check the appeal. A target can motivate participation without promising a number of operations. Get permission before collecting personal stories or photographs. [ Plan a fundraiser for WAN ](/fundraise-for-us) ## Understand what an eye-care gift means WAN raises funds towards clinically recommended eye care for patients who cannot afford it. Around £200 is an illustrative cataract planning estimate, not an audited current quote. Costs and outcomes vary; completed procedures require delivery evidence. [ Gift of Sight Appeal: purpose and evidence ](/appeal/gift-of-sight) ### Key takeaways - World Sight Day is a global eye-health awareness day coordinated by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness. You can use it to discuss eye care, share reliable information or raise funds for access to treatment. WAN’s Gift of Sight Appeal is an independent fundraising option; giving does not guarantee a particular operation. Help someone reach eye care About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. Any amount contributes to the Gift of Sight Appeal, and outcomes vary by condition. [Donate to eye care](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form) [Gift of Sight Appeal: how gifts are used](/appeal/gift-of-sight) ## Frequently asked questions Who coordinates World Sight Day? IAPB coordinates the global campaign. Use its official website for current dates and materials. Does £200 guarantee an operation? No. It is an illustrative planning estimate; your donation contributes to the eye-care programme. Published by World Aid Network. Read the linked primary sources and our editorial policy. Public sources explain the background; they do not verify WAN delivery, financial results or individual outcomes. ## What are the sources for this guide? Follow the original guidance for its evidence, dates and limitations. General background references are not a clinical review of this page. - [IAPB — World Sight Day](https://www.iapb.world/world%5Fsight%5Fday) - [WHO — Blindness and vision impairment](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blindness-and-visual-impairment) [Editorial policy](/editorial-policy) · [Corrections and reporting an error](/corrections) ## Contribute to the Gift of Sight Appeal Help support access to eye care. Read how donations are used and how programme results are reported. [Donate to eye care](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form)[Gift of Sight Appeal: funding details](/appeal/gift-of-sight)[Sponsor cataract surgery](/sponsor-a-cataract-operation) ## Before you give Suggested amounts contribute to the programme. They do not guarantee a named patient, procedure or quantity of relief. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) - [Published impact and reporting](/our-impact) - [Gift Aid eligibility and current status](/gift-aid) ## Share this guide [Share by email](mailto:?subject=World%20Aid%20Network%20guide&body=https%3A%2F%2Fworldaidnetwork.org%2Fblog%2Fworld-sight-day-charity) Only the public article link is included. ## How can I help someone access eye care? Understand the care available, explore its costs and see how a donation reaches a treatment partner. - [Give to eye care](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form) About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. Any amount contributes to the Gift of Sight Appeal. - [Sponsor cataract surgery](/sponsor-a-cataract-operation) Learn how to help fund an operation. - [Plan an eye-care gift](/eye-surgery-cost-calculator) Calculate your giving total without assuming a number of operations. - [Where your donation goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and accounted for. - [Sight-restoring eye surgery](/eye-surgery) Explore the eye care programme and treatment pathway. - [Getting help for vision changes](/eye-health/screening-checker) Find guidance on professional eye care and support enquiries. - [Clinicians and hospital enquiries](/eye-care-partners) Review standards, participation and professional introductions. - [Screening locations and availability](/free-eye-screening-camps) Check published schedules and what to ask before attending. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # BMI Calculator > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/bmi-calculator > Last reviewed: 15 August 2026 ## In short A BMI calculator works out body mass index from weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared. For most UK adults the NHS healthy range is 18.5–24.9; 25–29.9 is overweight and 30 or above is obese. Enter height and weight below for an instant result. This is general health information, not personal medical advice. Free NHS-aligned BMI calculator for adults aged 18+. Enter height and weight for your category, healthy weight range and optional waist-to-height ratio. Use the interactive calculator at https://worldaidnetwork.org/bmi-calculator — or apply the NHS formula below without JavaScript. World Aid Network publishes this as general health education. We fund cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia; we do not run NHS weight clinics. ## At a glance - 66%: of adults in England are overweight or living with obesity (Health Survey for England 2024) - 13: cancer types Cancer Research UK links to overweight and obesity - 1 in 20: UK cancer cases CRUK attributes to excess body weight ## How to calculate your BMI Work out adult body mass index with the NHS metric formula, then compare the result with NHS and NICE category tables. BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m)². Imperial: (lb ÷ in²) × 703. - Measure height in metres: Stand straight without shoes. Convert centimetres to metres (170 cm = 1.70 m). In imperial, convert feet and inches to centimetres first (1 inch = 2.54 cm). - Measure weight in kilograms: Weigh yourself without shoes or heavy clothing. Convert stones and pounds if needed (1 stone = 14 pounds; 1 pound = 0.4536 kg). - Square your height: Multiply height in metres by itself. Example: 1.70 × 1.70 = 2.89. - Divide weight by height squared: BMI = kg ÷ m². Example used by the NHS: 70 ÷ 2.89 = 24.2, shown to one decimal place. - Read the NHS category: For most adults: below 18.5 underweight; 18.5–24.9 healthy; 25–29.9 overweight; 30+ obesity. Use the lower NICE cut-offs if they apply to your family background. ## Worked examples - NHS adult example — 70 kg and 1.70 m (about 5 ft 7 in). 1.70 × 1.70 = 2.89; 70 ÷ 2.89 = 24.22. BMI 24.2 — healthy weight for most adults - Metric — 80 kg and 165 cm (1.65 m). 1.65 × 1.65 = 2.7225; 80 ÷ 2.7225 = 29.39. BMI 29.4 — overweight on standard NHS thresholds - Imperial — 12 st 8 lb and 5 ft 10 in. Convert to kg and metres, then kg ÷ m² (or lb ÷ in² × 703). About BMI 25.2 — just into the overweight band for most adults ## What are the NHS BMI categories? Standard adult bands from NICE NG246, used by the NHS adult BMI calculator. - Underweight: Below 18.5. A BMI below 18.5 can reflect undernutrition, illness or another underlying condition. Unintentional weight loss should be checked by a GP. - Healthy weight: 18.5 – 24.9. For most UK adults this range is associated with the lowest weight-related health risk. Central fat can still raise risk, which is why NICE also uses waist-to-height ratio. - Overweight: 25 – 29.9. Overweight raises the chance of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and several cancers. A sustained 5–10% weight loss can improve metabolic markers. - Obesity class 1: 30 – 34.9. Obesity class 1 is linked to higher cardiometabolic risk and to the 13 cancers CRUK associates with excess weight. A GP can discuss NHS weight-management options. - Obesity class 2: 35 – 39.9. Class 2 obesity carries substantially higher health risk. Structured clinical support is usually recommended. - Obesity class 3: 40 or above. Class 3 obesity (sometimes called severe obesity) has the highest weight-related health risk. Specialist assessment may include medicines or surgery where appropriate. ## Which BMI thresholds apply to Asian, Black African and Middle Eastern adults? NICE NG246 uses lower practical thresholds for adults with a South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African–Caribbean family background: overweight 23–27.4; obesity 27.5 or above. - Underweight: Below 18.5. A BMI below 18.5 can reflect undernutrition, illness or another underlying condition. Unintentional weight loss should be checked by a GP. - Healthy weight: 18.5 – 22.9. NICE uses a lower overweight cut-off for these family backgrounds because cardiometabolic risk rises at a lower BMI. Healthy here means below 23. - Overweight: 23 – 27.4. NICE NG246: overweight is BMI 23–27.4 for adults with a South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African–Caribbean family background. - Obesity class 1: 27.5 – 32.4. NICE NG246: obesity starts at BMI 27.5 in these groups. Class 2 and 3 cut-offs are 2.5 BMI points lower than the general adult thresholds. - Obesity class 2: 32.5 – 37.4. Class 2 on the NICE ethnic scale. Structured clinical support is usually recommended. - Obesity class 3: 37.5 or above. Class 3 on the NICE ethnic scale. Specialist assessment may include medicines or surgery where appropriate. ## How do you measure waist-to-height ratio? NICE: keep your waist to less than half your height (ratio under 0.5). Use this mainly when BMI is under 35. - Healthy central adiposity: 0.4 – 0.49 — No increased health risk from this measure - Increased central adiposity: 0.5 – 0.59 — Increased health risk — NICE: keep your waist to less than half your height - High central adiposity: 0.6 or more — Further increased health risk - Men: lower risk Below 94 cm (37 in); increased 94–102 cm; high Above 102 cm (40 in) - Women: lower risk Below 80 cm (31.5 in); increased 80–88 cm; high Above 88 cm (34.6 in) ## Is BMI accurate for everyone? BMI cannot tell muscle from fat. Do not use this adult calculator for children, pregnancy, or as a substitute for eating-disorder care. Children’s BMI uses centiles: https://www.nhs.uk/health-assessment-tools/calculate-your-body-mass-index/calculate-bmi-for-children-teenagers ## Does a high BMI increase cancer risk? Cancer Research UK: overweight and obesity is the second biggest preventable cause of cancer in the UK after smoking, linked to 13 types and more than 1 in 20 UK cancer cases. Oestrogen from fat tissue: Fat cells produce oestrogen. After the menopause this is a main source of the hormone, which can drive womb-lining and breast-cell growth. Insulin and IGF-1: Excess weight promotes insulin resistance. Higher insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 can speed cell division. Chronic inflammation: Excess fat is linked to low-grade inflammation, which can damage DNA and support tumour growth. Growth signals from fat: Fat tissue changes levels of adipokines such as leptin and adiponectin, shifting the balance toward cell growth. - Womb (endometrial) cancer (Highest relative risk of the 13): Obesity is the main modifiable risk factor. Women with BMI 30+ have around twice the risk versus a healthy weight; at BMI 40+ the risk is around four times higher. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/womb-cancer - Breast cancer (after menopause) (High case numbers): After the menopause, body fat becomes a main source of oestrogen. CRUK lists post-menopausal breast cancer among the 13 weight-linked types. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/breast-cancer - Bowel (colorectal) cancer (High case numbers): Abdominal fat, insulin resistance and inflammation all contribute. Waist size is a useful extra signal alongside BMI. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bowel-cancer - Kidney cancer (Established link): CRUK lists kidney cancer among the 13 types caused by overweight and obesity. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/kidney-cancer - Liver cancer (Established link): Excess weight drives fatty liver disease, which can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/liver-cancer - Pancreatic cancer (Established link): CRUK groups pancreatic cancer with the harder-to-treat weight-linked types. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/pancreatic-cancer - Ovarian cancer (Established link): Listed by CRUK among the 13. The association is clearest for some epithelial subtypes. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer - Thyroid cancer (Established link): A consistent but more modest association with excess body weight. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/thyroid-cancer - Meningioma (a type of brain tumour) (Established link): CRUK includes meningioma in the 13. It is usually a tumour of the membranes around the brain, not a typical brain cancer. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/brain-tumour - Oesophageal adenocarcinoma (Strong link): Excess weight promotes reflux and Barrett’s oesophagus, a pathway to adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer - Upper stomach (gastric cardia) cancer (Established link): Cancer at the join of the stomach and oesophagus is the stomach subtype linked to excess weight. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer - Gallbladder cancer (Established link): Obesity increases gallstone risk, a precursor pathway, and has independent metabolic effects. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer - Myeloma (a type of blood cancer) (Established link): CRUK includes myeloma in the 13 weight-linked cancers. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer ## How do you reach a healthy BMI? - Move more: UK Chief Medical Officers advise at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, plus strength work on two days. Walking counts. - Eat a plant-rich diet: Base meals on vegetables, fruit, wholegrains and pulses. Limit ultra-processed food, processed meat and sugary drinks. - Keep alcohol within 14 units: Alcohol adds calories and independently raises several cancer risks. Have alcohol-free days. - Do not smoke: Smoking is still the largest preventable cause of cancer in the UK. Stopping helps weight-related and cardiovascular risk too. - Ask for structured support: A GP can discuss NHS weight-management programmes, dietetic support or medicines where they are clinically appropriate. - Attend screening: Go to bowel, breast and cervical screening invitations regardless of BMI. Early detection still saves lives. ## Related pages - Cancer guides — Nineteen UK guides — symptoms, tests, treatment and survival. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer - Womb cancer — The weight-linked cancer with the highest relative risk. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/womb-cancer - Breast cancer — Post-menopausal breast cancer is one of the 13 CRUK types. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/breast-cancer - Bowel cancer — Weight, diet, FIT screening and treatment we fund. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bowel-cancer - Liver cancer — Fatty liver disease is one pathway from excess weight. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/liver-cancer - Kidney cancer — Another of the 13 cancers linked to overweight and obesity. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/kidney-cancer - Cancer Emergency Appeal — Fund treatment for patients who cannot pay — not research. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency - How to help cancer patients — Practical ways to fund care rather than only research. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/how-to-help-cancer-patients ## Frequently asked questions ### What is BMI? BMI (body mass index) is weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared (kg/m²). The NHS uses it as a screening tool to class adults aged 18+ as underweight, healthy weight, overweight or living with obesity. It is not a diagnosis and it cannot tell muscle from fat. ### How is BMI calculated? BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m)². The NHS example is 70 kg at 1.70 m: 1.70 × 1.70 = 2.89; 70 ÷ 2.89 = 24.2. In imperial, divide pounds by height in inches squared and multiply by 703. This BMI calculator does both conversions for you. ### What is a healthy BMI for adults in the UK? For most adults a healthy BMI is 18.5 to 24.9. Below 18.5 is underweight. 25–29.9 is overweight. 30 or above is obesity (class 1: 30–34.9, class 2: 35–39.9, class 3: 40+), following NICE NG246. ### What BMI is overweight in the UK? For most adults, overweight is a BMI of 25.0 to 29.9. For adults with a South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African–Caribbean family background, NICE treats 23.0 to 27.4 as overweight. ### What BMI is obese in the UK? For most adults, obesity starts at BMI 30. Class 1 is 30–34.9, class 2 is 35–39.9 and class 3 is 40 or above. For the NICE ethnic groups above, obesity starts at 27.5. ### What is a healthy BMI for a woman in the UK? The adult BMI bands are the same for women and men. After the menopause, even a BMI in the higher healthy range can matter for breast cancer risk because fat tissue becomes a main source of oestrogen. The lower NICE cut-offs still apply where the family-background rule applies. ### How do I calculate BMI in stones and pounds? Convert stones and pounds to kilograms, or use the imperial formula: BMI = (weight in pounds ÷ height in inches²) × 703. Example path: 12 st 8 lb is 176 lb; at 70 inches, 176 ÷ 4,900 × 703 ≈ 25.2. The calculator’s imperial mode does this conversion. ### What BMI thresholds apply to South Asian, Black African and Middle Eastern adults? NICE NG246 (2025) uses lower practical thresholds for adults with a South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African–Caribbean family background: overweight 23–27.4; obesity 27.5 or above. Select that option in the calculator to apply those bands. ### Is BMI accurate? BMI is a useful population screening tool, not a complete health measure. It cannot distinguish muscle from fat, does not show where fat is stored, and is a poor fit for athletes, pregnant people, people with some disabilities, and children. NICE recommends waist-to-height ratio alongside BMI when BMI is under 35. ### Should I measure my waist as well as BMI? Yes, if you can. NICE classifies central adiposity with waist-to-height ratio: 0.4–0.49 healthy, 0.5–0.59 increased, 0.6+ high. The practical message is to keep your waist to less than half your height. Older NHS waist cut-offs (men 94/102 cm, women 80/88 cm) are still widely used. ### What is a healthy waist-to-height ratio? NICE NG246: 0.4 to 0.49 is healthy central adiposity for adults with BMI under 35, including people with high muscle mass and all ethnicities. 0.5 or above indicates increased risk. Measure the waist midway between the lowest rib and the top of the hip bone. ### Does BMI affect cancer risk? Yes. Cancer Research UK says overweight and obesity is the second biggest preventable cause of cancer in the UK after smoking, and is linked to 13 types, causing more than 1 in 20 UK cancer cases. Risk rises the more excess weight you carry and the longer it is carried. ### Can children use this BMI calculator? No. This tool is for adults aged 18 and over. Children’s BMI is read against age- and sex-specific centiles, not adult cut-offs. Use the NHS child and teenager BMI calculator, or speak to a GP, health visitor or school nurse. ### Can losing weight reduce cancer risk? Keeping a healthy weight reduces the risk of the 13 weight-linked cancers. CRUK advises that if you are overweight, avoiding further gain is a starting point, and losing weight helps. Even a 5–10% reduction can improve insulin sensitivity and inflammatory markers. This is not a substitute for screening or GP advice. ### Why does World Aid Network publish a BMI calculator? Excess weight is a major, modifiable cancer risk. World Aid Network publishes this BMI calculator as general health education, then funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. We do not run NHS weight clinics, and this tool is not personal medical advice. ## How you can help Donate to the Cancer Emergency Appeal at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — Calculate your BMI for adults: https://www.nhs.uk/health-assessment-tools/calculate-your-body-mass-index/calculate-bmi-for-adults - NHS — Overweight and obesity in adults: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/overweight-and-obesity/ - NICE NG246 — Overweight and obesity management (2025): https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng246 - Cancer Research UK — How does obesity cause cancer?: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/obesity-weight-and-cancer/how-does-obesity-cause-cancer - Health Survey for England 2024 — Adults’ overweight and obesity: https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2024/adults-overweight-and-obesity - NHS — Child and teenager BMI calculator: https://www.nhs.uk/health-assessment-tools/calculate-your-body-mass-index/calculate-bmi-for-children-teenagers --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Breast Cancer Treatment Charity | Fund Care | WAN > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/breast-cancer-treatment > Donate from anywhere: fund breast cancer treatment overseas — imaging, biopsy, surgery and chemotherapy. Not research. Not NHS or US hospital care. # Breast Cancer Treatment for Women Who Cannot Afford Care World Aid Network funds the full breast cancer treatment pathway — from diagnostic imaging and biopsy through to surgery, chemotherapy and follow-up care — for women in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia who cannot afford private treatment. All care is delivered by licensed oncologists and surgeons at accredited partner hospitals. [Fund cancer treatment ](/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency#donate-form) ✓ Gifts go to partner-hospital treatment costs ✓ Licensed oncologists and surgeons ✓ No cash — direct to partner hospitals What does World Aid Network fund? Donors in the UK, United States, Canada and anywhere else can fund breast cancer diagnosis and treatment — imaging, biopsy, surgery and chemotherapy — for women who cannot afford private care in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Licensed clinicians deliver care at partner hospitals. This is treatment access, not research, NHS care or a US 501(c)(3) gift. ## Why is late diagnosis the crisis? Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. The WHO Global Breast Cancer Initiative identifies late presentation as the defining challenge in low- and middle-income countries — the majority of patients are diagnosed at stage III or IV, when treatment is more complex, less effective and significantly more expensive. The reasons are well-documented: limited awareness of early symptoms, cultural barriers to seeking medical advice, restricted access to diagnostic imaging outside urban centres, and — above all — the cost of private assessment. A diagnostic ultrasound that might cost £20–£40 at a private clinic represents a week's income for many households. World Aid Network addresses this by funding both the screening pathway (to catch cancers earlier) and the full treatment pathway (to ensure that diagnosis is not the end of the road for patients who cannot pay). Most common cancer in women across Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia 694,000 breast cancer deaths worldwide in 2024, among 2.4 million women diagnosed (WHO) £20–£40 cost of diagnostic ultrasound — unaffordable for many on low incomes 1 in 48 lifetime risk of dying from breast cancer for women in low-HDI countries, against 1 in 71 in very-high-HDI countries, where diagnosis is far more common (WHO) WHO figures: [WHO breast cancer fact sheet](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast-cancer), 3 July 2026 (checked 22 October 2026). ## What is the full treatment pathway? World Aid Network funds every stage of the journey — from the first diagnostic scan to post-treatment follow-up monitoring. 1 ### Diagnostic imaging Ultrasound is the first-line imaging modality for breast assessment in Pakistan and Indonesia — it does not require radiation and is well-suited to younger, denser breast tissue. World Aid Network funds ultrasound assessments at partner hospitals for women referred from screening camps or presenting with suspicious symptoms. 2 ### Biopsy and diagnosis Where imaging identifies a suspicious mass, a core needle biopsy is performed under local anaesthetic to obtain tissue for pathological analysis. Histopathology confirms the cancer type, grade and receptor status — information essential for planning the right treatment. World Aid Network funds biopsy procedures for patients who cannot afford private diagnostic costs. 3 ### Surgery For patients with confirmed early or locally advanced breast cancer, surgery is the primary treatment. This may be breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) or mastectomy depending on tumour size, stage and patient factors. All surgery is performed by licensed surgeons at accredited partner hospitals — World Aid Network supports access to treatment through local facilities. 4 ### Chemotherapy and medical treatment Many patients require systemic therapy — chemotherapy, hormone therapy (for oestrogen receptor-positive cancers), or targeted therapy — before or after surgery. Funding covers the cost of treatment courses at partner oncology departments for patients who would otherwise be unable to access or afford treatment. 5 ### Supportive care Treatment side effects — nausea, fatigue, pain — can be severe without supportive medication. World Aid Network funds anti-emetics and supportive medications alongside chemotherapy courses, so patients can complete their treatment without stopping due to unmanaged side effects. 6 ### Follow-up and monitoring Post-treatment follow-up monitoring is essential to detect recurrence early. Funded follow-up appointments at partner hospitals ensure patients do not simply disappear from care after primary treatment ends. Outcome data is reported back to World Aid Network trustees. ## What does your donation fund? | Donation | What it funds | | -------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | £30 | Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary | | £75 | Core needle biopsy and pathology report | | £150 | Contribution towards cancer care; actual costs and outcomes vary | | £500 | Towards the cost of breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) | | £1,000 | Contribution towards cancer care; actual costs and outcomes vary | | £2,000+ | Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary | Costs are approximate, based on partner-hospital data. Actual costs vary by country, stage and treatment protocol. Figures correct as at June 2026. ### Expanding as capacity grows World Aid Network's breast cancer treatment programme is currently focused on peri-urban communities in Karachi and Islamabad in Pakistan, working with established partner hospitals with oncology departments. As programme capacity, partner relationships and funding allow, the programme will be extended to additional cities in Pakistan and, over time, to Indonesia and Malaysia. All programme expansion is subject to trustee approval and requires establishing formal agreements with accredited partner hospitals with appropriate clinical capacity. ## How do we make sure your donation reaches patients? - All patients are assessed against programme eligibility criteria and approved by named World Aid Network trustees before any funding is committed. - Payments go directly to partner hospitals via milestone bank transfer — no cash is ever handed to individuals. - Partner hospitals provide clinical outcome reports for every funded patient. - World Aid Network trustees conduct audit reviews and may commission on-site inspection of partner facilities. - No open grants are made — every disbursement is tied to a named patient list and a specific clinical justification. ## What do donors ask about funding breast cancer treatment? What types of breast cancer does World Aid Network fund treatment for? World Aid Network funds treatment for breast cancer in women who cannot afford private care. Gifts contribute towards the treatment pathway — imaging, biopsy, surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and follow-up — for early and locally advanced breast cancer, as each patient’s doctor recommends. Treatment is delivered by licensed oncologists and surgeons at accredited partner hospitals. The programme is expanding from an initial focus on peri-urban Karachi and Islamabad in Pakistan, with capacity to be extended to Indonesia and Malaysia over time. Who performs the treatment? All treatment is delivered by licensed doctors at partner hospitals — oncologists, surgeons and radiologists registered with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) or the equivalent national body. WAN supports the cost of cancer treatment delivered by local healthcare professionals with the permissions required for their clinical roles. How do patients access the programme? Patients are referred through two routes: community screening camps run by partner organisations (where trained staff identify suspicious findings and refer for diagnostic imaging), or self-referral from women presenting with symptoms to a partner hospital. All funded patients must meet the programme's eligibility criteria — including inability to afford private care — and are approved by World Aid Network trustees before funding is released. Does World Aid Network fund all types of cancer? Yes. Our charitable objects cover cancer treatment for all types, for poor patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. The Cancer Emergency Appeal funds the hospital bill a family cannot meet — breast cancer, childhood cancers, blood cancers and others. We do not fund cancer research — only direct treatment for patients who cannot afford care. Why is late-stage breast cancer such a problem in Pakistan and Indonesia? Across South and South-East Asia, the majority of breast cancer diagnoses occur at stage III or IV — locally advanced or metastatic disease. The main reasons are lack of awareness of early symptoms, cultural barriers to seeking medical advice, limited access to diagnostic imaging, and inability to pay for private assessment. By the time a patient reaches hospital, many cancers are already at an advanced stage — which means more complex treatment, lower survival rates and higher costs. Early screening and funded diagnosis is the most cost-effective intervention. Can I donate to this breast cancer charity from the United States, Canada or another country? Yes. Donors in the UK, United States, Canada and anywhere else can give by card. Use worldaidnetwork.org/donate for pounds or worldaidnetwork.org/give for US dollars. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation, not a US 501(c)(3) and not a registered Canadian charity, so gifts are generally not tax-deductible in the US or Canada. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims need HMRC recognition, qualifying UK tax and a valid declaration. Named checkout is the Cancer Emergency Appeal. Is World Aid Network the same as Macmillan, Susan G. Komen or the Canadian Cancer Society? No. Those organisations fund research or support in their own countries. World Aid Network funds diagnosis and treatment for women who cannot afford private oncology in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. We do not rank charities. If you searched for NHS care, Komen, Macmillan or a Canadian registered cancer charity, go to that organisation. Donate here only if overseas treatment access is the gift you want. Will funding breast cancer treatment be Gift Aid eligible? World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility — meaning UK taxpayers will be able to add 25p to every £1 donated at no cost to them. How does World Aid Network make sure the money reaches patients? World Aid Network operates a strict no-cash policy. All disbursements are made directly to partner hospitals via milestone bank transfer — never to individuals. Each payment is released against a named patient list and clinical justification approved by our trustees. Partner hospitals provide outcome reports for every funded patient. Trustees conduct periodic audits and may commission on-site reviews. Is this breast cancer research funding or treatment funding? Treatment funding. Large breast cancer research foundations finance tumour biology and clinical trials. World Aid Network funds diagnosis and treatment — imaging, biopsy, surgery, chemotherapy and supportive care — for women who cannot afford private oncology. If you want research science, support a research charity; if you want a patient’s care pathway paid for, support this programme. ### Related pages [Cancer Emergency Appeal](/appeal/cancer-emergency)[Donate to charity](/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency#donate-form)[Donate in US dollars](/give)[Best charity for cancer](/blog/best-charity-for-cancer)[Cancer care programme](/cancer)[Breast cancer symptoms](/cancer/breast-cancer)[How we work](/how-we-work) ## How can you fund cancer treatment for a woman in need? Early diagnosis and funded treatment can mean the difference between a curable and an incurable cancer. Every donation goes directly to patient care at accredited partner hospitals. [Donate Now](/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency#donate-form) Suggested gifts such as £30 or £75 contribute towards diagnosis, including ultrasound and biopsy; actual costs vary. Paying in dollars? Use the [US-dollar checkout](/give). ## How can I support cancer treatment? Connect the information you have read with treatment support and the checks that protect your donation. - [Donate to cancer care](/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency#donate-form) Give to the Cancer Emergency Appeal’s wider fund for patients who cannot pay. - [Cancer Emergency Appeal](/appeal/cancer-emergency) See what the treatment fund supports. - [How donations reach care](/where-your-money-goes) Understand programme funding and accountability. - [Cancer information and support](/cancer) Find guides to cancer types, diagnosis and care. - [Cancer treatment support enquiries](/cancer/eligibility-checker) Prepare an enquiry and understand the review process. - [Childhood cancer support](/childhood-cancer-treatment) Explore help for children and their families. - [Hospital partnership enquiries](/partner-with-us) Eligibility, agreements and funding review for care providers. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Cancer Charities UK | Research vs Treatment Guide | WAN > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer-charities > Compare cancer research, patient support and treatment charities — who funds clinical trials vs surgery and chemotherapy for patients who cannot pay. # Cancer Charities That Fund Treatment — Not Just Research There's an important distinction most donors don't know about. This guide explains the three types of cancer charity — and which one pays for the treatment that patients actually need right now. Direct Answer Most large cancer charities fund research, clinical trials or UK patient support — not overseas treatment bills. World Aid Network funds cancer diagnosis and treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy) for poor patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Choose research for discovery; choose us for treatment access now. ## What are the three types of cancer charity? Understanding the difference determines whether your donation funds a discovery or a patient's treatment. ### Research charities Cancer research institutes, immunotherapy pioneers, prostate and breast research funds, collaborative clinical-trial initiatives What they do Fund laboratory research, immunotherapy development, clinical trials and drug discovery. Their work may take years to reach patients and often focuses on advanced healthcare systems. Who they help Future patients — through scientific breakthroughs that improve diagnosis, prevention and treatment protocols over time. Gap left Patients who need existing surgery or chemotherapy now and cannot afford the bill. ### Patient support charities UK patient advocacy, financial advice helplines, emotional and practical support networks What they do Provide emotional support, patient financial guidance, helplines and community services for people facing a cancer diagnosis — typically focused on the UK or home-country health systems. Who they help Patients navigating diagnosis, treatment side-effects, benefits and recovery at home. Gap left Patients in low-income countries who cannot access diagnosis and treatment in the first place. What WAN does ### Treatment charities World Aid Network — overseas treatment access funding What they do Fund direct cancer treatment — diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy — for patients who cannot afford care. The treatments already exist. The barrier is cost and access. Who they help Poor patients who would otherwise go without treatable cancer care. Gap left People seeking research grants, clinical-trial sponsorship or UK helpline services alone. ## How do top UK cancer charities compare? What each charity actually does with your donation. ### Cancer Research UK Research The UK's largest cancer charity. Funds scientific research across all cancer types. Domain authority \~84, 3–4 million monthly website visitors. Does not fund treatment for individual patients. Best for Donors who want to fund long-term scientific breakthroughs Consider alternatives if Donors who want to fund treatment for patients who need help now ### Macmillan Cancer Support Patient support (UK) Provides emotional and practical support for UK cancer patients — helplines, financial advice, community nurses and centres. Does not fund treatment itself. Best for Donors who want to support UK cancer patients with emotional and practical care Consider alternatives if Donors who want their money to fund surgery or chemotherapy ### Prostate Cancer UK Research + awareness Funds prostate cancer research and awareness campaigns. Strong focus on Black men's elevated risk. Does not directly fund treatment for individual patients. Best for Donors specifically focused on prostate cancer research and awareness Consider alternatives if Donors wanting to fund treatment for prostate cancer patients in low-income countries ### Breast Cancer Now Research + support UK's leading breast cancer charity. Funds research and provides patient support services including a specialist nurse helpline. Does not fund treatment directly. Best for Donors who want to fund breast cancer research and UK patient support Consider alternatives if Donors wanting to fund treatment for women in developing countries ### Blood & paediatric research specialists Blood cancer & childhood research Global and UK research agencies fund leukaemia, lymphoma and childhood cancer science, plus some paediatric treatment centres abroad. Their strength is discovery and specialised centres — not paying routine oncology bills for poor patients in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia. Best for Donors focused on blood cancer research or paediatric cancer science Consider alternatives if Donors who want a gift to cover chemotherapy or surgery for a patient who cannot pay ### World Aid Network Treatment funder Direct treatment funding Funds cancer diagnosis and treatment — surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and diagnostics — for poor patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia through locally licensed oncologists. The Cancer Emergency Appeal covers all types of cancer. Removes the financial barrier to care that already exists. Best for Donors who want their money to pay for actual treatment for patients who would otherwise go without Consider alternatives if Donors primarily interested in UK patient support, immunotherapy research or clinical-trial sponsorship ## Why does the cancer treatment gap matter? The treatments that reliably cure or control most common cancers already exist. Breast cancer surgery, prostate hormone therapy, bowel cancer resection, lung cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy — these are not experimental. They are established standard-of-care treatments delivered every day across the NHS. In Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia, the same treatments exist — but in private hospitals and clinics inaccessible to poor patients. A family earning the average income in Lahore, Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur cannot afford the cost of surgery or a course of chemotherapy. Without funded access, late diagnosis and death are near-inevitable. This is the gap that treatment charities like World Aid Network exist to fill. Not waiting for a scientific breakthrough. Not providing a helpline. Paying the bill so that a patient who would otherwise die can receive the treatment that already exists. Breast cancer 85% UK 5-yr survival <50% Low-income 5-yr Prostate cancer 88% UK 5-yr survival <30% Low-income 5-yr Bowel cancer 60% UK 5-yr survival <30% Low-income 5-yr Lung cancer 16% UK 5-yr survival <10% Low-income 5-yr Five-year survival estimates. UK data: NHS/Cancer Research UK. Low-income country data: WHO/Lancet Oncology. ## How can you be the reason a patient gets treatment? Your donation to the Cancer Emergency Appeal contributes towards cancer treatment — surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy — for patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia who cannot afford it. Gifts go to the wider fund; they do not buy a guaranteed treatment or result. [ £50 towards supportive medicines ](/donate?amount=50¤cy=GBP&cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency#donate-form)[ £150 towards diagnostic tests ](/donate?amount=150¤cy=GBP&cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency#donate-form)[ £250 towards diagnosis and treatment ](/donate?amount=250¤cy=GBP&cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency#donate-form)[ £500 towards recommended treatment ](/donate?amount=500¤cy=GBP&cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency#donate-form) [ Donate to cancer care ](/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency#donate-form) [Cancer Information Hub ](/cancer) ## Frequently Asked Questions Which cancer charities fund treatment rather than research? Most large UK cancer charities — including Cancer Research UK, Prostate Cancer UK and Breast Cancer Now — primarily fund research or patient support services, not direct treatment. World Aid Network is specifically focused on funding cancer treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and diagnostics) for poor patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia who cannot afford care. If you want your donation to pay for a patient's treatment directly, World Aid Network is the charity to consider. Is it better to donate to a cancer research charity or a treatment charity? Research charities and treatment charities serve fundamentally different purposes. Research charities fund scientific work that may improve treatment outcomes for future patients — often over a 10–20 year horizon — primarily in wealthy countries with advanced healthcare systems. Treatment charities fund care for patients who are ill now and cannot access existing treatments due to poverty. Neither is objectively 'better' — the right choice depends on where you want your donation to have impact and on what timescale. What percentage of cancer charity donations go to treatment? This varies significantly by charity. For research charities like Cancer Research UK, donations fund laboratory research, clinical trials and scientific infrastructure — not individual patient treatment. For World Aid Network, donations are directed towards cancer treatment costs — surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and diagnostics — for patients who cannot afford care, delivered through locally-licensed oncologists. Can I donate specifically for prostate cancer treatment? Yes. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for all types of cancer, including prostate cancer. You can donate to the Cancer Emergency Appeal, which covers all cancer treatment programmes across Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Unlike research charities, your donation goes towards the cost of actual treatment for real patients who cannot afford to pay. Which is the best cancer charity for Black men? Prostate Cancer UK has done significant work raising awareness of the elevated prostate cancer risk in Black men (1 in 4 vs 1 in 8 for men overall) and advocates for PSA testing from age 45\. However, if you want to fund cancer treatment for Black men in developing countries — where survival rates are far lower due to lack of access — World Aid Network funds prostate cancer treatment for patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia who cannot afford care. Does World Aid Network fund all types of cancer treatment? Yes. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment across all types and all stages for poor patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Treatment is delivered through locally-licensed oncologists (PMDC in Pakistan, KKI in Indonesia, MMC in Malaysia) and includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and diagnostic procedures. Should I donate to cancer research or to treatment access? Donate to research if you want clinical trials, immunotherapy science or long-horizon discovery. Donate to treatment access if you want diagnosis and treatment bills paid for patients who cannot afford care now. World Aid Network is the second path — not a substitute for research charities. Which charities help with childhood cancer or blood cancer? Paediatric hospitals and blood cancer research agencies lead discovery and specialised care. For overseas patients who need chemotherapy or surgery they cannot afford, World Aid Network funds childhood cancer treatment pathways and covers blood cancers within partner oncology capacity — see /childhood-cancer-treatment and /cancer/leukaemia. Read our full cancer guides: [Best charity for cancer](/blog/best-charity-for-cancer)[Prostate Cancer](/cancer/prostate-cancer)[Breast Cancer](/cancer/breast-cancer)[Bowel Cancer](/cancer/bowel-cancer)[Lung Cancer](/cancer/lung-cancer)[Black Men & Prostate Cancer](/blog/prostate-cancer-black-men)[All Cancer Types](/cancer) ## How can I support cancer treatment? Connect the information you have read with treatment support and the checks that protect your donation. - [Donate to cancer care](/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency#donate-form) Give to the Cancer Emergency Appeal’s wider fund for patients who cannot pay. - [Cancer Emergency Appeal](/appeal/cancer-emergency) See what the treatment fund supports. - [How donations reach care](/where-your-money-goes) Understand programme funding and accountability. - [Cancer information and support](/cancer) Find guides to cancer types, diagnosis and care. - [Cancer treatment support enquiries](/cancer/eligibility-checker) Prepare an enquiry and understand the review process. - [Childhood cancer support](/childhood-cancer-treatment) Explore help for children and their families. - [Hospital partnership enquiries](/partner-with-us) Eligibility, agreements and funding review for care providers. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Cancer guides and treatment we fund > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## 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. A donation is a contribution; operation costs vary and no fixed amount guarantees surgery. 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 — contribution to the wider cancer fund, not a guaranteed treatment - £25 — contribution to the wider cancer fund, not a guaranteed treatment - £50 — contribution to the wider cancer fund, not a guaranteed treatment - £100 — contribution to the wider cancer fund, not a guaranteed treatment ## 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? Survival varies by cancer type, stage, population and access to care. Delayed diagnosis, unaffordable medicines and limited specialist services can reduce the chance of receiving appropriate treatment. A single rate for all low-income countries would be misleading. 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? Gifts contribute to the cancer fund; no fixed amount guarantees a complete treatment. 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? Read the appeal terms and the where-your-money-goes page for allocation and cost information. We do not promise a 100% donation policy or claim an independently audited breakdown before evidence is published. 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. --- # Bladder cancer: symptoms, treatment and survival > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bladder-cancer > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Bladder cancer develops in the lining of the bladder, the organ that stores urine. Its most common — and most important — symptom is blood in the pee, which is usually painless and may come and go. Smoking is the biggest risk factor, causing around half of all cases. Because blood in the urine often appears early, getting it checked straight away gives the best chance of catching bladder cancer when it is highly treatable — over 95% survival at the earliest stage. Blood in the urine is the warning sign that should always be checked. World Aid Network funds treatment for patients who cannot pay. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. ## Appointment checklist - Has the cancer reached the bladder muscle? - What follow-up or changes to passing urine could treatment involve? - What could explain my symptoms, and which tests would help? - What are the benefits and possible harms of each test or treatment? - When should I expect results, and who should I contact if they do not arrive? - Which changes mean I should seek help sooner? - If cancer is diagnosed, what are my treatment options and likely side effects? - Can I bring someone with me, request an interpreter or get written information? ## At a glance - ~10,000: UK cases each year - Smoking (~50%): Biggest risk factor - Over 95% (Stage 1): Survival when caught early - Blood in the urine: Key sign ## What is bladder cancer? Bladder cancer develops in the lining of the bladder, the organ that stores urine. Its most common — and most important — symptom is blood in the pee, which is usually painless and may come and go. Smoking is the biggest risk factor, causing around half of all cases. Because blood in the urine often appears early, getting it checked straight away gives the best chance of catching bladder cancer when it is highly treatable — over 95% survival at the earliest stage. Bladder cancer is the tenth most common cancer in the United Kingdom, with around 10,000 new diagnoses every year. It is approximately three times more common in men than in women, and more than 90% of cases occur in people over 55. Bladder cancer accounts for approximately 5,400 deaths per year in the UK. Smoking is responsible for approximately half of all bladder cancer cases — making it one of the most preventable cancers. The bladder's role as a reservoir for urine means it is exposed for prolonged periods to carcinogens excreted by the kidneys, including those derived from cigarette smoke and certain industrial chemicals. This guide answers the twenty most commonly searched questions about bladder cancer in the UK, drawing on NHS and WHO sources, and examines the inequality in bladder cancer care between the UK and low-income countries where specialist urology and oncology are scarce. The bladder is a hollow muscular organ in the pelvis that stores urine. Bladder cancer develops when cells lining the inside of the bladder wall grow abnormally. Approximately 90% of bladder cancers are urothelial carcinoma (formerly called transitional cell carcinoma — TCC), arising from the urothelium that lines the bladder. Less common types include squamous cell carcinoma (associated with chronic bladder irritation or schistosomiasis infection) and adenocarcinoma. Bladder cancers are classified by how deeply they have invaded the bladder wall. Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) — in which the cancer is confined to the inner lining (mucosa and submucosa) — accounts for approximately 75% of cases. Muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) — in which the cancer has grown into or through the muscle wall — accounts for approximately 25% and carries a worse prognosis. ## When should you see a doctor about bladder cancer? Most of these symptoms have a less serious cause — but it is always worth getting them checked. See a GP if you notice a new or persistent change. If you feel very unwell, contact NHS 111 or seek urgent help. Take a note of how long the symptom has lasted and whether it is getting worse. You do not need every sign on a list to book an appointment. This guide is general information from World Aid Network, not a diagnosis and not UK NHS care. Only a clinician can assess you. - Blood in your pee — even once, and even if it is painless - Needing to pee very often or very urgently - Pain or a burning feeling when you pee that is not a urine infection - Repeated urine infections that keep coming back ## Symptoms: blood in urine and beyond The classic presenting symptom of bladder cancer is haematuria — blood in the urine — which may be visible to the naked eye (frank haematuria, causing pink, red or brown urine) or detectable only on urine testing (microscopic haematuria). The NHS advises seeing a GP urgently if you notice blood in your urine even once, even if painless and even if it goes away on its own. Painless haematuria is a red-flag symptom. Other symptoms include: urinary urgency or frequency not explained by infection; pain during urination; or lower abdominal pain. Blood in the urine has many causes besides bladder cancer — including urinary tract infections, kidney stones and non-cancerous conditions — but should always be investigated promptly to rule out cancer. ## Diagnosis and investigation Investigation of haematuria follows a standardised NHS pathway. After urine dipstick testing and mid-stream urine culture to exclude infection, patients are referred for flexible cystoscopy — a procedure in which a thin flexible camera is passed through the urethra into the bladder under local anaesthetic to inspect the bladder lining directly. Any suspicious lesions are noted and a TURBT (transurethral resection of bladder tumour) is performed under general anaesthetic to remove the tumour and obtain tissue for pathological staging and grading. Imaging (CT urogram) is performed to assess the kidneys, ureters and upper urinary tract. For muscle-invasive disease, staging CT of the chest, abdomen and pelvis assesses for lymph node involvement and distant metastases. ## Treatment options For non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), TURBT is both diagnostic and therapeutic for low-risk disease. For intermediate- and high-risk NMIBC, a course of intravesical BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) instilled directly into the bladder after TURBT significantly reduces recurrence and progression risk. NMIBC is managed with regular cystoscopic surveillance because it has a high recurrence rate. For muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), the treatment options are radical cystectomy (surgical removal of the bladder, with urinary diversion) or radical radiotherapy with concurrent chemotherapy (chemoradiation). Neoadjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy (gemcitabine plus cisplatin) is offered before cystectomy to treat microscopic metastatic disease. Immunotherapy (pembrolizumab, atezolizumab) is used for metastatic bladder cancer after platinum chemotherapy. ## Bladder cancer in the developing world In the UK, the five-year survival rate for bladder cancer is approximately 55% across all stages. In low- and middle-income countries, survival is lower because specialist urology for TURBT and cystoscopy is concentrated in major hospitals, intravesical BCG is frequently out of stock, and radical cystectomy (a complex major operation) requires surgical and anaesthetic expertise that is unavailable in many settings. Notably, in parts of Africa and the Middle East, schistosomiasis (a parasitic infection) is a leading cause of the squamous cell type of bladder cancer, which is different from the urothelial carcinoma most common in the UK. This underscores how the drivers and presentation of bladder cancer differ by geography. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment — including bladder cancer — for poor patients through locally-licensed urologists and oncologists. Every donation funds a patient who would otherwise go without treatment. ## What are the key takeaways? The most important points on bladder cancer for patients, families and donors. - Bladder cancer affects around 10,000 people in the UK per year. Smoking is responsible for approximately half of all cases — making it one of the most preventable cancers. - Blood in the urine (haematuria) — even once, even if painless — is a red-flag symptom that the NHS advises investigating urgently via GP referral. - Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (75% of cases) is treated with TURBT and, for high-risk disease, intravesical BCG. It carries a high recurrence rate and requires long-term cystoscopic surveillance. - Muscle-invasive bladder cancer (25% of cases) is treated with radical cystectomy or radical chemoradiation, typically with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. - In low-income countries, bladder cancer treatment is severely limited by the absence of accessible cystoscopy, TURBT facilities, BCG supply and surgical expertise. ## What will a donation for bladder cancer treatment provide? A gift to World Aid Network's Cancer Emergency Appeal helps pay for diagnosis and treatment that a poor patient has been recommended but cannot afford. Costs vary by diagnosis, provider and treatment plan; no fixed gift guarantees a complete treatment. Trustees direct gifts to the most urgent cases. This is treatment access, not laboratory research and not UK NHS care. Clinicians in partner hospitals decide the medical plan. We fund the bill in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. The Cancer Emergency Appeal funds all types of cancer. Trustees direct gifts to the most urgent hospital bills in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. ## How can I donate to help people with bladder cancer? Donate by card at worldaidnetwork.org/donate and choose the Cancer Emergency Appeal. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation with a CIO registration application in progress; Gift Aid is not currently available; HMRC recognition and donor eligibility are required. If you need UK support as a patient or relative, see a GP, NHS 111, Macmillan or the specialist UK charity for this cancer. We fund treatment overseas; we are not a UK helpline. ## How to get blood in your urine checked Blood in the urine — even once, and even if it is not painful — should be checked by a GP. It is the warning sign that finds many bladder and kidney cancers early. - Do not wait for it to happen again: One episode of blood in your pee is enough to book a GP appointment, even if it then looks clear. - Mention pain, clots or other symptoms: Tell the GP about pain in your side or back, a lump, weight loss, or needing to pee more often. - Ask about tests: A GP can dip-test urine, arrange blood tests and refer you for scans or a camera test of the bladder if needed. - Stop smoking if you can: Smoking is a major cause of bladder cancer. Stopping lowers future risk and helps recovery if cancer is found. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is bladder cancer? Bladder cancer is a malignant tumour of the bladder — the hollow organ that stores urine. Approximately 90% of cases are urothelial carcinoma, arising from the inner bladder lining. Around 10,000 people are diagnosed in the UK each year. It is three times more common in men than women and is strongly linked to smoking. ### What are the symptoms of bladder cancer? The most common symptom is haematuria — blood in the urine, which may be visible (pink, red or brown urine) or detected only on testing. The NHS advises seeing your GP urgently for any blood in the urine, even once and even if painless. Other symptoms include urinary urgency, frequency, pain when urinating or lower abdominal pain. ### How common is bladder cancer in the UK? Bladder cancer is the tenth most common cancer in the UK, with approximately 10,000 new diagnoses per year. It accounts for approximately 5,400 deaths annually. It is approximately three times more common in men than in women, and over 90% of cases occur in people aged 55 and over. ### What causes bladder cancer? Smoking is responsible for approximately 50% of bladder cancer cases in the UK — carcinogens from cigarette smoke are excreted in urine and accumulate in the bladder wall. Other causes include occupational exposure to aromatic amines (used in rubber, dye and textile industries), chronic bladder irritation, recurrent urinary tract infections, schistosomiasis (in endemic regions) and prior pelvic radiotherapy. ### Does smoking cause bladder cancer? Yes. Smoking is the single biggest risk factor for bladder cancer, responsible for approximately half of all cases in the UK. Chemicals from cigarette smoke are absorbed into the bloodstream, filtered by the kidneys and concentrated in the urine. The bladder's prolonged exposure to these carcinogens causes DNA damage to the urothelial lining. Stopping smoking significantly reduces future risk and also improves treatment outcomes for those diagnosed. ### How is bladder cancer diagnosed? Bladder cancer is diagnosed through flexible cystoscopy — a procedure in which a thin camera is passed through the urethra into the bladder under local anaesthetic. Any suspicious lesions are removed under general anaesthetic in a TURBT (transurethral resection of bladder tumour) operation, providing tissue for histological diagnosis and staging. A CT urogram images the kidneys and ureters. Urine cytology can detect high-grade cancer cells shed into urine. ### What is a cystoscopy? A cystoscopy is a procedure to examine the inside of the bladder and urethra using a cystoscope — a thin flexible or rigid tube with a camera. Flexible cystoscopy under local anaesthetic is used for diagnostic assessment and surveillance. Rigid cystoscopy under general anaesthetic is used for TURBT (tumour removal). NHS cystoscopy is a day-case procedure. It causes mild discomfort and temporary urinary symptoms; serious complications are rare. ### What are the stages of bladder cancer? Bladder cancer is staged from Stage 0 to Stage IV. Non-muscle-invasive disease (NMIBC) includes: Stage 0a (papillary tumours confined to the inner lining), Stage 0is (flat carcinoma in situ — CIS), and Stage I (invasion into the lamina propria but not muscle). Muscle-invasive disease (MIBC) includes Stage II (into the muscle), Stage III (through the muscle into perivesical fat) and Stage IV (spread to lymph nodes or distant organs). Stage determines treatment. ### What is the difference between non-muscle-invasive and muscle-invasive bladder cancer? Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC, approximately 75% of cases) is confined to the inner layers of the bladder wall (mucosa and submucosa). It is treated primarily with TURBT and intravesical therapies; the bladder can usually be preserved. Muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC, approximately 25% of cases) has grown into the bladder muscle wall, carrying a significantly higher risk of spreading to lymph nodes and distant organs and requiring radical treatment (cystectomy or radiotherapy). ### What is the treatment for bladder cancer? For NMIBC: TURBT to remove the tumour; single post-operative dose of intravesical mitomycin C for low-risk disease; a course of intravesical BCG (6-week induction plus maintenance) for high-risk NMIBC; long-term cystoscopic surveillance. For MIBC: neoadjuvant chemotherapy (gemcitabine plus cisplatin) followed by radical cystectomy, or radical chemoradiotherapy for bladder preservation. For metastatic disease: systemic chemotherapy (gemcitabine plus cisplatin/carboplatin) and immunotherapy (pembrolizumab, avelumab). ### What is a TURBT? TURBT (transurethral resection of bladder tumour) is a surgical procedure performed under general anaesthetic in which a resectoscope is passed through the urethra into the bladder and the tumour is resected (cut away) using an electrosurgical loop. TURBT serves dual purposes: it removes the tumour and provides tissue for pathological staging. For non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, TURBT may be the definitive treatment. For muscle-invasive disease, TURBT confirms diagnosis before radical treatment. ### What is intravesical BCG therapy? BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) is an immunotherapy instilled directly into the bladder through a catheter after TURBT. Originally a tuberculosis vaccine, BCG stimulates a local immune response in the bladder lining that helps destroy remaining cancer cells and reduce recurrence and progression risk. The standard schedule is a 6-week induction course followed by maintenance instillations over 1–3 years. BCG is the most effective intravesical treatment for high-risk NMIBC, significantly reducing both recurrence and progression to muscle-invasive disease. ### What is a radical cystectomy? Radical cystectomy is the surgical removal of the entire bladder, typically with the prostate and seminal vesicles in men, or the uterus, ovaries and part of the vagina in women, together with pelvic lymph node clearance. It is the primary surgical treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Following cystectomy, urinary diversion is created — either an ileal conduit (urostomy bag), a continent pouch or an orthotopic neobladder (reconstruction using bowel). Robotic-assisted laparoscopic cystectomy is increasingly performed in the UK. ### What is the survival rate for bladder cancer? Five-year survival for bladder cancer in the UK is approximately 55% overall. For non-muscle-invasive disease (the majority), five-year survival is approximately 80–90% — the main risk is recurrence rather than death. For muscle-invasive disease (Stage II–III), five-year survival is approximately 50% with radical treatment. For Stage IV (metastatic) bladder cancer, five-year survival is approximately 15–20%, with improvements seen in patients responding to immunotherapy. ### Can bladder cancer be cured? Low-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer is effectively managed with TURBT and surveillance, and many patients are cured. High-risk NMIBC managed with BCG achieves durable response in approximately 60–70% of patients. Muscle-invasive bladder cancer treated with radical cystectomy or chemoradiation achieves cure in approximately 50% of carefully selected patients. Metastatic bladder cancer is not currently curable, but immunotherapy has produced long-lasting responses in some patients. ### Is bladder cancer hereditary? The majority of bladder cancers are not hereditary. Inherited gene mutations are responsible for a small proportion of cases. Lynch syndrome — caused by inherited mismatch repair gene mutations — modestly increases bladder cancer risk. Family history of bladder cancer is a minor risk factor. However, bladder cancer's strong association with modifiable risk factors (smoking, occupational exposure) means that most cases arise from environmental rather than genetic causes. ### Does blood in urine always mean bladder cancer? No. Blood in the urine (haematuria) has many causes, most of which are not cancer. Common causes include: urinary tract infection; kidney stones; benign prostatic hyperplasia in men; vigorous exercise; certain medications; and non-cancerous kidney conditions. However, the NHS advises that all haematuria — even a single episode — should be investigated promptly by a GP, as bladder cancer cannot be excluded without cystoscopy. Bladder cancer is found in approximately 10–20% of patients referred with visible haematuria. ### What occupations increase bladder cancer risk? Occupational exposure to aromatic amines is the second largest risk factor for bladder cancer after smoking. Workers in the rubber, dye and textile industries have historically had elevated bladder cancer risk. Hairdressers (exposure to hair dye chemicals), painters, lorry drivers (diesel exhaust), aluminium workers and leather tanners are also at increased risk. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and occupational health services can advise on monitoring and risk reduction for workers in high-exposure industries. ### How often does bladder cancer come back? Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer has a high recurrence rate — approximately 50–70% of patients will experience at least one recurrence within five years of TURBT. This is why long-term cystoscopic surveillance is essential for all NMIBC patients. The risk of progression to muscle-invasive disease depends on tumour grade and stage: low-grade disease carries a progression risk of approximately 5%; high-grade NMIBC (including CIS) carries a progression risk of 15–40% without BCG treatment. ### How does bladder cancer affect people in developing countries? In low- and middle-income countries, bladder cancer access to care is severely constrained by the scarcity of cystoscopy facilities, TURBT operating capacity, BCG supply and radical surgical expertise. In parts of Africa and the Middle East, schistosomiasis-related squamous cell bladder cancer is prevalent, often presenting at an advanced, inoperable stage. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for poor patients through locally-licensed urologists and oncologists, helping to address this treatment inequality. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for poor patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia through locally licensed oncologists. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bladder-cancer or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — bladder cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bladder-cancer/ - NHS — Cancer information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer/ - Cancer Research UK — Cancer types: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Bladder cancer symptoms: blood in the urine > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bladder-cancer/symptoms > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Blood in your pee — even once, even if it does not hurt — is the main symptom of bladder cancer. Needing to pee often or urgently, or repeated urine infections, also need a check. About 10,000 people are diagnosed in the UK each year. Smoking causes around half of cases. Stage 1 survival is over 95% when it is found early. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. Blood can come and go. Do not wait for it to come back. GPs take visible haematuria in adults seriously. ## Which symptoms should you report? Visible blood is the headline. You do not need pain or clots. - Blood in your pee — even once, even if painless - Needing to pee very often or urgently - Burning when you pee that is not a simple infection - Urine infections that keep coming back ## Why is smoking the biggest risk? Chemicals in tobacco are filtered into urine and contact the bladder lining for years. Stopping smoking lowers the chance of new tumours even after a diagnosis. ## Is this the same as kidney cancer blood in the urine? The symptom overlaps. Urology tests look at both the bladder (camera) and the kidneys (scan) so the source is found. ## Key takeaways - Painless blood in the urine should be checked even once. - Smoking causes around half of bladder cancers. - Early-stage survival is over 95%. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bladder-cancer - Symptoms: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bladder-cancer/symptoms - Cystoscopy: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bladder-cancer/tests - Treatment: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bladder-cancer/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Can beetroot mimic blood in urine? It can colour urine. If you see red or brown urine, still tell a GP rather than assuming food. ### Do women get bladder cancer? Yes, though it is more common in men. The same symptom rules apply. ### Do you fund bladder cancer treatment overseas? When a partner urologist has recommended it for a patient who cannot pay. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — bladder cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bladder-cancer/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Cystoscopy and tests for bladder cancer > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bladder-cancer/tests > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Cystoscopy is a camera test that looks at the bladder lining. It is the main way bladder cancer is seen. Urine tests and a CT urogram or ultrasound check the kidneys at the same time. Abnormal areas are biopsied or removed. This is general UK information. A urologist explains what you will feel during the procedure. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. Visible blood in the urine in adults usually means a two-week-wait urology referral. The camera test is what finds a growth on the lining. ## What happens in a flexible cystoscopy? A thin camera is passed along the urethra into the bladder in clinic, with local anaesthetic gel. You can usually go home the same day. ## Why a kidney scan as well? Blood can come from the ureters or kidneys. CT urogram or ultrasound looks upstream so a kidney tumour is not missed. ## What is TURBT? If a growth is seen, a telescopic operation under anaesthetic (TURBT) removes it and provides the pathology that stages the cancer. ## Key takeaways - Cystoscopy is the key bladder test. - Kidneys are scanned because the symptom overlaps. - TURBT both treats and diagnoses many early cancers. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bladder-cancer - Symptoms: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bladder-cancer/symptoms - Cystoscopy: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bladder-cancer/tests - Treatment: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bladder-cancer/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Is cystoscopy painful? Uncomfortable more than painful for most people. Ask about pain relief and whether you need someone to take you home. ### Can urine cytology replace the camera? No. Cells in urine can help but do not replace looking at the lining. ### Does WAN offer cystoscopy in the UK? No. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — bladder cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bladder-cancer/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Bladder cancer treatment: TURBT, BCG and surgery > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bladder-cancer/treatment > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Non-invasive bladder cancer is usually treated by removing the tumour through a telescope, sometimes followed by BCG or chemotherapy into the bladder. If the cancer has grown into muscle, removing the bladder or using chemoradiation may be recommended. Stage 1 survival is over 95%. World Aid Network funds treatment overseas for patients who cannot pay. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. Pathology after TURBT decides the next step. Superficial and muscle-invasive disease are very different conversations. ## What is BCG into the bladder? A weakened tuberculosis vaccine is put into the bladder to stimulate an immune response that lowers the chance of tumours coming back. It is not the same as intravenous immunotherapy. ## When is the bladder removed? Muscle-invasive cancer may need a cystectomy, with a stoma or a reconstructed bladder. Chemoradiation is an alternative for some people. Fertility and sexual function should be discussed before surgery. ## Why follow-up cystoscopies continue Bladder cancer often comes back on the lining. Regular camera checks catch new growths while they are still treatable. ## Key takeaways - TURBT is both diagnosis and first treatment for many patients. - BCG is given into the bladder, not as a jab in the arm. - Follow-up camera checks are part of treatment, not optional extras. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bladder-cancer - Symptoms: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bladder-cancer/symptoms - Cystoscopy: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bladder-cancer/tests - Treatment: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bladder-cancer/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Will I need a stoma? Only if the whole bladder is removed and a urostomy is chosen. Many early cancers never need this. ### Does BCG mean I have TB? No. You will get specific hygiene advice after instillation. ### Do you fund BCG overseas? If a licensed partner hospital uses it and the patient cannot pay. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — bladder cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bladder-cancer/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Bowel cancer: symptoms, treatment and survival > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bowel-cancer > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Bowel cancer (also called colorectal cancer) affects the large bowel — the colon or the rectum. It is one of the most common cancers in the UK, but it is also one of the most treatable when found early. Most bowel cancers grow slowly from small growths called polyps over many years, which is why screening works so well. The NHS sends a simple home test (the FIT test) to everyone aged 50–74. Do it when it arrives — it can find cancer before you ever feel unwell. One of the most common cancers — and one of the most preventable through screening. World Aid Network funds treatment for patients who cannot pay. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. ## Appointment checklist - Do my symptoms need investigation even if a screening FIT was negative? - If treatment is needed, could it affect bowel function or involve a stoma? - What could explain my symptoms, and which tests would help? - What are the benefits and possible harms of each test or treatment? - When should I expect results, and who should I contact if they do not arrive? - Which changes mean I should seek help sooner? - If cancer is diagnosed, what are my treatment options and likely side effects? - Can I bring someone with me, request an interpreter or get written information? ## At a glance - ~42,000: UK cases each year - People over 60: Most common in - Over 90% (Stage 1): Survival when caught early - Home FIT test, age 50–74: Screening ## What is bowel cancer? Bowel cancer (also called colorectal cancer) affects the large bowel — the colon or the rectum. It is one of the most common cancers in the UK, but it is also one of the most treatable when found early. Most bowel cancers grow slowly from small growths called polyps over many years, which is why screening works so well. The NHS sends a simple home test (the FIT test) to everyone aged 50–74. Do it when it arrives — it can find cancer before you ever feel unwell. Bowel cancer — also called colorectal cancer — is the fourth most common cancer in the United Kingdom, with approximately 42,000 new cases diagnosed every year. It accounts for around 16,800 deaths annually, making it the second most common cause of cancer death after lung cancer. The good news is that bowel cancer is highly treatable when caught early. The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme has been shown to reduce mortality significantly by detecting cancer and pre-cancerous polyps before symptoms develop. More than nine in ten people diagnosed at Stage I will survive for five or more years. This guide answers the twenty most searched UK questions about bowel cancer, drawing on NHS and World Health Organization sources, and examines the enormous inequality in bowel cancer care between the UK and low-income countries where treatment is largely inaccessible to poor patients. Bowel cancer is cancer that develops in the large bowel — the colon or the rectum. Cancer of the colon is called colon cancer; cancer of the rectum is rectal cancer. Together they are referred to as colorectal cancer. The vast majority of bowel cancers (more than 90%) develop from adenomatous polyps — benign growths on the bowel lining that, over many years, can become malignant. This slow progression is why screening to detect and remove polyps before they turn cancerous is so effective. Bowel cancer most commonly affects people over 60, though it can occur at any age. Around 95% of cases in the UK are in people aged 50 and over. A small proportion of cases — approximately 5% — are linked to inherited conditions such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). ## When should you see a doctor about bowel cancer? Most of these symptoms have a less serious cause — but it is always worth getting them checked. See a GP if you notice a new or persistent change. If you feel very unwell, contact NHS 111 or seek urgent help. Take a note of how long the symptom has lasted and whether it is getting worse. You do not need every sign on a list to book an appointment. This guide is general information from World Aid Network, not a diagnosis and not UK NHS care. Only a clinician can assess you. - A change in your normal bowel habit lasting three weeks or more (looser stools, going more often, or constipation) - Blood in your poo or bleeding from your bottom - Tummy pain, bloating or discomfort that does not settle - Losing weight without trying - Feeling very tired for no obvious reason ## Symptoms to look out for The NHS advises seeing your GP if you notice any of the following persisting for three weeks or more: a persistent change in bowel habit (looser stools, more frequent stools, or constipation); blood in your stools, which may make them appear dark red or black; unexplained weight loss; fatigue; or unexplained abdominal pain, bloating or discomfort. It is important to note that these symptoms can be caused by many other conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), haemorrhoids or infection. However, the NHS strongly advises not to assume that symptoms are due to a less serious cause — see a GP promptly so that bowel cancer can be ruled out or detected early. ## The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme Routine bowel screening in England and Scotland invites eligible people aged 50 to 74 for a home FIT every two years. Invitations and access should be checked with the relevant national programme. A result showing blood needs further assessment; it does not itself diagnose cancer. Colonoscopy allows a specialist to examine the entire bowel lining using a flexible camera, remove polyps, and take biopsy samples. People at high familial or genetic risk are offered colonoscopic surveillance outside the standard programme. If you are aged 74 or over, you can self-refer for screening by contacting your local NHS screening centre. ## Treatment options Treatment depends on the stage and location of the cancer. For localised bowel cancer, surgery to remove the section of bowel containing the tumour is the primary treatment. For many colon cancers, surgery alone is curative if the cancer is caught at an early stage. Rectal cancer is more complex to treat and often requires a combination of pre-operative radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy, surgery, and adjuvant chemotherapy. Advanced bowel cancer is treated with chemotherapy regimens such as FOLFOX or FOLFIRI, often combined with targeted therapies such as bevacizumab (anti-VEGF) or cetuximab (anti-EGFR) for appropriate patients. Immunotherapy (particularly pembrolizumab) is effective for the small proportion of bowel cancers that are mismatch repair deficient (dMMR). ## Bowel cancer in the developing world In the UK, the five-year survival rate for bowel cancer is approximately 60%. In low- and middle-income countries, survival is significantly lower — primarily because bowel cancer is rarely diagnosed at an early stage, surgical expertise is limited, and chemotherapy and targeted therapies are unaffordable for most poor patients. The World Health Organization notes that bowel cancer incidence is rising rapidly in middle-income countries as diets shift towards processed food. Yet the treatment infrastructure — colonoscopy services, surgical units, oncology wards — has not kept pace with this epidemiological transition. A man or woman diagnosed with bowel cancer in a poor rural area may have no realistic access to surgery, let alone chemotherapy. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for poor patients through locally-licensed doctors and registered hospitals. Every donation directly supports access to care for a patient who cannot afford it. ## What are the key takeaways? The most important points on bowel cancer for patients, families and donors. - Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, with around 42,000 diagnoses and 16,800 deaths per year. - The five-year survival rate for Stage I bowel cancer exceeds 90%. For Stage IV, it is approximately 10% — underscoring the critical importance of early detection. - The NHS FIT (faecal immunochemical test) screens people aged 50–74 every two years at home. A positive result leads to colonoscopy. - Most bowel cancers develop slowly from benign polyps over many years — making screening and polyp removal one of the most effective cancer prevention strategies available. - In low-income countries, bowel cancer is increasingly common but largely untreated for poor patients — survival rates are far below UK levels. ## What will a donation for bowel cancer treatment provide? A gift to World Aid Network's Cancer Emergency Appeal helps pay for diagnosis and treatment that a poor patient has been recommended but cannot afford. Costs vary by diagnosis, provider and treatment plan; no fixed gift guarantees a complete treatment. Trustees direct gifts to the most urgent cases. This is treatment access, not laboratory research and not UK NHS care. Clinicians in partner hospitals decide the medical plan. We fund the bill in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. The Cancer Emergency Appeal funds all types of cancer. Trustees direct gifts to the most urgent hospital bills in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. ## How can I donate to help people with bowel cancer? Donate by card at worldaidnetwork.org/donate and choose the Cancer Emergency Appeal. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation with a CIO registration application in progress; Gift Aid is not currently available; HMRC recognition and donor eligibility are required. If you need UK support as a patient or relative, see a GP, NHS 111, Macmillan or the specialist UK charity for this cancer. We fund treatment overseas; we are not a UK helpline. ## How to do the NHS bowel cancer screening test The NHS sends a FIT home test to people aged 50 to 74. It finds hidden blood in poo and can pick up bowel cancer before you feel unwell. - Do the kit when it arrives: The FIT test is a small poo sample posted back in the envelope provided. It takes a few minutes. - Do not ignore bowel changes: Blood in poo, a lasting change in bowel habit, or unexplained weight loss should be checked by a GP even if your last FIT was normal. - Follow up an abnormal result: A positive FIT usually leads to a colonoscopy. That is how polyps and early cancers are found and treated. - Keep doing the test every two years: Bowel cancers can grow from polyps over years. Repeat screening is how the programme works. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is bowel cancer? Bowel cancer — also called colorectal cancer — is cancer that develops in the colon (large intestine) or rectum. It is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, with around 42,000 new diagnoses each year. The vast majority of bowel cancers develop slowly from adenomatous polyps on the bowel lining over many years. ### What are the symptoms of bowel cancer? According to the NHS, symptoms to report to your GP include: a persistent change in bowel habit lasting three weeks or more (looser, more frequent stools or constipation); blood in the stools; unexplained weight loss; fatigue; abdominal pain, bloating or discomfort. These symptoms can have many causes — but bowel cancer should always be ruled out by a GP. ### How common is bowel cancer in the UK? Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK and the second most common cause of cancer death. Around 42,000 people are diagnosed each year, and approximately 16,800 people die from it annually. About 95% of cases occur in people aged 50 and over. ### What causes bowel cancer? Most bowel cancers develop from adenomatous polyps — benign growths on the bowel lining — that accumulate genetic mutations over many years and become malignant. Risk is increased by a diet high in red and processed meat, low physical activity, being overweight, smoking, alcohol and inflammatory bowel disease. A small proportion of cases are linked to inherited syndromes such as Lynch syndrome or FAP. ### What are the risk factors for bowel cancer? The main risk factors are: age over 50; a diet high in red and processed meat; low dietary fibre; being overweight or obese; physical inactivity; smoking; alcohol; a personal or family history of bowel cancer or polyps; inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's or ulcerative colitis); and inherited conditions such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). ### How is bowel cancer diagnosed? Diagnosis involves a combination of investigations: a colonoscopy (the gold standard, allowing direct visualisation of the bowel lining, polyp removal and biopsy); CT colonography (a virtual colonoscopy using CT scanning); flexible sigmoidoscopy (examination of the lower bowel only); and biopsy of any suspicious tissue. Blood tests and CT scanning are used to assess spread (staging) once cancer is confirmed. ### What is the NHS bowel cancer screening test? In England and Scotland, routine bowel screening uses a home FIT kit every two years for people aged 50 to 74; people aged 75 or older can request a kit. Check your own national programme for invitations and eligibility. FIT looks for blood, not cancer itself. Symptoms need a GP assessment even after a negative screening test. ### What is the FIT test? The FIT (faecal immunochemical test) is the NHS bowel cancer screening test. It uses antibodies to detect tiny amounts of human blood in a stool sample that may not be visible to the naked eye. The test is completed at home, is painless and takes a few minutes. A positive FIT result does not mean cancer — it means further investigation (typically colonoscopy) is needed. Most people with a positive FIT result do not have cancer. ### What is a colonoscopy? A colonoscopy is a procedure in which a doctor uses a long, flexible tube with a camera (colonoscope) to examine the entire lining of the large bowel. It allows polyps to be removed and tissue samples (biopsies) to be taken for laboratory analysis. Patients are usually given a sedative. A bowel preparation (laxative) is taken the day before to clear the bowel. Colonoscopy is the most accurate way to diagnose bowel cancer and detect pre-cancerous polyps. ### What are the stages of bowel cancer? Bowel cancer is staged from I to IV. Stage I means the cancer is confined to the inner bowel lining. Stage II means the cancer has grown through the bowel wall but has not spread to lymph nodes. Stage III means the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. Stage IV means the cancer has spread to distant organs, most commonly the liver or lungs. Stage determines prognosis and treatment approach. ### What is the treatment for bowel cancer? Treatment depends on the stage and location of the cancer. Surgery to remove the section of bowel containing the tumour is the primary treatment for localised colon cancer. Rectal cancer often requires a combination of pre-operative chemoradiotherapy and surgery. Adjuvant chemotherapy (FOLFOX or CAPOX) is offered to higher-risk Stage II and Stage III patients after surgery. Advanced bowel cancer is treated with chemotherapy combined with targeted therapies (bevacizumab, cetuximab) or immunotherapy for eligible patients. ### What is the survival rate for bowel cancer? Five-year survival for bowel cancer depends heavily on stage at diagnosis. Stage I: over 90% five-year survival. Stage II: approximately 80%. Stage III: approximately 70% with lymph node involvement. Stage IV (metastatic): approximately 10% five-year survival, though survival has improved with modern chemotherapy and targeted therapies. Overall five-year survival for bowel cancer in England is approximately 60%. ### Can bowel cancer be prevented? Bowel cancer cannot be fully prevented, but risk can be significantly reduced. The NHS recommends: eating a high-fibre diet with plenty of wholegrains, fruit and vegetables; limiting red and processed meat; maintaining a healthy weight; exercising regularly; limiting alcohol; and not smoking. Participating in the NHS bowel screening programme allows polyps to be detected and removed before they become cancerous — which is one of the most effective cancer prevention strategies available. ### Is bowel cancer hereditary? Approximately 5% of bowel cancers are linked to inherited conditions. Lynch syndrome (hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer — HNPCC) is the most common inherited bowel cancer syndrome, caused by mutations in mismatch repair genes (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2). Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) causes hundreds of polyps to form and carries near-certain risk of bowel cancer if untreated. People with a significant family history should discuss screening with their GP. ### What is the difference between colon cancer and rectal cancer? Colon cancer develops in the colon (the long section of the large intestine). Rectal cancer develops in the rectum (the final 15 cm of the large bowel, before the anus). Together they are called colorectal cancer. Rectal cancer is more complex to treat because of the rectum's proximity to the pelvic floor, bladder, prostate (in men) and uterus (in women). Rectal cancer typically requires pre-operative chemoradiotherapy before surgery, whereas most colon cancers are treated with surgery first. ### Does bowel cancer treatment always involve a stoma? Not always. Many people treated for bowel cancer do not require a permanent stoma. A stoma (a surgically created opening in the abdomen through which waste passes into a bag) may be temporary — used to allow a bowel join to heal — or permanent, where the surgeon is unable to reconnect the bowel. The need for a stoma depends on the location and stage of the cancer and the type of surgery performed. Rectal cancer surgery is more likely to require a stoma than colon cancer surgery. ### What is Lynch syndrome? Lynch syndrome is an inherited condition caused by mutations in mismatch repair genes (most commonly MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 or PMS2). It is the most common inherited cause of bowel cancer, accounting for around 3% of all cases. People with Lynch syndrome have a significantly elevated lifetime risk of bowel cancer (up to 80% depending on the gene affected), as well as raised risks of endometrial, ovarian, stomach and other cancers. Diagnosis is made through genetic testing, and regular colonoscopic surveillance is offered to those affected. ### How does diet affect bowel cancer risk? Diet is one of the strongest modifiable risk factors for bowel cancer. The NHS and WHO advise limiting red meat (beef, pork, lamb) and avoiding processed meat (bacon, sausages, salami), which the World Health Organization classifies as a Group 1 carcinogen for colorectal cancer. High dietary fibre — from wholegrains, vegetables, pulses and fruit — is associated with lower bowel cancer risk. Maintaining a healthy weight and limiting alcohol and smoking further reduce risk. ### What is secondary bowel cancer? Secondary bowel cancer (Stage IV colorectal cancer) occurs when cancer cells from the bowel spread to other organs via the bloodstream or lymphatic system. The most common site of spread is the liver, followed by the lungs. Secondary bowel cancer in the liver is sometimes operable and even curable if the spread is limited. Treatment typically involves chemotherapy combined with targeted therapies, and in some cases liver resection or ablation. ### How does bowel cancer affect people in developing countries? In low- and middle-income countries, bowel cancer incidence is rising sharply as diets shift and populations age, but survival rates remain far below UK levels. Colonoscopy services are scarce, surgical expertise is concentrated in major cities, and chemotherapy and targeted therapies are unaffordable for most poor patients. The World Health Organization reports that the majority of bowel cancer cases in low-income settings are diagnosed at an advanced stage. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for poor patients through locally-licensed doctors, working to address this inequality. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for poor patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia through locally licensed oncologists. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bowel-cancer or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — bowel cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer/ - NHS — Tests and screening: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/bowel-cancer-screening/ - NHS inform — Bowel screening in Scotland: https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/screening/bowel-screening - NHS — Cancer information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer/ - Cancer Research UK — Cancer types: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # NHS FIT test and colonoscopy for bowel cancer screening > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bowel-cancer/screening > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short The NHS sends a FIT (faecal immunochemical test) kit to people aged 50 to 74 every two years — 50 to 74 in Scotland. You collect a small poo sample at home and post it back. A positive result means hidden blood was found, not that you definitely have cancer. Most people with a positive FIT do not have cancer; colonoscopy is how polyps and cancers are confirmed. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. Most bowel cancers develop from adenomatous polyps over many years. Removing polyps at colonoscopy is one of the most effective cancer-prevention steps available on the NHS. People aged 75 and over can often self-refer to their local screening centre. High familial or genetic risk (including Lynch syndrome) is managed with extra surveillance, not only the two-year FIT. ## How do you do the FIT test? The kit arrives by post. You take a small sample of poo with the stick or bottle provided, seal it, and post it in the envelope. It takes a few minutes and does not need a hospital visit. Complete it when it arrives even if you feel well. Screening is designed to find problems before symptoms. ## What happens if the FIT test is positive? A positive FIT means the test found tiny amounts of human blood. The next step is usually colonoscopy: a camera examination of the whole large bowel, often with sedation. Polyps can be removed during the same procedure and biopsies taken. CT colonography (a CT ‘virtual colonoscopy’) is sometimes used if colonoscopy is not suitable. Flexible sigmoidoscopy looks only at the lower bowel. ## Who needs extra bowel surveillance? About 5% of bowel cancers are linked to inherited conditions. Lynch syndrome is the most common, caused by mismatch-repair gene changes. FAP causes hundreds of polyps and a very high lifetime risk if untreated. A strong family history should be discussed with a GP. Those people are offered colonoscopic surveillance outside the standard FIT programme. ## Key takeaways - FIT is a home poo test every two years from age 50–74 (50–74 in Scotland). - A positive FIT is not a cancer diagnosis — it is a reason for colonoscopy. - Most bowel cancers grow from polyps that can be removed before they turn malignant. - Do the kit even if you feel well; see a GP for symptoms rather than waiting. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bowel-cancer - Symptoms: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bowel-cancer/symptoms - FIT test: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bowel-cancer/screening - Treatment options: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bowel-cancer/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Does a positive FIT mean I have cancer? No. It means blood was detected. Colonoscopy finds the cause. Most people with a positive FIT do not have cancer. ### I am 76 — can I still be screened? People aged 75 and over can usually self-refer to their local NHS bowel screening centre. Ask your GP or the screening hub. ### Is processed meat a cause of bowel cancer? The WHO classifies processed meat as a Group 1 carcinogen for colorectal cancer. Limiting processed and red meat, eating fibre, keeping a healthy weight, exercising, not smoking and limiting alcohol all lower risk. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — bowel cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer/ - NHS — Tests and screening: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/bowel-cancer-screening/ - NHS inform — Bowel screening in Scotland: https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/screening/bowel-screening --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Bowel cancer symptoms: blood in poo and a change in habit > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bowel-cancer/symptoms > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short See a GP if you have a change in bowel habit lasting three weeks, blood in your poo, tummy pain or bloating that does not settle, unexplained weight loss, or tiredness without a clear cause. Haemorrhoids and IBS are common, but they should not be assumed. Do the NHS FIT test when it arrives even if you feel well. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. Bowel cancer (colorectal cancer) is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, with around 42,000 diagnoses a year, and the second most common cause of cancer death after lung cancer — about 16,800 deaths a year. Most bowel cancers grow slowly from polyps. That is why symptoms that last, and screening that finds hidden blood, change survival. ## What bowel changes should you get checked? The NHS advises seeing a GP if any of the following last three weeks or more. - Looser stools, going more often, or new constipation - Blood in poo — dark red or black as well as bright red - Tummy pain, bloating or discomfort that does not settle - Weight loss without trying, or unusual tiredness ## Is blood in poo always bowel cancer? No. Piles, fissures and infection are common. Bright red blood on the paper is often from the anus. Darker blood mixed through the stool, or blood with a change in habit, still needs a GP — especially if you are over 50. Never wait for the next screening kit if you have symptoms. A recent normal FIT does not cancel a new symptom. ## Does bowel cancer always cause pain? No. Early bowel cancer can cause no pain at all. That is why the home FIT test matters: it can find hidden blood before you feel unwell. Stage 1 five-year survival exceeds 90%; stage 4 is around 10%. ## Key takeaways - A three-week change in bowel habit or blood in poo should be checked by a GP. - Most of these symptoms are not cancer — checking is how the ones that are get found early. - Do not ignore symptoms because a recent FIT test was normal. - About 95% of UK cases are in people aged 50 and over, but younger adults can be affected. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bowel-cancer - Symptoms: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bowel-cancer/symptoms - FIT test: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bowel-cancer/screening - Treatment options: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bowel-cancer/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### How long should diarrhoea last before I worry? A change lasting three weeks should be checked, whether looser stools, more frequent stools or constipation. Book sooner if there is blood or you feel very unwell. ### Can IBS hide bowel cancer? IBS is common and is not cancer. A new, persistent change — especially with bleeding or weight loss — should still be assessed rather than labelled IBS without a check. ### Should I wait for my screening kit? No. Screening is for people with no symptoms. Symptoms need a GP appointment now. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — bowel cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer/ - NHS — Tests and screening: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/bowel-cancer-screening/ - NHS inform — Bowel screening in Scotland: https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/screening/bowel-screening --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Bowel cancer treatment: surgery, chemotherapy and targeted drugs > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bowel-cancer/treatment > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Localised colon cancer is often treated with surgery to remove the affected section of bowel. Rectal cancer more often needs radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy before surgery. Higher-risk stage 2 and stage 3 disease may have chemotherapy such as FOLFOX after surgery. Some mismatch-repair deficient cancers respond to immunotherapy such as pembrolizumab. A stoma is not always needed. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. Overall five-year survival for bowel cancer in England is about 60%. Stage at diagnosis drives that figure: over 90% at stage 1, around 10% at stage 4. In low-income countries the same biology is often found later, and surgery plus chemotherapy are out of reach. World Aid Network funds that access through partner hospitals. ## How is colon cancer treated differently from rectal cancer? Colon cancer is usually operated on first. Rectal cancer sits lower in the pelvis, near the bladder, prostate or womb, so many people have radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy before surgery to shrink the tumour. A stoma (a bag on the abdomen) may be temporary while a join heals, or permanent if the bowel cannot be rejoined. Many people never need a permanent stoma. ## What drugs are used for advanced bowel cancer? Chemotherapy combinations such as FOLFOX, FOLFIRI or CAPOX are common. Targeted drugs such as bevacizumab (anti-VEGF) or cetuximab (anti-EGFR) are added for some people after tumour testing. Immunotherapy, particularly pembrolizumab, helps the minority of bowel cancers that are mismatch-repair deficient (dMMR). ## What will a donation for bowel cancer treatment provide? In the UK these pathways are NHS care. World Aid Network does not replace the NHS. Overseas, a gift to the Cancer Emergency Appeal helps pay for tests, surgery or chemotherapy a family cannot afford, where partner oncologists can deliver them. The appeal funds all types of cancer. ## Key takeaways - Surgery is the main treatment for early colon cancer; rectal cancer often needs pre-operative radiotherapy. - Stage 1 five-year survival exceeds 90%; overall England survival is about 60%. - A stoma is not automatic. - We fund treatment access overseas, not UK clinics and not laboratory research. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bowel-cancer - Symptoms: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bowel-cancer/symptoms - FIT test: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bowel-cancer/screening - Treatment options: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bowel-cancer/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Will I need a stoma? Not always. Many operations reconnect the bowel. A stoma may be temporary or permanent depending on location and the surgery needed. Rectal operations are more likely to involve a stoma than colon operations. ### What is FOLFOX? FOLFOX is a chemotherapy combination (folinic acid, fluorouracil and oxaliplatin) used after surgery for higher-risk disease and for some advanced cancers. ### Does World Aid Network fund bowel cancer research? No. Donations pay clinical bills for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia — not trials or labs. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — bowel cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer/ - NHS — Tests and screening: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/bowel-cancer-screening/ - NHS inform — Bowel screening in Scotland: https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/screening/bowel-screening --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Brain tumour: symptoms, treatment and survival > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/brain-tumour > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short A brain tumour is a growth of cells in the brain. Tumours range widely — some are slow-growing and non-cancerous (benign), while others are aggressive cancers. Because the brain controls so much of the body, symptoms depend on where the tumour is, but common signs include new or worsening headaches, seizures (fits), changes in vision or personality, and weakness on one side of the body. New, persistent or unusual symptoms like these should be assessed by a doctor promptly. Tumours range from slow-growing and benign to fast and aggressive. World Aid Network funds treatment for patients who cannot pay. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. ## Appointment checklist - What do the tumour’s type, grade and location mean for me? - Could I need support with seizures, everyday activities or rehabilitation? - What could explain my symptoms, and which tests would help? - What are the benefits and possible harms of each test or treatment? - When should I expect results, and who should I contact if they do not arrive? - Which changes mean I should seek help sooner? - If cancer is diagnosed, what are my treatment options and likely side effects? - Can I bring someone with me, request an interpreter or get written information? ## At a glance - ~16,000: UK cases each year - Benign to aggressive: Range - In people under 40: Leading cancer killer - New, persistent headaches: Common sign ## What is brain tumour? A brain tumour is a growth of cells in the brain. Tumours range widely — some are slow-growing and non-cancerous (benign), while others are aggressive cancers. Because the brain controls so much of the body, symptoms depend on where the tumour is, but common signs include new or worsening headaches, seizures (fits), changes in vision or personality, and weakness on one side of the body. New, persistent or unusual symptoms like these should be assessed by a doctor promptly. Brain tumours are among the most complex and challenging conditions in medicine. Approximately 16,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with a primary brain tumour every year, and around 5,000 die from brain tumours annually. Brain tumours range from benign (non-cancerous) slow-growing tumours — such as meningiomas — to highly aggressive malignancies such as glioblastoma (GBM, WHO Grade IV glioma), which carries a median survival of approximately 15 months even with optimal treatment. Symptoms depend on the tumour's location and rate of growth. The key warning signs include persistent or progressively worsening headaches, new-onset seizures, focal neurological deficits (weakness, numbness, speech difficulties) and personality or cognitive changes. This guide answers the twenty most commonly searched questions about brain tumours in the UK, drawing on NHS and WHO sources. ## When should you see a doctor about brain tumour? Most of these symptoms have a less serious cause — but it is always worth getting them checked. See a GP if you notice a new or persistent change. If you feel very unwell, contact NHS 111 or seek urgent help. Take a note of how long the symptom has lasted and whether it is getting worse. You do not need every sign on a list to book an appointment. This guide is general information from World Aid Network, not a diagnosis and not UK NHS care. Only a clinician can assess you. - A new, severe or persistent headache — often worse in the morning - A seizure (fit) for the first time - Feeling sick or being sick, especially in the morning - Problems with vision, speech or balance - Changes in personality, memory or behaviour - Weakness or numbness on one side of the body ## Types of brain tumour Brain tumours are classified as primary (arising from brain tissue) or secondary (metastases from cancers elsewhere — more common than primary tumours). Primary brain tumours are graded WHO Grade I–IV. Gliomas arise from glial cells and include astrocytoma (Grade II–IV), oligodendroglioma (Grade II–III) and glioblastoma (GBM, Grade IV — the most common and most aggressive primary brain malignancy). Meningiomas arise from the meninges (brain coverings), are usually benign (WHO Grade I) and are the most common primary brain tumour overall. Other types include acoustic neuroma (schwannoma), ependymoma, medulloblastoma (most common in children) and primary CNS lymphoma. Glioblastoma (GBM) accounts for approximately 50% of all primary malignant brain tumours. It is characterised by rapid growth, infiltration of surrounding brain tissue, neovascularisation and central necrosis. Even with maximal safe resection, concurrent chemoradiotherapy and adjuvant temozolomide (the Stupp protocol), median survival is approximately 15 months. Approximately 5% of patients survive five years. MGMT promoter methylation — a molecular marker — predicts response to temozolomide and is a positive prognostic factor. ## Diagnosis MRI of the brain (with and without gadolinium contrast) is the gold-standard imaging modality for suspected brain tumours. It provides superior soft tissue resolution compared with CT and characterises tumour location, size, enhancement pattern and relationship to eloquent areas (regions controlling critical functions such as language and motor control). CT is used in emergency settings or when MRI is not available. PET-MRI and MR spectroscopy provide additional metabolic and functional information in specialist centres. Definitive diagnosis requires histopathological examination of tumour tissue. Neurosurgical resection (or stereotactic biopsy for inoperable lesions) provides tissue. Integrated histological and molecular diagnosis is now standard, incorporating IDH mutation status (1p/19q codeletion for oligodendroglioma; MGMT promoter methylation; TERT promoter mutation), transforming the WHO classification. Liquid biopsy (ctDNA from blood or CSF) is an emerging diagnostic tool. ## Treatment Maximal safe surgical resection — removing as much tumour as possible without causing unacceptable neurological deficit — is the cornerstone of treatment for most primary malignant brain tumours. Intraoperative MRI, awake craniotomy (with the patient awake to allow real-time eloquent cortex mapping) and fluorescence-guided surgery using 5-ALA (which causes tumour cells to fluoresce pink under ultraviolet light) improve resection extent. For benign tumours (meningioma, acoustic neuroma), complete resection may be curative. For GBM, the Stupp protocol is standard: concurrent temozolomide chemotherapy and external beam radiotherapy (60 Gy/30 fractions over six weeks), followed by six cycles of adjuvant temozolomide. For patients with MGMT-methylated GBM, lomustine combined with temozolomide improves survival. Bevacizumab is used for recurrent GBM. Tumour treating fields (TTF, Optune device) — delivering low-intensity alternating electrical fields via scalp electrodes — improve survival in newly diagnosed and recurrent GBM and are available in specialist centres in the UK. ## What are the key takeaways? The most important points on brain tumour for patients, families and donors. - Brain tumours range from benign meningiomas (usually curable with surgery) to glioblastoma (GBM, one of the most aggressive cancers with median survival ~15 months even with treatment). - Key warning symptoms include: persistent progressive headaches (especially worse in the morning), new-onset seizures, weakness or numbness in limbs, speech or language difficulty, personality or cognitive changes, and visual disturbances. - MRI of the brain is the gold-standard investigation. Any persistent or progressive neurological symptom — particularly new seizures — requires urgent MRI referral. - Standard GBM treatment is maximal safe surgical resection followed by the Stupp protocol: concurrent temozolomide and radiotherapy, then adjuvant temozolomide. Tumour treating fields (TTF) provide additional survival benefit. - Brain tumour incidence in the UK has risen slightly over recent decades. Brain Tumour Research and The Brain Tumour Charity are the major UK patient support and advocacy organisations. ## What will a donation for brain tumour treatment provide? A gift to World Aid Network's Cancer Emergency Appeal helps pay for diagnosis and treatment that a poor patient has been recommended but cannot afford. Costs vary by diagnosis, provider and treatment plan; no fixed gift guarantees a complete treatment. Trustees direct gifts to the most urgent cases. This is treatment access, not laboratory research and not UK NHS care. Clinicians in partner hospitals decide the medical plan. We fund the bill in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. The Cancer Emergency Appeal funds all types of cancer. Trustees direct gifts to the most urgent hospital bills in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. ## How can I donate to help people with brain tumour? Donate by card at worldaidnetwork.org/donate and choose the Cancer Emergency Appeal. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation with a CIO registration application in progress; Gift Aid is not currently available; HMRC recognition and donor eligibility are required. If you need UK support as a patient or relative, see a GP, NHS 111, Macmillan or the specialist UK charity for this cancer. We fund treatment overseas; we are not a UK helpline. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is a brain tumour? A brain tumour is an abnormal mass of cells in or around the brain. Brain tumours may be primary (arising from brain tissue, including glial cells, meninges or other structures) or secondary (metastases from cancers elsewhere in the body — lung, breast, melanoma and renal cancers are the most common primary sources of brain metastases). Primary brain tumours are classified WHO Grade I–IV, with higher grades being more malignant and faster-growing. Not all brain tumours are cancerous — meningiomas, which account for approximately one-third of all primary brain tumours, are usually benign. ### What are the symptoms of a brain tumour? Symptoms depend on the tumour's location and rate of growth. Common symptoms include: persistent or progressive headaches — particularly ones that are worse in the morning or that wake the patient from sleep; new-onset seizures (fits) — one of the most specific warning signs for a brain lesion; weakness or numbness on one side of the body (hemiparesis/hemisensory loss); speech or language difficulties (dysphasia); personality or behaviour changes; cognitive impairment or memory loss; visual disturbances; nausea and vomiting (caused by raised intracranial pressure); and coordination or balance problems. Any new neurological symptom should be investigated. ### What is glioblastoma (GBM)? Glioblastoma is an aggressive brain tumour. Treatment and outlook depend on the individual and the tumour’s molecular features. A specialist team can explain the options, likely benefits, side effects and supportive care. ### What is a meningioma? A meningioma is a tumour arising from the meninges — the membranous coverings of the brain and spinal cord. It is the most common primary brain tumour type overall and is usually benign (WHO Grade I). Most meningiomas grow slowly and may be monitored with serial MRI if small and asymptomatic ('watch and wait'). Larger, symptomatic or growing meningiomas are treated with surgical resection, which may be curative for accessible Grade I tumours. Atypical (Grade II) and anaplastic (Grade III) meningiomas have a higher recurrence risk and may require adjuvant radiotherapy. ### Are headaches a sign of a brain tumour? Headaches are extremely common and are caused by a brain tumour in only a very small proportion of cases. However, certain features make headaches more concerning: progressive worsening over weeks; waking from sleep; worst in the morning and improving during the day (suggesting raised intracranial pressure); associated with nausea, vomiting or neurological symptoms; new headache in someone over 50 without a prior history of headaches; or headache occurring alongside cognitive change, personality change or seizures. Isolated headaches without neurological features are rarely caused by brain tumours. ### Can a brain tumour cause seizures? Yes — a new-onset seizure in an adult is one of the most important warning signs for a brain tumour and always requires urgent assessment and brain MRI. Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity triggered by the tumour irritating the cerebral cortex. The type of seizure depends on the tumour's location: focal motor seizures (twitching or jerking of a limb), focal sensory seizures (tingling or numbness), focal cognitive seizures (déjà vu, strange sensations) or generalised tonic-clonic seizures (convulsions). Approximately 50–60% of patients with low-grade gliomas and 30–40% with GBM present with seizures. ### How is a brain tumour diagnosed? MRI of the brain with gadolinium contrast is the gold-standard investigation for suspected brain tumours, providing detailed imaging of tumour location, extent and relation to critical brain structures. CT is used in emergencies. The definitive diagnosis requires histopathological examination of tumour tissue — obtained either by surgical resection or stereotactic biopsy (a minimally invasive procedure using imaging guidance to take a small tissue sample). Modern brain tumour diagnosis integrates histology with molecular markers including IDH mutation, 1p/19q codeletion and MGMT promoter methylation. ### What is the treatment for a brain tumour? Treatment depends on the tumour type, grade and location. Benign tumours (meningioma, acoustic neuroma): watchful waiting for small asymptomatic tumours; surgery for large or symptomatic tumours; stereotactic radiosurgery (Gamma Knife, CyberKnife) for suitable lesions. Malignant primary tumours (GBM, high-grade glioma): maximal safe surgical resection followed by the Stupp protocol — concurrent temozolomide chemotherapy and radiotherapy (60 Gy/30 fractions), then adjuvant temozolomide. MGMT-methylated GBM: lomustine + temozolomide. Recurrent GBM: bevacizumab, re-irradiation, or trial participation. ### What is the Stupp protocol? The Stupp protocol is the standard treatment regimen for newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM). Published by Roger Stupp in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2005, it consists of: concurrent temozolomide chemotherapy (75 mg/m² daily throughout) and external beam radiotherapy (60 Gy delivered in 30 fractions over 6 weeks), followed by six cycles of adjuvant temozolomide (150–200 mg/m² for 5 days every 28 days). Compared with radiotherapy alone, the Stupp protocol improved median survival from 12.1 to 14.6 months and five-year survival from 2% to 10%. It remains the global standard of care for GBM. ### What is MGMT methylation in brain tumours? MGMT (O⁶-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase) is a DNA repair enzyme that counteracts the effects of temozolomide chemotherapy. When the MGMT gene promoter is methylated (silenced), the enzyme is not produced — meaning the tumour cannot repair the DNA damage caused by temozolomide. MGMT promoter methylation is found in approximately 40–45% of GBMs and is a positive prognostic marker — patients with methylated MGMT survive longer and respond better to temozolomide. MGMT methylation status is now routinely tested and is used to guide treatment decisions, including the addition of lomustine in newly diagnosed methylated GBM. ### What is awake craniotomy? Awake craniotomy is a neurosurgical technique in which the patient is kept conscious and responsive during part of the brain tumour resection operation, while the surgical area is under local anaesthesia. The awake phase allows the neurosurgeon to map eloquent cortex in real time — asking the patient to speak, move or carry out tasks whilst the surgeon stimulates adjacent brain areas. This technique maximises tumour removal whilst avoiding damage to critical areas controlling speech, language and motor function. It is used when tumours are located near eloquent cortex. ### What is stereotactic radiosurgery? Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) — such as Gamma Knife, CyberKnife or Linac-based SRS — delivers a precisely focused, high dose of radiation to a brain lesion in a single or few sessions, sparing surrounding brain tissue. Despite the name, it does not involve any surgical incision. SRS is used for: brain metastases (1–3 lesions typically); benign tumours (acoustic neuromas, meningiomas); and recurrent or residual malignant tumours in select cases. It is not a treatment for GBM as a primary therapy due to the tumour's diffuse infiltrative nature. ### What is the survival rate for a brain tumour? Survival varies enormously by tumour type and grade. Meningioma (Grade I): five-year survival approximately 90%. Low-grade glioma (Grade II astrocytoma, IDH-mutated): median survival 5–10+ years. Anaplastic glioma (Grade III): median survival approximately 2–5 years depending on molecular profile. Glioblastoma (Grade IV): median survival approximately 15 months with Stupp protocol; five-year survival approximately 5%. IDH-mutated GBM has a significantly better prognosis than IDH-wildtype GBM. Overall five-year survival for all primary brain and CNS tumours combined in England is approximately 40%. ### Can brain tumours be inherited? The vast majority of brain tumours are sporadic. A small proportion are associated with hereditary conditions: neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) — associated with optic gliomas and other gliomas; neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) — associated with bilateral acoustic neuromas (schwannomas), meningiomas and ependymomas; Li-Fraumeni syndrome (TP53 mutation) — associated with GBM and other brain tumours; Von Hippel-Lindau disease — associated with haemangioblastomas; and Gorlin syndrome (PTCH1 mutation) — associated with medulloblastoma. Genetic counselling and testing are offered to families with suspected hereditary brain tumour syndromes. ### What is a brain tumour's effect on personality? Brain tumours — particularly those in the frontal lobes, which control personality, behaviour, executive function, decision-making and emotional regulation — can cause marked personality and behaviour changes. These may include: increased irritability or aggression; emotional blunting or apathy; disinhibition (inappropriate behaviour or remarks); impulsivity; reduced empathy; difficulty concentrating; and social withdrawal. Personality change caused by a brain tumour can precede other neurological symptoms by months and may initially be attributed to stress, depression or other psychiatric conditions. ### Are brain tumours becoming more common? The incidence of primary brain tumours in the UK has risen slightly over the past three decades. This increase is real (not merely a detection artefact) and is most pronounced for glioblastoma. The cause of this increase is unknown — it does not appear to be related to mobile phone use, as large prospective studies (including the Million Women Study and INTERPHONE) have not found a causal link. Brain tumour incidence is highest in older age groups (peak 65–79 years for GBM) and is slightly higher in men than women for glioma. ### What support is available for brain tumour patients in the UK? Key UK support organisations include: The Brain Tumour Charity (information, support groups, research funding); Brain Tumour Research (research charity); Brainstrust (personalised support for patients and families); Macmillan Cancer Support (practical, financial and emotional support); and NHS neurological rehabilitation services. NHS specialist neuro-oncology multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) coordinate treatment, and clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) are a key point of contact. NICE guidelines mandate access to a key worker for all brain tumour patients. ### How does brain tumour care differ in developing countries? Neurosurgical capacity for brain tumour resection is severely limited in most low-income countries — neurosurgeons may be absent or concentrated in one or two cities, and the intraoperative technology (iMRI, 5-ALA, awake craniotomy equipment) used routinely in UK centres is unavailable. Temozolomide and other chemotherapy drugs, radiotherapy equipment and the specialist MDT infrastructure are largely absent or unaffordable to poor patients. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment through locally-licensed oncologists, supporting improved access to life-saving care. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for poor patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia through locally licensed oncologists. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/brain-tumour or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — brain tumours: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/brain-tumours/ - NHS — Cancer information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer/ - Cancer Research UK — Cancer types: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Brain tumour symptoms: headaches, seizures and new neurology > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/brain-tumour/symptoms > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short A brain tumour can cause a new persistent headache, a first seizure, morning sickness, vision or speech problems, personality change, or weakness on one side. About 16,000 people in the UK are diagnosed each year, including non-cancerous tumours. Headaches alone are usually not a tumour. New, worsening or combined neurological symptoms should be assessed promptly. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. Tumours range from slow-growing and benign to aggressive cancers. Symptoms depend on where the growth sits, not only on whether it is cancer. ## Which symptoms need a doctor urgently? A first seizure, sudden severe headache unlike your usual ones, or rapidly worsening weakness or speech is an emergency. Call 999 if someone is fitting or cannot be roused. - A new severe or persistent headache, often worse in the morning - A seizure for the first time - Feeling sick, especially in the morning - Problems with vision, speech or balance - Personality, memory or behaviour change - Weakness or numbness on one side ## Are all brain tumours cancer? No. Meningiomas and some other tumours are often benign but can still cause serious symptoms by pressing on the brain. Treatment may still be needed. ## Is a brain tumour the leading cancer killer under 40? Brain tumours are a leading cause of cancer death in people under 40 in the UK. That statistic includes children and younger adults. It is why new neurological symptoms are taken seriously. ## Key takeaways - New neurological symptoms matter more than a typical tension headache. - Not every brain tumour is cancer, but all can cause harm. - A first seizure needs urgent assessment. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/brain-tumour - Symptoms: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/brain-tumour/symptoms - MRI: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/brain-tumour/tests - Treatment: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/brain-tumour/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Does a normal headache mean a tumour? Almost never. GPs look for red flags such as a first seizure, morning vomiting, or progressive neurology. ### Can stress cause tumour-like symptoms? Anxiety can cause headaches and tingling. That does not mean you should skip a GP if symptoms are new and persistent. ### Do you fund brain tumour surgery overseas? When a licensed partner neurosurgical hospital can treat an eligible patient who cannot pay. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — brain tumours: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/brain-tumours/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Brain tumour diagnosis: MRI and biopsy > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/brain-tumour/tests > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short MRI of the head is the main test when a brain tumour is possible. CT is sometimes used first in an emergency. A biopsy or the operation itself obtains tissue so a pathologist can name the tumour. Blood tests do not diagnose most primary brain tumours. This is general information. Urgent symptoms need 999 or A&E, not a webpage. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. Imaging shows where a mass is. Tissue type decides treatment. Some tumours are diagnosed only after surgery. ## MRI or CT first? A&E often starts with CT because it is fast. MRI gives more detail for planning. Contrast dye may be used unless it is unsafe. ## When is a biopsy done? If the tumour cannot be fully removed, or the type is unclear on scans, a stereotactic biopsy samples tissue. Risks and benefits are explained by the neurosurgeon. ## What about lumbar puncture? It is not the first test for a solid brain mass. It is used in some cancers that involve the spinal fluid. Your team will say if it is needed. ## Key takeaways - MRI is the key diagnostic scan. - Tissue type comes from biopsy or surgery. - Blood tests do not diagnose most primary brain tumours. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/brain-tumour - Symptoms: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/brain-tumour/symptoms - MRI: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/brain-tumour/tests - Treatment: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/brain-tumour/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I have MRI with metal implants? Some implants are MRI-conditional. Radiology checks this before the scan. ### Does a clear CT rule a tumour out? Not always. MRI is more sensitive. Specialists decide if another scan is needed. ### Does WAN offer UK MRI? No. We fund overseas treatment access. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — brain tumours: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/brain-tumours/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Brain tumour treatment: surgery, radiotherapy and drugs > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/brain-tumour/treatment > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Treatment depends on whether the tumour is benign or malignant, where it sits, and how fast it grows. Options include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Some slow-growing tumours are watched with scans. World Aid Network funds treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. We do not replace NHS care in the UK. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. A neuro-oncology multidisciplinary team plans care. Location next to speech or movement areas changes what surgery can safely remove. ## What does surgery aim to do? Remove as much tumour as is safe, relieve pressure, and obtain a diagnosis. Complete removal is not always possible without harming function. ## When is radiotherapy used? After surgery for many malignant tumours, or as the main treatment when surgery is not safe. Stereotactic radiosurgery is used for some small, well-defined lesions. ## What drugs are used? Temozolomide is a common chemotherapy for some gliomas. Steroids reduce swelling. Not every tumour is treated with chemotherapy. Clinical trials exist in the NHS; World Aid Network does not run trials. ## Key takeaways - Treatment is highly individual. - Surgery, radiotherapy and drugs may be combined. - WAN funds overseas bills, not UK neurosurgery. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/brain-tumour - Symptoms: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/brain-tumour/symptoms - MRI: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/brain-tumour/tests - Treatment: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/brain-tumour/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Can a benign tumour still need surgery? Yes, if it presses on the brain or is growing. ### Will I lose my hair? Radiotherapy to the head often causes hair loss in the treated area. Chemotherapy effects depend on the drug. ### Do you fund brain tumour research? No. Donations pay for clinical treatment access overseas. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — brain tumours: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/brain-tumours/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Breast cancer: symptoms, treatment and survival > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/breast-cancer > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. It can affect women and, much more rarely, men. The most important thing you can do is get to know how your breasts normally look and feel, so you notice any change early. Most breast changes are not cancer — but a new lump, a change in shape or skin, or nipple changes should always be checked by a GP. When breast cancer is found early, more than 8 in 10 people survive for at least five years. The UK's most common cancer overall — and very survivable when found early. World Aid Network funds treatment for patients who cannot pay. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. ## Appointment checklist - Will my breast change need imaging or a biopsy? - If cancer is confirmed, how do hormone receptors and HER2 affect treatment? - What could explain my symptoms, and which tests would help? - What are the benefits and possible harms of each test or treatment? - When should I expect results, and who should I contact if they do not arrive? - Which changes mean I should seek help sooner? - If cancer is diagnosed, what are my treatment options and likely side effects? - Can I bring someone with me, request an interpreter or get written information? ## At a glance - ~55,000: UK cases each year - Women over 50: Most common in - ~86%: 5-year survival (UK) - Mammogram, age 50–71: Screening ## What is breast cancer? Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. It can affect women and, much more rarely, men. The most important thing you can do is get to know how your breasts normally look and feel, so you notice any change early. Most breast changes are not cancer — but a new lump, a change in shape or skin, or nipple changes should always be checked by a GP. When breast cancer is found early, more than 8 in 10 people survive for at least five years. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United Kingdom. Approximately 55,000 people receive a breast cancer diagnosis every year — the vast majority women, though around 370 men are diagnosed annually too. That equates to roughly one new diagnosis every ten minutes. The NHS Breast Screening Programme and improvements in treatment have transformed outcomes significantly. The five-year survival rate for breast cancer in England is approximately 85%, and for women diagnosed at the earliest stage, survival exceeds 98%. Early detection genuinely saves lives. This guide answers the twenty most commonly searched questions about breast cancer in the UK, drawing on NHS and World Health Organization sources — and addresses an inequality that rarely makes headlines: the stark survival gap between women in the UK and those in low-income countries. Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast grow and divide in an uncontrolled way, forming a tumour. The most common types originate in the milk ducts (ductal carcinoma) or the milk-producing lobules (lobular carcinoma). Cancers confined within the duct or lobule are called in situ; those that have invaded surrounding tissue are called invasive — and it is invasive cancers that carry the risk of spreading to other parts of the body. Breast cancer is classified by hormone receptor status (oestrogen receptor positive, progesterone receptor positive, HER2 positive, or triple negative), by stage (I–IV) and by grade (how much tumour cells differ from normal cells). These distinctions determine the most effective treatment approach for each patient. ## When should you see a doctor about breast cancer? Most of these symptoms have a less serious cause — but it is always worth getting them checked. See a GP if you notice a new or persistent change. If you feel very unwell, contact NHS 111 or seek urgent help. Take a note of how long the symptom has lasted and whether it is getting worse. You do not need every sign on a list to book an appointment. This guide is general information from World Aid Network, not a diagnosis and not UK NHS care. Only a clinician can assess you. - A new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit - A change in the size, shape or feel of a breast - Dimpling, puckering or redness of the skin - A nipple that has become pulled in (inverted) or changed shape - Fluid leaking from a nipple when you are not breastfeeding - A rash, crusting or swelling on or around the nipple ## Symptoms and how to check The NHS advises reporting to a GP without delay if you notice: a new lump or area of thickened tissue in or near the breast or armpit; a change in breast size, shape or feel; dimpling or puckering of the skin; redness or a rash on or around the nipple; nipple discharge in a woman who is not pregnant or breastfeeding; a nipple that has become inverted; or unexplained pain in the breast or armpit that does not go away. Most breast changes are not cancer. Benign cysts, hormonal changes and fibroadenomas are all common causes of lumps. However, any new or unexplained change should be assessed promptly — the NHS recommends becoming familiar with how your breasts look and feel, and seeing a GP if anything changes, rather than waiting for a scheduled screening appointment. ## Causes, risk factors and prevention The strongest risk factors for breast cancer are: being female (99% of UK cases), increasing age (about 80% of diagnoses are in women over 50), a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, and carrying a harmful variant of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. Around 5–10% of breast cancers are linked to an inherited gene fault; the majority arise from spontaneous mutations accumulated over time. Modifiable risk factors include being overweight after the menopause, drinking alcohol (even moderate amounts raise risk), using combined HRT, having a first pregnancy after 30, and not breastfeeding. Lifestyle changes that address these factors can reduce risk, though no measure eliminates it entirely. Women with high genetic risk may be offered chemoprevention or preventive surgery after genetic counselling. ## Treatment options Treatment is planned by a multidisciplinary team based on the tumour's type, stage, grade and receptor status, as well as the patient's overall health and preferences. Main treatment modalities include: surgery (wide local excision or mastectomy, with or without reconstruction); radiotherapy; chemotherapy; hormone therapy (tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors) for receptor-positive cancers; targeted therapy including trastuzumab (Herceptin) for HER2-positive disease; CDK4/6 inhibitors (palbociclib, ribociclib); and immunotherapy (pembrolizumab) for triple-negative breast cancer. Most women with early breast cancer are offered breast-conserving surgery followed by radiotherapy. Advanced breast cancer is treated to control disease, relieve symptoms and extend quality of life. The NHS funds all clinically appropriate treatments for eligible patients. ## Breast cancer in the developing world Cancer outcomes and access to care vary within and between countries. Costs, travel, delayed diagnosis and the availability of specialist treatment can create barriers. A broad comparison between income groups cannot predict an individual patient’s outcome or isolate the effect of any one cause. World Aid Network’s appeal focuses on helping patients who cannot afford care. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 70% of breast cancer deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, where late-stage diagnosis is common and treatment — surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted therapy — is often unaffordable for poor patients. A course of trastuzumab (Herceptin) that the NHS provides free of charge costs many times the average annual income in many countries. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for poor patients through locally-licensed oncologists and registered hospitals. No woman should be denied cancer treatment because she cannot afford it. A donation today directly funds that care. ## What are the key takeaways? The most important points on breast cancer for patients, families and donors. - Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, with around 55,000 diagnoses per year — approximately one every ten minutes. - The five-year survival rate in England is approximately 85% overall; for Stage I disease detected through screening, survival exceeds 98%. - Around 1 in 7 women in the UK will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. The risk increases significantly after age 50. - The NHS invites women aged 50–71 for a mammogram every three years. Report any breast change to your GP without waiting for a scheduled appointment. - Cancer outcomes and access to care vary within and between countries. Costs, travel, delayed diagnosis and the availability of specialist treatment can create barriers. A broad comparison between income groups cannot predict an individual patient’s outcome or isolate the effect of any one cause. World Aid Network’s appeal focuses on helping patients who cannot afford care. ## What will a donation for breast cancer treatment provide? A gift to World Aid Network's Cancer Emergency Appeal helps pay for diagnosis and treatment that a poor patient has been recommended but cannot afford. Costs vary by diagnosis, provider and treatment plan; no fixed gift guarantees a complete treatment. Trustees direct gifts to the most urgent cases. This is treatment access, not laboratory research and not UK NHS care. Clinicians in partner hospitals decide the medical plan. We fund the bill in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. The Cancer Emergency Appeal funds all types of cancer. Trustees direct gifts to the most urgent hospital bills in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. ## How can I donate to help people with breast cancer? Donate by card at worldaidnetwork.org/donate and choose the Cancer Emergency Appeal. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation with a CIO registration application in progress; Gift Aid is not currently available; HMRC recognition and donor eligibility are required. If you need UK support as a patient or relative, see a GP, NHS 111, Macmillan or the specialist UK charity for this cancer. We fund treatment overseas; we are not a UK helpline. ## How to check your breasts and ask about a mammogram Get to know how your breasts normally look and feel. See a GP about any new change. In the UK, routine NHS mammograms are offered from age 50 to 71, and earlier if your family history is strong. - Know what is normal for you: Look and feel your breasts and armpits now and then so you notice a new lump, skin change or nipple change. - See a GP about any new change: Most breast changes are not cancer, but a new lump, dimpling, nipple inversion or discharge should always be checked. - Attend screening when invited: NHS breast screening is offered every three years from age 50 to 71. Go when the letter arrives. - Ask earlier if risk is higher: A strong family history or a known BRCA gene change can mean extra screening from a younger age — a GP can refer you. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is breast cancer? Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow uncontrollably, forming a malignant tumour. Most breast cancers begin in the milk ducts (ductal carcinoma) or milk-producing lobules (lobular carcinoma). It is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK, accounting for around 15% of all new cancer cases each year. ### What are the symptoms of breast cancer? According to the NHS, symptoms to report to your GP include: a new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit; a change in breast size or shape; dimpling, puckering or redness of the skin; a rash on or around the nipple; nipple discharge outside pregnancy or breastfeeding; a nipple that has become inverted; or persistent unexplained pain in the breast or armpit. Most lumps are not cancer, but all should be assessed promptly. ### How common is breast cancer in the UK? Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK. Around 55,000 people are diagnosed every year — approximately 55,000 women and 370 men. About 1 in 7 women in the UK will develop breast cancer at some point in their lifetime. Around 80% of diagnoses are in women aged 50 and over. ### What causes breast cancer? Breast cancer arises from genetic mutations in breast cells that allow uncontrolled growth. These mutations may be inherited (as with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene variants), arise spontaneously with age, or be triggered by hormonal and lifestyle factors. Most breast cancers are not caused by an inherited gene fault — around 5–10% are linked to inherited mutations. The exact cause in any individual case is rarely identifiable. ### What are the risk factors for breast cancer? Main risk factors include: being female; increasing age (most diagnoses are in women over 50); a family history of breast or ovarian cancer; inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations; dense breast tissue; previous breast cancer; prolonged oestrogen exposure; combined HRT use; being overweight after the menopause; drinking alcohol; and not breastfeeding. Having risk factors does not mean breast cancer will develop, and many women without any known risk factors are diagnosed. ### How is breast cancer diagnosed? Breast cancer is diagnosed through triple assessment: a clinical examination by a specialist; mammography or ultrasound imaging; and a core needle biopsy of any suspicious area. Additional tests such as MRI, CT or bone scans may be used to stage the disease. Biopsy results confirm whether cancer is present and provide information on type, grade and receptor status to guide treatment planning. ### What are the stages of breast cancer? Breast cancer is staged from 0 to IV. Stage 0 (DCIS) means cancer cells are confined within a duct. Stage I means a small tumour (up to 2 cm) with no lymph node spread. Stages II and III involve larger tumours or spread to nearby lymph nodes. Stage IV (metastatic) means the cancer has spread to other organs such as the bones, liver, lungs or brain. Stage determines treatment options and prognosis. ### What is the treatment for breast cancer? Treatment is planned by a multidisciplinary team and depends on tumour type, stage and receptor status. Main options include surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy); radiotherapy; chemotherapy; hormone therapy (tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors for oestrogen-receptor-positive cancers); targeted therapy such as trastuzumab (Herceptin) for HER2-positive disease; CDK4/6 inhibitors; and immunotherapy for triple-negative breast cancer. Most patients receive a combination of treatments. ### What is the survival rate for breast cancer in the UK? The five-year survival rate for breast cancer in England is approximately 85%. For Stage I disease, five-year survival exceeds 98%. For Stage IV (metastatic) breast cancer, five-year survival is approximately 28%, though outcomes have improved significantly with modern treatments. More than three-quarters of women diagnosed today will survive for ten or more years. ### How do I check myself for breast cancer? The NHS recommends becoming familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel, and reporting any new or unexplained change to your GP promptly. Check the entire breast area, including the armpits and up to the collarbone, looking and feeling for lumps, changes in shape, skin changes, nipple changes or new pain. Do not wait for a scheduled screening appointment if you notice something different. ### What age does breast cancer usually develop? Breast cancer can occur at any age, but risk increases significantly with age. Around 80% of UK breast cancers are diagnosed in women aged 50 and over, with peak incidence in the 65–69 age group. Breast cancer in women under 40 is uncommon but does occur — younger women are not invited for routine NHS screening but should see a GP with any concerns. ### Can men get breast cancer? Yes. Around 370 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the UK — less than 1% of all breast cancer cases. Symptoms are similar to those in women: a lump or swelling in the chest area, nipple discharge, or skin changes. Men with a family history of breast cancer or who carry a BRCA2 gene variant are at higher risk. Male breast cancer is often diagnosed later because awareness is lower. ### Is breast cancer hereditary? Some breast cancers are linked to inherited gene faults, but the majority are not. Approximately 5–10% of breast cancers are associated with inherited mutations in genes including BRCA1, BRCA2, TP53 and PALB2. Women with a strong family history can be referred for genetic counselling and testing via their GP. A positive BRCA test carries significant implications and options including enhanced surveillance and preventive surgery. ### What is BRCA1 and BRCA2? BRCA1 and BRCA2 are tumour suppressor genes. Inherited mutations in these genes significantly increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Women with a BRCA1 mutation have approximately a 65–72% lifetime risk of breast cancer; those with BRCA2 have approximately a 45–69% lifetime risk. Both genes also raise ovarian cancer risk. BRCA2 mutations are the most common inherited cause of male breast cancer. NHS genetic testing is available for those who meet clinical criteria. ### What is triple negative breast cancer? Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype that tests negative for oestrogen receptors, progesterone receptors and HER2 — accounting for about 15% of breast cancers. Because it does not respond to hormone therapy or anti-HER2 treatments, treatment relies on chemotherapy and, increasingly, immunotherapy (pembrolizumab). TNBC tends to grow faster and recur more often than receptor-positive cancers, and is more common in younger women. ### What is secondary (metastatic) breast cancer? Secondary or metastatic breast cancer — Stage IV — is breast cancer that has spread from the breast to other parts of the body, most commonly the bones, liver, lungs or brain. It is not a new cancer but an extension of the original. It is not currently curable, but is treatable: many patients live for several years with good quality of life on modern treatments including hormone therapy, CDK4/6 inhibitors, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. ### What is the NHS breast screening programme? In England, routine breast screening invitations cover ages 50 up to the 71st birthday, normally every three years. At 71 or older you can request screening from the local service. People below the routine age range should discuss symptoms or increased risk with their GP; screening eligibility is not a reason to delay assessment of a breast change. ### Does HRT increase the risk of breast cancer? Combined HRT (oestrogen plus progestogen) is associated with a moderately increased risk of breast cancer, rising with longer duration of use. Oestrogen-only HRT (used by women who have had a hysterectomy) carries a lower risk. The NHS states that for most women, the benefits of HRT for menopausal symptoms outweigh the risks, but decisions should be made individually with a GP. The increased risk from combined HRT is broadly comparable to drinking one to two units of alcohol per day. ### Can you reduce the risk of breast cancer? While no measure eliminates risk entirely, the NHS advises: maintaining a healthy weight, especially after the menopause; limiting alcohol; being physically active regularly; breastfeeding where possible; and discussing HRT risks with a doctor. Women with high genetic risk may be offered chemoprevention (tamoxifen or anastrozole) or preventive surgery (mastectomy or oophorectomy) after specialist genetic counselling. ### How does breast cancer affect women in developing countries? Cancer outcomes and access to care vary within and between countries. Costs, travel, delayed diagnosis and the availability of specialist treatment can create barriers. A broad comparison between income groups cannot predict an individual patient’s outcome or isolate the effect of any one cause. World Aid Network’s appeal focuses on helping patients who cannot afford care. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for poor patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia through locally licensed oncologists. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/breast-cancer or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — breast cancer in women: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-women/ - NHS — Breast cancer in men: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-men/ - NHS — Tests and screening: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/breast-screening-mammogram/ - NHS — Cancer information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer/ - Cancer Research UK — Cancer types: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Breast cancer risk and family history (including BRCA genes) > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/breast-cancer/risk-and-family-history > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Most breast cancer is not inherited — only around 5 to 10% of cases are caused by a faulty gene such as BRCA1 or BRCA2. The biggest risk factors are being a woman and getting older. A healthy weight, regular activity and limiting alcohol lower risk, and those at high inherited risk can be offered extra screening. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. It is natural to wonder why breast cancer happens and whether you are at risk. The honest answer is that for most people there is no single cause — it results from a mix of factors, many of them simply down to age and chance. Understanding the main risk factors helps put worry in perspective and shows where you can make a difference. A common fear is that breast cancer 'runs in the family'. In fact, the great majority of breast cancers are not inherited. But for a minority of families, an inherited gene change does raise the risk significantly — and for them, knowing about it opens the door to extra checks and choices. ## The main risk factors Some risk factors cannot be changed, while others are linked to lifestyle and can be reduced. The most important factors are: - Being a woman — breast cancer is far more common in women than men - Getting older — most breast cancers are diagnosed in women over 50 - A significant family history of breast or ovarian cancer - Inherited gene changes such as BRCA1, BRCA2 or PALB2 - Dense breast tissue - Being overweight or obese, particularly after the menopause - Drinking alcohol — risk rises the more you drink - Not being physically active - Some hormonal factors, such as starting periods early, a late menopause, or long-term combined HRT ## When does family history matter? Having one older relative with breast cancer only slightly raises your own risk. Family history becomes more important when several close relatives on the same side of the family have had breast or ovarian cancer, when they were diagnosed young, or when a male relative had breast cancer. If your family pattern suggests higher risk, your GP can refer you to a specialist family history or genetics clinic. They assess your risk and may offer earlier or more frequent screening, and in some cases genetic testing. ## BRCA and other inherited genes We all carry BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which normally help protect against cancer. Some people inherit a faulty version, which significantly raises the lifetime risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Other genes, such as PALB2, can also increase risk. These inherited changes account for only a small share of all breast cancers. People found to carry a high-risk gene change can be offered a range of options: enhanced screening (often including MRI scans from a younger age), medicines that lower risk, and, for some, risk-reducing surgery. Genetic testing and these decisions are always supported by specialist counselling, because they are personal and significant choices. ## What you can do to lower your risk You cannot change your age or your genes, but a healthy lifestyle genuinely reduces breast cancer risk. Keeping to a healthy weight, being physically active, limiting alcohol and, for those who have children, breastfeeding where possible all help. Attending breast screening when invited does not prevent cancer, but it helps find it early when treatment works best. ## Key takeaways - Only about 5 to 10% of breast cancers are caused by an inherited faulty gene. - The biggest risk factors are being a woman and getting older — neither of which can be changed. - Family history matters most when several close relatives were affected, or were diagnosed young. - BRCA1, BRCA2 and PALB2 gene changes raise risk significantly; those affected can access extra screening and prevention. - A healthy weight, regular activity and limiting alcohol all lower breast cancer risk. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/breast-cancer - Symptoms & checking: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/breast-cancer/symptoms - Screening (mammograms): https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/breast-cancer/screening - Treatment options: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/breast-cancer/treatment - Risk & family history: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/breast-cancer/risk-and-family-history ## Frequently asked questions ### My mother had breast cancer — will I get it too? Having one close relative with breast cancer raises your risk only slightly, and most people in this situation never develop it. Risk is higher if several close relatives were affected, especially at a young age, or if breast and ovarian cancer both appear in the family. If you are worried, your GP can assess your family history and refer you to a specialist clinic if needed. ### Should I get a BRCA gene test? Genetic testing is generally offered only to people whose personal or family history suggests a meaningful chance of carrying a high-risk gene change. It is not a routine test for everyone. A GP or genetics clinic can assess whether testing is appropriate for you, and it is always offered alongside specialist counselling. ### Does drinking alcohol really increase breast cancer risk? Yes. Alcohol is an established risk factor for breast cancer, and the risk rises the more you drink. Cutting down — or not drinking at all — is one of the lifestyle changes that lowers risk. ### Can men inherit breast cancer risk genes? Yes. Men can carry BRCA and other gene changes and can pass them on to their children. These changes raise a man's own (small) risk of breast cancer and his risk of some other cancers, such as prostate cancer, which is why a male relative with breast cancer is an important part of a family history. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — breast cancer in women: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-women/ - NHS — Breast cancer in men: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-men/ - NHS — Tests and screening: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/breast-screening-mammogram/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Breast Screening Discussion Planner & Risk Factors | WAN > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/breast-cancer/risk-checker > Prepare questions about breast changes, family history and mammograms for your GP. A private NHS-sourced planner, not a diagnosis or screening decision. Quick answer Breast screening checks for changes before symptoms develop. New breast or nipple changes should be discussed with a GP rather than waiting for a screening invitation. This planner helps you prepare questions about symptoms, family history and mammograms. It does not calculate your risk or decide which tests you need. ## What would you like to ask your GP? Your selections are not sent, saved or included in analytics. You can read every question below without using the planner. ### Your GP discussion questions This does not diagnose cancer or confirm eligibility for testing. Speak to your GP if you are concerned even when no topic here fits. ## Which questions can anyone use? - Tell your GP what changed and when. Ask what assessment is needed instead of waiting for a routine screening appointment. - Ask your local screening service or GP about your invitation, appointment and the benefits and limitations of screening. - Bring details of relatives affected, their age at diagnosis and any genetic test result. Ask whether a specialist risk assessment is appropriate. - Ask the screening team about access needs, interpreters, discomfort, or adjustments that would help you attend. Also ask what a raised or normal mammogram result would mean, which follow-up tests might be needed, and when to expect results. For urgent medical advice in England, use [NHS 111](https://111.nhs.uk/). Call 999 for a life-threatening emergency, or your local emergency number outside the UK. [Read about breast screenings, benefits and limitations](/cancer/breast-cancer) · [Print an appointment checklist](/cancer/breast-cancer#appointment-checklist) ## What are the sources for this guide? Follow the original guidance for its evidence, dates and limitations. General background references are not a clinical review of this page. - [NHS — Breast screening](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/breast-screening-mammogram/) - [NHS — Breast cancer in women](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-women/) - [NHS — Breast cancer in men](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-men/) [Editorial policy](/editorial-policy) · [Corrections and reporting an error](/corrections) ## How can I support cancer treatment? Connect the information you have read with treatment support and the checks that protect your donation. - [Donate to cancer care](/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency#donate-form) Give to the Cancer Emergency Appeal’s wider fund for patients who cannot pay. - [Cancer Emergency Appeal](/appeal/cancer-emergency) See what the treatment fund supports. - [How donations reach care](/where-your-money-goes) Understand programme funding and accountability. - [Cancer information and support](/cancer) Find guides to cancer types, diagnosis and care. - [Cancer treatment support enquiries](/cancer/eligibility-checker) Prepare an enquiry and understand the review process. - [Childhood cancer support](/childhood-cancer-treatment) Explore help for children and their families. - [Hospital partnership enquiries](/partner-with-us) Eligibility, agreements and funding review for care providers. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Breast screening and mammograms explained > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/breast-cancer/screening > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Breast screening uses a mammogram — a low-dose breast X-ray — to find breast cancer before symptoms appear. The NHS invites women aged 50 up to their 71st birthday every three years. The test takes a few minutes and most results are clear; most people recalled for further tests do not have cancer. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. Screening means testing people who feel completely well, to find a disease early. Breast screening uses a mammogram — a low-dose X-ray of the breast — to spot cancers that are too small to see or feel. Finding breast cancer at this early stage usually means simpler, more successful treatment. Screening is not the same as having symptoms checked. If you notice a breast change at any age, do not wait for a screening invitation — see your GP. ## Who is invited, and when In the UK, the NHS Breast Screening Programme invites women (and people registered with a GP as female) from the age of 50 up to their 71st birthday. Invitations are sent every three years. You will usually get your first invitation between the ages of 50 and 53. If you are over 71, you are no longer invited automatically, but you can still ask for screening every three years by contacting your local breast screening unit. People at higher-than-average risk — for example because of a strong family history or an inherited gene change — may be offered screening earlier and more often through a separate pathway. ## What happens at a mammogram A mammogram is carried out by a specialist called a mammographer, who is female. You undress to the waist, and each breast is placed in turn on the machine and gently but firmly pressed flat between two plates while the X-ray is taken. The pressure lasts only a few seconds per image and is needed to get a clear picture. Some people find it uncomfortable or briefly painful, but it is over quickly — the whole appointment usually takes less than half an hour. Results are sent by post, usually within two weeks, to you and your GP. ## Understanding your results Most people get a normal (clear) result and are simply invited again in three years. A small number are 'recalled' for more tests, such as further mammograms, an ultrasound scan or a biopsy (taking a tiny sample of tissue). Being recalled can be worrying, but it is important to know that most people who are recalled do not have cancer. Like all screening, mammograms are not perfect. They can occasionally miss a cancer, or find a slow-growing one that would never have caused harm. Overall, the evidence shows that breast screening saves lives by catching cancers early, which is why it is offered. ## Key takeaways - Breast screening uses a mammogram to find breast cancer early, before symptoms appear. - In the UK, women aged 50 to 71 are invited every three years; those over 71 can request it. - A mammogram takes only a few minutes; results usually arrive within two weeks. - Most people recalled after screening do not have cancer. - Screening is for people without symptoms — if you notice a breast change, see your GP straight away whatever your age. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/breast-cancer - Symptoms & checking: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/breast-cancer/symptoms - Screening (mammograms): https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/breast-cancer/screening - Treatment options: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/breast-cancer/treatment - Risk & family history: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/breast-cancer/risk-and-family-history ## Frequently asked questions ### Does a mammogram hurt? The breast is pressed firmly for a few seconds to get a clear image, which some people find uncomfortable or briefly painful while others barely notice it. Any discomfort passes quickly. Telling the mammographer if you are finding it painful can help. ### Why does breast screening start at 50? Breast cancer becomes more common with age, and mammograms work best on the breast tissue of women over 50, which is generally less dense. For most women, the benefits of routine screening outweigh the downsides from age 50. Women under 50 who are at higher risk because of family history or a known gene change may be offered screening earlier through a separate pathway. ### What if I find a lump between screening appointments? Do not wait for your next screening invitation. Screening is for people without symptoms. If you notice a lump or any other breast change at any time, see your GP, who can refer you for assessment if needed. ### Can I still be screened after I turn 71? Yes. You will no longer be invited automatically, but you can continue to have free screening every three years by contacting your local NHS breast screening unit to arrange it. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — breast cancer in women: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-women/ - NHS — Breast cancer in men: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-men/ - NHS — Tests and screening: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/breast-screening-mammogram/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Breast cancer symptoms and how to check your breasts > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/breast-cancer/symptoms > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short The most common sign of breast cancer is a new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit. Also watch for a change in size or shape, skin dimpling, redness, a nipple turning inward, discharge, or a rash around the nipple. Get to know what is normal for you, and see a GP about any new change. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. Knowing how your breasts normally look and feel is one of the simplest and most powerful things you can do for your own health. Breasts change naturally with your monthly cycle, with age and around the menopause, so 'normal' is different for everyone. The aim is not to follow a complicated routine — it is to notice when something has changed. Most breast changes are not caused by cancer. Lumpy or tender breasts before a period, harmless cysts and infections are all common. But because finding breast cancer early makes it far more treatable, any new or unusual change is always worth getting checked. ## Signs and symptoms to look for Breast cancer can show itself in several ways, and not always as a lump. The NHS advises seeing a GP if you notice any of the following changes that are new for you: - A new lump or area of thickening in the breast or armpit that feels different from the rest of the breast - A change in the size, shape or outline of a breast - Dimpling, puckering or a change in the texture of the skin (sometimes likened to orange peel) - Redness or a rash on or around the nipple, or on the breast skin - A nipple that has become pulled in or changed its position or shape - Discharge or fluid leaking from a nipple when you are not breastfeeding, especially if blood-stained - Pain in a breast or armpit that is there most or all of the time (breast pain alone is rarely a sign of cancer, but persistent, one-sided pain should be checked) ## How to check your breasts: a simple approach There is no need to learn a special technique. The most important habit is regular awareness — look and feel often enough that you would notice a change. Many people find it easiest to check in the shower, when soapy hands glide over the skin, or lying down, when breast tissue spreads more evenly. A simple way to remember it is 'Touch, Look, Check': touch your breasts to feel for anything unusual; look for changes in the mirror, including with your arms raised; and check anything new or different with a GP. Feel the whole breast, up into the armpit and up to the collarbone, as breast tissue extends into these areas. ## Breast changes that are usually harmless Most breast changes turn out to be benign (not cancer). Hormones cause many breasts to feel lumpy or tender in the days before a period. Fluid-filled cysts and smooth, firm lumps called fibroadenomas are common and harmless. Infections such as mastitis can cause redness and pain, particularly during breastfeeding. The fact that most changes are harmless is exactly why it is worth getting a new change looked at: a GP can usually reassure you quickly, and on the rare occasions when something needs further tests, finding it early gives the best possible outcome. ## Breast cancer in men Breast cancer is far less common in men, but it does happen — around 400 men are diagnosed in the UK each year. Men have a small amount of breast tissue behind the nipple, and the most common sign is a firm, usually painless lump there. Men should report any new lump, nipple change or discharge to a GP in the same way as women. ## Key takeaways - The most common sign of breast cancer is a new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit — but it can also show as skin, nipple or shape changes. - There is no single correct way to check your breasts. Get to know what is normal for you, and look and feel regularly. - Most breast changes are not cancer, but any new or unusual change should be checked by a GP. - Breast tissue extends into the armpit and up towards the collarbone — include these areas when you check. - Men can get breast cancer too and should report any new lump or nipple change. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/breast-cancer - Symptoms & checking: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/breast-cancer/symptoms - Screening (mammograms): https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/breast-cancer/screening - Treatment options: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/breast-cancer/treatment - Risk & family history: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/breast-cancer/risk-and-family-history ## Frequently asked questions ### How often should I check my breasts? There is no fixed rule. The NHS recommends 'breast awareness' — getting to know how your breasts normally look and feel so you notice any change, rather than following a rigid monthly routine. Many people check every few weeks. If you still have periods, it can help to check at the same point in your cycle each time, as breasts change with hormones. ### Is breast pain usually a sign of cancer? Breast pain on its own is rarely a sign of breast cancer. It is very common and is usually linked to hormones, the menstrual cycle, or benign conditions. However, pain that is persistent, in one specific area, or comes with other changes such as a lump or skin change should be checked by a GP. ### What does a cancerous breast lump feel like? There is no completely reliable way to tell a cancerous lump from a harmless one by feel alone — which is why any new lump should be checked. As a general guide, cancerous lumps are often (but not always) hard, painless and have an irregular shape, and may feel fixed in place rather than moving freely. Many harmless lumps share some of these features, so always see a GP. ### Should I check my armpits too? Yes. Breast tissue extends up into the armpit, and breast cancer can sometimes first show as a swelling or lump in the armpit (the nearby lymph nodes). Include your armpits and the area up to your collarbone when you check. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — breast cancer in women: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-women/ - NHS — Breast cancer in men: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-men/ - NHS — Tests and screening: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/breast-screening-mammogram/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Breast cancer treatment options explained > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/breast-cancer/treatment > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Breast cancer treatment is tailored to each person and usually combines approaches: surgery (breast-conserving or mastectomy), radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted drugs. A specialist team chooses the plan based on the cancer's type, stage and features such as hormone-receptor or HER2 status. Many people are cured, especially when the cancer is found early. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. There is no single treatment for breast cancer. The right plan depends on the size and type of the cancer, whether it has spread, and on features of the cancer cells themselves — such as whether they are driven by hormones (hormone-receptor positive) or carry a protein called HER2. Decisions are made by a multidisciplinary team — surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and specialist nurses — working with you. Treatments are often combined: for example, surgery followed by radiotherapy and a course of tablets. ## Surgery Surgery is usually the first treatment for early breast cancer. There are two main types. Breast-conserving surgery (also called a lumpectomy or wide local excision) removes the cancer and a margin of healthy tissue around it, keeping the rest of the breast. Mastectomy removes the whole breast, and can be followed by reconstruction to rebuild the breast shape. The surgeon may also check the lymph nodes in the armpit to see whether the cancer has begun to spread. A sentinel lymph node biopsy removes one or a few key nodes to test them, avoiding the need to remove more than necessary. ## Radiotherapy and chemotherapy Radiotherapy uses carefully targeted high-energy rays to destroy any cancer cells left behind after surgery, lowering the chance of the cancer coming back. It is often given after breast-conserving surgery, usually as a series of short daily sessions over a few weeks. Chemotherapy uses medicines to kill cancer cells throughout the body. It may be given after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence, or before surgery to shrink a larger tumour first (called neoadjuvant chemotherapy). Not everyone needs chemotherapy — modern tests on the tumour can help show who is likely to benefit. ## Hormone therapy and targeted drugs Many breast cancers grow in response to the hormone oestrogen. For these hormone-receptor positive cancers, hormone therapy — such as tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor — blocks that effect. It is usually taken as a daily tablet for several years and substantially lowers the risk of the cancer returning. Some breast cancers make too much of a protein called HER2, which makes them grow faster. Targeted drugs such as trastuzumab are very effective against these HER2-positive cancers. Newer targeted treatments continue to improve outcomes for specific types of breast cancer. ## Living with and beyond treatment Treatment can have side effects, and recovering physically and emotionally takes time. Specialist breast care nurses, follow-up appointments and support services help people manage side effects, regain confidence and watch for any signs of recurrence. Many people return to full and active lives after breast cancer treatment. ## Key takeaways - Breast cancer treatment is personalised and usually combines surgery with other treatments. - Surgery is either breast-conserving (lumpectomy) or a mastectomy, often with reconstruction available. - Radiotherapy and chemotherapy lower the chance of the cancer returning; not everyone needs chemotherapy. - Hormone therapy tablets are highly effective for hormone-receptor positive cancers; targeted drugs treat HER2-positive cancers. - Many people are cured of breast cancer, particularly when it is found early. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/breast-cancer - Symptoms & checking: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/breast-cancer/symptoms - Screening (mammograms): https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/breast-cancer/screening - Treatment options: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/breast-cancer/treatment - Risk & family history: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/breast-cancer/risk-and-family-history ## Frequently asked questions ### Will I need a mastectomy? Not necessarily. Many people with early breast cancer have breast-conserving surgery (a lumpectomy), which removes the cancer while keeping the rest of the breast, usually followed by radiotherapy. Whether a mastectomy is recommended depends on the size and position of the cancer and your own preferences — your surgical team will discuss the options with you. ### Does everyone with breast cancer need chemotherapy? No. Chemotherapy is used when the benefit is likely to outweigh the side effects — for example with larger or more aggressive cancers, or when it has spread to lymph nodes. Tests on the tumour can help predict who will benefit, and many people with early breast cancer are treated successfully without chemotherapy. ### What does 'hormone-receptor positive' or 'HER2 positive' mean? These describe features of the cancer cells that guide treatment. Hormone-receptor positive means the cancer grows in response to oestrogen, so hormone therapy tablets can help control it. HER2 positive means the cells make too much of a protein called HER2, which targeted drugs such as trastuzumab can block. The tumour is tested for both after diagnosis. ### How long does breast cancer treatment take? It varies widely. Surgery is a single event, but radiotherapy runs over a few weeks, chemotherapy over several months, and hormone therapy is often taken for five to ten years. Your team will give you a timeline based on your specific plan. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — breast cancer in women: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-women/ - NHS — Breast cancer in men: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-men/ - NHS — Tests and screening: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/breast-screening-mammogram/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Cancer in developing countries: the global treatment gap > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/cancer-in-developing-countries > Last reviewed: 2026-06-19 ## In short Around 70% of the world's cancer deaths now occur in low- and middle-income countries. The cancers are the same as in wealthy nations, but survival is far lower because diagnosis comes late and surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are scarce or unaffordable. Closing the gap means getting existing, proven treatment to those who cannot reach it. Cancer is often thought of as a disease of wealthy, ageing societies. In reality, the majority of cancer deaths now happen in low- and middle-income countries — and the gap in survival between rich and poor nations is stark. What makes this so painful is that the difference usually has nothing to do with the cancer itself. A breast or cervical cancer that is highly survivable in the UK can be a death sentence elsewhere — not because the tumour behaves differently, but because of when it is found and whether treatment can be reached and afforded. This guide explains why survival is so much lower in developing countries, the barriers behind it, and what it takes to close the gap. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment overseas for patients who cannot pay — not NHS care and not research. Named checkout: https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency. Chemotherapy: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/treatment/chemotherapy. Radiotherapy: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/treatment/radiotherapy. Cancer surgery: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/treatment/surgery. ## Why survival is so much lower In high-income countries, decades of investment in screening, diagnosis and treatment mean many cancers are caught early and treated effectively. In many low- and middle-income countries, those systems are thin or absent, so patients are diagnosed late — often when the cancer has already spread and is far harder to treat. The World Health Organization reports that around 70% of cancer deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, and that the availability of treatment varies enormously between richer and poorer nations. The result is that the same diagnosis can carry a very different prognosis depending only on where a person lives. ## The barriers: late diagnosis, cost and access Several barriers stack up against patients in poorer countries: - Late diagnosis — limited screening and awareness mean cancer is often found at an advanced stage - Distance and scarcity — specialist cancer centres, oncologists and radiotherapy machines are few and concentrated in big cities - Cost — where treatment exists it is often paid out of pocket, putting it beyond reach for poor families - Interruption — some patients start treatment but cannot afford to complete it, which undermines its effectiveness ## What closing the gap looks like Because the treatments already exist, closing the gap is largely about access: earlier diagnosis, more trained oncologists and equipment, and — crucially — removing the financial barrier so that poor patients can actually receive and finish treatment. The radiotherapy guide explains the global machine gap. World Aid Network's cancer programme targets exactly this gap. It funds cancer treatment — surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and diagnostics — for poor patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia, delivered by locally-licensed oncologists in registered hospitals, so that a treatable cancer is not left untreated for want of money. ## Key takeaways - Around 70% of the world's cancer deaths now occur in low- and middle-income countries. - Lower survival is driven by late diagnosis, scarce specialist care, and unaffordable treatment — not by different cancers. - Existing, proven treatments could save many lives if they could be reached and afforded. - Closing the gap is mainly about access, not new science. - World Aid Network funds treatment for poor patients through locally-licensed oncologists to close this gap. ## Frequently asked questions ### Why is cancer survival lower in poor countries? Mainly because cancer is diagnosed late and treatment is scarce or unaffordable — not because the cancers differ. Limited screening means many cancers are found after they have spread, specialist centres and radiotherapy are few, and treatment is often paid out of pocket, putting it beyond reach. The World Health Organization reports around 70% of cancer deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. ### Are the cancers in developing countries different? The cancers themselves are broadly the same. What differs is the outcome: a cancer that is routinely survivable in a wealthy country can be fatal elsewhere because of late diagnosis and lack of access to treatment. The pattern of which cancers are most common can vary by region, but the core treatments are the same worldwide. ### What treatments are hard to access in low-income countries? Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy — the mainstays of cancer treatment — are all harder to access. Radiotherapy in particular requires expensive machines and trained staff that many countries have far too few of, and chemotherapy drugs and diagnostics are often unaffordable for poor patients. ### How can cancer survival be improved in developing countries? By improving access to what already works: earlier diagnosis, more trained oncologists and equipment, and removing the financial barrier so patients can receive and complete treatment. Funding treatment for those who cannot pay is one of the most direct ways to save lives now. ### How does World Aid Network help? World Aid Network funds cancer treatment — surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and diagnostics — for poor patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia, delivered by locally-licensed oncologists in registered hospitals. This directly removes the cost barrier that leaves treatable cancers untreated. ## How you can help The same cancer, a very different outcome — decided by whether treatment can be reached and afforded. World Aid Network funds treatment for poor patients through locally-licensed oncologists. Donate today. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/cancer-in-developing-countries or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - World Health Organization — Cancer fact sheet - World Health Organization — Global initiatives on cancer treatment access --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Cancer in Pakistan: incidence, access and survival > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/cancer-in-pakistan > Last reviewed: 2026-06-19 ## In short Cancer is a rising cause of death in Pakistan, where patients often present late and most treatment is paid out of pocket. Breast cancer is especially common — among the highest rates in Asia — and specialist care and radiotherapy are concentrated in a few centres, so many treatable cancers go untreated for want of access and money. Cancer is a growing health challenge in Pakistan. As the population grows and lives longer, cancer cases are rising — but the systems to diagnose and treat them have not kept pace, and outcomes are often far worse than they need to be. The central problem is access. Many patients are diagnosed late, specialist cancer care is concentrated in a handful of cities, and the cost of treatment falls largely on families themselves. This guide explains the picture of cancer in Pakistan and what makes the difference between a treatable cancer and a fatal one. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment overseas for patients who cannot pay — not NHS care and not research. Named checkout: https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency. Chemotherapy: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/treatment/chemotherapy. Radiotherapy: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/treatment/radiotherapy. Cancer surgery: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/treatment/surgery. ## The most common cancers Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Pakistan, and the country has among the highest breast cancer rates in Asia. Other common cancers include those of the mouth and head and neck (linked in part to chewing tobacco and betel), cervix, and digestive system, alongside cancers affecting children. Because awareness and screening are limited, cancers such as breast and cervical — which are highly treatable when caught early — are frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage, when they are much harder to treat. ## The barriers to treatment Patients in Pakistan face several obstacles to getting effective cancer care: - Late presentation — limited screening and awareness mean many cancers are found late - Concentrated services — specialist oncology and radiotherapy are available in relatively few centres, often far from rural families - Out-of-pocket cost — much treatment is paid for directly by families, putting it beyond the reach of the poor - Treatment interruption — some patients cannot afford to complete a full course of treatment ## How access can be improved The treatments that work elsewhere work in Pakistan too — the challenge is reaching them. Earlier diagnosis, more oncology capacity, and removing the cost barrier for poor patients would all save lives. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for poor patients in Pakistan through locally-licensed oncologists in registered hospitals, so that families who cannot pay can still receive surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and diagnostics. Care is delivered by qualified local doctors registered with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council, not by visiting teams. ## Key takeaways - Cancer cases are rising in Pakistan, with breast cancer especially common — among the highest rates in Asia. - Outcomes are often poor because cancer is diagnosed late and treatment is largely paid out of pocket. - Specialist oncology and radiotherapy are concentrated in a few centres, far from many families. - The treatments work — the barrier is access and cost. - World Aid Network funds treatment for poor patients through locally-licensed oncologists in Pakistan. ## Frequently asked questions ### How common is cancer in Pakistan? Cancer is a significant and rising cause of illness and death in Pakistan. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, and Pakistan has among the highest breast cancer rates in Asia. Other common cancers include head and neck (oral) cancers, cervical cancer and digestive cancers, as well as childhood cancers. ### Why are cancer outcomes worse in Pakistan? Mainly because cancer is often diagnosed late and treatment is largely paid out of pocket. Limited screening and awareness mean cancers are found at an advanced stage, specialist care and radiotherapy are concentrated in a few centres, and the cost of treatment is beyond many families — so some patients never start or cannot complete treatment. ### Is cancer treatment available in Pakistan? Yes — surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are available, but specialist services are concentrated in a relatively small number of centres, mostly in major cities, and capacity is limited relative to need. For poor and rural families, both distance and cost are major barriers to reaching that care. ### Who provides cancer care funded by World Aid Network in Pakistan? All treatment is delivered by qualified, locally-licensed oncologists and surgeons registered with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), working in registered hospitals. World Aid Network does not run its own clinics or send teams from abroad — it funds care delivered by local professionals. ### How can I help cancer patients in Pakistan? You can donate to World Aid Network's cancer programme, which funds treatment for poor patients in Pakistan who cannot afford care. A regular monthly gift is especially valuable, as it helps fund continuing courses of treatment. See our guide on how to help cancer patients for more ways to give. ## How you can help In Pakistan, a treatable cancer too often goes untreated for want of money. World Aid Network funds treatment for poor patients through locally-licensed oncologists. Donate today. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/cancer-in-pakistan or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - World Health Organization — Cancer country profiles - Peer-reviewed literature on cancer incidence and access in Pakistan --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Cervical cancer: symptoms, treatment and survival > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/cervical-cancer > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Cervical cancer affects the cervix, the entrance to the womb. Almost all cases are caused by a common virus called HPV — and this makes it one of the most preventable cancers of all. Two things protect you: the HPV vaccine (offered to children aged 11–13) and cervical screening (the smear test), which finds early changes before they ever become cancer. If you are invited for screening, going to your appointment is one of the most powerful things you can do for your health. One of the most preventable cancers — through the HPV vaccine and screening. World Aid Network funds treatment for patients who cannot pay. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. ## Appointment checklist - Is this an HPV result, a cell change or a cancer diagnosis? - What follow-up is needed, and could treatment affect pregnancy plans? - What could explain my symptoms, and which tests would help? - What are the benefits and possible harms of each test or treatment? - When should I expect results, and who should I contact if they do not arrive? - Which changes mean I should seek help sooner? - If cancer is diagnosed, what are my treatment options and likely side effects? - Can I bring someone with me, request an interpreter or get written information? ## At a glance - ~3,200: UK cases each year - HPV (99.7%): Main cause - Over 93%: Survival when caught early - HPV vaccine + screening: Prevention ## What is cervical cancer? Cervical cancer affects the cervix, the entrance to the womb. Almost all cases are caused by a common virus called HPV — and this makes it one of the most preventable cancers of all. Two things protect you: the HPV vaccine (offered to children aged 11–13) and cervical screening (the smear test), which finds early changes before they ever become cancer. If you are invited for screening, going to your appointment is one of the most powerful things you can do for your health. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers in the world. It is caused by persistent infection with high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) in 99.7% of cases — and both HPV vaccination and NHS cervical screening (the 'smear test') are proven to prevent it. Approximately 3,200 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the UK every year, and around 850 die from it annually. The NHS HPV vaccination programme — now offering the Gardasil-9 vaccine to girls and boys aged 11–13 — and the cervical screening programme together aim to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem in the UK by 2040. This guide answers the twenty most commonly searched questions about cervical cancer in the UK, drawing on NHS and WHO sources. ## When should you see a doctor about cervical cancer? Most of these symptoms have a less serious cause — but it is always worth getting them checked. See a GP if you notice a new or persistent change. If you feel very unwell, contact NHS 111 or seek urgent help. Take a note of how long the symptom has lasted and whether it is getting worse. You do not need every sign on a list to book an appointment. This guide is general information from World Aid Network, not a diagnosis and not UK NHS care. Only a clinician can assess you. - Vaginal bleeding after sex - Bleeding between periods or after the menopause - Unusual vaginal discharge - Pain or discomfort during sex, or pain in the pelvis - Any unexpected bleeding — get it checked, even if screening was normal ## HPV, vaccination and prevention Human papillomavirus (HPV) is an extremely common sexually transmitted infection — approximately 80% of sexually active people will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives. Most infections clear naturally without causing harm. However, persistent infection with high-risk HPV strains (particularly HPV 16 and HPV 18, which together cause approximately 70% of cervical cancers) can cause pre-cancerous changes (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, CIN) that, if untreated, progress to cervical cancer over 10–20 years. The NHS now offers the Gardasil-9 vaccine (protecting against nine HPV strains including 16 and 18) to all boys and girls aged 11–13. Vaccination before first sexual activity provides near-complete protection against HPV 16/18 infection. Adults who missed school vaccination can request it up to age 25. HPV vaccination combined with cervical screening is projected to reduce cervical cancer incidence by over 90% in vaccinated generations. ## Cervical screening (smear test) In England, routine cervical screening is offered from age 25 to 64, usually every five years after an HPV-negative result. Follow your result letter: an HPV-positive result or previous changes may need earlier follow-up. Screening does not investigate symptoms; contact your GP about unusual bleeding even after a reassuring screening result. Colposcopy is a clinic examination of the cervix using a magnifying instrument and acetic acid or iodine solution to highlight abnormal areas. Biopsies are taken to confirm CIN grade. CIN1 is usually managed with watchful waiting; CIN2 and CIN3 (pre-cancerous) are treated with LLETZ (large loop excision of the transformation zone) — a simple outpatient procedure that removes the abnormal area with a wire loop under local anaesthetic. Treated CIN2/3 rarely progresses to cancer. ## Treatment for cervical cancer Early-stage cervical cancer (Stage IA–IIA) is treated surgically. Depending on the stage and fertility wishes, options include: LLETZ or cone biopsy (for very early Stage IA1); radical trachelectomy (removal of the cervix while preserving the uterus — a fertility-sparing option for Stage IA2–IB1); or radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymph node dissection. Laparoscopic and robotic surgical approaches are used in specialist centres. Locally advanced cervical cancer (Stage IB3–IVA) is treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy — concurrent weekly cisplatin chemotherapy and external beam radiotherapy followed by brachytherapy (internal radiotherapy delivered directly to the cervix). This is equally effective to surgery for early-stage disease and preferred for locally advanced disease. Bevacizumab added to platinum-based chemotherapy has improved survival for recurrent/metastatic cervical cancer. ## What are the key takeaways? The most important points on cervical cancer for patients, families and donors. - Cervical cancer is caused by HPV in 99.7% of cases — making it almost entirely preventable through HPV vaccination (Gardasil-9, offered to 11–13 year olds) and NHS cervical screening. - Follow your cervical screening invitation and result letter. In England, the routine interval after an HPV-negative result is five years from age 25 to 64. Symptoms need assessment separately. - Key symptoms include: abnormal vaginal bleeding (after sex, between periods or after the menopause), unusual vaginal discharge, and pelvic pain. Any of these should be reported to your GP. - Early cervical cancer is highly curable. Five-year survival: Stage I >80%; Stage II 60–70%; Stage III 35–45%; Stage IV 15–20%. - Globally, cervical cancer kills over 340,000 women per year — 90% in low-income countries, where HPV vaccination and screening are unavailable to most women. ## What will a donation for cervical cancer treatment provide? A gift to World Aid Network's Cancer Emergency Appeal helps pay for diagnosis and treatment that a poor patient has been recommended but cannot afford. Costs vary by diagnosis, provider and treatment plan; no fixed gift guarantees a complete treatment. Trustees direct gifts to the most urgent cases. This is treatment access, not laboratory research and not UK NHS care. Clinicians in partner hospitals decide the medical plan. We fund the bill in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. The Cancer Emergency Appeal funds all types of cancer. Trustees direct gifts to the most urgent hospital bills in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. ## How can I donate to help people with cervical cancer? Donate by card at worldaidnetwork.org/donate and choose the Cancer Emergency Appeal. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation with a CIO registration application in progress; Gift Aid is not currently available; HMRC recognition and donor eligibility are required. If you need UK support as a patient or relative, see a GP, NHS 111, Macmillan or the specialist UK charity for this cancer. We fund treatment overseas; we are not a UK helpline. ## How to attend cervical screening (the smear test) Cervical screening finds HPV and early cell changes before they become cancer. In the UK it is offered to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64. - Go when invited: Follow the date in your screening invitation or result letter. Intervals depend on your results and the screening programme where you live. - Do not wait if you have symptoms: Bleeding after sex, between periods or after the menopause should be checked by a GP even if screening was recent. - Ask for adjustments if you need them: You can request a female sample-taker, a smaller speculum, or more time. Tell the nurse if you feel anxious. - Keep the HPV vaccine in mind: The vaccine is offered in schools at 11 to 13. Missed doses are often available free up to 25. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is cervical cancer? Cervical cancer is a malignant tumour of the cervix — the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It is caused by persistent infection with high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) in 99.7% of cases. Around 3,200 women are diagnosed in the UK each year and approximately 850 die annually. It is one of the most preventable cancers through HPV vaccination and NHS cervical screening. ### What causes cervical cancer? Persistent infection with high-risk HPV strains — particularly HPV 16 and 18, which together cause approximately 70% of cervical cancers — is responsible for 99.7% of all cervical cancers. HPV is transmitted sexually. Most HPV infections clear spontaneously; it is persistent high-risk HPV infection that causes pre-cancerous cellular changes (CIN) which, if untreated over 10–20 years, can progress to invasive cancer. Smoking, immunosuppression and long-term combined oral contraceptive use modestly increase the risk of progression from HPV infection to cervical cancer. ### What are the symptoms of cervical cancer? Early cervical cancer may cause no symptoms. The NHS advises seeing a GP promptly if you experience: bleeding after sex (post-coital bleeding); bleeding between periods (inter-menstrual bleeding) or after the menopause (any post-menopausal bleeding is abnormal); unusual vaginal discharge (particularly if it is bloodstained, watery or has an unpleasant odour); or pelvic pain not associated with your period. These symptoms do not necessarily indicate cancer but always require medical assessment. ### What is HPV and how does it cause cervical cancer? Human papillomavirus (HPV) is an extremely common group of viruses transmitted through skin-to-skin genital contact. Most people clear HPV naturally without any symptoms or health consequences. High-risk HPV strains (16, 18, 31, 33, 45 and others) integrate into cervical cell DNA, causing abnormal cell changes — cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) — over years. Without treatment, CIN can progress to invasive cervical cancer. The process takes 10–20 years in most cases, providing a long window for screening to detect and treat pre-cancerous changes. ### What is the HPV vaccine? The NHS offers the Gardasil-9 HPV vaccine — protecting against nine high-risk HPV strains including types 16 and 18 (responsible for ~70% of cervical cancers) plus types 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58 — to all girls and boys aged 11–13 through the school vaccination programme. Vaccination before first sexual activity provides near-complete protection. People who missed school vaccination can request it free until age 25. Vaccination is the most effective prevention measure for cervical cancer. ### What is a smear test? A cervical smear test (now called a cervical sample or cervical screening) is a procedure in which a small brush is used to collect a sample of cells from the cervix. The NHS now tests the sample first for high-risk HPV: if HPV-negative, the result is normal and the person is recalled in 3 or 5 years. If HPV-positive, cells are examined for CIN. The whole procedure takes a few minutes and is performed by a nurse or doctor. It is done at your GP surgery or sexual health clinic. ### What does an abnormal smear test result mean? An abnormal result most commonly means high-risk HPV was detected in the sample. This does not mean you have cancer — HPV is very common and most infections clear without causing harm. If HPV is found alongside abnormal cells (CIN), you will be referred for colposcopy. CIN (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) describes pre-cancerous changes that, if treated, rarely progress to cancer. The NHS Two Week Wait pathway is for actual suspected cancer — a colposcopy referral for CIN is not an urgent cancer referral. ### What is CIN? CIN (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) is pre-cancerous change in the cells of the cervix caused by persistent HPV infection. It is graded CIN1 (mild dysplasia — often regresses spontaneously), CIN2 (moderate dysplasia) and CIN3 (severe dysplasia/carcinoma in situ — the highest-grade pre-cancer, requiring treatment). CIN is not cancer and causes no symptoms. It is detected through cervical screening and treated before it can progress. LLETZ (large loop excision) treats CIN2 and CIN3 effectively in outpatients. ### What is colposcopy? Colposcopy is a detailed examination of the cervix using a colposcope — a magnifying instrument that illuminates and magnifies the cervix. A colposcopist applies acetic acid (vinegar) and/or iodine solution to highlight areas of abnormal cells. The procedure is similar to a smear test — you lie on a couch and a speculum is inserted. It is not painful for most women, though some feel discomfort. Biopsies may be taken from abnormal areas to determine the CIN grade. Results are usually given within four weeks. ### What is LLETZ treatment? LLETZ (large loop excision of the transformation zone) is the standard outpatient treatment for CIN2 and CIN3. Under local anaesthetic injected into the cervix, a thin wire loop carrying an electrical current removes the area of abnormal cells from the cervix. The procedure takes approximately 15 minutes and is performed at a colposcopy clinic. The removed tissue is sent for histopathology to confirm complete excision of the abnormal area. LLETZ is highly effective — approximately 90–95% of women require no further treatment. ### How is cervical cancer treated? Treatment depends on stage. Early-stage (IA–IB1): surgery — LLETZ, cone biopsy, radical trachelectomy (fertility-preserving) or radical hysterectomy with lymph node dissection. Locally advanced (IB3–IVA): concurrent chemoradiotherapy — weekly cisplatin chemotherapy and external beam radiotherapy, followed by brachytherapy (internal radiotherapy directly to the cervix). Recurrent/metastatic: platinum-based chemotherapy ± bevacizumab (NICE-approved); pembrolizumab for PD-L1-positive recurrent disease. ### What is the survival rate for cervical cancer? Five-year survival rates in England: Stage I — over 80%; Stage II — approximately 65%; Stage III — approximately 35–45%; Stage IV — approximately 15–20%. Overall five-year survival for all stages combined is approximately 63%. Survival has improved with the introduction of chemoradiotherapy, bevacizumab and immunotherapy. Women diagnosed through cervical screening (pre-cancer or very early cancer) have survival rates approaching 100%. ### Can I still get cervical cancer if I have had the HPV vaccine? HPV vaccination provides very high protection against the HPV strains most commonly causing cervical cancer (16, 18 and others), but does not protect against all HPV strains. It is therefore still recommended that vaccinated women attend NHS cervical screening as scheduled — the combination of vaccination and screening gives the highest possible protection. Women vaccinated before first sexual activity with Gardasil-9 have near-complete protection against the HPV strains it covers. ### Can you get cervical cancer if you have never had sex? HPV can pass through intimate skin contact as well as penetrative sex. If you have a cervix, discuss your screening invitation and personal circumstances with the screening team. Seek advice for symptoms regardless of sexual history or screening eligibility. ### Does the cervical screening age of 25 mean younger women are not at risk? Cervical cancer is very rare in women under 25. Pre-cancerous CIN changes in women under 25 are common but very likely to resolve without treatment, and the benefits of screening this age group do not outweigh the risks of overtreatment. The NHS starts screening at 25 based on this evidence. Young women under 25 should still consult their GP if they develop symptoms (post-coital bleeding, inter-menstrual bleeding or unusual discharge). HPV vaccination at 11–13 provides the best protection for this age group. ### Does cervical cancer affect fertility? Treatment for early cervical cancer can be designed to preserve fertility in some women. Radical trachelectomy — surgical removal of the cervix while preserving the uterus — is an option for carefully selected women with Stage IA2–IB1 cervical cancer who wish to have children. Pregnancy after radical trachelectomy is possible but carries higher risk of preterm labour. LLETZ treatment for CIN does not significantly affect fertility but may slightly increase the risk of preterm birth in subsequent pregnancies. Hysterectomy and radiotherapy both end the possibility of pregnancy. ### Is cervical cancer linked to the contraceptive pill? Long-term use of the combined oral contraceptive pill is associated with a modest increase in the risk of progression from HPV infection to cervical cancer — approximately doubling the risk after 10+ years of use (though this may partly reflect higher sexual activity and therefore higher HPV exposure in pill users). This increased risk disappears within about 10 years of stopping the pill. The absolute risk increase is small, and the contraceptive pill's benefits (including reduced risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer) usually outweigh this risk when weighed individually. ### How does cervical cancer affect women in developing countries? Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide and the leading cause of cancer death in women in many low-income countries. Over 340,000 women die from cervical cancer globally each year — 90% of them in low- and middle-income countries where HPV vaccination and cervical screening are largely unavailable. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment through locally-licensed oncologists. Expanding access to cancer care in the regions WAN operates reduces this inequality. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for poor patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia through locally licensed oncologists. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/cervical-cancer or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — cervical cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-cancer/ - NHS — Tests and screening: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cervical-screening/ - NHS — Cancer information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer/ - Cancer Research UK — Cancer types: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Cervical screening (the smear test) explained > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/cervical-cancer/cervical-screening > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Cervical screening checks for high-risk HPV and, when needed, cell changes. In England, routine invitations cover ages 25 to 64, usually every five years after an HPV-negative result. It helps prevent cancer but is not a diagnostic test for symptoms. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. Cervical screening is one of the most effective cancer-prevention programmes there is. Unlike most screening, it does not just find cancer early — it can stop cancer from ever developing, by spotting and treating early cell changes years before they would become a problem. Many people feel nervous about the test, which is completely understandable. Knowing what happens and why can make it feel much more manageable. ## Who is invited and how often In England, routine cervical screening is offered from age 25 to 64, usually every five years after an HPV-negative result. Follow your result letter: an HPV-positive result or previous changes may need earlier follow-up. Screening does not investigate symptoms; contact your GP about unusual bleeding even after a reassuring screening result. Invitations come by letter. If you have ever had any symptoms — such as unusual bleeding — do not wait for your screening invitation; see a GP, as screening is for people without symptoms. ## What happens during the test The test is quick and done by a nurse or doctor. You undress from the waist down and lie on a couch. A smooth instrument called a speculum is gently inserted into the vagina so the cervix can be seen, and a small soft brush collects a sample of cells. It usually takes only a few minutes. It may feel uncomfortable or a little odd, but it should not be painful. You can ask for a female sample-taker, take someone with you, and ask them to stop at any time. Telling the nurse if you feel anxious or have found it difficult before means they can help make it easier. ## Understanding your results The sample is first tested for high-risk HPV. If no high-risk HPV is found, your risk is very low and you will simply be invited again at your next routine date. If high-risk HPV is found, the same sample is checked for cell changes. If cell changes are found, you will be invited for a closer look at the cervix called a colposcopy, and any abnormal cells can be treated. It is important to remember that abnormal results are common and usually do not mean cancer — they mean early changes have been caught at exactly the stage when they are easiest to treat. ## Key takeaways - Cervical screening can prevent cancer by finding and treating early cell changes before they develop. - It is offered to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64, every three to five years. - The sample is tested for high-risk HPV first, then for cell changes if HPV is found. - The test takes a few minutes and should not be painful; you can ask for adjustments to feel more comfortable. - Abnormal results are common and usually do not mean cancer — they mean changes were caught early. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/cervical-cancer - HPV & the vaccine: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/cervical-cancer/hpv-and-vaccination - Screening (smear test): https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/cervical-cancer/cervical-screening - Treatment options: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/cervical-cancer/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Does cervical screening hurt? Most people find it uncomfortable rather than painful, and it is over in a few minutes. If you feel anxious or have found it difficult in the past, tell the nurse — they can use a smaller speculum, give you more time, and let you stop at any point. You can also ask for a female sample-taker. ### What does an abnormal smear result mean? An abnormal result usually means high-risk HPV and sometimes early cell changes were found — not that you have cancer. You may be invited for a colposcopy (a closer look at the cervix), and any abnormal cells can be treated early. These changes are very treatable when caught at this stage. ### Do I need screening if I have had the HPV vaccine? Yes. The HPV vaccine protects against most but not all high-risk HPV types, so screening is still important even if you have been vaccinated. Together they give the best possible protection against cervical cancer. ### Can I be screened if I am over 64? Routine invitations stop at 64 for most people, because those who have had normal results are at very low risk. If you have never been screened, have had recent abnormal results, or have symptoms, you can still be screened — speak to your GP. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — cervical cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-cancer/ - NHS — Tests and screening: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cervical-screening/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # HPV and the cervical cancer vaccine explained > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/cervical-cancer/hpv-and-vaccination > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short HPV (human papillomavirus) is a very common virus passed on through close skin and sexual contact. Most infections clear naturally, but a few high-risk types can slowly cause cervical cell changes that may lead to cancer. The HPV vaccine protects against these types and is offered free to all children aged 11 to 13 in the UK. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. Almost every case of cervical cancer is linked to a virus called HPV. That sounds alarming, but it is actually good news: because we know the cause, we can prevent most cervical cancer through vaccination and screening. Understanding HPV takes away a lot of the fear around it. HPV is extremely common — most people who have ever been sexually active will come into contact with it at some point. In the vast majority of cases the body clears it naturally and nothing happens at all. ## What HPV is and how it links to cancer HPV is a group of very common viruses spread through close skin-to-skin and sexual contact. There are many types. Most cause no problems, and the body's immune system usually clears the infection within a year or two without you ever knowing you had it. A small number of 'high-risk' HPV types are different. If one of these lingers for a long time, it can slowly cause changes to the cells of the cervix. Over many years — often a decade or more — these changes can sometimes develop into cervical cancer. The long timescale is exactly why screening, which catches these changes early, works so well. ## The HPV vaccine The HPV vaccine protects against the high-risk types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers, as well as types that cause genital warts and some other cancers. In the UK it is offered free through schools to all children aged 11 to 13 — both girls and boys — because the virus affects everyone and vaccinating both protects the whole community. The vaccine works best when given before someone becomes sexually active, which is why it is offered young. People who missed it at school can usually still get it free from the NHS up to the age of 25. ## Why both boys and girls are vaccinated HPV does not only cause cervical cancer. It is also linked to cancers of the anus, penis, vulva, vagina and some head and neck cancers, as well as genital warts. Vaccinating boys as well as girls protects them directly and reduces the spread of the virus overall — helping protect everyone, including those who cannot be vaccinated. ## Key takeaways - Almost all cervical cancer is caused by long-lasting infection with high-risk types of HPV. - HPV is very common, and in most people the body clears it naturally with no harm. - The HPV vaccine protects against the high-risk types and is offered free to children aged 11 to 13 in the UK. - The vaccine is given to both boys and girls, and missed doses are usually available free up to age 25. - Vaccination plus cervical screening makes cervical cancer one of the most preventable cancers. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/cervical-cancer - HPV & the vaccine: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/cervical-cancer/hpv-and-vaccination - Screening (smear test): https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/cervical-cancer/cervical-screening - Treatment options: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/cervical-cancer/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### If I have HPV, does that mean I will get cervical cancer? No. HPV is very common and in most people clears on its own without causing any harm. Only a small number of high-risk infections that persist for many years can lead to cervical changes, and screening is designed to catch those early. Having HPV detected means you will be monitored more closely, not that you have or will get cancer. ### Can I have the HPV vaccine as an adult? The vaccine is offered free in schools at age 11 to 13 because it works best before sexual activity begins. People who missed it can usually still get it free from the NHS up to age 25. Some adults outside this group can choose to pay for it privately — a GP or pharmacist can advise. ### Do I still need screening if I have had the HPV vaccine? Yes. The vaccine protects against most but not all high-risk HPV types, so cervical screening is still important even if you have been vaccinated. The combination of vaccination and screening gives the strongest protection. ### Why are boys given the HPV vaccine? HPV causes several cancers that affect men, including some anal, penile and head and neck cancers, as well as genital warts. Vaccinating boys protects them directly and also reduces the spread of the virus, helping protect the whole population. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — cervical cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-cancer/ - NHS — Tests and screening: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cervical-screening/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Cervical cancer treatment options explained > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/cervical-cancer/treatment > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Treatment depends on whether cervical cancer is caught as early cell changes or as cancer. Early changes found at screening are usually removed in a quick outpatient LLETZ procedure that prevents cancer developing. Early cervical cancer is often treated with surgery, sometimes preserving fertility, while more advanced cancer is usually treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy together. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. Treatment for cervical cancer covers a wide range, because the screening programme means many problems are caught long before they become cancer. At one end, simple procedures remove early cell changes and prevent cancer entirely. At the other, treatment for established cancer combines surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The right approach depends on the stage of the disease and personal factors, including whether someone wishes to keep the ability to have children. ## Treating pre-cancerous cell changes Most abnormal screening results involve pre-cancerous cell changes, not cancer. These are usually treated with a quick, simple procedure called LLETZ (large loop excision of the transformation zone), which removes the abnormal area using a thin heated wire under local anaesthetic, usually in an outpatient colposcopy clinic. Treating cell changes lowers the chance of cervical cancer developing. Attend the follow-up recommended by your clinic, because treatment does not remove all future risk. ## Surgery for early cervical cancer If cervical cancer is found early, surgery is often the main treatment. The type depends on the size and stage. For very early cancer in someone who wishes to have children in future, it may be possible to remove only the affected part of the cervix (a procedure called a trachelectomy), preserving fertility. For other cases, a hysterectomy (removing the womb and cervix), sometimes with nearby lymph nodes, may be recommended. The surgical team will explain which option is appropriate and discuss the effect on fertility. ## Radiotherapy and chemotherapy For cancer that has grown larger or spread beyond the cervix, treatment is usually a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy given together (chemoradiotherapy), which works better than either alone. Radiotherapy may be delivered both externally and internally (brachytherapy), placing the radiation source close to the cancer. For advanced or recurrent cervical cancer, additional chemotherapy and newer targeted or immunotherapy treatments may be used. The treatment plan is tailored to each person by a specialist team. ## Key takeaways - Most abnormal screening results are pre-cancerous changes treated with a simple outpatient procedure (LLETZ) that prevents cancer. - Early cervical cancer is often treated with surgery, sometimes preserving the ability to have children. - Larger or spread cancer is usually treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy together. - Treatment is tailored to the stage and to personal factors such as fertility wishes. - Cervical cancer is very treatable when caught early — and screening prevents many cases entirely. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/cervical-cancer - HPV & the vaccine: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/cervical-cancer/hpv-and-vaccination - Screening (smear test): https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/cervical-cancer/cervical-screening - Treatment options: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/cervical-cancer/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### What is LLETZ treatment? LLETZ (large loop excision of the transformation zone) is a quick, common procedure to remove pre-cancerous cell changes from the cervix using a thin heated wire, usually under local anaesthetic in an outpatient clinic. It is highly effective at preventing cervical cancer, and most people need only follow-up screening afterwards. ### Can I still have children after cervical cancer treatment? Sometimes, yes. For very early cervical cancer, it may be possible to remove only the affected part of the cervix (a trachelectomy), which can preserve fertility. Treatments such as a hysterectomy or radiotherapy do affect fertility. If having children is important to you, tell your team early so fertility-preserving options can be considered. ### Will I need chemotherapy and radiotherapy? Not everyone does. Early cervical cancer is often treated with surgery alone, and pre-cancerous changes are treated with a simple procedure. Radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy is mainly used for larger cancers or those that have spread beyond the cervix. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — cervical cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-cancer/ - NHS — Tests and screening: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cervical-screening/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Childhood cancer: symptoms, treatment and survival > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/childhood-cancer > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Childhood cancer is different from cancer in adults. It is rare, it is almost never caused by lifestyle, and most childhood cancers respond very well to treatment — in the UK, more than 8 in 10 children with cancer now survive. The most common types are leukaemia (a blood cancer) and brain tumours. Early symptoms can look like ordinary childhood illnesses, so it is symptoms that are unusual, persistent or unexplained that should be checked by a doctor. The heartbreaking difference is geography: in many low-income countries, where treatment is hard to reach, far fewer children survive. Rare, rarely caused by lifestyle, and highly treatable — yet survival depends hugely on where a child lives. World Aid Network funds treatment for patients who cannot pay. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. ## Appointment checklist - Which specialist children’s team will coordinate care? - What help is available for school, siblings, fertility and long-term follow-up? - What could explain my symptoms, and which tests would help? - What are the benefits and possible harms of each test or treatment? - When should I expect results, and who should I contact if they do not arrive? - Which changes mean I should seek help sooner? - If cancer is diagnosed, what are my treatment options and likely side effects? - Can I bring someone with me, request an interpreter or get written information? ## At a glance - ~1,900: UK children diagnosed each year - Over 80%: Survival (UK) - Often under 30%: Survival (low-income) - Leukaemia: Most common type ## What is childhood cancer? Childhood cancer is different from cancer in adults. It is rare, it is almost never caused by lifestyle, and most childhood cancers respond very well to treatment — in the UK, more than 8 in 10 children with cancer now survive. The most common types are leukaemia (a blood cancer) and brain tumours. Early symptoms can look like ordinary childhood illnesses, so it is symptoms that are unusual, persistent or unexplained that should be checked by a doctor. The heartbreaking difference is geography: in many low-income countries, where treatment is hard to reach, far fewer children survive. Childhood cancer is not simply a smaller version of adult cancer. The types of cancer children develop, the way they respond to treatment, and the causes behind them are all different. Crucially, childhood cancers are rarely linked to lifestyle or anything a parent did or did not do — in most cases, no cause is ever found. There is real hope in the figures. Decades of research and specialist care mean that, in the UK, more than eight in ten children diagnosed with cancer now survive for at least five years, and many are cured completely. Treatment is delivered by expert teams at specialist children's cancer centres. This guide explains the most common childhood cancers, the warning signs worth knowing, and how these cancers are treated — and why, despite all this progress, a child's chance of survival still depends enormously on where in the world they are born. ## When should you see a doctor about childhood cancer? Most of these symptoms have a less serious cause — but it is always worth getting them checked. See a GP if you notice a new or persistent change. If you feel very unwell, contact NHS 111 or seek urgent help. Take a note of how long the symptom has lasted and whether it is getting worse. You do not need every sign on a list to book an appointment. This guide is general information from World Aid Network, not a diagnosis and not UK NHS care. Only a clinician can assess you. - A lump or swelling anywhere on the body, especially if it is painless or growing - Unusual paleness, or tiredness that does not improve with rest - Easy or unexplained bruising or bleeding - A fever or repeated infections that will not go away - Persistent bone, joint or limb pain, or a new limp - Frequent headaches, especially with being sick in the morning - A white glow or reflection in a child's eye, sometimes seen in photographs - Losing weight without an obvious reason ## How childhood cancer is different Cancer in children is rare. In the UK, around 1,900 children aged under 15 are diagnosed each year. Unlike many adult cancers, childhood cancers are very rarely caused by smoking, diet or other lifestyle factors. Most arise from changes in cells that happen by chance, very early in life, and only a small number are linked to inherited genetic conditions. Because children's bodies are still growing, their cancers often grow more quickly than adult cancers — but they also tend to respond much better to treatment such as chemotherapy. This combination is part of why survival rates for childhood cancer have improved so dramatically. ## The most common types of childhood cancer The pattern of cancer in children is quite different from adults. The most common types are: Leukaemia — cancer of the blood and bone marrow — is the single most common childhood cancer, accounting for around a third of cases. The most frequent form is acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), which is now highly treatable. Brain and spinal cord tumours are the next most common group. Lymphomas (cancers of the lymphatic system) are also common, particularly in older children and teenagers. Other childhood cancers include neuroblastoma (which develops from nerve cells, usually in very young children), Wilms tumour (a kidney cancer of early childhood), bone cancers such as osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma (more common in teenagers), soft tissue sarcomas, and retinoblastoma (an eye cancer of young children). ## Warning signs for parents Most childhood illnesses are not cancer, and the symptoms of childhood cancer often overlap with common, harmless conditions. What matters is when symptoms are unusual, persistent, or cannot be explained. Trust your instincts: parents know their children best, and it is always reasonable to ask a doctor to take another look if a problem is not getting better. Signs worth checking include a lump or swelling that is painless or growing, unusual tiredness or paleness, easy bruising or bleeding, a fever or infections that will not clear, persistent bone or joint pain or a new limp, frequent headaches with morning sickness, unexplained weight loss, or a white glow in a child's eye (sometimes first noticed in photographs). None of these on its own means cancer, but any that persist should be assessed. ## How childhood cancer is treated Children with cancer in the UK are treated at specialist children's cancer centres by teams who care only for young patients. The main treatments are chemotherapy (medicines that kill cancer cells), surgery, and radiotherapy, often used in combination. Newer targeted therapies and immunotherapies are increasingly part of treatment for certain cancers. Treatment is intensive and can last months or years, and the teams that deliver it also support the whole family — managing side effects, schooling, and the emotional impact. Because children's bodies are still developing, their care is carefully designed to give the best chance of cure while protecting their long-term health and growth. ## The global survival gap The progress made in countries like the UK has not reached everyone. The World Health Organization estimates that around 400,000 children develop cancer worldwide each year. In high-income countries, more than 80% survive — but in many low- and middle-income countries, survival can be 30% or lower. The reasons are not the cancers themselves but the barriers around them: diagnosis comes too late, families cannot afford or reach treatment, essential medicines are unavailable, and some children stop treatment because the cost is impossible to bear. The WHO's Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer aims to lift survival to at least 60% worldwide. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for poor patients, including children, through locally-licensed oncologists — helping to close exactly this gap. ## What are the key takeaways? The most important points on childhood cancer for patients, families and donors. - Childhood cancer is rare and very rarely caused by lifestyle — in most cases no cause is ever found. - In the UK, more than 8 in 10 children with cancer now survive at least five years. - Leukaemia and brain tumours are the most common childhood cancers. - Symptoms often look like common illnesses; it is unusual, persistent or unexplained signs that should be checked. - Survival depends heavily on where a child lives — often under 30% in low-income countries, compared with over 80% in the UK. ## What will a donation for childhood cancer treatment provide? A gift to World Aid Network's Cancer Emergency Appeal helps pay for diagnosis and treatment that a poor patient has been recommended but cannot afford. Costs vary by diagnosis, provider and treatment plan; no fixed gift guarantees a complete treatment. Trustees direct gifts to the most urgent cases. This is treatment access, not laboratory research and not UK NHS care. Clinicians in partner hospitals decide the medical plan. We fund the bill in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. The Cancer Emergency Appeal funds all types of cancer. Trustees direct gifts to the most urgent hospital bills in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. ## How can I donate to help people with childhood cancer? Donate by card at worldaidnetwork.org/donate and choose the Cancer Emergency Appeal. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation with a CIO registration application in progress; Gift Aid is not currently available; HMRC recognition and donor eligibility are required. If you need UK support as a patient or relative, see a GP, NHS 111, Macmillan or the specialist UK charity for this cancer. We fund treatment overseas; we are not a UK helpline. ## How to get a child’s persistent symptoms checked Childhood cancer is rare. Symptoms often look like ordinary illnesses. What matters is a sign that is unusual, persistent or unexplained — trust your instincts and see a doctor. - Watch for patterns, not one-off bugs: A bruise is normal; easy bruising all over without knocks is worth checking. Tiredness that does not improve with rest is worth checking. - Book a GP appointment: Take notes on how long symptoms have lasted. You are not wasting the doctor’s time. - Go back if it is not improving: Parents know their child. If something still feels wrong, ask for another look. - Seek urgent help when needed: A child who is very unwell quickly, hard to wake, or has a rash that does not fade under pressure needs emergency care. ## Frequently asked questions ### How common is childhood cancer? Childhood cancer is rare. In the UK, around 1,900 children aged under 15 are diagnosed each year. Although any childhood cancer is devastating for a family, it accounts for a very small proportion of all cancers, and survival rates are now high — more than 8 in 10 children survive at least five years. ### What causes childhood cancer? In most cases, the cause is unknown. Unlike many adult cancers, childhood cancers are very rarely linked to lifestyle, diet or anything a parent did. Most result from chance changes in cells very early in life. A small number are linked to inherited genetic conditions. Importantly, nothing a parent did caused their child's cancer. ### What are the most common cancers in children? Leukaemia (cancer of the blood and bone marrow) is the most common, making up about a third of childhood cancers, with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) the most frequent form. Brain and spinal cord tumours are next, followed by lymphomas. Other types include neuroblastoma, Wilms tumour (kidney), bone cancers and retinoblastoma (eye). ### What are the warning signs of cancer in children? Warning signs include a lump or swelling, unusual paleness or tiredness, easy bruising or bleeding, a fever or infections that will not clear, persistent bone or joint pain or a limp, frequent headaches with morning vomiting, unexplained weight loss, or a white glow in the eye. These symptoms usually have harmless causes, but any that are unusual, persistent or unexplained should be checked by a doctor. ### Is childhood cancer treatable? Yes — childhood cancers generally respond much better to treatment than adult cancers. In the UK, more than 8 in 10 children with cancer survive at least five years, and many are cured. Treatment usually involves chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy, often combined, delivered by specialist children's cancer teams. ### How is childhood cancer treated? Children are treated at specialist children's cancer centres. The main treatments are chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy, increasingly alongside targeted therapies and immunotherapy for certain cancers. Treatment can last months or years and is carefully designed to maximise the chance of cure while protecting a child's growth and long-term health. The whole family is supported throughout. ### What is the white glow in a child's eye? A white glow or reflection in the pupil — instead of the usual red-eye in flash photographs — can be a sign of retinoblastoma, a rare eye cancer of young children. It can also have other, harmless causes. If you notice a white reflection in your child's eye, in photos or in person, have it checked by a doctor promptly. ### Why do fewer children survive cancer in poorer countries? The cancers are treatable, but the barriers around treatment are not removed. In many low- and middle-income countries, cancer is diagnosed late, specialist care and medicines are scarce, and families cannot afford or reach treatment — so some children never start or are unable to complete it. As a result, survival can be 30% or lower, compared with over 80% in the UK. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for poor patients, including children, through locally-licensed oncologists to help close this gap. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for poor patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia through locally licensed oncologists. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/childhood-cancer or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - Cancer Research UK — Children's cancer: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/childrens-cancer - WHO — Childhood cancer: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer-in-children - NHS — Children and young people's cancer information - World Health Organization — CureAll / Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer - NHS — Cancer information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer/ - Cancer Research UK — Cancer types: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Childhood cancer treatment and family support explained > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/childhood-cancer/treatment-and-support > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Children with cancer are treated at specialist children's cancer centres by dedicated teams. The main treatments are chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy, often combined, with newer targeted and immunotherapy options for some cancers. Treatment can last months or years, the whole family is supported throughout, and children are followed up long after treatment ends. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. A childhood cancer diagnosis turns a family's world upside down. Understanding what treatment involves — and the support that comes with it — can make an overwhelming situation feel a little more manageable. Childhood cancer care has become highly specialised. Children are not treated on adult wards but at dedicated centres, by teams whose entire focus is treating young patients and supporting their families. ## Where and how children are treated Children with cancer are cared for at specialist children's cancer centres, where multidisciplinary teams plan treatment together. The main treatments are chemotherapy (medicines that kill cancer cells), surgery (to remove tumours) and radiotherapy (targeted radiation). These are often used in combination, and the exact plan depends on the type and stage of the cancer. Newer treatments, including targeted therapies that attack specific features of cancer cells and immunotherapies that harness the immune system, are increasingly part of care for certain childhood cancers, and many children are treated as part of carefully run clinical trials that have helped drive up survival. ## The treatment journey Treatment for childhood cancer is often intensive and can last from several months to a few years, particularly for leukaemia. It usually involves periods in hospital and many outpatient visits, and it can be physically and emotionally demanding for the child and the whole family. Care teams work hard to manage side effects, maintain a child's nutrition and development, keep up schooling where possible, and protect quality of life throughout. Because children are still growing, treatment is carefully balanced to cure the cancer while limiting harm to healthy tissue and long-term health. ## Support for the whole family Specialist teams include not only doctors and nurses but also play specialists, psychologists, social workers and family support workers. They help with the practical and emotional weight of treatment — from explaining things to a frightened child, to supporting siblings, to helping parents cope. This wraparound support recognises that childhood cancer affects everyone in a family, and that a child does best when those around them are supported too. ## Life after treatment Most children in the UK who are treated for cancer go on to survive and grow up. After treatment ends, children are followed up over the long term to check the cancer has not returned and to watch for any 'late effects' — health or developmental issues that can sometimes follow intensive treatment. Long-term follow-up means any late effects can be picked up and managed early, helping survivors lead full and healthy lives. The goal of childhood cancer care is not only to cure, but to give children the best possible future. ## Key takeaways - Children with cancer are treated at specialist centres by teams focused only on young patients. - The main treatments are chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy, often combined, plus newer targeted and immunotherapy options. - Treatment can last months or years and is balanced to cure the cancer while protecting growth and development. - Support extends to the whole family, including siblings, with psychological and practical help. - Children are followed up long-term after treatment to manage any late effects and support a full life. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/childhood-cancer - Warning signs for parents: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/childhood-cancer/warning-signs - Treatment & support: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/childhood-cancer/treatment-and-support ## Frequently asked questions ### How long does childhood cancer treatment last? It varies by cancer type. Some treatments take a few months, while others — particularly for leukaemia — can continue for two to three years. The care team will explain the expected timeline and what each phase involves. ### Will treatment affect my child's growth and development? Intensive treatment can sometimes affect growth and development, which is why children are treated by specialist teams who balance curing the cancer with protecting long-term health. Any effects are monitored closely through long-term follow-up so they can be managed early. ### What are 'late effects'? Late effects are health or developmental issues that can sometimes appear months or years after childhood cancer treatment, as a result of the cancer or its treatment. Long-term follow-up is designed to detect and manage them early, helping survivors live full and healthy lives. ### What support is available for the whole family? Specialist children's cancer teams include play specialists, psychologists, social workers and family support workers who help with the emotional and practical impact on the child, parents and siblings. Childhood cancer affects the whole family, and support is designed with that in mind. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - Cancer Research UK — Children's cancer: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/childrens-cancer - WHO — Childhood cancer: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer-in-children --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Warning signs of cancer in children: a guide for parents > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/childhood-cancer/warning-signs > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Most childhood illnesses are not cancer, and its early signs often look like everyday bugs. What matters is a symptom that is unusual, persistent or unexplained — a lasting lump, ongoing tiredness or paleness, easy bruising, a fever that will not clear, persistent bone pain or a limp, or a white glow in a child's eye. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. Few things are more frightening for a parent than worrying that their child might be seriously ill. It helps to start with reassurance: childhood cancer is rare, and the vast majority of children with these symptoms have a common, harmless illness instead. At the same time, knowing the signs that deserve a closer look means you can act early if something is genuinely wrong — and early assessment gives the best chance of a good outcome. This guide is about confidence, not fear. ## Signs that deserve a check No single symptom means cancer, and most have ordinary explanations. The signs worth getting checked — especially if they are unusual for your child, persistent, or unexplained — include: - A lump or swelling anywhere on the body, particularly if it is painless, firm or getting bigger - Looking unusually pale, or being tired in a way that does not improve with rest - Bruising or bleeding easily, or lots of bruises without obvious knocks - A fever, or repeated infections, that will not go away - Persistent pain in the bones, joints or limbs, or a new limp - Frequent headaches, especially with being sick in the morning, or changes in balance or vision - Losing weight without an obvious reason - A white glow or reflection in the eye, sometimes first noticed in flash photographs ## Why these symptoms are usually not cancer Children get a lot of minor illnesses, and the symptoms above are far more often caused by common viral infections, ordinary injuries, growing pains and other harmless conditions than by cancer. Tiredness, fevers and bruises are a normal part of childhood. This is precisely why the focus is on patterns rather than single symptoms: a bruise is normal, but easy bruising all over without cause is worth checking; a headache is normal, but frequent headaches with morning vomiting are not. A doctor can quickly tell the difference and reassure you in most cases. ## Trust your instincts Parents and carers know their own children better than anyone. If your child is not getting better, if something feels wrong, or if a symptom keeps returning, it is always reasonable to go back to your doctor and ask for another look — even if you have been before. You are not wasting anyone's time. If your child becomes very unwell quickly, is hard to wake, has a rash that does not fade under pressure, or has difficulty breathing, seek urgent medical help or call 999 — these are emergencies whatever the cause. ## Key takeaways - Childhood cancer is rare, and most children with these symptoms have a common, harmless illness. - Watch for symptoms that are unusual, persistent or unexplained, rather than single one-off signs. - Key signs to check include a persistent lump, ongoing paleness or tiredness, easy bruising, an unexplained fever, persistent bone pain or limp, and a white glow in the eye. - Parents know their children best — it is always right to seek another opinion if something is not improving. - Seek urgent help for a child who is very unwell quickly, hard to wake, or has a non-fading rash. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/childhood-cancer - Warning signs for parents: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/childhood-cancer/warning-signs - Treatment & support: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/childhood-cancer/treatment-and-support ## Frequently asked questions ### My child bruises easily — should I worry? Bruises are a normal part of active childhood, usually from knocks and falls. What is worth checking is easy or unexplained bruising — lots of bruises without obvious cause, bruises in unusual places, or bruising together with paleness, tiredness or frequent infections. If you are unsure, a simple check and blood test from your GP can provide reassurance. ### How do I know if my child's tiredness is serious? Tiredness is common and usually harmless. It is more concerning when a child is persistently tired in a way that does not improve with rest, looks unusually pale, or is tired alongside other symptoms such as bruising, fevers or weight loss. Persistent, unexplained tiredness of this kind is worth discussing with a doctor. ### What is the white glow in the eye I have read about? A white glow or reflection in the pupil — rather than the normal red-eye seen in flash photos — can occasionally be a sign of retinoblastoma, a rare eye cancer in young children. It can also have harmless causes. If you notice it, in photographs or in person, have your child's eyes checked by a doctor promptly. ### Will I be wasting the doctor's time if it turns out to be nothing? No. Doctors would far rather see a child and provide reassurance than miss something. Parents know their children best, and persistent or unexplained symptoms are exactly what doctors want to assess. If your child is not improving, it is always right to go back. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - Cancer Research UK — Children's cancer: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/childrens-cancer - WHO — Childhood cancer: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer-in-children --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Cancer Treatment Support Enquiries | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/eligibility-checker > Ask about cancer treatment support in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia. Learn how enquiries are reviewed and why an online guide cannot approve funding. Patient and family information # Enquire about cancer treatment support A useful starting point for an enquiry. Funding and referrals require individual review. Quick answer World Aid Network cannot determine cancer funding eligibility through an online checker. Contact the team to ask about current programme availability and the referral process. Any support depends on individual review, available funds and clinical assessment. This page helps you prepare an enquiry and does not approve a grant. ## What should I include in my first enquiry? Tell us the country where care is needed, whether you are the patient or are contacting us with their permission, and a brief description of the support you are seeking. Read about the [cancer treatment programme](/cancer) before contacting the team. Please do not put medical records, identity documents or detailed health information in the general contact form. The team can explain what is needed and how to share it through an appropriate channel. ## Does an enquiry guarantee treatment or funding? No. Sending an enquiry is not a clinical referral, grant approval or promise to pay treatment costs. Ask the team about current availability, the assessment process and any limits before making financial commitments. Continue to follow advice from your treating clinician while an enquiry is reviewed. Our contact service does not provide emergency medical care. ## How can I contact World Aid Network? Use the [contact form](/contact) for programme enquiries. You can also read [how programme funding works](/where-your-money-goes) and our [privacy policy](/privacy-policy). [Ask about treatment support](/contact) ## How can I support cancer treatment? Connect the information you have read with treatment support and the checks that protect your donation. - [Donate to cancer care](/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency#donate-form) Give to the Cancer Emergency Appeal’s wider fund for patients who cannot pay. - [Cancer Emergency Appeal](/appeal/cancer-emergency) See what the treatment fund supports. - [How donations reach care](/where-your-money-goes) Understand programme funding and accountability. - [Cancer information and support](/cancer) Find guides to cancer types, diagnosis and care. - [Childhood cancer support](/childhood-cancer-treatment) Explore help for children and their families. - [Hospital partnership enquiries](/partner-with-us) Eligibility, agreements and funding review for care providers. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # How to help cancer patients who cannot afford treatment > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/how-to-help-cancer-patients > Last reviewed: 2026-06-19 ## In short The most direct way to help cancer patients who cannot afford treatment is to fund their care — donating to a charity that pays for treatment (not only research) means your gift goes towards surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or diagnostics for someone who would otherwise go without. Giving monthly, funding a specific programme, and fundraising all multiply that impact. Around the world, countless people are diagnosed with treatable cancers but cannot afford the treatment that would save them. If you want to help, the good news is that your support can translate very directly into care for a real patient. This guide sets out practical, effective ways to help cancer patients who cannot afford treatment — and how to make sure your support reaches them. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment overseas for patients who cannot pay — not NHS care and not research. Named checkout: https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency. Chemotherapy: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/treatment/chemotherapy. Radiotherapy: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/treatment/radiotherapy. Cancer surgery: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/treatment/surgery. ## Fund treatment, not just research Many well-known cancer charities focus on research or patient support in wealthy countries — vital work, but it does not pay for an individual patient's treatment today. If your aim is to help someone get the care they need now, look for a charity that funds treatment directly. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment — surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and diagnostics — for poor patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia, delivered by locally-licensed oncologists. The treatment already exists; the barrier is cost, and that is what your gift removes. For what chemotherapy is, how cycles work and how to fund a session, see the chemotherapy guide at /cancer/treatment/chemotherapy. For types of radiotherapy, sessions and the machine gap, see /cancer/treatment/radiotherapy. For types of cancer surgery and how to fund an operation, see /cancer/treatment/surgery. ## Key takeaways - The most direct help is funding treatment, through a charity that pays for care rather than only research. - Regular monthly giving is especially valuable for funding continuing courses of treatment. - Funding a specific programme (e.g. breast or childhood cancer) lets you direct your support. - Fundraising and sharing multiply your impact at no extra cost. - World Aid Network funds treatment for poor patients through locally-licensed oncologists. ## Ways to help cancer patients who cannot afford treatment - Donate to fund treatment directly: Give to a charity that pays for cancer treatment — surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or diagnostics — for patients who cannot afford it, so your gift becomes real care for a real patient. - Set up a monthly gift: Cancer treatment runs in courses over weeks or months. A regular monthly donation helps fund continuing treatment and lets a charity plan ahead. - Fund a specific programme: Direct your support to a particular need — for example breast cancer, childhood cancer or cervical screening — if that matters to you. - Fundraise or give in memory: Organise a fundraiser, or give in memory of someone, to bring in support from others and multiply your impact. - Share the cause: Spreading the word costs nothing and helps reach more donors — and more patients. ## Frequently asked questions ### How can I help cancer patients who cannot afford treatment? The most direct way is to donate to a charity that funds treatment itself — paying for surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or diagnostics for patients who cannot afford care. Giving monthly helps fund continuing courses of treatment, funding a specific programme lets you direct your support, and fundraising or giving in memory multiplies your impact. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for poor patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. ### What's the difference between cancer research charities and treatment charities? Research charities fund scientific work that may improve treatment for future patients, often over many years and mainly in wealthy countries. Treatment charities pay for care for patients who are ill now and cannot access existing treatment. Both matter, but only treatment funding helps a specific patient get care today. ### Does my donation really pay for someone's treatment? With a charity that funds treatment directly, yes — donations go towards the cost of treatment for patients who cannot pay. World Aid Network funds care delivered by locally-licensed oncologists in registered hospitals, and donations to its cancer programme are restricted to that purpose. ### Is it better to give a one-off gift or monthly? Both help. One-off gifts are valuable, but regular monthly giving is especially useful for cancer because treatment runs in courses over weeks or months — steady funding helps a charity commit to and complete patients' treatment. ### Can I choose which cancer my donation helps? Often, yes. World Aid Network has specific programmes — such as breast cancer, childhood cancer and cervical screening — that you can direct your support towards, as well as a general cancer fund that trustees direct to the most urgent need. ## How you can help Funding treatment is the most direct way to help. World Aid Network pays for cancer care — surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and diagnostics — for poor patients through locally-licensed oncologists. Donate today. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/how-to-help-cancer-patients or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Kidney cancer: symptoms, treatment and survival > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/kidney-cancer > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Kidney cancer develops in one of the kidneys, the two organs that filter waste from your blood. Early on it often causes no symptoms and is sometimes found by chance during a scan for something else. The symptom to never ignore is blood in your pee — even once, and even if it is not painful. When kidney cancer is found early, more than 9 in 10 people survive at least five years, so getting symptoms checked promptly really counts. Often silent early on — blood in the urine is the symptom to never ignore. World Aid Network funds treatment for patients who cannot pay. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. ## Appointment checklist - What do my scans show about the kidney and the rest of my body? - How might treatment affect my kidney function? - What could explain my symptoms, and which tests would help? - What are the benefits and possible harms of each test or treatment? - When should I expect results, and who should I contact if they do not arrive? - Which changes mean I should seek help sooner? - If cancer is diagnosed, what are my treatment options and likely side effects? - Can I bring someone with me, request an interpreter or get written information? ## At a glance - ~13,000: UK cases each year - Renal cell (~90%): Most common type - Over 90% (Stage 1): Survival when caught early - Blood in the urine: Key sign ## What is kidney cancer? Kidney cancer develops in one of the kidneys, the two organs that filter waste from your blood. Early on it often causes no symptoms and is sometimes found by chance during a scan for something else. The symptom to never ignore is blood in your pee — even once, and even if it is not painful. When kidney cancer is found early, more than 9 in 10 people survive at least five years, so getting symptoms checked promptly really counts. Kidney cancer — primarily renal cell carcinoma (RCC) — is the seventh most common cancer in the UK, with approximately 13,000 new diagnoses every year and around 5,000 deaths annually. Men are affected more than women at a ratio of approximately 3:2. A defining feature of kidney cancer is that it is frequently discovered incidentally — often found on an abdominal ultrasound or CT scan performed for an entirely different reason, before any symptoms develop. When symptoms do appear, the classic presentation is haematuria (blood in the urine), flank pain and a loin mass — but these three features together (the classic triad) are actually rarely seen, and most patients present with only one symptom. This guide answers the twenty most commonly searched questions about kidney cancer in the UK, drawing on NHS and WHO sources. ## When should you see a doctor about kidney cancer? Most of these symptoms have a less serious cause — but it is always worth getting them checked. See a GP if you notice a new or persistent change. If you feel very unwell, contact NHS 111 or seek urgent help. Take a note of how long the symptom has lasted and whether it is getting worse. You do not need every sign on a list to book an appointment. This guide is general information from World Aid Network, not a diagnosis and not UK NHS care. Only a clinician can assess you. - Blood in your pee — even once, and even if there is no pain - A lump or swelling in your side or lower back - Persistent pain in your side or back - Losing weight without trying, or a high temperature and night sweats - Feeling tired and generally unwell with no clear cause ## Types and risk factors Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for approximately 85% of all kidney cancers. The most common subtype is clear cell RCC (ccRCC, approximately 75% of RCC), which is characterised by VHL gene inactivation and sensitivity to VEGF-targeted therapies and immunotherapy. Other subtypes include papillary RCC (approximately 10–15%) and chromophobe RCC (approximately 5%). Transitional cell carcinoma (now called urothelial carcinoma) of the renal pelvis is a less common but distinct tumour requiring different treatment. Wilms' tumour (nephroblastoma) occurs in children. Key risk factors for RCC include: smoking (doubles the risk); obesity (strongly linked — particularly in women); hypertension; a family history of kidney cancer; inherited conditions including von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease, hereditary papillary RCC, Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome and tuberous sclerosis; chronic kidney disease; and long-term use of certain analgesics (phenacetin). The incidence of kidney cancer has increased significantly over the past 30 years, partly reflecting increased detection through the wider use of abdominal imaging. ## Diagnosis and staging Investigation typically begins with ultrasound of the kidneys, followed by CT of the chest, abdomen and pelvis with contrast for characterisation and staging. MRI is used when CT is equivocal or to assess venous involvement. Blood tests include FBC, renal function, LFTs and calcium. Most renal masses are now diagnosed on imaging — biopsy of a renal mass is increasingly used to guide treatment decisions, particularly for smaller masses where active surveillance or ablation is considered. Kidney cancer is staged I–IV using the TNM system: Stage I — tumour confined to the kidney, under 7 cm; Stage II — tumour confined to the kidney, 7 cm or more; Stage III — tumour extending into major veins or perinephric tissue, or regional lymph node involvement; Stage IV — spread to adjacent organs (beyond Gerota's fascia) or distant metastasis. Prognosis-stratification tools (IMDC score) guide treatment selection in metastatic disease. ## Treatment For localised kidney cancer, surgery is the primary treatment. Partial nephrectomy (nephron-sparing surgery) is preferred for tumours amenable to it, particularly small tumours in patients with a solitary kidney or reduced renal function. Radical nephrectomy (removal of the entire kidney, adrenal gland and surrounding fat) is used for larger or more complex tumours. Laparoscopic and robotic approaches are increasingly standard. Thermal ablation (radiofrequency ablation or cryoablation) is used for small tumours in patients unfit for surgery. Active surveillance is appropriate for small, slow-growing renal masses. For metastatic or advanced RCC, the treatment landscape has been transformed by immunotherapy. The NICE-approved first-line combinations include nivolumab plus ipilimumab (for intermediate/poor risk IMDC), and pembrolizumab plus axitinib or nivolumab plus cabozantinib (for all risk groups). Sunitinib and pazopanib (VEGFR-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors) remain options. Cabozantinib and nivolumab monotherapy are used in second-line settings. Metastatic RCC is now a chronically managed disease, with many patients living well for years. ## What are the key takeaways? The most important points on kidney cancer for patients, families and donors. - Kidney cancer affects around 13,000 people in the UK each year. It is frequently discovered incidentally on abdominal imaging for other conditions — many people have no symptoms. - Key symptoms include blood in the urine (haematuria — painless or painful), persistent back or loin pain, an abdominal lump, unexplained weight loss and extreme fatigue. Any blood in the urine must be investigated urgently. - Surgery (partial or radical nephrectomy) is curative for localised disease. Five-year survival for Stage I exceeds 90%. - Metastatic kidney cancer is now treated with immunotherapy combinations (nivolumab + ipilimumab, pembrolizumab + axitinib) — NICE approved — achieving long-term disease control in many patients. - Smoking and obesity are the most important modifiable risk factors. Stopping smoking reduces kidney cancer risk significantly. ## What will a donation for kidney cancer treatment provide? A gift to World Aid Network's Cancer Emergency Appeal helps pay for diagnosis and treatment that a poor patient has been recommended but cannot afford. Costs vary by diagnosis, provider and treatment plan; no fixed gift guarantees a complete treatment. Trustees direct gifts to the most urgent cases. This is treatment access, not laboratory research and not UK NHS care. Clinicians in partner hospitals decide the medical plan. We fund the bill in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. The Cancer Emergency Appeal funds all types of cancer. Trustees direct gifts to the most urgent hospital bills in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. ## How can I donate to help people with kidney cancer? Donate by card at worldaidnetwork.org/donate and choose the Cancer Emergency Appeal. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation with a CIO registration application in progress; Gift Aid is not currently available; HMRC recognition and donor eligibility are required. If you need UK support as a patient or relative, see a GP, NHS 111, Macmillan or the specialist UK charity for this cancer. We fund treatment overseas; we are not a UK helpline. ## How to get blood in your urine checked Blood in the urine — even once, and even if it is not painful — should be checked by a GP. It is the warning sign that finds many bladder and kidney cancers early. - Do not wait for it to happen again: One episode of blood in your pee is enough to book a GP appointment, even if it then looks clear. - Mention pain, clots or other symptoms: Tell the GP about pain in your side or back, a lump, weight loss, or needing to pee more often. - Ask about tests: A GP can dip-test urine, arrange blood tests and refer you for scans or a camera test of the bladder if needed. - Stop smoking if you can: Smoking is a major cause of bladder cancer. Stopping lowers future risk and helps recovery if cancer is found. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is kidney cancer? Kidney cancer is a malignant tumour of the kidney. The most common type is renal cell carcinoma (RCC), accounting for approximately 85% of cases, with clear cell RCC being the most frequent subtype. Around 13,000 people are diagnosed in the UK each year and approximately 5,000 die annually. Kidney cancer is more common in men than women and most frequently affects people aged 60–75. ### What are the symptoms of kidney cancer? Kidney cancer is frequently asymptomatic in its early stages — many cases are discovered incidentally. When symptoms do occur, they include: haematuria (blood in the urine — the most common symptom, affecting approximately 60% of patients at presentation); persistent back or loin pain; a palpable mass in the flank or abdomen; unexplained weight loss; fatigue; night sweats; fever; and high blood pressure. Any episode of painless blood in the urine requires urgent investigation. ### What causes kidney cancer? The exact cause of most kidney cancers is unknown, but established risk factors include: smoking (doubles the risk); obesity; hypertension; a family history of kidney cancer; and inherited conditions — notably von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease, which causes a significantly elevated risk of clear cell RCC. VHL gene inactivation — whether inherited or acquired — is the most common molecular event in clear cell RCC. Long-term analgesic use, chronic kidney disease and male sex are also risk factors. ### What is blood in the urine (haematuria)? Haematuria is the presence of blood in the urine. It can be visible (macroscopic haematuria — the urine appears pink, red or brown) or detectable only on dipstick testing (microscopic haematuria). Painless macroscopic haematuria in an adult is a red flag symptom requiring urgent investigation to exclude urinary tract malignancy — including kidney cancer, urothelial (bladder/ureter) cancer and prostate cancer. Any adult with a single episode of painless visible haematuria should be referred via the Two Week Wait cancer pathway. ### How is kidney cancer diagnosed? Investigation begins with urine dipstick and microscopy, blood tests (FBC, renal function, LFTs, calcium) and an ultrasound of the kidneys. If a renal mass is detected, CT of the chest, abdomen and pelvis with intravenous contrast provides detailed characterisation and staging. MRI is used for equivocal masses or to assess venous involvement. Image-guided percutaneous biopsy is increasingly used to guide management decisions for smaller masses. Cystoscopy is performed if urothelial malignancy is also suspected. ### What are the stages of kidney cancer? Kidney cancer is staged I–IV. Stage I: tumour 7 cm or less, confined to kidney. Stage II: tumour over 7 cm, confined to kidney. Stage III: tumour extends into major veins (renal vein or inferior vena cava) or perinephric fat, or involves regional lymph nodes. Stage IV: tumour extends beyond Gerota's fascia (surrounding tissue) or involves the adrenal gland, or distant metastasis (most commonly lung, bone, liver, brain). Five-year survival: Stage I ~90%; Stage II ~75%; Stage III ~55%; Stage IV ~12%. ### What is the treatment for kidney cancer? Localised kidney cancer: surgery (partial nephrectomy preferred for smaller tumours; radical nephrectomy for larger/complex tumours) — laparoscopic or robotic approach where possible. Ablation (radiofrequency ablation, cryoablation) for small tumours in patients unfit for surgery. Active surveillance for small, slow-growing tumours. Metastatic/advanced kidney cancer: immunotherapy combinations (nivolumab + ipilimumab; pembrolizumab + axitinib; nivolumab + cabozantinib — NICE approved); targeted therapy (sunitinib, pazopanib, cabozantinib). ### What is partial nephrectomy? Partial nephrectomy (nephron-sparing surgery) is a surgical procedure in which only the tumour-bearing portion of the kidney is removed, preserving the remaining functional kidney tissue. It is the preferred approach for tumours amenable to it — particularly those under 7 cm in a patient with a normal contralateral kidney — as it preserves renal function and reduces the long-term risk of chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular events. Laparoscopic (keyhole) or robotic partial nephrectomy is standard at specialist centres, with shorter recovery than open surgery. ### What is immunotherapy for kidney cancer? Immunotherapy for metastatic kidney cancer uses drugs that activate the immune system to recognise and attack cancer cells. The most commonly used immunotherapy agents are checkpoint inhibitors targeting PD-1 (nivolumab, pembrolizumab) and CTLA-4 (ipilimumab). NICE-approved first-line combinations include: nivolumab + ipilimumab (for intermediate and poor-risk metastatic RCC); pembrolizumab + axitinib and nivolumab + cabozantinib (for all risk groups). These combinations have transformed the prognosis of advanced kidney cancer, with significant proportions of patients achieving durable responses lasting years. ### What is the survival rate for kidney cancer? Five-year survival rates in England: Stage I — approximately 90%; Stage II — approximately 75%; Stage III — approximately 55%; Stage IV — approximately 12%. Overall five-year survival for all stages is approximately 60%. Survival outcomes for metastatic kidney cancer have improved substantially over the past decade with the advent of immunotherapy-based combinations, with a significant proportion of patients achieving long-term disease control. ### Can kidney cancer be prevented? The most important preventive measures are: stopping smoking (smoking doubles the risk of kidney cancer — quitting reduces it substantially); maintaining a healthy weight (obesity is strongly associated with kidney cancer risk, particularly in women); managing hypertension; and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Inherited conditions causing elevated kidney cancer risk (VHL, Birt-Hogg-Dubé, hereditary papillary RCC) should be identified through family history assessment and genetic testing, allowing enhanced surveillance of at-risk individuals. ### Is kidney cancer hereditary? Most kidney cancers are sporadic, but approximately 3–5% are hereditary. Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease (caused by germline VHL mutations) is the most common hereditary kidney cancer syndrome, causing multiple bilateral clear cell RCCs along with haemangioblastomas and phaeochromocytomas. Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome causes chromophobe RCC and oncocytomas. Hereditary papillary RCC is associated with MET mutations. Hereditary leiomyomatosis and RCC (HLRCC) is caused by FH gene mutations. Referral to Clinical Genetics is appropriate for patients with young-onset kidney cancer or a strong family history. ### What is VHL disease? Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is a rare inherited condition caused by germline mutations in the VHL tumour suppressor gene. It is characterised by the development of multiple tumours including clear cell renal cell carcinomas (often bilateral and multifocal), haemangioblastomas of the brain, spinal cord and retina, phaeochromocytomas and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours. Kidney cancer in VHL disease develops in approximately 70% of patients, often in their 40s. Management involves enhanced surveillance from adolescence and nephron-sparing surgery or ablation for renal tumours when they reach intervention threshold (3 cm). ### Can kidney cancer spread? Yes. Kidney cancer most commonly spreads to the lungs (the most frequent site of distant metastasis), bone, liver, brain and adrenal glands. Metastasis may be present at diagnosis (synchronous) or develop after initial treatment (metachronous). Kidney cancer can also spread directly into the renal vein and inferior vena cava (venous tumour thrombus), which has surgical implications. Distant metastasis at diagnosis occurs in approximately 20–30% of patients at presentation. The IMDC (International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium) score predicts prognosis in metastatic RCC. ### What are targeted therapies for kidney cancer? Targeted therapies for kidney cancer include VEGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) — sunitinib, pazopanib, axitinib, cabozantinib and lenvatinib — which block the VEGF pathway that clear cell RCC depends on for its blood supply. These drugs prolong progression-free survival in metastatic clear cell RCC. mTOR inhibitors (temsirolimus, everolimus) were formerly widely used but are now less central. These targeted agents are given as oral tablets and are associated with side effects including hypertension, fatigue, diarrhoea, hand-foot syndrome and hypothyroidism. ### What is the difference between kidney cancer and a kidney cyst? A kidney cyst is a fluid-filled sac in the kidney. Simple cysts are extremely common — affecting over 50% of people over 50 — and are almost always benign. They are classified using the Bosniak classification system (I–IV) based on CT characteristics. Bosniak I and II cysts are benign and require no intervention; Bosniak III and IV cysts (complex, with thickened walls, calcification or solid components) have increasing malignant potential and require urological assessment and possible surgery. Solid renal masses are more likely to be renal cell carcinoma and require urgent investigation. ### Can a kidney be removed and you still live normally? Yes. The human body functions perfectly well with one kidney — the remaining kidney compensates by increasing its filtration capacity. Most people who have had a kidney removed (nephrectomy) for cancer live normal lives with normal or near-normal renal function. Long-term, a single kidney does increase the risk of developing chronic kidney disease and hypertension, particularly if the remaining kidney is also affected by disease. Blood pressure monitoring, avoiding nephrotoxic medications, maintaining hydration and regular kidney function checks are recommended. ### Does kidney cancer cause back pain? Flank or loin pain is one of the classic symptoms of kidney cancer, though it is not present in all cases — and when it does occur, it is typically described as a dull, persistent ache in the side or lower back rather than acute pain. Back pain is a very common symptom with many causes; it is not a sensitive or specific indicator of kidney cancer alone. Painless haematuria (blood in the urine) is the most important warning symptom. Pain in the context of haematuria, an unexplained mass or significant weight loss requires urgent investigation. ### How does kidney cancer affect people in developing countries? In low-income countries, kidney cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage because abdominal imaging is not widely available and the incidental detection that drives earlier diagnosis in high-income countries does not occur. Targeted therapies and immunotherapy combinations — transformative in high-income settings — are unaffordable for the vast majority of patients in low-income countries. Surgical expertise for nephrectomy may be limited outside major urban centres. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment through locally-licensed oncologists, helping to provide access to care for poor patients. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for poor patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia through locally licensed oncologists. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/kidney-cancer or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — kidney cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/kidney-cancer/ - NHS — Cancer information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer/ - Cancer Research UK — Cancer types: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Kidney cancer symptoms: blood in the urine > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/kidney-cancer/symptoms > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Blood in your pee is the kidney cancer symptom you should never ignore, even if it happens once and does not hurt. A lump in the side, persistent back pain, or weight loss without trying also need a GP visit. About 13,000 people are diagnosed in the UK each year. Many cancers are found on a scan done for something else. See a GP about blood in the urine. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. The kidneys sit under the ribcage at the back. Early kidney cancer often causes no pain. That is why visible or dipstick blood in urine is investigated. ## Which symptoms should you report? You do not need every item on the list. Blood in the urine alone is enough. - Blood in your pee — even once, even if there is no pain - A lump or swelling in your side or lower back - Persistent pain in your side or back - Weight loss, fevers or night sweats without a clear cause ## Why is kidney cancer found by chance? CT and ultrasound scans done for other reasons often pick up small kidney masses. Stage 1 survival is over 90%, which is why incidental findings are taken seriously rather than ignored. ## Does smoking raise kidney cancer risk? Yes. Smoking is a major risk factor, along with obesity and high blood pressure. Stopping smoking still helps after a diagnosis. ## Key takeaways - Blood in the urine should be checked even once. - Early kidney cancer is often silent. - Stage 1 survival is over 90%. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/kidney-cancer - Symptoms: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/kidney-cancer/symptoms - Scans: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/kidney-cancer/tests - Treatment: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/kidney-cancer/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Can a urine infection cause blood in pee? Yes. Infections are common. GPs still investigate unexplained or repeating blood, especially in adults over 45. ### Is pink urine always cancer? No. Beetroot, medicines and infection can colour urine. Cancer is why it is still checked. ### Do you fund kidney cancer surgery overseas? When a partner urologist has recommended it for a patient who cannot pay. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — kidney cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/kidney-cancer/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # How is kidney cancer diagnosed? > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/kidney-cancer/tests > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short If kidney cancer is possible, a GP arranges urine tests and refers you for imaging. CT of the kidneys is the usual way a mass is characterised. MRI is used if CT is not suitable. A biopsy is not always required before an operation. Blood tests check kidney function. This is general information, not a personal diagnosis. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. Visible blood in the urine in adults often triggers a two-week-wait urology referral in the NHS. The scan is what finds a kidney mass. ## What scans are used? CT urogram or a dedicated kidney CT shows size, enhancement and whether the cancer has grown into veins or nearby organs. Chest imaging looks for spread. ## When is a biopsy done? If the plan is to watch a small mass, or if surgery would be high risk, a needle biopsy can confirm the type. Many people go straight to surgery when imaging is typical. ## What about cystoscopy? If blood in the urine might be coming from the bladder, a camera test of the bladder is often added. Kidney and bladder pathways overlap on that symptom. ## Key takeaways - CT is the main diagnostic scan for a kidney mass. - A biopsy is not always needed before surgery. - Blood in the urine can also need a bladder check. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/kidney-cancer - Symptoms: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/kidney-cancer/symptoms - Scans: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/kidney-cancer/tests - Treatment: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/kidney-cancer/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Will I need contrast dye? Often yes, unless kidney function or allergy makes it unsafe. The radiology team explains the plan. ### Can ultrasound diagnose kidney cancer? It can find a mass. CT or MRI usually characterises it. ### Does WAN run scans in the UK? No. We fund overseas treatment bills. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — kidney cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/kidney-cancer/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Kidney cancer treatment: surgery and targeted drugs > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/kidney-cancer/treatment > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Surgery is the main treatment for kidney cancer that has not spread — removing the tumour and part or all of the kidney. Small masses are sometimes watched. Advanced disease may be treated with targeted drugs or immunotherapy rather than chemotherapy. Stage 1 five-year survival is over 90%. World Aid Network funds care overseas for patients who cannot pay. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. A urologist and cancer team plan treatment around size, position and whether the other kidney is healthy. ## What operations are offered? Partial nephrectomy removes the tumour and saves the rest of the kidney. Radical nephrectomy removes the whole kidney. Keyhole surgery is common when it is safe. ## Can small tumours be watched? Some small, slow-growing masses in older or frailer people are monitored with scans. That is an active decision, not neglect. ## What if the cancer has spread? Standard chemotherapy does not work well for most kidney cancers. Targeted tablets and immunotherapy are the usual systemic options in UK practice. Ablation or radiotherapy may help selected sites of spread. ## Key takeaways - Surgery is the main treatment for localised kidney cancer. - You can live with one working kidney. - Later disease uses targeted drugs or immunotherapy, not classic chemotherapy. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/kidney-cancer - Symptoms: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/kidney-cancer/symptoms - Scans: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/kidney-cancer/tests - Treatment: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/kidney-cancer/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I live with one kidney? Most people can. Remaining kidney function is checked before and after surgery. ### Is ablation the same as surgery? No. Heat or freezing can treat some small tumours without removing the kidney. Not every mass is suitable. ### Do you fund immunotherapy overseas? Only if a licensed partner oncologist has recommended it and the hospital can give it. We do not fund research trials. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — kidney cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/kidney-cancer/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Leukaemia: symptoms, treatment and survival > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/leukaemia > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Leukaemia is a cancer of the blood and the bone marrow, where blood cells are made. Instead of making healthy cells, the body makes too many abnormal white blood cells. There are four main types — AML, ALL, CML and CLL — and they behave very differently, from slow-growing forms that may need watching rather than urgent treatment, to fast-growing forms that need treatment straight away. Symptoms can be vague, like tiredness, frequent infections, or bruising easily, so a simple blood test is often the first step. Cancer of the blood and bone marrow — with four main types and very different outlooks. World Aid Network funds treatment for patients who cannot pay. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. ## Appointment checklist - What type of leukaemia is being investigated or treated? - Who should I contact urgently if I feel unwell during treatment? - What could explain my symptoms, and which tests would help? - What are the benefits and possible harms of each test or treatment? - When should I expect results, and who should I contact if they do not arrive? - Which changes mean I should seek help sooner? - If cancer is diagnosed, what are my treatment options and likely side effects? - Can I bring someone with me, request an interpreter or get written information? ## At a glance - ~10,000: UK cases each year - AML, ALL, CML, CLL: Main types - ~87%: Survival (CLL) - Blood test: First test ## What is leukaemia (blood cancer)? Leukaemia is a cancer of the blood and the bone marrow, where blood cells are made. Instead of making healthy cells, the body makes too many abnormal white blood cells. There are four main types — AML, ALL, CML and CLL — and they behave very differently, from slow-growing forms that may need watching rather than urgent treatment, to fast-growing forms that need treatment straight away. Symptoms can be vague, like tiredness, frequent infections, or bruising easily, so a simple blood test is often the first step. Leukaemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow in which the body produces large numbers of abnormal white blood cells that do not function properly and crowd out normal blood cells. Around 10,000 people are diagnosed with leukaemia in the UK every year. Leukaemia is not one single disease. The four main types — acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) — behave very differently, affect different age groups and require very different treatments. Survival ranges from over 98% cure rates in children with ALL to approximately 25% five-year survival in adults with AML. This guide answers the twenty most commonly searched questions about leukaemia in the UK, drawing on NHS and WHO sources, and examines the enormous inequality in leukaemia treatment between the UK and low-income countries where curative therapy is largely inaccessible. Leukaemia is a malignant disease of the blood-forming cells in the bone marrow. In healthy individuals, the bone marrow produces red blood cells (to carry oxygen), white blood cells (to fight infection) and platelets (to clot blood) in a carefully regulated balance. In leukaemia, abnormal white blood cells multiply uncontrollably, accumulate in the bone marrow and blood, and crowd out normal blood cell production. The four main types are classified by: the cell line affected (myeloid or lymphoid) and the speed of progression (acute — fast-growing and requiring urgent treatment — or chronic — slow-growing, often manageable over years). AML and ALL are acute; CML and CLL are chronic. ## When should you see a doctor about leukaemia (blood cancer)? Most of these symptoms have a less serious cause — but it is always worth getting them checked. See a GP if you notice a new or persistent change. If you feel very unwell, contact NHS 111 or seek urgent help. Take a note of how long the symptom has lasted and whether it is getting worse. You do not need every sign on a list to book an appointment. This guide is general information from World Aid Network, not a diagnosis and not UK NHS care. Only a clinician can assess you. - Feeling very tired or weak much of the time - Catching infections more often than usual - Bruising or bleeding more easily than normal (including nosebleeds or bleeding gums) - Pale skin, breathlessness or a fast heartbeat - Fevers, night sweats or unexplained weight loss ## Symptoms of leukaemia Because leukaemia disrupts normal blood cell production, symptoms reflect the consequences of too few red cells, functioning white cells or platelets. The NHS advises seeing your GP if you notice: fatigue and breathlessness (from anaemia due to low red cell count); frequent or severe infections (from failure of normal immune function); unusual bruising or bleeding (from low platelet count); unexplained weight loss; swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin; night sweats; bone or joint pain; or an enlarged spleen (discomfort in the upper left abdomen). In acute leukaemia, these symptoms can develop rapidly — sometimes over days to weeks. In chronic leukaemia, symptoms may be absent for years or develop very gradually. CLL is frequently diagnosed incidentally on a routine blood test in an older adult with no symptoms. ## Diagnosis and staging Leukaemia is diagnosed through a full blood count (FBC), which typically shows abnormal numbers of white cells, and a blood film examination showing abnormal cell morphology. A bone marrow biopsy — in which a small sample of bone marrow is taken from the hip bone under local anaesthetic — is essential for confirming diagnosis, identifying the specific leukaemia type, and performing molecular and cytogenetic tests that guide treatment decisions. For CML, the hallmark diagnostic finding is the Philadelphia chromosome — a translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22 producing the BCR-ABL fusion gene. For AML and ALL, cytogenetic and molecular testing identifies mutations (such as FLT3, NPM1, IDH1/2 in AML) that determine prognosis and guide treatment choice. ## Treatment options Treatment depends entirely on the type of leukaemia. AML requires intensive induction chemotherapy (daunorubicin plus cytarabine) to achieve remission, followed by consolidation chemotherapy or an allogeneic stem cell transplant for high-risk patients. ALL in adults uses prolonged combination chemotherapy protocols over 2–3 years; blinatumomab and inotuzumab are newer immunotherapies for relapsed/refractory disease. CML has been transformed by tyrosine kinase inhibitors (imatinib, dasatinib, nilotinib) — oral daily tablets that achieve molecular remission in most patients and are taken indefinitely. CLL is often monitored without treatment (watch and wait) for years; when treatment is needed, ibrutinib (BTK inhibitor), venetoclax (BCL-2 inhibitor) and obinutuzumab are the modern standard. ## Leukaemia in the developing world In the UK, children with ALL achieve cure rates of approximately 90% — one of the most successful outcomes in all of oncology. In many low-income countries, cure rates for childhood ALL are below 50%, primarily because combination chemotherapy requires inpatient facilities, blood transfusion support, infection management and sustained access to multiple drugs over 2–3 years — infrastructure that most poor-country healthcare systems cannot consistently provide. For adult leukaemias, the treatment gap is even wider. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation — a potentially curative treatment for high-risk AML and ALL — requires specialist transplant units, HLA typing, donor registries and intensive post-transplant care that do not exist in most low-income settings. Imatinib for CML, once donated through a patient assistance programme, is no longer reliably available in many countries. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment — including leukaemia — for poor patients through locally-licensed oncologists and registered hospitals. A donation helps fund the treatment that would otherwise be unreachable. ## What are the key takeaways? The most important points on leukaemia (blood cancer) for patients, families and donors. - Leukaemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow affecting around 10,000 people in the UK each year. There are four main types: AML, ALL, CML and CLL. - Acute leukaemias (AML and ALL) require urgent treatment. Chronic leukaemias (CML and CLL) are slower-growing and may be monitored without treatment for years. - CML has been transformed by targeted oral therapy (imatinib and its successors), achieving molecular remission in most patients. Childhood ALL has a cure rate of approximately 90%. - AML in adults has a five-year survival rate of approximately 25% overall, reflecting its aggressiveness and the challenges of intensive treatment in older patients. - In low-income countries, leukaemia treatment — particularly stem cell transplantation and sustained multi-drug chemotherapy — is largely inaccessible to poor patients, resulting in far lower survival rates. ## What will a donation for leukaemia (blood cancer) treatment provide? A gift to World Aid Network's Cancer Emergency Appeal helps pay for diagnosis and treatment that a poor patient has been recommended but cannot afford. Costs vary by diagnosis, provider and treatment plan; no fixed gift guarantees a complete treatment. Trustees direct gifts to the most urgent cases. This is treatment access, not laboratory research and not UK NHS care. Clinicians in partner hospitals decide the medical plan. We fund the bill in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. The Cancer Emergency Appeal funds all types of cancer. Trustees direct gifts to the most urgent hospital bills in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. ## How can I donate to help people with leukaemia (blood cancer)? Donate by card at worldaidnetwork.org/donate and choose the Cancer Emergency Appeal. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation with a CIO registration application in progress; Gift Aid is not currently available; HMRC recognition and donor eligibility are required. If you need UK support as a patient or relative, see a GP, NHS 111, Macmillan or the specialist UK charity for this cancer. We fund treatment overseas; we are not a UK helpline. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is leukaemia? Leukaemia is a cancer of the blood-forming cells in the bone marrow, causing the production of abnormal white blood cells that crowd out normal blood cell production. Around 10,000 people are diagnosed with leukaemia in the UK each year. There are four main types: acute myeloid (AML), acute lymphoblastic (ALL), chronic myeloid (CML) and chronic lymphocytic (CLL), each with very different characteristics, prognosis and treatment. ### What are the symptoms of leukaemia? According to the NHS, symptoms include: persistent fatigue and breathlessness (anaemia); frequent or severe infections; unusual bruising or bleeding; unexplained weight loss; swollen lymph nodes; night sweats; bone or joint pain; and a feeling of fullness in the upper left abdomen (enlarged spleen). Acute leukaemia symptoms develop rapidly; chronic leukaemia is often asymptomatic for years. ### How common is leukaemia in the UK? Around 10,000 people are diagnosed with leukaemia in the UK each year. CLL is the most common type in adults (approximately 3,200 cases per year), followed by AML (approximately 3,000). ALL accounts for approximately 800 cases per year across all ages and is the most common childhood cancer. CML accounts for approximately 700 cases per year. ### What causes leukaemia? The exact cause of most leukaemias is unknown. DNA mutations in blood-forming stem cells in the bone marrow cause cells to grow uncontrollably. Risk factors vary by type but include: age; previous chemotherapy or radiotherapy; exposure to high-dose ionising radiation; benzene exposure; certain genetic syndromes (Down syndrome increases ALL and AML risk); smoking (AML); and viral infections (HTLV-1 for certain rare T-cell leukaemias). Most leukaemias are not hereditary. ### What are the different types of leukaemia? The four main types are: AML (acute myeloid leukaemia) — aggressive, requires urgent treatment, affects adults mainly; ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukaemia) — the most common childhood cancer, also occurs in adults; CML (chronic myeloid leukaemia) — driven by the BCR-ABL Philadelphia chromosome, effectively managed with oral targeted therapy; CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukaemia) — the most common adult leukaemia, often slow-growing and monitored without treatment for years. Each behaves very differently. ### What is the difference between acute and chronic leukaemia? Acute leukaemia (AML and ALL) develops rapidly — cells multiply quickly and are very immature (blasts) that cannot function. It requires immediate treatment and is life-threatening within weeks to months if untreated. Chronic leukaemia (CML and CLL) develops more slowly — cells are more mature and may partially function. CLL in particular can remain stable for years without requiring treatment. However, chronic leukaemias can transform into acute leukaemia if untreated or in later stages. ### How is leukaemia diagnosed? Diagnosis begins with a full blood count (FBC) showing abnormal white cell numbers, followed by examination of a blood film. A bone marrow biopsy — taking a small sample from the hip bone — confirms diagnosis and provides material for cytogenetic and molecular testing to identify the specific leukaemia subtype and mutations. Lumbar puncture may be performed for ALL to check for central nervous system involvement. Imaging (CT scan) assesses lymph node and organ enlargement. ### What is a bone marrow biopsy? A bone marrow biopsy (or trephine biopsy) is a procedure in which a small sample of bone marrow is removed from the back of the hip bone (posterior iliac crest) using a needle, under local anaesthetic. The sample is examined under a microscope to assess cell morphology, count blast cells and perform cytogenetic and molecular analysis. It is a standard diagnostic procedure for leukaemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers, typically taking 15–30 minutes and causing temporary discomfort. ### Are there stages of leukaemia? Staging in leukaemia differs from solid tumours. AML and ALL use blast percentage and cytogenetic/molecular risk classification (favourable, intermediate, adverse risk) to guide treatment intensity. CLL uses the Binet staging system (A, B, C) based on the number of enlarged lymph node groups and the presence of anaemia or low platelets. CML is classified by phase: chronic phase (most patients at diagnosis), accelerated phase, or blast crisis. Risk classification guides treatment decisions and stem cell transplant eligibility. ### What is the treatment for leukaemia? Treatment varies by type. AML: intensive induction chemotherapy (daunorubicin plus cytarabine), followed by consolidation chemotherapy or allogeneic stem cell transplant for high-risk disease. ALL: prolonged combination chemotherapy over 2–3 years, CNS prophylaxis, immunotherapy for relapsed/refractory disease. CML: oral tyrosine kinase inhibitors (imatinib, dasatinib, nilotinib) taken daily, achieving molecular remission in most patients. CLL: watch and wait for early/asymptomatic disease; ibrutinib, venetoclax or chemoimmunotherapy when treatment is needed. ### What is chemotherapy for leukaemia? Chemotherapy for leukaemia uses drugs to kill or suppress rapidly dividing cancer cells in the blood and bone marrow. For acute leukaemias, intensive induction chemotherapy is given in hospital over several weeks to achieve remission (the disappearance of detectable leukaemia). Consolidation chemotherapy or a stem cell transplant follows to prevent relapse. Chemotherapy suppresses the immune system and requires close monitoring for infection. Side effects include nausea, hair loss, mouth sores and increased infection risk. ### What is a stem cell transplant and when is it needed for leukaemia? An allogeneic stem cell transplant (SCT) replaces a patient's diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells from a matched donor (sibling or unrelated). It is potentially curative for high-risk AML and ALL by eliminating residual leukaemia through the donor immune cells (graft-versus-leukaemia effect). SCT carries significant risks including graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), infection and organ toxicity. It is offered to patients under approximately 70 with high-risk disease and adequate organ function who have an available donor. ### What is the survival rate for leukaemia? Survival varies significantly by type. CLL: approximately 80% five-year survival for all stages. CML on tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy: approximately 80–85% five-year survival. Childhood ALL: approximately 90% cure rate. Adult ALL: approximately 40% five-year survival. AML: approximately 25% five-year survival overall, rising to 40–50% in younger patients with favourable cytogenetics treated with intensive chemotherapy and stem cell transplant. ### Is leukaemia curable? Some leukaemias are curable; others are manageable but not curable. Childhood ALL is cured in approximately 90% of cases. CML is effectively controlled with lifelong oral targeted therapy and some patients achieve treatment-free remission. AML can be cured in a minority of patients — those who achieve complete remission after intensive chemotherapy and remain in remission after consolidation or transplant. CLL is generally not curable with standard therapy, but many patients live for decades and some achieve very long-lasting responses with targeted agents. ### Is leukaemia hereditary? Most leukaemias are not hereditary — they arise from acquired DNA mutations rather than inherited gene faults. However, some genetic conditions significantly increase risk: Down syndrome (trisomy 21) increases ALL and AML risk; Li-Fraumeni syndrome (TP53 mutation) raises the risk of multiple cancers including AML. CLL has a stronger familial component than other leukaemias, with first-degree relatives of CLL patients at approximately two to three times the general risk. Genetic counselling may be appropriate for families with multiple affected members. ### What is CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukaemia)? CLL is the most common adult leukaemia in Western countries, with approximately 3,200 diagnoses per year in the UK. It is a slow-growing cancer of B-lymphocytes. Many patients are diagnosed incidentally on a routine blood test with no symptoms, and early-stage CLL is typically managed with watch and wait rather than immediate treatment. When treatment becomes necessary — due to progressive disease, symptoms or complications — modern targeted therapies including ibrutinib and venetoclax have transformed outcomes significantly. ### What is ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukaemia)? ALL is a rapid-onset cancer of immature lymphoid precursor cells (lymphoblasts) in the bone marrow. It is the most common cancer in children, with peak incidence between ages 2 and 5. In children, ALL has a cure rate of approximately 90% with intensive combination chemotherapy. In adults, ALL is less common and harder to treat: five-year survival is approximately 40%. ALL can spread to the brain, requiring intrathecal chemotherapy as prophylaxis or treatment. ### Can children get leukaemia? Yes. Leukaemia is the most common childhood cancer in the UK. ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukaemia) accounts for approximately 80% of childhood leukaemia cases and has a cure rate of approximately 90% with modern chemotherapy. AML accounts for most of the remainder. Childhood leukaemia is treated at specialist paediatric oncology centres and, despite its seriousness, outcomes in the UK are among the best in the world. ### What does remission mean in leukaemia? In leukaemia, remission means that leukaemia cells are no longer detectable in the blood and bone marrow by standard tests, and normal blood cell production has recovered. Complete remission (CR) is the goal of induction chemotherapy. Molecular remission — the more stringent goal of modern leukaemia treatment, particularly for CML and ALL — means that no leukaemia is detectable even by highly sensitive molecular tests (PCR). Remission is not the same as cure: relapse can occur months or years later. ### How does leukaemia affect people in developing countries? In low- and middle-income countries, leukaemia outcomes are significantly worse than in the UK. Intensive multi-drug chemotherapy requires hospitalisation, blood transfusion support, infection management and sustained drug supply — infrastructure that is frequently unavailable in poor-country settings. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation is unavailable in most low-income countries. Childhood ALL cure rates in low-income settings are often below 50%, compared with 90% in the UK. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for poor patients through locally-licensed oncologists. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for poor patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia through locally licensed oncologists. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/leukaemia or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - Cancer Research UK — Leukaemia: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/leukaemia - NHS — Cancer information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer/ - Cancer Research UK — Cancer types: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Leukaemia symptoms: tiredness, bruising and repeated infections > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/leukaemia/symptoms > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Leukaemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, with about 10,000 UK diagnoses a year. See a GP about unusual tiredness, repeated infections, bruising or bleeding more easily, paleness, night sweats or unexplained weight loss. Acute types need treatment quickly. Chronic types may be found on a routine blood test. Most of these symptoms have other causes. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. The four main types — AML, ALL, CML and CLL — behave differently. CLL is the most common in adults and often slow. AML is aggressive. Childhood ALL has cure rates around 90% in the UK. ## Which symptoms should you report? Abnormal white cells crowd out healthy blood production, which explains the pattern. - Tiredness or weakness that does not improve with rest - Infections that keep returning - Bruising, nosebleeds or bleeding gums - Pale skin, breathlessness or a fast heartbeat - Fevers, night sweats or weight loss ## What is the difference between acute and chronic leukaemia? Acute leukaemia (AML, ALL) comes on over days or weeks and needs urgent treatment. Chronic leukaemia (CML, CLL) may develop over months or years. CLL five-year survival is around 87% in UK figures; AML around 29% in adults. ## Can children get leukaemia? ALL is the most common childhood cancer. In the UK, most children with ALL are cured. The same disease in a low-income country is often fatal without continuous chemotherapy — which is why childhood cancer is a named WAN programme. ## Key takeaways - Tiredness, bruising, bleeding or repeated infections should be checked with a blood test. - AML, ALL, CML and CLL are different diseases with different outlooks. - Childhood ALL is highly curable in the UK when treatment is completed. - WAN funds treatment continuity overseas, not UK haematology wards. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/leukaemia - Symptoms: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/leukaemia/symptoms - The four types: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/leukaemia/types - Treatment options: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/leukaemia/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Does a blood test always show leukaemia? A full blood count is usually abnormal in leukaemia, which is why it is the first test. Specialists then examine the bone marrow to confirm the type. ### Is leukaemia inherited? Most cases are not. A few inherited conditions raise risk. Family history is still worth mentioning to a GP. ### Are night sweats always blood cancer? No. Infections, menopause and other illnesses cause night sweats. Drenching sweats with weight loss or bruising should be checked. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - Cancer Research UK — Leukaemia: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/leukaemia --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Leukaemia treatment: chemotherapy, tablets and transplant > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/leukaemia/treatment > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Treatment depends entirely on the type. CLL may be watched. CML is often controlled with tablets. AML needs urgent inpatient chemotherapy, sometimes with a stem-cell transplant. Childhood ALL uses long outpatient and inpatient protocols with high UK cure rates. World Aid Network funds bills so a course already started is not stopped because a family cannot pay. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. In Britain these pathways are NHS haematology. Overseas, the drugs exist but the invoice does not get paid — which is the gap we fund. ## Why does continuity matter? Acute leukaemia protocols only work if cycles are completed. A child who stops mid-course because the money ran out loses the survival chance UK statistics describe. That is why childhood cancer is a named WAN programme. ## What is a stem-cell transplant? Some people with AML or high-risk ALL have a transplant after chemotherapy. It is specialist, risky and unavailable in many low-income hospitals. Partner capacity decides what we can fund — we do not invent a transplant unit. ## Is this research funding? No. WAN does not run trials or labs. Gifts pay for diagnosis and treatment access through licensed oncologists in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. ## Key takeaways - The four types need four different plans. - Childhood ALL survival depends on finishing treatment. - We fund clinical access overseas, not UK wards and not research. - The Cancer Emergency Appeal funds all types of cancer, including blood cancers. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/leukaemia - Symptoms: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/leukaemia/symptoms - The four types: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/leukaemia/types - Treatment options: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/leukaemia/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Can leukaemia be cured? Childhood ALL often is. Some adult types are controlled long-term rather than described as cured. AML outcomes vary widely with age and genetics. ### Does chemotherapy always mean losing hair? Intensive AML and ALL regimens often cause hair loss. Some CLL and CML treatments do not. Ask the treating team about the specific drugs. ### Do you treat leukaemia in the UK? No. UK care is NHS haematology. We fund poor patients overseas. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - Cancer Research UK — Leukaemia: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/leukaemia --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Types of leukaemia: AML, ALL, CML and CLL explained > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/leukaemia/types > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Leukaemia is classified by the cell line (myeloid or lymphoid) and by speed (acute or chronic). AML and ALL need treatment quickly. CML is often controlled for years with tyrosine kinase inhibitor tablets. CLL is the most common adult type and may only need monitoring at first. The names sound similar; the treatments are not interchangeable. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. Getting the type right is the whole point of bone-marrow tests. Do not apply one leukaemia story to another. ## What is AML? Acute myeloid leukaemia is aggressive and is more common in older adults. Treatment is intensive chemotherapy in hospital, sometimes followed by a stem-cell transplant. Adult five-year survival is around 29% in UK figures, higher in younger people. ## What is ALL? Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is the main childhood leukaemia and also occurs in adults. UK childhood cure rates are about 90%. Treatment lasts months to a few years. Missing doses because a family cannot pay is how survival collapses overseas. ## What are CML and CLL? Chronic myeloid leukaemia is usually treated with daily tablets (tyrosine kinase inhibitors) and many people live for years with controlled disease. Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia is often watched at first (watch and wait) and treated when it causes problems. CLL five-year survival is around 87%. ## Key takeaways - AML and ALL are urgent; CML and CLL are often slower. - Childhood ALL is highly curable in the UK. - CML tablets can control disease for years. - CLL is sometimes monitored rather than treated immediately. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/leukaemia - Symptoms: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/leukaemia/symptoms - The four types: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/leukaemia/types - Treatment options: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/leukaemia/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Is watch and wait safe for CLL? For many people with early CLL it is standard NHS practice. You are monitored and treated when tests or symptoms show it is needed. ### Do CML tablets replace chemotherapy? For most people with chronic-phase CML, tyrosine kinase inhibitors are the main treatment. Chemotherapy and transplant are reserved for some situations. ### Does World Aid Network fund stem-cell transplants? We fund treatment a partner hospital can actually deliver. Transplant needs highly specialist units and is not available in every partner setting. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - Cancer Research UK — Leukaemia: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/leukaemia --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Liver cancer: symptoms, treatment and survival > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/liver-cancer > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Liver cancer develops in the liver, the large organ that processes nutrients and filters the blood. Primary liver cancer is closely linked to long-term liver damage — from hepatitis B or C infection, heavy alcohol use, or fatty liver disease. Early liver cancer often causes no symptoms, with tummy pain, weight loss and yellowing of the skin appearing later. Much of the risk is preventable: hepatitis B vaccination, hepatitis treatment, and looking after your liver all lower your chances. Strongly linked to liver damage — and often preventable by protecting the liver. World Aid Network funds treatment for patients who cannot pay. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. ## Appointment checklist - Is this a cancer that started in the liver or spread from elsewhere? - How does my liver function affect treatment choices? - What could explain my symptoms, and which tests would help? - What are the benefits and possible harms of each test or treatment? - When should I expect results, and who should I contact if they do not arrive? - Which changes mean I should seek help sooner? - If cancer is diagnosed, what are my treatment options and likely side effects? - Can I bring someone with me, request an interpreter or get written information? ## At a glance - ~6,300: UK cases each year - Hepatitis, alcohol, fatty liver: Main causes - ~13%: Survival (overall) - Preventable: Largely ## What is liver cancer? Liver cancer develops in the liver, the large organ that processes nutrients and filters the blood. Primary liver cancer is closely linked to long-term liver damage — from hepatitis B or C infection, heavy alcohol use, or fatty liver disease. Early liver cancer often causes no symptoms, with tummy pain, weight loss and yellowing of the skin appearing later. Much of the risk is preventable: hepatitis B vaccination, hepatitis treatment, and looking after your liver all lower your chances. Liver cancer affects around 6,300 people in the UK each year and causes approximately 5,900 deaths annually, making it one of the most lethal cancers relative to its incidence. The five-year survival rate is approximately 15% — one of the lowest for any UK cancer — primarily because most cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage. The most common type of primary liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which develops in the liver cells themselves. The majority of cases arise in a background of liver disease — particularly hepatitis B, hepatitis C or alcohol-related cirrhosis — meaning that many liver cancers are potentially preventable. This guide answers the twenty most commonly searched questions about liver cancer in the UK, drawing on NHS and WHO sources, and examines the stark inequality between liver cancer outcomes in the UK and the situation facing patients in low-income countries where hepatitis B is far more prevalent and treatment is unaffordable. Primary liver cancer is cancer that starts in the liver. The most common type is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), accounting for approximately 80% of primary liver cancers, which arises from hepatocytes (the main liver cells). Other types include intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (cancer of the bile ducts within the liver), and the rare hepatoblastoma in children. Secondary (metastatic) liver cancer — cancer that has spread to the liver from another primary site (most commonly bowel, breast, lung or stomach) — is actually more common in the UK than primary liver cancer. The liver performs over 500 functions including metabolising nutrients, detoxifying substances, producing bile and synthesising clotting proteins. Both primary and secondary liver cancer disrupt these functions as tumours grow. ## When should you see a doctor about liver cancer? Most of these symptoms have a less serious cause — but it is always worth getting them checked. See a GP if you notice a new or persistent change. If you feel very unwell, contact NHS 111 or seek urgent help. Take a note of how long the symptom has lasted and whether it is getting worse. You do not need every sign on a list to book an appointment. This guide is general information from World Aid Network, not a diagnosis and not UK NHS care. Only a clinician can assess you. - Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice) - Pain or swelling in the upper-right side of the tummy - Losing weight without trying, or loss of appetite - Feeling sick, very tired, or generally unwell - Pale poo and dark pee ## Symptoms of liver cancer Early liver cancer often causes no symptoms. According to the NHS, symptoms to report to your GP include: unexplained weight loss; loss of appetite; feeling full after eating only a small amount; nausea; jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes); itchy skin; swelling in the abdomen; pain or discomfort in the upper right abdomen; and fatigue. Many of these symptoms can be caused by cirrhosis or other liver conditions, so they do not necessarily indicate cancer. However, anyone with known liver disease should report any new or worsening symptoms to their GP or hepatology team promptly, as liver cancer surveillance (six-monthly ultrasound and AFP blood test) is recommended for high-risk patients. ## Causes, risk factors and prevention The main risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma are: cirrhosis from any cause (the single greatest risk factor, present in approximately 80% of HCC cases); chronic hepatitis B infection; chronic hepatitis C infection; alcohol-related liver disease; non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/NASH (increasingly common due to obesity and type 2 diabetes); haemochromatosis; and primary biliary cholangitis. Obesity, type 2 diabetes and smoking also increase risk. The World Health Organization estimates that hepatitis B is responsible for approximately 50% of HCC cases worldwide — and that vaccination can prevent hepatitis B infection, making HCC one of the few cancers partly preventable through vaccination. In the UK, hepatitis B vaccination is offered to newborns (since 2017) and to at-risk adults. ## Treatment options Treatment depends on the size, number and location of tumours, the degree of underlying liver disease and the patient's performance status. Potentially curative treatments include: liver resection (surgical removal of the tumour-bearing liver segment); liver transplantation (for patients meeting Milan criteria — up to three tumours, all ≤3 cm, or one tumour ≤5 cm, with no vascular invasion); and thermal ablation (radiofrequency ablation or microwave ablation for tumours ≤3–5 cm). For patients who cannot undergo curative treatment, locoregional therapies include transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE), which delivers chemotherapy directly to the tumour via the hepatic artery while blocking its blood supply, and selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT/Y-90 radioembolisation). Systemic therapy for advanced HCC includes sorafenib, lenvatinib and atezolizumab combined with bevacizumab — the latter combination now the first-line standard for Child-Pugh A advanced HCC in the UK. ## Liver cancer in the developing world In the UK, the five-year survival rate for liver cancer is approximately 15%. In low- and middle-income countries, liver cancer is far more common — hepatitis B is endemic across much of South and South-East Asia — and survival is even lower because surveillance, early detection and curative treatment are largely inaccessible to poor patients. The World Health Organization estimates that liver cancer is the third most common cause of cancer death globally, with approximately 830,000 deaths per year. In regions where hepatitis B vaccination coverage is incomplete and antiviral treatment for hepatitis C is unavailable, HCC incidence remains high among people of all ages. The cost of surgical resection, liver transplantation or even TACE is beyond reach for most poor patients without donor support. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment — including liver cancer — for poor patients through locally-licensed oncologists and registered hospitals. A donation today directly supports access to care for a patient who would otherwise have none. ## What are the key takeaways? The most important points on liver cancer for patients, families and donors. - Liver cancer affects around 6,300 people in the UK per year. The five-year survival rate is approximately 15%, one of the lowest for any UK cancer. - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type, arising most often in livers already damaged by hepatitis B, hepatitis C, alcohol or fatty liver disease. - Hepatitis B vaccination prevents infection and thereby reduces HCC risk — making liver cancer partly preventable through immunisation. - Potentially curative treatments include liver resection, transplantation and thermal ablation for early-stage disease. TACE and systemic therapy (sorafenib, atezolizumab+bevacizumab) are used for advanced disease. - Globally, liver cancer is the third most common cause of cancer death. In low-income countries with high hepatitis B prevalence, treatment access for poor patients is extremely limited. ## What will a donation for liver cancer treatment provide? A gift to World Aid Network's Cancer Emergency Appeal helps pay for diagnosis and treatment that a poor patient has been recommended but cannot afford. Costs vary by diagnosis, provider and treatment plan; no fixed gift guarantees a complete treatment. Trustees direct gifts to the most urgent cases. This is treatment access, not laboratory research and not UK NHS care. Clinicians in partner hospitals decide the medical plan. We fund the bill in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. The Cancer Emergency Appeal funds all types of cancer. Trustees direct gifts to the most urgent hospital bills in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. ## How can I donate to help people with liver cancer? Donate by card at worldaidnetwork.org/donate and choose the Cancer Emergency Appeal. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation with a CIO registration application in progress; Gift Aid is not currently available; HMRC recognition and donor eligibility are required. If you need UK support as a patient or relative, see a GP, NHS 111, Macmillan or the specialist UK charity for this cancer. We fund treatment overseas; we are not a UK helpline. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is liver cancer? Primary liver cancer is cancer that starts in the liver, most commonly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) arising from liver cells. Around 6,300 people are diagnosed with primary liver cancer in the UK each year. Secondary (metastatic) liver cancer — cancer that has spread to the liver from elsewhere — is also common. The five-year survival rate for primary liver cancer is approximately 15%. ### What are the symptoms of liver cancer? According to the NHS, symptoms include: unexplained weight loss; loss of appetite or feeling full quickly; nausea; jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes); itching; swelling in the abdomen; upper right abdominal pain; and fatigue. Early liver cancer often causes no symptoms, which is why surveillance is important for people with known liver disease. ### How common is liver cancer in the UK? Around 6,300 people are diagnosed with primary liver cancer in the UK each year, and approximately 5,900 people die from it annually. Incidence has more than tripled since the 1990s, driven largely by rising rates of alcohol-related liver disease, hepatitis C and obesity-related fatty liver disease. ### What causes liver cancer? The majority of hepatocellular carcinomas develop in a liver already damaged by cirrhosis. The most common underlying causes are: chronic hepatitis B infection; chronic hepatitis C infection; alcohol-related cirrhosis; non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD/NASH); and metabolic conditions such as haemochromatosis. Obesity and type 2 diabetes also independently increase risk. ### What is the link between hepatitis and liver cancer? Chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections are the leading causes of hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. The WHO estimates that hepatitis B accounts for approximately 50% of all HCC cases globally. Both viruses cause chronic liver inflammation that, over years to decades, leads to cirrhosis — which is the primary risk factor for HCC. In the UK, all newborns are vaccinated against hepatitis B, and antiviral treatment for hepatitis C can achieve cure in over 95% of cases, dramatically reducing future HCC risk. ### What is hepatocellular carcinoma? Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer, accounting for approximately 80% of cases. It arises from hepatocytes — the main cells of the liver. It is strongly associated with cirrhosis and chronic viral hepatitis. HCC is one of the most common cancers worldwide, particularly in South and South-East Asia and sub-Saharan Africa where hepatitis B is endemic. ### How is liver cancer diagnosed? Liver cancer is diagnosed through imaging (ultrasound, contrast-enhanced CT or MRI) and the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) blood tumour marker. In patients with cirrhosis, a characteristic enhancement pattern on CT or MRI can confirm HCC diagnosis without biopsy. Biopsy is performed when imaging is inconclusive. Regular surveillance (6-monthly ultrasound ± AFP) is recommended for all patients with cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis B to detect HCC at an early, treatable stage. ### What are the stages of liver cancer? HCC staging takes into account not only tumour size and spread but also the degree of underlying liver disease. The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system is used in the UK, classifying patients as: very early (0), early (A), intermediate (B), advanced (C), or terminal (D). BCLC stage determines eligibility for curative treatment (resection, transplant, ablation), locoregional therapy (TACE) or systemic treatment. ### What is the treatment for liver cancer? Curative options include: surgical resection for patients with sufficient remaining liver function; liver transplantation for patients meeting Milan criteria; and thermal ablation (radiofrequency or microwave) for early tumours ≤5 cm. For intermediate-stage disease: TACE (transarterial chemoembolisation). For advanced-stage disease: systemic therapy with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (first-line standard) or sorafenib/lenvatinib. Palliative care is appropriate for terminal-stage patients. ### What is ablation therapy for liver cancer? Thermal ablation uses heat — delivered via a needle inserted into the tumour under imaging guidance — to destroy liver cancer cells. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses electrical current; microwave ablation (MWA) uses microwave energy. Ablation is most effective for tumours up to 3–5 cm and is a standard curative-intent treatment for early HCC, particularly in patients not suitable for surgery. It can be performed under sedation or general anaesthetic via percutaneous (skin), laparoscopic or open surgical approaches. ### What is TACE treatment for liver cancer? TACE (transarterial chemoembolisation) is a locoregional treatment for intermediate-stage HCC that delivers chemotherapy directly to liver tumours via the hepatic artery while simultaneously blocking the tumour's blood supply. Because tumours derive most of their blood supply from the hepatic artery (unlike normal liver tissue, which is supplied mainly by the portal vein), TACE achieves high local drug concentrations with limited systemic exposure. It slows tumour growth and can achieve partial responses but is not curative. ### Can liver cancer be cured? Liver cancer can be cured in selected patients diagnosed at an early stage. Potentially curative treatments include surgical resection, liver transplantation and thermal ablation. The majority of UK patients, however, are diagnosed at an intermediate or advanced stage when curative treatment is not possible. Five-year survival after liver resection for early HCC is approximately 50–70% in well-selected patients. ### What is the survival rate for liver cancer? The five-year survival rate for primary liver cancer in the UK is approximately 15% — reflecting the predominance of late-stage diagnoses. For patients diagnosed at an early stage and treated with curative intent (resection, transplantation or ablation), five-year survival is 50–70%. For advanced-stage disease treated with systemic therapy, median survival is 12–20 months with modern immunotherapy-based regimens. ### What is the difference between primary and secondary liver cancer? Primary liver cancer starts in the liver (most commonly as hepatocellular carcinoma). Secondary (metastatic) liver cancer is cancer that has spread to the liver from another primary site — most commonly bowel, breast, lung, stomach or melanoma. Secondary liver cancer is more common in the UK than primary liver cancer. The distinction is critical because treatment is directed at the primary tumour type: bowel cancer that has spread to the liver, for example, is treated as bowel cancer. ### Does alcohol cause liver cancer? Alcohol is a significant risk factor for liver cancer. Heavy, prolonged alcohol consumption causes alcoholic liver disease and cirrhosis, which in turn substantially increases the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. The NHS advises drinking no more than 14 units of alcohol per week and spreading these over at least three days. Stopping drinking can halt progression of alcoholic liver disease and reduce (though not eliminate) future HCC risk in people who have not yet developed cirrhosis. ### Can you have a liver transplant for cancer? Yes — liver transplantation is a curative treatment option for HCC in patients who meet the Milan criteria (up to three tumours all ≤3 cm, or one tumour ≤5 cm, with no vascular invasion or extrahepatic spread). Transplantation removes the cancer and replaces the diseased underlying liver. Five-year survival after transplant for HCC meeting Milan criteria is approximately 70%. Patients must be fit for major surgery, accept lifelong immunosuppression and wait for a suitable donor organ. ### Is liver cancer hereditary? Most primary liver cancers are not caused by inherited gene faults. However, certain hereditary conditions significantly increase risk: haemochromatosis (iron overload), Wilson's disease, alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency and hereditary tyrosinaemia all cause chronic liver damage that predisposes to HCC. Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes modestly increase intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma risk. People with first-degree relatives diagnosed with HCC should discuss screening with their GP. ### What is cirrhosis and how is it linked to liver cancer? Cirrhosis is severe scarring of the liver caused by years of chronic liver damage — from hepatitis B or C, alcohol, fatty liver disease or other causes. In cirrhosis, normal liver cells are replaced by scar tissue that cannot perform liver functions. Cirrhosis is present in approximately 80% of hepatocellular carcinoma cases: the abnormal cell turnover and inflammation in a cirrhotic liver create the conditions for cancerous mutations to accumulate. All patients with cirrhosis should be enrolled in surveillance with 6-monthly liver ultrasound. ### Can liver cancer be prevented? Liver cancer is partly preventable. The most effective preventive measures are: hepatitis B vaccination (protecting against the world's leading cause of HCC); successful treatment of hepatitis C with antiviral therapy (achieving cure in over 95%); limiting alcohol consumption; maintaining a healthy weight to prevent NAFLD/NASH; managing type 2 diabetes; and avoiding sharing needles to prevent hepatitis transmission. The NHS Hepatitis C testing programme aims to identify and treat all undiagnosed infections. ### How does liver cancer affect people in developing countries? The WHO reports that liver cancer is the third most common cause of cancer death globally, with the highest incidence in regions where hepatitis B is endemic — including parts of South and South-East Asia. In these settings, liver cancer often affects working-age adults due to perinatal hepatitis B transmission. Curative surgery, liver transplantation, ablation and systemic therapy are largely unaffordable for poor patients. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment through locally-licensed oncologists, working to address this inequality. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for poor patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia through locally licensed oncologists. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/liver-cancer or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — liver cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/liver-cancer/ - NHS — Cancer information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer/ - Cancer Research UK — Cancer types: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Liver cancer symptoms: jaundice, pain and weight loss > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/liver-cancer/symptoms > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Early liver cancer often causes no symptoms. Later signs include yellow skin or eyes, pain or swelling in the upper-right tummy, weight loss, pale poo and dark pee. About 6,300 people are diagnosed in the UK each year. Overall survival is low because many cases are found late. Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, alcohol and fatty liver are the main preventable causes. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. Primary liver cancer starts in the liver. Secondary liver cancer has spread from elsewhere and is managed differently. This silo is about primary disease. ## Which symptoms should you report? Jaundice and unexplained weight loss need a prompt GP visit. Do not wait for pain. - Yellow skin or whites of the eyes - Pain or swelling in the upper-right tummy - Weight loss or loss of appetite - Pale poo and dark pee - Deep tiredness without a clear cause ## Who should be on surveillance scans? People with cirrhosis are often offered regular ultrasound because their risk of hepatocellular carcinoma is higher. Ask your liver clinic if you are in a surveillance programme. ## Can liver cancer be prevented? Hepatitis B vaccination, treatment of hepatitis C, drinking less alcohol, and treating fatty liver disease all lower risk. That is prevention, not a screening test for everyone. ## Key takeaways - Early liver cancer is often silent. - Jaundice and unexplained weight loss need a GP. - Hepatitis, alcohol and fatty liver drive most risk. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/liver-cancer - Symptoms: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/liver-cancer/symptoms - Scans & AFP: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/liver-cancer/tests - Treatment: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/liver-cancer/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Is jaundice always cancer? No. Gallstones and hepatitis are common causes. Cancer is why it is still checked the same day if you are unwell. ### Does a normal liver blood test rule cancer out? No. Scans are what find a mass. ### Do you fund liver cancer treatment overseas? When partner hospitals can deliver the recommended treatment for a patient who cannot pay. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — liver cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/liver-cancer/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # How is liver cancer diagnosed? > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/liver-cancer/tests > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Specialised liver CT or MRI can diagnose hepatocellular carcinoma without a biopsy in many people with cirrhosis. An AFP blood test may be raised but is not reliable on its own. A biopsy is used when imaging is unclear or a different cancer is possible. This is general information. A liver specialist interprets the scans. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. The liver is a common place for other cancers to spread. Imaging and history distinguish primary liver cancer from metastases. ## Why might I not need a biopsy? In cirrhosis, a typical pattern on contrast MRI or CT is accepted as diagnostic for hepatocellular carcinoma in UK practice. That avoids the bleeding risk of a needle through a damaged liver. ## What does AFP measure? Alpha-fetoprotein can be raised in liver cancer. It is also raised for other reasons. It is a helper, not a screening test for the general public. ## What other tests are done? Hepatitis B and C tests, liver function, and an assessment of cirrhosis (including whether transplant might be possible) shape the treatment plan. ## Key takeaways - Specialist MRI or CT often confirms hepatocellular carcinoma. - AFP is not a stand-alone test. - Hepatitis status changes treatment and prevention for others in the family. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/liver-cancer - Symptoms: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/liver-cancer/symptoms - Scans & AFP: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/liver-cancer/tests - Treatment: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/liver-cancer/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Is ultrasound enough? It is used for surveillance. A mass still needs CT or MRI. ### Why test for hepatitis? Untreated infection drives liver cancer and can be treated. Household contacts may need vaccination. ### Does WAN diagnose liver cancer in the UK? No. We fund overseas treatment bills. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — liver cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/liver-cancer/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Liver cancer treatment: surgery, ablation and transplant > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/liver-cancer/treatment > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Treatment depends on the size of the tumour and how damaged the rest of the liver is. Options include removing the tumour, burning it (ablation), blocking its blood supply, transplant in selected people, or targeted drugs. Overall UK survival is around 13% because many cases are late. World Aid Network funds treatment access overseas, not research. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. A hepatobiliary multidisciplinary team plans care. Cirrhosis often limits what surgery can safely do. ## When is surgery possible? If the tumour is confined and the remaining liver is healthy enough, resection can be curative. Many people are not candidates because of cirrhosis. ## What are ablation and TACE? Ablation uses heat to destroy small tumours. TACE (chemoembolisation) delivers treatment through the artery that feeds the tumour. They are specialist radiology procedures. ## What about transplant and drugs? Some people meet strict transplant criteria. Targeted tablets are used when local treatments are not possible. World Aid Network does not run transplant programmes; we fund bills at partner hospitals where the treatment is already available. ## Key takeaways - The rest of the liver matters as much as the tumour. - Several local treatments exist besides open surgery. - WAN funds access, not laboratory research. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/liver-cancer - Symptoms: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/liver-cancer/symptoms - Scans & AFP: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/liver-cancer/tests - Treatment: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/liver-cancer/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Is liver cancer always fatal? No. Small tumours in a well-compensated liver can be cured. Late disease is harder, which is why surveillance in cirrhosis matters. ### Does chemotherapy work? Classic intravenous chemotherapy is not the usual first treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma. Targeted drugs and local procedures are. ### Do you fund transplants? We do not run a transplant service. Funding follows what a licensed partner hospital can actually deliver for an eligible patient. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — liver cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/liver-cancer/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Lung cancer: symptoms, treatment and survival > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lung-cancer > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in the UK. Most cases are linked to smoking, but around 1 in 7 people who get it have never smoked. The biggest problem is that it is often found late, once it has spread. That is why any cough that lasts three weeks or more, or that changes, should be checked. When lung cancer is caught at its earliest stage, more than half of people survive at least five years. The leading cause of cancer death in the UK — early diagnosis changes everything. World Aid Network funds treatment for patients who cannot pay. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. ## Appointment checklist - What tests could explain my cough or breathing changes? - If cancer is confirmed, will testing the tumour help choose treatment? - What could explain my symptoms, and which tests would help? - What are the benefits and possible harms of each test or treatment? - When should I expect results, and who should I contact if they do not arrive? - Which changes mean I should seek help sooner? - If cancer is diagnosed, what are my treatment options and likely side effects? - Can I bring someone with me, request an interpreter or get written information? ## At a glance - ~48,000: UK cases each year - Smoking (~85%): Main cause - Over 57%: Survival when caught early - A cough lasting 3+ weeks: Key sign ## What is lung cancer? Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in the UK. Most cases are linked to smoking, but around 1 in 7 people who get it have never smoked. The biggest problem is that it is often found late, once it has spread. That is why any cough that lasts three weeks or more, or that changes, should be checked. When lung cancer is caught at its earliest stage, more than half of people survive at least five years. Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in the United Kingdom. Around 49,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer each year, and it accounts for approximately 35,000 deaths annually — more than bowel, breast and prostate cancer combined. Survival rates for lung cancer remain lower than for many other common cancers, largely because most cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage when curative treatment is no longer possible. However, the expanding NHS Targeted Lung Health Check programme and new treatments including immunotherapy and targeted therapies are beginning to improve outcomes. This guide answers the twenty most commonly searched questions about lung cancer in the UK, drawing on NHS and WHO sources, and examines the profound inequality in lung cancer care between the UK and low-income countries where treatment is largely inaccessible to poor patients. Lung cancer is cancer that begins in the lungs. There are two main types. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 85% of cases and includes adenocarcinoma (most common in non-smokers and women), squamous cell carcinoma and large cell carcinoma. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounts for around 15% of cases, grows faster, spreads earlier and is almost exclusively caused by smoking. Primary lung cancer — cancer that starts in the lungs — is different from secondary lung cancer, which is cancer that has spread to the lungs from a primary tumour elsewhere in the body (most commonly bowel, breast, kidney or melanoma). Treatment decisions depend critically on this distinction. ## When should you see a doctor about lung cancer? Most of these symptoms have a less serious cause — but it is always worth getting them checked. See a GP if you notice a new or persistent change. If you feel very unwell, contact NHS 111 or seek urgent help. Take a note of how long the symptom has lasted and whether it is getting worse. You do not need every sign on a list to book an appointment. This guide is general information from World Aid Network, not a diagnosis and not UK NHS care. Only a clinician can assess you. - A cough that lasts three weeks or more, or a long-standing cough that gets worse - Coughing up blood - Feeling breathless for no clear reason - Chest or shoulder pain that does not go away - Losing weight without trying, or constant tiredness - Repeated chest infections ## Symptoms of lung cancer The NHS advises seeing your GP promptly if you notice: a cough lasting more than two to three weeks; a long-standing cough that gets worse; chest infections that keep recurring; coughing up blood; unexplained breathlessness; unexplained fatigue or weight loss; or pain in the chest or shoulder that does not go away. Early lung cancer frequently causes no symptoms — which is why it is so often diagnosed at an advanced stage. The NHS Targeted Lung Health Check is a low-dose CT scan offered to current and ex-smokers aged 55–74 as part of an expanding national programme. Anyone with symptoms lasting more than two to three weeks should see their GP without waiting. ## Causes and risk factors Smoking is responsible for approximately 70% of UK lung cancer cases. The risk increases with both the number of cigarettes smoked daily and the number of years of smoking — and remains elevated for ex-smokers for decades after stopping, though it does decrease progressively. People who have never smoked account for approximately 15% of lung cancer cases. Other significant risk factors include: exposure to radon gas (a naturally occurring radioactive gas that seeps from the ground, particularly in certain geological areas); occupational exposure to asbestos, silica, diesel exhaust or other carcinogens; air pollution; a personal or family history of lung cancer; and previous lung conditions such as COPD or pulmonary fibrosis. Passive smoking also carries a meaningful risk. ## Treatment options Treatment depends on the type, stage and location of the lung cancer and the patient's lung function and overall health. For early-stage NSCLC, surgical resection (lobectomy or, where appropriate, wedge resection) offers the best chance of cure. Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) is an alternative for patients not fit for surgery. For locally advanced NSCLC, concurrent chemoradiotherapy is the standard approach. Advanced NSCLC is now treated with increasing precision. EGFR mutation-positive tumours respond to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (osimertinib, erlotinib, gefitinib). ALK-rearranged tumours respond to ALK inhibitors (alectinib, crizotinib). Immunotherapy (pembrolizumab, nivolumab, atezolizumab) is effective for tumours with high PD-L1 expression. SCLC is typically treated with combination chemotherapy; it responds initially but frequently recurs. The NHS funds all appropriate treatments on the basis of clinical evidence. ## Lung cancer in the developing world Cancer Research UK reports that more than 15% survive lung cancer for five years or longer in its all-stage UK summary, based on historical registry data. This population estimate is not a prediction for an individual. Cancer type, stage, general health and response to treatment matter; use the linked source for the data periods and definitions. The World Health Organization projects that lung cancer incidence will continue to rise in low-income countries as smoking rates shift. A patient diagnosed with lung cancer in a poor rural setting may have no access to chemotherapy, immunotherapy or radiotherapy — let alone molecular testing to identify targetable mutations. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment — including lung cancer — for poor patients through locally-licensed oncologists and registered hospitals. A donation today helps fund the treatment that a patient in a low-income setting would otherwise be denied. ## What are the key takeaways? The most important points on lung cancer for patients, families and donors. - Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the UK — around 49,000 diagnoses and 35,000 deaths per year. - Approximately 70% of UK lung cancer cases are caused by smoking. Non-smokers also develop lung cancer, primarily due to radon, air pollution and occupational exposures. - Early lung cancer causes no symptoms. The NHS Targeted Lung Health Check (low-dose CT) is expanding for current and ex-smokers aged 55–74. - Modern treatments — immunotherapy and targeted therapies for NSCLC with specific mutations — are significantly improving survival for some patient groups. - In low-income countries, lung cancer survival is even lower than in the UK because CT imaging, surgery, chemotherapy and targeted therapies are largely unaffordable for poor patients. ## What will a donation for lung cancer treatment provide? A gift to World Aid Network's Cancer Emergency Appeal helps pay for diagnosis and treatment that a poor patient has been recommended but cannot afford. Costs vary by diagnosis, provider and treatment plan; no fixed gift guarantees a complete treatment. Trustees direct gifts to the most urgent cases. This is treatment access, not laboratory research and not UK NHS care. Clinicians in partner hospitals decide the medical plan. We fund the bill in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. The Cancer Emergency Appeal funds all types of cancer. Trustees direct gifts to the most urgent hospital bills in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. ## How can I donate to help people with lung cancer? Donate by card at worldaidnetwork.org/donate and choose the Cancer Emergency Appeal. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation with a CIO registration application in progress; Gift Aid is not currently available; HMRC recognition and donor eligibility are required. If you need UK support as a patient or relative, see a GP, NHS 111, Macmillan or the specialist UK charity for this cancer. We fund treatment overseas; we are not a UK helpline. ## How to get a lasting cough checked A cough that lasts three weeks or more, coughing up blood, or unexplained breathlessness should be assessed by a GP. Catching lung cancer early changes survival. - Time the cough: If a new cough lasts three weeks, or a smoker’s cough changes, book a GP appointment. - Mention blood, breathlessness or weight loss: Coughing up blood, getting breathless, chest pain or losing weight without trying should be checked promptly. - Ask about a chest X-ray: A GP can arrange an X-ray and, if needed, a CT scan or urgent suspected-cancer referral. - Stop smoking if you can: Stopping smoking lowers risk at any age and helps treatment if cancer is found. Ask your GP about stop-smoking support. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is lung cancer? Lung cancer is a malignant tumour that begins in the lung tissue. The two main types are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which accounts for about 85% of cases, and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), which accounts for 15%. Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in the UK, with around 49,000 diagnoses and 35,000 deaths per year. ### What are the symptoms of lung cancer? According to the NHS, symptoms to report to your GP include: a cough lasting more than two to three weeks; a worsening long-standing cough; recurring chest infections; coughing up blood; unexplained breathlessness; unexplained fatigue; unexplained weight loss; or persistent chest or shoulder pain. Early lung cancer often causes no symptoms at all. ### How common is lung cancer in the UK? Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK (after breast and prostate) but by far the most common cause of cancer death. Approximately 49,000 people are diagnosed each year, and around 35,000 die from it — more than from bowel, breast and prostate cancer combined. ### What causes lung cancer? Smoking is responsible for approximately 70% of lung cancer cases in the UK. Other causes include exposure to radon gas, asbestos, occupational carcinogens (silica, diesel exhaust), air pollution and, in a minority of cases, inherited genetic susceptibility. Approximately 15% of lung cancer cases occur in people who have never smoked, most commonly adenocarcinoma. ### Can you get lung cancer if you have never smoked? Yes. Around 15% of UK lung cancer cases occur in lifelong non-smokers. The most common type in non-smokers is adenocarcinoma. Risk factors for non-smokers include radon gas exposure, second-hand smoke, air pollution, occupational exposures and, in some cases, inherited genetic mutations (such as EGFR mutations). Non-smokers with lung cancer are more likely to have tumours with targetable mutations that respond to specific therapies. ### What are the types of lung cancer? The two main categories are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC, approximately 85% of cases) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC, approximately 15%). NSCLC includes adenocarcinoma (most common in non-smokers, women), squamous cell carcinoma (strongly associated with smoking) and large cell carcinoma. SCLC is almost exclusively seen in smokers, grows very rapidly and tends to respond initially to chemotherapy before frequently recurring. ### How is lung cancer diagnosed? Diagnosis involves a chest X-ray or CT scan to identify suspicious areas, followed by a biopsy to obtain tissue for pathological analysis. Biopsy may be obtained via bronchoscopy, CT-guided needle biopsy or, in some cases, surgery. Molecular testing of the tumour tissue is performed for NSCLC to detect EGFR mutations, ALK rearrangements and PD-L1 expression, which guide targeted treatment decisions. ### What are the stages of lung cancer? NSCLC is staged from I to IV. Stage I means a small tumour confined to the lung. Stage II means the tumour is larger or has spread to nearby lymph nodes. Stage III means the cancer has spread to lymph nodes in the centre of the chest. Stage IV means the cancer has spread to the other lung, the fluid around the lungs, or to distant organs. SCLC is classified as either limited stage (confined to one side of the chest) or extensive stage (spread beyond). Stage determines treatment and prognosis. ### What is the treatment for lung cancer? Treatment depends on cancer type, stage and the patient's overall health. Options for NSCLC include surgery (lobectomy), stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR), concurrent chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced disease, targeted therapies (osimertinib for EGFR+ tumours, alectinib for ALK-rearranged tumours) and immunotherapy (pembrolizumab, nivolumab). SCLC is treated primarily with chemotherapy (etoposide plus carboplatin or cisplatin) and prophylactic cranial irradiation. ### What is the survival rate for lung cancer? Cancer Research UK reports that more than 15% survive lung cancer for five years or longer in its all-stage UK summary, based on historical registry data. This population estimate is not a prediction for an individual. Cancer type, stage, general health and response to treatment matter; use the linked source for the data periods and definitions. ### What is immunotherapy for lung cancer? Immunotherapy for lung cancer uses drugs called checkpoint inhibitors — including pembrolizumab (Keytruda), nivolumab (Opdivo) and atezolizumab (Tecentriq) — to help the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells. These drugs work by blocking PD-1 or PD-L1 proteins that cancer cells use to evade immune attack. Immunotherapy is most effective in tumours with high PD-L1 expression and can produce long-lasting responses in a proportion of patients with advanced NSCLC. ### What is a Targeted Lung Health Check? Lung health checks are being introduced across England for eligible people aged 55 to 74 who currently smoke or have smoked. Availability depends on the local service. A clinical assessment determines whether a low-dose CT scan is appropriate. Do not wait for a screening invitation if you have symptoms. ### Is lung cancer screening available on the NHS? Lung health checks are being introduced across England for eligible people aged 55 to 74 who currently smoke or have smoked. Availability depends on the local service. A clinical assessment determines whether a low-dose CT scan is appropriate. Do not wait for a screening invitation if you have symptoms. ### How long does it take for lung cancer to develop from smoking? Lung cancer typically takes many years — often 20–30 years — to develop after the onset of smoking. This long latency period is why lung cancer risk remains elevated even decades after stopping smoking, although ex-smokers' risk does decrease progressively with time. The longer and heavier the smoking history, the greater the risk. Stopping smoking at any age reduces future lung cancer risk. ### What are the early warning signs of lung cancer? Early lung cancer frequently causes no warning signs — which is why it is so often diagnosed at an advanced stage. When early symptoms do occur, they are often subtle and attributed to other causes: a new or changing cough, shortness of breath during activity, unexplained fatigue, or a chest infection that takes longer than usual to clear. Any of these persisting for two to three weeks in a current or ex-smoker should prompt a GP visit. ### Can lung cancer spread to the brain? Yes. Brain metastases are a relatively common complication of lung cancer, particularly NSCLC and SCLC. When lung cancer spreads to the brain, symptoms may include persistent headaches, nausea, seizures, changes in personality or speech, or weakness on one side of the body. Brain metastases from lung cancer are treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (for limited metastases), whole-brain radiotherapy, and in some cases targeted therapy drugs that can cross the blood-brain barrier (such as osimertinib for EGFR+ disease). ### What is radon gas and how does it cause lung cancer? Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by the decay of uranium in rocks and soil. It seeps into buildings through floors and walls and can accumulate to harmful levels indoors. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the UK, responsible for approximately 1,100 deaths per year. Risk is highest in parts of Cornwall, Devon, Derbyshire, Northamptonshire and Lincolnshire. The UK Health Security Agency provides radon mapping and home testing guidance. ### What is mesothelioma and is it the same as lung cancer? Mesothelioma is not the same as lung cancer. It is a cancer of the mesothelium — the lining of the lungs (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum) or heart — almost always caused by asbestos exposure. It develops in the lining around the lungs, not within the lung tissue itself, and is treated differently from primary lung cancer. Around 2,600 cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the UK each year. There is no cure; treatment aims to relieve symptoms and extend life. ### Does stopping smoking reduce lung cancer risk? Yes. Stopping smoking at any age reduces future lung cancer risk, though risk does not return to that of a never-smoker. After 10 years of not smoking, a former smoker's risk of developing lung cancer falls to approximately half that of a continuing smoker. After 15–20 years, risk approaches (though never fully reaches) that of a lifelong non-smoker. The NHS Stop Smoking Service is available free of charge and significantly increases quit rates. ### How does lung cancer affect people in developing countries? Lung cancer is a major and growing cause of death in low- and middle-income countries, driven by rising smoking rates and air pollution. Survival rates are lower than in the UK because diagnostic CT scanning, surgical facilities and oncology services are scarce, and chemotherapy and targeted therapies are unaffordable for most poor patients. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for poor patients through locally-licensed oncologists, helping to address this inequality. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for poor patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia through locally licensed oncologists. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lung-cancer or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — lung cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lung-cancer/ - NHS — Tests and screening: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/lung-cancer-screening/ - Cancer Research UK — Lung cancer survival, data periods and definitions: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/lung-cancer/survival - NHS — Cancer information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer/ - Cancer Research UK — Cancer types: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # NHS Targeted Lung Health Check and lung cancer screening > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lung-cancer/screening > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short There is no universal NHS lung screening programme yet. Targeted Lung Health Checks offer a free low-dose CT scan to current and former smokers aged 55 to 74 in expanding areas of England. The scan takes about ten minutes and can find lung cancer before symptoms start. If you have symptoms, see a GP rather than waiting for an invite. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. Low-dose CT screening reduces lung cancer deaths by finding tumours when surgery or stereotactic radiotherapy can still cure some people. The UK is rolling this out as a targeted programme, not a letter to every adult. Eligibility is based on age and smoking history because that is where the evidence of benefit is strongest. ## Who can have a Targeted Lung Health Check? The NHS offers the check to current and former smokers aged 55 to 74 in participating areas of England. Similar targeted schemes exist or are developing in other UK nations. Your GP or local NHS service can tell you if it is running near you. The scan does not replace seeing a GP about symptoms. A three-week cough still needs checking even if you recently had a normal scan. ## What does a low-dose CT scan show? A low-dose CT scan of the chest takes around ten minutes and does not usually need preparation. It can show small nodules that a chest X-ray can miss. Most nodules are not cancer; some are watched with a repeat scan. If a nodule looks suspicious, you are referred for further tests such as a PET-CT, biopsy or specialist review. Molecular tests on a biopsy can then show whether targeted drugs or immunotherapy might help. ## Does stopping smoking still help after a scan? Yes. Stopping smoking at any age lowers future lung cancer risk, even though risk does not return fully to that of a never-smoker. After about ten years without smoking, risk is around half that of someone who still smokes. The NHS Stop Smoking Service is free. A lung health check may also flag heart and circulation risk. ## Key takeaways - Targeted Lung Health Checks are low-dose CT scans for current and ex-smokers aged 55–74 in expanding NHS areas. - There is not yet a letter to every adult in the UK — ask locally if you are eligible. - Symptoms still need a GP visit even if you are waiting for, or recently had, a scan. - Stopping smoking lowers risk at any age. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lung-cancer - Symptoms & cough: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lung-cancer/symptoms - Lung health check: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lung-cancer/screening - Treatment options: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lung-cancer/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Is lung cancer screening on the NHS? Not as a universal programme. Targeted Lung Health Checks (low-dose CT) are being rolled out for current and ex-smokers aged 55–74. Coverage is expanding. ### Does a normal chest X-ray rule out lung cancer? No. A chest X-ray can miss small tumours. Persistent symptoms after a normal X-ray should be reviewed again, often with a CT scan. ### I have never smoked — can I still be scanned? Routine targeted checks are aimed at people with a smoking history, where the evidence of benefit is strongest. Never-smokers with symptoms should still see a GP. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — lung cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lung-cancer/ - NHS — Tests and screening: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/lung-cancer-screening/ - Cancer Research UK — Lung cancer survival, data periods and definitions: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/lung-cancer/survival --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Lung cancer symptoms: the three-week cough and when to see a GP > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lung-cancer/symptoms > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short A cough that lasts three weeks, a smoker’s cough that changes, coughing up blood, or unexplained breathlessness should be checked by a GP. Early lung cancer often has no symptoms, which is why it is found late. Recurring chest infections, chest or shoulder pain, and weight loss without trying also need assessment. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the UK, with around 48,000 to 49,000 diagnoses and about 35,000 deaths a year. The main reason survival stays lower than breast or prostate cancer is timing: many people are diagnosed after the cancer has already spread. That is why a new or changing cough is taken seriously. Most three-week coughs are not cancer. Checking them is still how treatable disease is found. ## Which lung cancer symptoms should you report? The NHS advises seeing a GP if you have a cough lasting more than two to three weeks, a long-standing cough that gets worse, chest infections that keep coming back, coughing up blood, unexplained breathlessness, unexplained tiredness or weight loss, or pain in the chest or shoulder that does not go away. You do not need every symptom on the list. One persistent change is enough to book an appointment. - A new cough lasting three weeks, or a smoker’s cough that changes - Coughing up blood — even a small amount, even once - Breathlessness without a clear chest infection - Chest or shoulder pain that does not settle - Weight loss, tiredness, or repeated chest infections ## Why does early lung cancer often have no symptoms? The lungs have few pain nerves in the deeper tissue. A small tumour can grow for some time before it affects breathing or causes a cough. That is why screening programmes use scans, not symptom lists, to find early disease. If you are a current or former smoker aged 55 to 74, ask whether an NHS Targeted Lung Health Check (a low-dose CT scan) is available in your area. Do not wait for a scan if you already have symptoms. ## Can never-smokers get lung cancer symptoms? Yes. Around 15% of UK lung cancers occur in people who have never smoked, most often adenocarcinoma. Radon gas, air pollution, second-hand smoke and some workplace exposures also raise risk. A lasting cough or unexplained breathlessness should be checked whether you smoke or not. ## Key takeaways - A cough lasting three weeks, coughing up blood, or unexplained breathlessness should be checked by a GP. - Early lung cancer often causes no symptoms — that is why it is frequently found late. - Around 15% of UK cases occur in never-smokers. - Current and ex-smokers aged 55–74 may be offered a Targeted Lung Health Check. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lung-cancer - Symptoms & cough: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lung-cancer/symptoms - Lung health check: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lung-cancer/screening - Treatment options: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lung-cancer/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### How long should a cough last before I see a GP? See a GP if a new cough lasts three weeks, or if a long-standing cough changes. Coughing up blood should be checked without waiting three weeks. ### Is a smoker’s cough always lung cancer? No. Many smokers have a cough from irritation or COPD. A change in that cough, coughing up blood, or breathlessness still needs a GP assessment. ### What will the GP do first? A GP can examine you, ask about smoking and symptoms, and arrange a chest X-ray. If needed they will refer you on an urgent suspected-cancer pathway for a CT scan or specialist review. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — lung cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lung-cancer/ - NHS — Tests and screening: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/lung-cancer-screening/ - Cancer Research UK — Lung cancer survival, data periods and definitions: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/lung-cancer/survival --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Lung cancer treatment: surgery, immunotherapy and targeted drugs > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lung-cancer/treatment > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Non-small cell lung cancer is about 85% of cases. Early disease may be treated with surgery or stereotactic radiotherapy. Later disease may need chemoradiotherapy, immunotherapy, or tablets aimed at EGFR or ALK gene changes. Small cell lung cancer is usually treated with chemotherapy. The NHS funds clinically indicated options; World Aid Network funds treatment overseas for patients who cannot pay. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. Treatment is planned by a specialist team after scans and, usually, a biopsy. The biopsy is not only to confirm cancer — for non-small cell disease it is tested for gene changes and PD-L1, which decide whether targeted tablets or immunotherapy are likely to help. In the UK these tests and drugs are part of NHS pathways. In many low-income settings the same cancer is found later and the drugs are unaffordable. That access gap is what World Aid Network funds through partner oncologists. ## What treatment is used for early lung cancer? For early non-small cell lung cancer, removing a lobe of the lung (lobectomy) offers the best chance of cure for people fit enough for surgery. Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) is an alternative when surgery is not possible. Locally advanced disease that cannot be operated on is often treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy together. ## What are immunotherapy and targeted therapy? Immunotherapy drugs such as pembrolizumab, nivolumab and atezolizumab help the immune system attack the cancer. They work best when the tumour has high PD-L1 expression. If the tumour has an EGFR mutation, tablets such as osimertinib may be used. ALK-rearranged tumours may be treated with alectinib or similar drugs. Small cell lung cancer is typically treated with combination chemotherapy and often responds at first, but it can recur. ## What is the survival rate for lung cancer? Cancer Research UK reports that more than 15% survive lung cancer for five years or longer in its all-stage UK summary, based on historical registry data. This population estimate is not a prediction for an individual. Cancer type, stage, general health and response to treatment matter; use the linked source for the data periods and definitions. These are UK statistics. They are not World Aid Network caseloads. ## Key takeaways - NSCLC is about 85% of lung cancers; SCLC is about 15% and is almost always linked to smoking. - Early NSCLC may be treated with surgery or SABR; advanced disease may need immunotherapy or targeted tablets. - A biopsy is tested for EGFR, ALK and PD-L1 to choose drugs. - World Aid Network funds treatment access overseas — not UK NHS care and not research labs. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lung-cancer - Symptoms & cough: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lung-cancer/symptoms - Lung health check: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lung-cancer/screening - Treatment options: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lung-cancer/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Is immunotherapy available on the NHS? Yes, for eligible patients according to NICE and NHS criteria, usually after PD-L1 testing. Exact eligibility depends on type, stage and previous treatment. ### Does lung cancer treatment always mean chemotherapy? No. Early disease may be treated with surgery or SABR alone. Some tumours are treated with targeted tablets or immunotherapy instead of, or as well as, chemotherapy. ### Does World Aid Network treat lung cancer in the UK? No. We do not run NHS clinics. We fund lung cancer treatment for poor patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia where partner hospitals can deliver it. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — lung cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lung-cancer/ - NHS — Tests and screening: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/lung-cancer-screening/ - Cancer Research UK — Lung cancer survival, data periods and definitions: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/lung-cancer/survival --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Lymphoma: symptoms, treatment and survival > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lymphoma > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Lymphoma is a cancer that starts in the lymphatic system — the network of glands and vessels that helps fight infection. The most common first sign is a painless swelling in the neck, armpit or groin. There are two broad groups: Hodgkin lymphoma (less common) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (more common). Many lymphomas respond very well to treatment, and some slow-growing types may only need monitoring at first. A swelling that lasts more than a few weeks should always be checked. Cancer of the lymphatic system — the body's drainage and immune network. World Aid Network funds treatment for patients who cannot pay. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. ## Appointment checklist - Which type of lymphoma is it, and what does that mean for treatment? - Why is treatment or active monitoring being recommended for me? - What could explain my symptoms, and which tests would help? - What are the benefits and possible harms of each test or treatment? - When should I expect results, and who should I contact if they do not arrive? - Which changes mean I should seek help sooner? - If cancer is diagnosed, what are my treatment options and likely side effects? - Can I bring someone with me, request an interpreter or get written information? ## At a glance - ~14,000+: UK cases each year - Hodgkin · non-Hodgkin: Two groups - ~85%: Survival (Hodgkin) - Painless swollen gland: Most common sign ## What is lymphoma? Lymphoma is a cancer that starts in the lymphatic system — the network of glands and vessels that helps fight infection. The most common first sign is a painless swelling in the neck, armpit or groin. There are two broad groups: Hodgkin lymphoma (less common) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (more common). Many lymphomas respond very well to treatment, and some slow-growing types may only need monitoring at first. A swelling that lasts more than a few weeks should always be checked. Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system — the network of vessels, lymph nodes and organs that forms part of the immune system. Around 14,000 people are diagnosed with lymphoma in the UK every year. It is the sixth most common cancer overall. Lymphoma encompasses more than 60 distinct subtypes, broadly divided into two main categories: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), which accounts for approximately 2,200 diagnoses per year and is characterised by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells; and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), which accounts for approximately 12,000 diagnoses per year and covers a diverse range of cancers of B and T lymphocytes. This guide answers the twenty most commonly searched questions about lymphoma in the UK, drawing on NHS and WHO sources, and examines the significant inequality in lymphoma treatment access between the UK and low-income countries. Lymphoma is a cancer that begins in lymphocytes — white blood cells that are part of the immune system. Lymphocytes travel through the lymphatic system and are found in the lymph nodes (glands), spleen, thymus, bone marrow and blood. When lymphocytes become malignant, they multiply uncontrollably and accumulate in lymph nodes and other lymphoid tissue, causing the characteristic swollen glands of lymphoma. The distinction between Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma is based on the specific type of abnormal cell: Hodgkin lymphoma is defined by the presence of a distinctive large cell called the Reed-Sternberg cell. All other lymphomas are classified as non-Hodgkin. NHL itself encompasses over 60 subtypes, the most common of which are diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma and marginal zone lymphoma. ## When should you see a doctor about lymphoma? Most of these symptoms have a less serious cause — but it is always worth getting them checked. See a GP if you notice a new or persistent change. If you feel very unwell, contact NHS 111 or seek urgent help. Take a note of how long the symptom has lasted and whether it is getting worse. You do not need every sign on a list to book an appointment. This guide is general information from World Aid Network, not a diagnosis and not UK NHS care. Only a clinician can assess you. - A painless swelling in the neck, armpit or groin that lasts more than a few weeks - Heavy, drenching night sweats - Unexplained weight loss - Persistent itching across the body - Fevers that come and go, or feeling constantly tired ## Symptoms of lymphoma The most common presenting symptom of lymphoma is a painless swelling of one or more lymph nodes — most often in the neck, armpits or groin. In Hodgkin lymphoma, enlarged lymph nodes may become painful after drinking alcohol — an unusual but classic feature. The NHS advises seeing your GP if you notice: persistent enlarged lymph nodes lasting more than six weeks; unexplained fatigue; unexplained weight loss; night sweats; itching; breathlessness; or unexplained fever. The combination of drenching night sweats, unexplained weight loss of more than 10% of body weight in six months, and fever above 38°C are known as 'B symptoms' and are an important staging feature that influences treatment planning in both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. ## Diagnosis and staging Lymphoma is diagnosed through an excision or core needle biopsy of an enlarged lymph node — not from imaging alone. The biopsy material is examined by a pathologist and undergoes immunohistochemistry and molecular testing to determine the exact lymphoma subtype. A PET-CT scan (or CT scan) is used for staging — assessing the extent of disease in the lymph nodes and other organs. Bone marrow biopsy is performed for some subtypes to assess bone marrow involvement. Lymphoma is staged from Stage I to Stage IV based on how many lymph node regions are involved and whether disease is above or below the diaphragm, on one or both sides of the body, or has spread to other organs. The Ann Arbor staging system is most widely used. B symptoms, as well as blood tests (LDH, beta-2 microglobulin, full blood count), contribute to prognostic scoring. ## Treatment options Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the most curable cancers. The standard first-line treatment for classical HL is the ABVD chemotherapy regimen (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine) with or without radiotherapy. For relapsed or refractory HL, brentuximab vedotin and pembrolizumab are newer targeted and immunotherapy options, with autologous stem cell transplant for eligible patients. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma treatment depends entirely on the specific subtype. For aggressive subtypes such as DLBCL, R-CHOP chemoimmunotherapy (rituximab with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisolone) is the standard first-line treatment — curing approximately 60–65% of patients. For indolent subtypes such as follicular lymphoma, a watch-and-wait approach may be appropriate initially; treatment with rituximab ± chemotherapy is used when the disease requires intervention. CAR-T cell therapy is available for relapsed/refractory DLBCL and large B-cell lymphomas. ## Lymphoma in the developing world In the UK, Hodgkin lymphoma has a five-year survival rate exceeding 85% and is curable in the majority of patients. In low- and middle-income countries, HL cure rates are considerably lower — not because HL is biologically different, but because multi-drug chemotherapy requires sustained drug supply, hospital infrastructure, infection management and specialist haematology expertise that are frequently unavailable in poor-country settings. Burkitt lymphoma — an aggressive NHL subtype caused by EBV and malaria co-infection — is the most common childhood cancer in sub-Saharan Africa and is closely linked to poverty and malaria exposure. While Burkitt lymphoma is curable with chemotherapy, treatment infrastructure in endemic regions is severely limited. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment — including lymphoma — for poor patients through locally-licensed oncologists. Your donation helps ensure patients who cannot afford care receive it. ## What are the key takeaways? The most important points on lymphoma for patients, families and donors. - Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system affecting around 14,000 people in the UK per year. There are two main categories: Hodgkin lymphoma (approximately 2,200/yr) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (approximately 12,000/yr). - The most common presenting symptom is a painless swollen lymph node — in the neck, armpit or groin — lasting more than six weeks. Report this to your GP. - Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the most curable cancers — five-year survival exceeds 85%. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma survival varies widely by subtype, from approximately 85% for follicular lymphoma to around 60–65% for DLBCL. - Modern treatments include R-CHOP chemoimmunotherapy for aggressive NHL and ABVD chemotherapy for HL — both available on the NHS — along with CAR-T cell therapy for relapsed/refractory disease. - In low-income countries, lymphoma cure rates are significantly lower because sustained chemotherapy, specialist haematology and supportive care are largely inaccessible to poor patients. ## What will a donation for lymphoma treatment provide? A gift to World Aid Network's Cancer Emergency Appeal helps pay for diagnosis and treatment that a poor patient has been recommended but cannot afford. Costs vary by diagnosis, provider and treatment plan; no fixed gift guarantees a complete treatment. Trustees direct gifts to the most urgent cases. This is treatment access, not laboratory research and not UK NHS care. Clinicians in partner hospitals decide the medical plan. We fund the bill in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. The Cancer Emergency Appeal funds all types of cancer. Trustees direct gifts to the most urgent hospital bills in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. ## How can I donate to help people with lymphoma? Donate by card at worldaidnetwork.org/donate and choose the Cancer Emergency Appeal. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation with a CIO registration application in progress; Gift Aid is not currently available; HMRC recognition and donor eligibility are required. If you need UK support as a patient or relative, see a GP, NHS 111, Macmillan or the specialist UK charity for this cancer. We fund treatment overseas; we are not a UK helpline. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is lymphoma? Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphocytes — white blood cells of the immune system — causing them to multiply uncontrollably and accumulate in lymph nodes and other lymphoid tissue. It is broadly divided into Hodgkin lymphoma (defined by Reed-Sternberg cells) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (over 60 subtypes). Around 14,000 people are diagnosed with lymphoma in the UK each year. ### What are the symptoms of lymphoma? According to the NHS, symptoms include: persistent painless swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin lasting over six weeks; unexplained fatigue; drenching night sweats; unexplained weight loss; fever; itching; breathlessness; or a feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen (enlarged spleen). In Hodgkin lymphoma, alcohol-induced pain in enlarged lymph nodes is a characteristic though uncommon feature. ### What is the difference between Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma? Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is defined by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells — distinctive abnormal B lymphocytes — and is most common in young adults and older people over 75. It has a predictable pattern of spread and is highly curable. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) encompasses over 60 subtypes of B and T lymphocyte cancers, with widely varying behaviours from indolent (slow-growing, often incurable but manageable) to highly aggressive. NHL is more common overall, with approximately 12,000 UK diagnoses per year versus 2,200 for HL. ### How common is lymphoma in the UK? Around 14,200 people are diagnosed with lymphoma in the UK every year — approximately 2,200 with Hodgkin lymphoma and 12,000 with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. NHL is the sixth most common cancer overall. Lymphoma is the most common cancer in young adults aged 15–34 (HL specifically). Incidence has been rising over recent decades. ### What causes lymphoma? The exact cause of most lymphomas is unknown, but several risk factors are established. These include: immunosuppression (HIV, organ transplantation, long-term immunosuppressive medication); autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or Sjögren's syndrome; infections — Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is strongly linked to HL and Burkitt lymphoma, H. pylori to MALT lymphoma, hepatitis C to some NHL subtypes; previous chemotherapy or radiotherapy; and family history of lymphoma. ### Who is at risk of lymphoma? Risk factors include: immunosuppression; HIV infection; previous organ transplantation; autoimmune diseases; EBV infection; obesity; older age (NHL); being a young adult (HL); and a family history of lymphoma. People who have previously received chemotherapy or radiotherapy for another cancer have an elevated risk of secondary lymphoma. Most lymphoma patients have no identifiable risk factor. ### How is lymphoma diagnosed? Diagnosis requires a biopsy — excision or core needle biopsy of an enlarged lymph node — examined by a pathologist with immunohistochemistry and molecular testing to identify the exact subtype. Blood tests, full blood count, LDH and beta-2 microglobulin provide prognostic information. Staging CT or PET-CT scan assesses the extent of disease. Bone marrow biopsy is performed for specific subtypes to assess marrow involvement. ### What is a lymph node biopsy? A lymph node biopsy is the definitive diagnostic procedure for lymphoma. An enlarged lymph node is removed whole (excision biopsy) or sampled using a thick needle (core needle biopsy) under local or general anaesthetic. The tissue is sent to a haematopathologist who determines whether lymphoma is present, identifies the subtype, and performs molecular tests (FISH, PCR) to identify specific gene mutations or translocations. A biopsy is essential — lymphoma cannot be diagnosed reliably from imaging alone. ### What are the stages of lymphoma? Lymphoma is staged I–IV using the Ann Arbor system. Stage I: involvement of a single lymph node region or single extralymphatic site. Stage II: involvement of two or more lymph node regions on the same side of the diaphragm. Stage III: lymph node regions on both sides of the diaphragm. Stage IV: involvement of one or more extralymphatic organs (bone marrow, liver, lungs). B symptoms (fever, night sweats, weight loss) add the suffix 'B' to the stage and indicate a worse prognosis. ### What is the treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma? The standard first-line treatment for classical Hodgkin lymphoma is ABVD chemotherapy (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine) — given as intravenous infusions every two weeks. Radiotherapy is added for early-stage disease with bulky disease or inadequate chemotherapy response. For relapsed or refractory HL, brentuximab vedotin, pembrolizumab and high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplant are used. Five-year survival for all HL stages combined exceeds 85%. ### What is the treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma? Treatment depends on the specific NHL subtype. Aggressive subtypes (e.g. DLBCL): R-CHOP chemoimmunotherapy (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisolone) every 3 weeks for 6 cycles, achieving cure in approximately 60–65% of patients. Relapsed/refractory DLBCL: CAR-T cell therapy (axicabtagene ciloleucel, tisagenlecleucel) available on the NHS. Indolent subtypes (e.g. follicular lymphoma): watch and wait for asymptomatic disease; rituximab ± chemotherapy when treatment is needed. CLL-type treatments are used for small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). ### What is the survival rate for lymphoma? Survival varies significantly by type. Hodgkin lymphoma: approximately 87% five-year survival for all stages. Follicular NHL: approximately 85% ten-year survival (though rarely curative, it is manageable for many years). DLBCL: approximately 60–65% five-year survival. Mantle cell lymphoma: approximately 50–60% five-year survival. Burkitt lymphoma: approximately 50–70% in adults with intensive chemotherapy. Overall five-year survival for lymphoma in England is approximately 73%. ### Is lymphoma curable? Hodgkin lymphoma is curable in the majority of patients — five-year survival exceeds 85%. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) — the most common aggressive NHL — is cured in approximately 60–65% of patients with R-CHOP chemotherapy. Follicular lymphoma and other indolent NHLs are generally considered incurable with standard therapy, but patients often live for decades with a good quality of life. CAR-T cell therapy has produced complete and potentially curative responses in some patients with relapsed/refractory DLBCL. ### What is DLBCL? Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common NHL subtype, accounting for approximately 30–35% of all NHL diagnoses in the UK. It is an aggressive lymphoma that requires prompt treatment but is potentially curable. Standard treatment is R-CHOP chemoimmunotherapy (6 cycles). Approximately 60–65% of patients achieve long-term remission. For relapsed/refractory disease, CAR-T cell therapy (axicabtagene ciloleucel) is available on the NHS for eligible patients. ### What is follicular lymphoma? Follicular lymphoma is the most common indolent (slow-growing) NHL, accounting for approximately 20–25% of all NHL diagnoses. It arises from follicular B cells and is characterised by a pattern of remission and relapse over many years. Most patients are not cured with standard therapy, but the natural history is prolonged — median survival exceeds 15 years. Early-stage asymptomatic follicular lymphoma is typically managed with watch and wait; treatment with rituximab ± chemotherapy is started when symptoms or significant disease progression occur. ### Can lymphoma come back after treatment? Yes. Relapse risk depends on the lymphoma subtype and response to initial treatment. Aggressive lymphomas such as DLBCL that relapse after R-CHOP are treated with salvage chemotherapy and, in eligible patients, high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplant or CAR-T cell therapy. Indolent lymphomas such as follicular lymphoma characteristically relapse over many years, with each relapse treated with different chemoimmunotherapy regimens. Prolonged follow-up is maintained for all lymphoma patients. ### Is lymphoma hereditary? Most lymphomas are not directly inherited. However, a family history of lymphoma does moderately increase risk, and certain inherited immune deficiencies increase susceptibility. Specific inherited gene mutations are not routinely tested for in lymphoma (unlike breast or ovarian cancer). Having a first-degree relative with lymphoma roughly doubles the risk, though absolute risk remains low. Genetic counselling referral is appropriate for families with multiple affected members. ### What is the difference between lymphoma and leukaemia? Both lymphoma and leukaemia are cancers of white blood cells. Leukaemia primarily affects the blood and bone marrow, with large numbers of abnormal cells circulating in the bloodstream. Lymphoma primarily affects the lymph nodes and lymphoid tissue, causing solid tumour masses of abnormal lymphocytes. The distinction is not always absolute — some lymphomas (such as CLL/SLL) have leukaemic phases and some leukaemias (such as T-cell ALL) can present with lymph node involvement. ### Does lymphoma affect children? Yes. Hodgkin lymphoma is the most common cancer in teenagers and young adults (15–24 years) in the UK. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in children most commonly presents as Burkitt lymphoma (highly aggressive but often curable) or lymphoblastic lymphoma. Childhood lymphoma is treated at specialist paediatric oncology centres. Five-year survival for childhood HL is approximately 95%; for childhood NHL it is approximately 80–90% with modern treatment. ### How does lymphoma affect people in developing countries? In low- and middle-income countries, lymphoma outcomes are substantially worse than in the UK. R-CHOP for DLBCL, ABVD for Hodgkin lymphoma, rituximab and CAR-T cell therapy are either unavailable or unaffordable for poor patients. Burkitt lymphoma — linked to EBV and malaria co-infection — is the most common childhood cancer in sub-Saharan Africa, where treatment infrastructure is severely constrained. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment through locally-licensed oncologists, helping to close this treatment gap. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for poor patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia through locally licensed oncologists. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lymphoma or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — non hodgkin lymphoma: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/non-hodgkin-lymphoma/ - NHS — Hodgkin lymphoma: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hodgkin-lymphoma/ - NHS — Cancer information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer/ - Cancer Research UK — Cancer types: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Lymphoma symptoms: a painless swollen gland that lasts > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lymphoma/symptoms > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, with more than 14,000 UK diagnoses a year. The most common first sign is a painless swelling in the neck, armpit or groin that lasts more than a few weeks. Heavy night sweats, unexplained weight loss, itching or fevers that come and go should also be checked. Hodgkin lymphoma is less common and often highly treatable. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. There are two broad groups: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Many respond well to treatment. Some slow-growing types are monitored at first. ## Which swellings should you get checked? A lump that is painless, growing, or lasts more than a few weeks should be seen by a GP. Glands that come up with a sore throat and go down again are usually infection. - Painless swelling in the neck, armpit or groin lasting weeks - Drenching night sweats - Weight loss without trying - Itching all over, or fevers that come and go ## What are B symptoms? Doctors call fevers, night sweats and weight loss ‘B symptoms’. They help stage lymphoma and can change treatment. Mention them even if the lump seems small. ## Is Hodgkin lymphoma different? Hodgkin lymphoma is less common and often diagnosed in younger adults as well as older people. UK five-year survival is around 85%. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a mixed group with a wider spread of outlooks. ## Key takeaways - A painless gland lasting more than a few weeks should be checked. - Night sweats, weight loss and fevers are important to mention. - Hodgkin lymphoma is often highly treatable in the UK. - Most swollen glands are not lymphoma. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lymphoma - Symptoms: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lymphoma/symptoms - Hodgkin & NHL: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lymphoma/types - Treatment options: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lymphoma/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Does a painful gland mean it is not cancer? Painful glands are often infection. Painless, persistent swellings still need a check. Pain does not completely rule cancer out. ### Can lymphoma cause itching? Yes, some people have widespread itching without a rash. It has many other causes too. ### How is lymphoma diagnosed? Usually with a biopsy of the gland, blood tests and scans such as CT or PET-CT to stage the disease. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — non hodgkin lymphoma: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/non-hodgkin-lymphoma/ - NHS — Hodgkin lymphoma: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hodgkin-lymphoma/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Lymphoma treatment: chemotherapy, radiotherapy and watch and wait > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lymphoma/treatment > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Hodgkin lymphoma is often treated with combination chemotherapy, sometimes followed by radiotherapy. Aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma is treated promptly, often with antibody drugs such as rituximab plus chemotherapy. Slow types may be watched. Some people have a stem-cell transplant if lymphoma comes back. World Aid Network funds treatment access overseas, not UK wards. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. Antibody drugs and PET-guided treatment have improved UK outcomes. Those same drugs are unaffordable for many families in our Object countries. ## What is R-CHOP? R-CHOP is a common combination for some aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas: rituximab plus chemotherapy. Hodgkin regimens use different drug mixes. The letters on a consent form should match the subtype on the biopsy. ## When is radiotherapy used? Radiotherapy can treat remaining sites after chemotherapy or, in some localised Hodgkin lymphoma, form part of first treatment. It is planned to spare as much healthy tissue as possible. ## How can a donation help? A gift to the Cancer Emergency Appeal helps pay for tests or drug cycles a partner hospital has recommended. The appeal funds all types of cancer, including lymphoma. We do not run research labs. ## Key takeaways - Treatment follows the subtype, not the word lymphoma alone. - Some people are monitored rather than treated immediately. - Rituximab and similar antibodies are standard in many UK NHL pathways. - WAN funds overseas bills, not NHS care. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lymphoma - Symptoms: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lymphoma/symptoms - Hodgkin & NHL: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lymphoma/types - Treatment options: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lymphoma/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Will I lose my hair? Many combination regimens cause hair loss. Some slower-type treatments do not. Ask about the specific protocol. ### Can lymphoma come back? Yes. Relapsed disease may still be treatable, sometimes with different drugs or a transplant. ### Do you fund rituximab overseas? Only if a licensed partner oncologist has recommended it and the hospital can give it. We fund the bill, not a drug menu. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — non hodgkin lymphoma: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/non-hodgkin-lymphoma/ - NHS — Hodgkin lymphoma: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hodgkin-lymphoma/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma: what the names mean > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lymphoma/types > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Hodgkin lymphoma contains Reed-Sternberg cells and is often treated with combination chemotherapy, sometimes with radiotherapy, with UK five-year survival around 85%. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma covers many subtypes, from slow follicular lymphoma that may be watched to aggressive large-cell lymphomas that need treatment quickly. The biopsy report is what decides the plan. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. Do not treat ‘lymphoma’ as one disease. Ask the team for the subtype name. ## How is the type confirmed? A surgical or core biopsy of a gland is examined under the microscope and with special stains. Blood tests and PET-CT then show how far it has spread. Some people also have a bone-marrow test. ## What does watch and wait mean? Some slow-growing non-Hodgkin lymphomas cause few problems at first. Monitoring with clinics and scans avoids treatment side effects until they are needed. It is not being ignored. ## Can lymphoma be cured? Many Hodgkin lymphomas and some aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphomas are treated with curative intent. Slow types may be controlled over years. UK statistics are not a promise for any one person. ## Key takeaways - Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin are different diseases. - A biopsy confirms the subtype. - Some slow lymphomas are monitored first. - Hodgkin lymphoma often has high UK survival. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lymphoma - Symptoms: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lymphoma/symptoms - Hodgkin & NHL: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lymphoma/types - Treatment options: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lymphoma/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Is lymphoma a blood cancer? It is a cancer of lymphocytes, which are white blood cells, starting in glands and lymphatic tissue. It is grouped with blood cancers. ### Does lymphoma always need chemotherapy? No. Some slow types are watched. Some localised Hodgkin lymphoma is treated with a short course of chemo plus radiotherapy. ### Does WAN treat lymphoma in the UK? No. NHS haematology treats UK patients. We fund poor patients overseas where partners can deliver care. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — non hodgkin lymphoma: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/non-hodgkin-lymphoma/ - NHS — Hodgkin lymphoma: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hodgkin-lymphoma/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Melanoma: symptoms, treatment and survival > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/melanoma > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. It develops from the cells that give skin its colour, and it can spread to other parts of the body if not caught early. The good news is that melanoma is often visible on the skin, so you can spot it. The ABCDE rule helps: be alert to a mole that is Asymmetrical, has an uneven Border, more than one Colour, a Diameter larger than 6mm, or is Evolving (changing). When found early, more than 9 in 10 people survive — so check your skin and act on any change. The most serious skin cancer — and the ABCDE rule helps you spot it. World Aid Network funds treatment for patients who cannot pay. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. ## Appointment checklist - What do thickness and stage mean for this melanoma? - What skin checks and follow-up would you recommend? - What could explain my symptoms, and which tests would help? - What are the benefits and possible harms of each test or treatment? - When should I expect results, and who should I contact if they do not arrive? - Which changes mean I should seek help sooner? - If cancer is diagnosed, what are my treatment options and likely side effects? - Can I bring someone with me, request an interpreter or get written information? ## At a glance - ~2,300: UK deaths each year - ~4%: Share of skin cancers - Over 90% (Stage 1): Survival when caught early - The ABCDE rule: Spot it with ## What is melanoma? Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. It develops from the cells that give skin its colour, and it can spread to other parts of the body if not caught early. The good news is that melanoma is often visible on the skin, so you can spot it. The ABCDE rule helps: be alert to a mole that is Asymmetrical, has an uneven Border, more than one Colour, a Diameter larger than 6mm, or is Evolving (changing). When found early, more than 9 in 10 people survive — so check your skin and act on any change. Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Around 16,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma in the UK each year, and it accounts for approximately 2,300 deaths annually. While it represents only about 4% of skin cancer diagnoses, it causes around 80% of skin cancer deaths. Melanoma develops from melanocytes — the pigment-producing cells in the skin. Unlike basal cell carcinoma, melanoma can spread rapidly to lymph nodes and distant organs, making early detection critically important. The five-year survival rate for Stage I melanoma exceeds 95%; for Stage IV it is approximately 25%. This guide answers the twenty most commonly searched questions about melanoma in the UK, drawing on NHS and WHO sources, and examines the stark inequality in melanoma treatment between the UK and low-income countries. Melanoma is a malignant tumour of melanocytes — the cells responsible for producing the pigment melanin that gives skin its colour. It most commonly develops in the skin, though it can also arise in the eye (uveal melanoma), the mucous membranes (mucosal melanoma) and very rarely in other sites. The main types of cutaneous (skin) melanoma are: superficial spreading melanoma (the most common, approximately 70%); nodular melanoma (fast-growing and most dangerous); lentigo maligna melanoma (most common in older people on chronically sun-damaged skin); and acral lentiginous melanoma (on the palms, soles or under nails — more common in people with darker skin). Melanoma's ability to metastasise early and aggressively distinguishes it from non-melanoma skin cancers. Melanoma cells can invade blood vessels and lymphatic channels and spread to lymph nodes, lungs, brain, liver and bone. ## When should you see a doctor about melanoma? Most of these symptoms have a less serious cause — but it is always worth getting them checked. See a GP if you notice a new or persistent change. If you feel very unwell, contact NHS 111 or seek urgent help. Take a note of how long the symptom has lasted and whether it is getting worse. You do not need every sign on a list to book an appointment. This guide is general information from World Aid Network, not a diagnosis and not UK NHS care. Only a clinician can assess you. - A new mole, or a mole that is changing in size, shape or colour - A mole with an uneven edge or more than one colour - A mole larger than about 6mm (the size of a pencil-end) - A mole that itches, bleeds, crusts or becomes raised - A dark patch under a nail that is not from an injury ## The ABCDE rule: recognising melanoma The NHS recommends using the ABCDE rule to assess moles and skin lesions: Asymmetry (one half does not match the other); Border (the edge is irregular, ragged, notched or blurred); Colour (varied shades of brown, black, pink, red, white or blue within the same lesion); Diameter (larger than 6 mm, though melanomas can be smaller); and Evolution (any change in size, shape, colour or any new symptom such as bleeding, crusting or itching). The 'ugly duckling' sign is also useful — a mole that looks noticeably different from the other moles on your body ('the odd one out') should be assessed by a GP regardless of whether it fits the ABCDE criteria. Report any changing or new skin lesion promptly. Most mole changes are not melanoma, but all suspicious lesions warrant assessment. ## Causes, risk factors and prevention UV radiation from the sun and from sunbeds is the primary modifiable risk factor. The WHO classifies sunbeds as Group 1 carcinogens. Sunbed use before age 35 increases melanoma risk by approximately 75%. Other risk factors include: fair skin, red or blonde hair, blue or green eyes; a large number of moles (more than 50); a history of sunburn, especially in childhood; a personal or family history of melanoma; large congenital moles; and immunosuppression. Prevention focuses on reducing UV exposure: using SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen, avoiding sunbeds entirely, wearing protective clothing, seeking shade during peak UV hours (11am–3pm) and performing regular self-examination of the skin. People with a family history of melanoma or many atypical moles are offered enhanced surveillance by a dermatologist. ## Treatment options For localised melanoma, wide local excision (surgery to remove the melanoma with a margin of normal skin) is the primary treatment. A sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is performed for tumours thicker than 1 mm to assess for microscopic lymph node spread, guiding prognosis and eligibility for adjuvant treatment. For Stage III disease (lymph node involvement), completion lymph node dissection and adjuvant systemic therapy are used. Modern systemic treatment has transformed melanoma outcomes. Targeted therapy with BRAF inhibitors (dabrafenib or vemurafenib) plus MEK inhibitors (trametinib or cobimetinib) is highly effective for the approximately 50% of melanomas harbouring a BRAF V600E mutation. Immunotherapy with anti-PD-1 antibodies (pembrolizumab, nivolumab) — and for high-risk disease combined with anti-CTLA-4 (ipilimumab) — has produced durable long-term responses and is the standard first-line treatment for advanced disease without a BRAF mutation. These treatments are available on the NHS. ## Melanoma in the developing world In the UK, the five-year survival rate for melanoma is approximately 90% for all stages combined — one of the highest in Europe, reflecting early detection and access to modern targeted therapies and immunotherapy. In low-income countries, late-stage diagnosis is common because awareness is lower and dermatology services are scarce. BRAF inhibitors and PD-1 immunotherapy — which cost tens of thousands of pounds per patient per year — are unavailable to most poor patients globally. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for poor patients through locally-licensed oncologists. A donation today supports access to the care that a melanoma patient in a low-income setting would otherwise be denied. ## What are the key takeaways? The most important points on melanoma for patients, families and donors. - Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer — causing around 2,300 UK deaths per year despite only 16,000 annual diagnoses. - The ABCDE rule (Asymmetry, Border, Colour, Diameter, Evolution) helps identify suspicious moles. Report any changing lesion to your GP promptly. - Sunbeds are classified as Group 1 carcinogens by the WHO. Sunbed use before 35 increases melanoma risk by approximately 75%. - Modern treatment with immunotherapy (pembrolizumab, nivolumab) and targeted BRAF/MEK therapy has dramatically improved Stage III–IV melanoma survival — five-year survival for Stage IV has risen from below 10% to approximately 25–40% in some patient groups. - In low-income countries, late diagnosis and the unaffordable cost of immunotherapy and targeted therapy result in far lower melanoma survival. ## What will a donation for melanoma treatment provide? A gift to World Aid Network's Cancer Emergency Appeal helps pay for diagnosis and treatment that a poor patient has been recommended but cannot afford. Costs vary by diagnosis, provider and treatment plan; no fixed gift guarantees a complete treatment. Trustees direct gifts to the most urgent cases. This is treatment access, not laboratory research and not UK NHS care. Clinicians in partner hospitals decide the medical plan. We fund the bill in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. The Cancer Emergency Appeal funds all types of cancer. Trustees direct gifts to the most urgent hospital bills in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. ## How can I donate to help people with melanoma? Donate by card at worldaidnetwork.org/donate and choose the Cancer Emergency Appeal. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation with a CIO registration application in progress; Gift Aid is not currently available; HMRC recognition and donor eligibility are required. If you need UK support as a patient or relative, see a GP, NHS 111, Macmillan or the specialist UK charity for this cancer. We fund treatment overseas; we are not a UK helpline. ## How to check a mole with the ABCDE rule Melanoma is often visible on the skin. The ABCDE rule helps you notice a mole that needs a GP appointment: Asymmetry, Border, Colour, Diameter and Evolving. - Look at the whole skin: Check moles and new patches, including your back, scalp, soles and under nails. Ask someone to look at places you cannot see. - Use ABCDE: Be alert to a mole that is Asymmetrical, has an uneven Border, more than one Colour, a Diameter larger than 6mm, or is Evolving (changing). - Photograph anything you are watching: A phone photo every few months helps you notice change. Change matters more than a mole that has always looked the same. - See a GP about any new or changing lesion: A sore that will not heal, a mole that itches or bleeds, or a new dark patch under a nail should be checked. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is melanoma? Melanoma is a malignant tumour arising from melanocytes — the pigment-producing cells in the skin. It is the most dangerous form of skin cancer because it can spread rapidly to lymph nodes and distant organs. Around 16,000 people are diagnosed in the UK each year, and it causes approximately 2,300 deaths annually despite being less common than non-melanoma skin cancers. ### What does melanoma look like? Melanoma most commonly appears as a new or changing mole that is asymmetrical, has an irregular or notched border, contains multiple colours (shades of brown, black, pink, red, white or blue), is larger than 6 mm in diameter, or is evolving in size, shape, colour or sensation. Nodular melanoma can appear as a uniform dark blue-black or pink/red raised lump that may bleed. Any suspicious or changing skin lesion should be assessed by a GP. ### What is the ABCDE rule for melanoma? The ABCDE rule is an NHS-recommended checklist for assessing moles: A — Asymmetry (one half differs from the other); B — Border (irregular, ragged or blurred edges); C — Colour (multiple shades or colours within the lesion); D — Diameter (greater than 6 mm, though smaller melanomas exist); E — Evolution (any change in the mole, or new symptoms such as bleeding, itching or crusting). Any lesion meeting one or more criteria should be assessed by a GP without delay. ### How common is melanoma in the UK? Around 16,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma in the UK each year, making it the fifth most common cancer in adults under 50. It is most frequently diagnosed in adults aged 55–64 and is slightly more common in women than men in younger age groups. Incidence has risen by more than 130% in the UK over the past 30 years, driven largely by increased UV exposure and sunbed use. ### What causes melanoma? UV radiation — from sunlight and sunbeds — is the primary cause of cutaneous melanoma. UV radiation damages the DNA in melanocytes, triggering mutations in genes such as BRAF, NRAS and CDKN2A that drive malignant transformation. Intermittent intense sun exposure and sunburn are particularly associated with melanoma risk, in contrast to basal cell carcinoma which is more strongly linked to cumulative total exposure. ### Do sunbeds cause melanoma? Yes. The World Health Organization classifies sunbeds as Group 1 carcinogens — meaning there is conclusive evidence they cause cancer in humans. Using a sunbed before the age of 35 increases the lifetime risk of melanoma by approximately 75%. The UK banned the commercial use of sunbeds by under-18s in 2011. The NHS advises avoiding sunbeds entirely. ### Who is at highest risk of melanoma? Risk is greatest in people with: fair skin, red or blonde hair, blue or green eyes; a large number of moles (more than 50) or atypical (dysplastic) moles; a personal or family history of melanoma; previous severe sunburn, especially in childhood; sunbed use; immunosuppression; or a large congenital melanocytic naevus. People from all ethnic backgrounds can develop melanoma, though it is significantly less common in people with darker skin. ### How is melanoma diagnosed? Any suspicious pigmented lesion identified by a GP or self-examination is referred urgently to a dermatologist under the NHS Two Week Wait pathway. The dermatologist assesses the lesion clinically and with a dermatoscope (dermoscopy). If melanoma is suspected, the entire lesion is excised under local anaesthetic with a 2 mm margin (diagnostic excision), and the tissue is sent for histopathological analysis. Diagnosis is confirmed on pathology, not on clinical appearance alone. ### What is a sentinel lymph node biopsy? A sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a surgical procedure performed at the time of wide local excision for melanomas thicker than 1 mm. A radiotracer and blue dye are injected near the melanoma site; the first lymph node(s) to receive drainage from the tumour site (sentinel nodes) are identified, removed and examined for melanoma cells. SLNB provides important staging information and identifies patients who may benefit from completion lymph node dissection or adjuvant systemic therapy. ### What are the stages of melanoma? Melanoma is staged from Stage I to Stage IV. Stage I: thin tumour (≤2 mm) confined to the skin with no ulceration or lymph node involvement. Stage II: thicker tumour or ulceration, still confined to the skin. Stage III: cancer has spread to regional lymph nodes or nearby skin. Stage IV (metastatic): cancer has spread to distant organs (lung, brain, liver, bone or distant skin). Stage I five-year survival exceeds 95%; Stage IV five-year survival is approximately 25% with modern treatment. ### What is the treatment for melanoma? For localised melanoma: wide local excision with margins according to tumour thickness (0.5–2 cm), plus sentinel lymph node biopsy for tumours >1 mm. For Stage III: surgery, and adjuvant systemic therapy (pembrolizumab, nivolumab or BRAF/MEK inhibitors for BRAF-mutated tumours). For Stage IV (metastatic): immunotherapy (anti-PD-1 ± anti-CTLA-4) or BRAF/MEK inhibitor combination (for BRAF V600-mutated tumours). Radiotherapy is used for brain metastases and palliative symptom control. ### What is immunotherapy for melanoma? Immunotherapy for melanoma uses checkpoint inhibitor drugs to unleash the immune system against cancer cells. The most effective agents are anti-PD-1 antibodies — pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and nivolumab (Opdivo) — often combined with the anti-CTLA-4 antibody ipilimumab (Yervoy) for higher-risk Stage III–IV disease. This combination produces durable responses in a significant proportion of patients with Stage IV melanoma, with five-year survival rates of approximately 40–52% in clinical trials, compared with below 10% before immunotherapy was available. ### What are BRAF inhibitors for melanoma? Approximately 50% of melanomas carry a BRAF V600E or V600K mutation — an error in the BRAF gene that drives rapid cancer cell growth. BRAF inhibitors (vemurafenib or dabrafenib) combined with MEK inhibitors (cobimetinib or trametinib) block this signalling pathway, producing rapid tumour shrinkage in most BRAF-mutated melanomas. They are an alternative to immunotherapy in BRAF-positive disease and may be preferred when a rapid response is needed. Resistance eventually develops in most patients, limiting long-term durability. ### What is the survival rate for melanoma? Five-year survival for melanoma in the UK is approximately 90% overall, reflecting the high proportion diagnosed at early stages. By stage: Stage I — over 95%; Stage II — approximately 80%; Stage III — approximately 60%; Stage IV — approximately 25%, rising to 40–52% in clinical trial populations treated with combination immunotherapy. Survival rates have improved dramatically over the past decade due to targeted therapy and immunotherapy. ### Can melanoma be cured? Early-stage melanoma (Stage I–II) confined to the skin is cured in the majority of patients through wide local excision. Stage III melanoma (lymph node involvement) is treated with curative intent using surgery plus adjuvant systemic therapy. Stage IV (metastatic) melanoma is not generally considered curable, but a significant minority of patients achieve very long-lasting responses with combination immunotherapy. 'Complete responders' who achieve no detectable disease on imaging have been reported surviving for ten or more years. ### Can melanoma develop in unusual places not on the skin? Yes. While most melanomas arise on the skin, melanocytes are also present in the eye, mucous membranes (mouth, nose, throat, genitals) and very rarely in internal organs. Uveal melanoma (melanoma of the eye) is a distinct disease treated differently from cutaneous melanoma and associated with a higher rate of liver metastasis. Mucosal melanomas are rarer still, tend to present late and have a worse prognosis. Nail-bed melanoma (subungual melanoma) can be mistaken for a bruise or fungal infection. ### How often should I check my moles? The NHS recommends regular self-examination — ideally once a month — to look for any new moles or changes in existing ones. Use the ABCDE rule and compare to previous appearances (photographs can help). Ask a partner or friend to check difficult-to-see areas such as the back and scalp. See your GP promptly if you notice any change rather than waiting for a scheduled GP appointment. People with many moles or a family history of melanoma may be offered routine dermatologist review. ### What is the difference between a mole and melanoma? A normal mole (benign melanocytic naevus) is a symmetrical, evenly coloured, well-defined spot that remains stable over time. Melanoma is asymmetrical, has an irregular or blurred border, may contain multiple colours, is often larger than 6 mm and — most importantly — evolves or changes. However, not all melanomas arise from pre-existing moles: approximately 50% develop in previously normal-appearing skin. Any new or changing skin lesion should be assessed by a GP, not assumed to be benign. ### Can people with dark skin get melanoma? Yes, though it is significantly less common. Melanoma in people with darker skin (Fitzpatrick types V and VI) tends to present as acral lentiginous melanoma — on the palms, soles or under the nails — sites less associated with UV exposure. This type is often diagnosed at a more advanced stage, partly because awareness is lower among patients and clinicians. Melanoma in dark-skinned individuals carries a worse prognosis overall, primarily due to later diagnosis. ### How does melanoma affect people in developing countries? In low-income countries, melanoma is commonly diagnosed late because dermatology services are concentrated in urban hospitals. Immunotherapy (pembrolizumab, nivolumab) and BRAF-targeted therapy — the standard of care in the UK — cost tens of thousands of pounds per patient per year and are unaffordable for most poor patients globally. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment through locally-licensed oncologists, helping to bridge this treatment inequality. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for poor patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia through locally licensed oncologists. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/melanoma or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — melanoma skin cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/melanoma-skin-cancer/ - NHS — Cancer information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer/ - Cancer Research UK — Cancer types: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Melanoma symptoms and the ABCDE mole rule > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/melanoma/symptoms > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Melanoma is the most serious skin cancer. Check moles for ABCDE — Asymmetry, uneven Border, more than one Colour, Diameter over 6mm, or Evolving. A mole that itches, bleeds or a new dark streak under a nail also needs a GP. About 2,300 people die of melanoma in the UK each year. Stage 1 survival is over 90%. Do not use sunbeds. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. Melanoma is about 4% of skin cancers but causes most skin-cancer deaths. It is often visible, which is why checking your skin works. ## How do you use ABCDE? Compare the mole with others on your body. The ugly duckling — the one that looks different — is worth showing a GP even if it is smaller than 6mm. - Asymmetry — one half unlike the other - Border — ragged or blurred edge - Colour — more than one shade - Diameter — larger than about 6mm - Evolving — changing in size, shape, colour or symptoms ## Can melanoma appear in skin that is not white? Yes. Acral melanomas on palms, soles and under nails are more common in people with darker skin and are often diagnosed later. Check those sites. ## Who is at higher risk? Lots of moles, previous sunburn, sunbeds, a family history, and a previous melanoma all raise risk. Pale skin burns more easily but no skin type is immune. ## Key takeaways - ABCDE plus the ugly-duckling mole is the practical check. - Stage 1 survival is over 90%. - Sunbeds raise melanoma risk. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/melanoma - ABCDE: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/melanoma/symptoms - Biopsy: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/melanoma/tests - Treatment: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/melanoma/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Is a small mole safe? Diameter is only one letter of ABCDE. A small changing mole still needs a check. ### Can melanoma be flat? Yes. Not every melanoma is a raised dark lump. ### Do you fund melanoma treatment overseas? When a licensed partner oncologist has recommended treatment a hospital can give. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — melanoma skin cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/melanoma-skin-cancer/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # How is melanoma diagnosed? > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/melanoma/tests > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short If melanoma is possible, the lesion is removed with a margin and examined under a microscope. Breslow thickness — how deep it has grown — guides the next operation and whether a sentinel lymph node biopsy is discussed. Dermoscopy helps decide what to remove. Do not have a suspected melanoma shaved off. This is general information, not a diagnosis. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. Speed matters. A two-week-wait dermatology referral is how NHS GPs send changing moles. ## What is Breslow thickness? It is the depth of the melanoma in millimetres. Thinner melanomas have a better outlook. It is measured by a pathologist, not by looking at the skin. ## What is a sentinel node biopsy? A test to see if the first draining lymph node contains melanoma cells. It is used for staging some intermediate-thickness melanomas. It is not always required. ## Do I need CT or PET scans? Not for most thin melanomas. Scans are used if there is a higher chance of spread. Your letter will say. ## Key takeaways - Excision biopsy confirms melanoma and measures depth. - Thickness drives the next steps. - Not every patient needs whole-body scans. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/melanoma - ABCDE: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/melanoma/symptoms - Biopsy: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/melanoma/tests - Treatment: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/melanoma/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Why a second operation after the biopsy? A wider margin of skin is taken to reduce the chance of leftover cells. That is standard, not a sign the first operation failed. ### Can a blood test detect melanoma? Not as a screening test for well people. ### Does WAN diagnose melanoma in the UK? No. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — melanoma skin cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/melanoma-skin-cancer/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Melanoma treatment: surgery, immunotherapy and survival > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/melanoma/treatment > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Surgery is the main treatment for early melanoma — a wider excision, and sometimes a sentinel node biopsy. Immunotherapy or targeted drugs are used if the melanoma has spread or is at high risk of coming back. Stage 1 survival is over 90%. World Aid Network funds treatment overseas for patients who cannot pay. We do not fund UK private immunotherapy or research trials. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. A skin cancer multidisciplinary team plans care. BRAF gene tests decide whether certain targeted tablets are an option in advanced disease. ## What does wider excision mean? Extra skin is taken around the original site. The margin depends on Breslow thickness. Plastic surgery is sometimes needed on the face or hands. ## When are immunotherapy or targeted drugs used? For stage 3 or 4 disease, and sometimes after surgery when the risk of relapse is high. These drugs are specialist oncology treatments with immune-related side effects that need prompt reporting. ## What World Aid Network will and will not fund We pay clinical bills at partner hospitals in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia when a licensed oncologist has recommended a treatment the hospital can actually give. We do not run immunotherapy trials or UK private care. ## Key takeaways - Surgery cures most early melanomas. - Immunotherapy is for later or high-risk disease. - WAN funds overseas access, not research. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/melanoma - ABCDE: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/melanoma/symptoms - Biopsy: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/melanoma/tests - Treatment: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/melanoma/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Will I need chemotherapy? Classic chemotherapy is rarely first-line for melanoma now. Immunotherapy and targeted drugs are. ### Can melanoma come back years later? It can. Report a new lump, cough or unexplained weight loss, and keep checking your skin. ### Do you fund Keytruda overseas? Only if a partner hospital uses that class of drug and has recommended it. We do not promise named brand access. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — melanoma skin cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/melanoma-skin-cancer/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Ovarian cancer: symptoms, treatment and survival > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Ovarian cancer affects the ovaries, which are part of the female reproductive system. It is sometimes called a 'silent killer' because its symptoms — bloating, tummy pain, feeling full quickly — are common and easy to put down to something else. The key is persistence: if these symptoms are new, happen most days, and last for three weeks or more, see your GP. There is no national screening test for ovarian cancer, so recognising the symptoms early really matters. Often called the 'silent' cancer — but it does have symptoms worth knowing. World Aid Network funds treatment for patients who cannot pay. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. ## Appointment checklist - What could explain persistent bloating or pelvic symptoms? - Would genetic testing be useful for my care or my family? - What could explain my symptoms, and which tests would help? - What are the benefits and possible harms of each test or treatment? - When should I expect results, and who should I contact if they do not arrive? - Which changes mean I should seek help sooner? - If cancer is diagnosed, what are my treatment options and likely side effects? - Can I bring someone with me, request an interpreter or get written information? ## At a glance - ~7,500: UK cases each year - Women over 50: Most common in - Over 90% (Stage 1): Survival when caught early - None — know the symptoms: Screening ## What is ovarian cancer? Ovarian cancer affects the ovaries, which are part of the female reproductive system. It is sometimes called a 'silent killer' because its symptoms — bloating, tummy pain, feeling full quickly — are common and easy to put down to something else. The key is persistence: if these symptoms are new, happen most days, and last for three weeks or more, see your GP. There is no national screening test for ovarian cancer, so recognising the symptoms early really matters. Ovarian cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women in the UK, with approximately 7,500 new diagnoses every year. It causes around 4,200 deaths annually — more than any other gynaecological cancer. The vast majority of cases (approximately 85%) are diagnosed at Stage III or IV, when the disease has already spread beyond the ovary, which significantly affects treatment outcomes. Late diagnosis is the defining clinical challenge of ovarian cancer. Symptoms — bloating, pelvic pain, difficulty eating, urinary urgency — are common and non-specific, often attributed to irritable bowel syndrome or other benign conditions for months before the correct diagnosis is made. There is currently no national screening programme for ovarian cancer in the UK. This guide answers the twenty most commonly searched questions about ovarian cancer in the UK, drawing on NHS and WHO sources. ## When should you see a doctor about ovarian cancer? Most of these symptoms have a less serious cause — but it is always worth getting them checked. See a GP if you notice a new or persistent change. If you feel very unwell, contact NHS 111 or seek urgent help. Take a note of how long the symptom has lasted and whether it is getting worse. You do not need every sign on a list to book an appointment. This guide is general information from World Aid Network, not a diagnosis and not UK NHS care. Only a clinician can assess you. - Persistent bloating that does not come and go - Feeling full quickly or losing your appetite - Pain in your tummy or pelvis - Needing to pee more often or more urgently - Any of these symptoms happening most days for three weeks or more ## Types and risk factors The vast majority of ovarian cancers (approximately 90–95%) are epithelial ovarian cancers — cancers arising from the cells covering the ovary's surface or lining the fallopian tube. The most common subtype is high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC), which accounts for approximately 70% of all epithelial cases and is strongly associated with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. Other epithelial subtypes include clear cell, endometrioid and mucinous carcinoma. Rarer types include germ cell tumours (more common in younger women) and sex cord-stromal tumours. Key risk factors for epithelial ovarian cancer include: increasing age (peak incidence 75–79 years); BRCA1 mutation (44–46% lifetime risk) or BRCA2 mutation (12–20% lifetime risk); a personal or family history of ovarian, breast or colorectal cancer; Lynch syndrome; endometriosis; never having been pregnant; late menopause; obesity; and long-term HRT (oestrogen-only). Protective factors include combined oral contraceptive pill use, pregnancy and breastfeeding — each of which reduces lifetime risk. ## Diagnosis Diagnosis is typically prompted by symptoms and begins with a CA-125 blood test and a transvaginal and/or pelvic ultrasound. CA-125 is elevated in approximately 80% of advanced epithelial ovarian cancers but is less sensitive for early disease — it can also be raised by benign conditions including endometriosis, fibroids and pelvic inflammatory disease. A Risk of Malignancy Index (RMI) is calculated to guide referral. A CT scan of the chest, abdomen and pelvis is used for staging once ovarian cancer is suspected or confirmed, to assess the extent of disease. Definitive diagnosis requires histopathological examination of tumour tissue — obtained at primary surgery or, in patients unsuitable for upfront surgery, by image-guided biopsy. BRCA testing (germline and somatic tumour testing) is now standard for all women with high-grade epithelial ovarian cancer, as it directly influences treatment decisions. ## Treatment Standard first-line treatment for epithelial ovarian cancer is a combination of surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy. Surgery aims to achieve complete cytoreduction (removal of all visible tumour) — the single strongest predictor of survival outcomes. The standard surgical procedure is total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, omentectomy and removal of all peritoneal disease. Chemotherapy is carboplatin and paclitaxel, usually given for six cycles every three weeks. PARP inhibitors — olaparib (Lynparza), niraparib and rucaparib — are maintenance therapies given after response to first-line chemotherapy. Olaparib is NICE-approved for BRCA1/2-mutated advanced ovarian cancer on the NHS. For platinum-sensitive recurrence, PARP inhibitors and bevacizumab (an anti-VEGF antibody) are also used. Bevacizumab (Avastin) combined with chemotherapy is approved for both first-line and recurrent disease. ## What are the key takeaways? The most important points on ovarian cancer for patients, families and donors. - Ovarian cancer affects approximately 7,500 women in the UK every year. Around 85% are diagnosed at Stage III or IV when the disease has spread — making early recognition of symptoms crucial. - Key symptoms are: persistent bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and increased urinary urgency or frequency. These symptoms occur frequently and persistently — not occasionally. - BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations significantly increase lifetime ovarian cancer risk (44–46% for BRCA1; 12–20% for BRCA2). Genetic testing is offered to all women with high-grade epithelial ovarian cancer and their relatives. - Standard treatment is cytoreductive surgery followed by carboplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy. PARP inhibitors (olaparib) are maintenance therapy for BRCA-mutated disease. - Five-year survival: Stage I >90%; Stage II 60–70%; Stage III 35–40%; Stage IV approximately 20%. Survival improves significantly when disease is caught at an early stage. ## What will a donation for ovarian cancer treatment provide? A gift to World Aid Network's Cancer Emergency Appeal helps pay for diagnosis and treatment that a poor patient has been recommended but cannot afford. Costs vary by diagnosis, provider and treatment plan; no fixed gift guarantees a complete treatment. Trustees direct gifts to the most urgent cases. This is treatment access, not laboratory research and not UK NHS care. Clinicians in partner hospitals decide the medical plan. We fund the bill in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. The Cancer Emergency Appeal funds all types of cancer. Trustees direct gifts to the most urgent hospital bills in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. ## How can I donate to help people with ovarian cancer? Donate by card at worldaidnetwork.org/donate and choose the Cancer Emergency Appeal. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation with a CIO registration application in progress; Gift Aid is not currently available; HMRC recognition and donor eligibility are required. If you need UK support as a patient or relative, see a GP, NHS 111, Macmillan or the specialist UK charity for this cancer. We fund treatment overseas; we are not a UK helpline. ## How to get possible ovarian cancer symptoms checked There is no NHS screening programme for ovarian cancer. Persistent bloating, tummy pain, feeling full quickly or needing to pee more often — most days for three weeks — should be checked. - Time the symptoms: If bloating, pelvic pain, feeling full quickly or urinary urgency happens most days for three weeks, book a GP appointment. - Ask about a CA125 blood test: A GP can arrange a CA125 blood test and, if needed, an ultrasound. Normal results do not always rule cancer out if symptoms continue. - Go back if it is not settling: You know your body. If symptoms persist, ask for another look or a second opinion. - Do not wait for a screening invite: There is no national ovarian cancer screening test. Symptom awareness is the main route to earlier diagnosis. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is ovarian cancer? Ovarian cancer is a malignant tumour arising from the ovaries, fallopian tubes or peritoneum. It is the UK's fourth most common cancer in women, with approximately 7,500 new diagnoses each year, and the most deadly gynaecological cancer — causing around 4,200 deaths annually. The vast majority (90–95%) are epithelial ovarian cancers; the most common subtype is high-grade serous carcinoma. ### What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer? The NHS highlights four key symptoms that, when persistent (occurring more than 12 times per month), should prompt a GP visit: persistent bloating (not coming and going); pelvic or abdominal pain; difficulty eating or feeling full quickly; and increased urinary urgency or frequency. Other symptoms include unexplained weight loss, changes in bowel habits and extreme fatigue. These symptoms are common and non-specific — the persistence and frequency matter more than the symptoms themselves. ### What causes ovarian cancer? The exact cause is unknown but is related to a combination of genetic and hormonal factors. High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (the most common type) is strongly associated with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations and appears to originate in the fallopian tube rather than the ovary itself. Factors that increase the number of ovulation cycles (nulliparity, late menopause, no breastfeeding) increase risk, while factors that suppress ovulation (combined pill, pregnancy) are protective. Lynch syndrome (mismatch repair gene mutations) also significantly increases risk. ### What is CA-125? CA-125 (cancer antigen 125) is a protein produced by ovarian cancer cells that is measurable in the blood. It is elevated in approximately 80% of advanced epithelial ovarian cancers and is used in diagnosis and monitoring of treatment response and recurrence. However, CA-125 is not a reliable early detection test — it is normal in some ovarian cancers and elevated in benign conditions including endometriosis, fibroids, menstruation and pelvic inflammatory disease. It is used in conjunction with ultrasound scan, not as a standalone test. ### Is ovarian cancer hereditary? Approximately 15–20% of epithelial ovarian cancers are hereditary, most commonly caused by mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2. A BRCA1 mutation confers a 44–46% lifetime risk of ovarian cancer; BRCA2 confers 12–20% risk. Lynch syndrome (mutations in MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 or PMS2) also significantly increases risk. Germline BRCA testing is offered to all women diagnosed with high-grade epithelial ovarian cancer, and cascade testing to their relatives through NHS Clinical Genetics. Risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy is recommended for BRCA carriers after childbearing is complete. ### How is ovarian cancer diagnosed? Diagnosis begins with a CA-125 blood test and transvaginal/pelvic ultrasound, combined to calculate a Risk of Malignancy Index (RMI). If RMI or clinical suspicion is high, urgent referral to a specialist gynaecological oncology centre is made. A CT scan stages the disease. Definitive diagnosis requires histopathological examination of tumour tissue — at surgery or via image-guided biopsy. Molecular testing (BRCA germline and tumour BRCA/HRD status) is performed on all high-grade epithelial ovarian cancers. ### What are the stages of ovarian cancer? Ovarian cancer is staged I–IV using the FIGO staging system. Stage I: confined to the ovary/fallopian tube. Stage II: spread to pelvic organs (uterus, fallopian tube, peritoneum). Stage III: spread to the abdominal peritoneum beyond the pelvis or retroperitoneal lymph nodes. Stage IV: distant metastasis (pleural effusion, liver parenchyma, distant organs). Approximately 85% of UK ovarian cancers are diagnosed at Stage III or IV. ### What is the treatment for ovarian cancer? Standard first-line treatment is cytoreductive surgery followed by six cycles of carboplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy. Surgery aims to remove all visible tumour — complete cytoreduction is the strongest predictor of survival. For advanced disease, chemotherapy may be given before surgery (neoadjuvant) to reduce tumour bulk. Maintenance therapy with PARP inhibitors (olaparib — NICE approved for BRCA-mutated disease) or bevacizumab follows first-line chemotherapy in eligible patients. ### What are PARP inhibitors for ovarian cancer? PARP inhibitors are targeted drugs that exploit a weakness in tumour cells with BRCA1, BRCA2 or other homologous recombination repair gene mutations — blocking a DNA repair pathway on which these cells depend. Olaparib (Lynparza) is NICE-approved as maintenance therapy for BRCA-mutated advanced ovarian cancer after response to first-line platinum chemotherapy, significantly prolonging progression-free survival. Niraparib is approved for all platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancers regardless of BRCA status. PARP inhibitors are tablets taken daily. ### What is the survival rate for ovarian cancer? Five-year survival rates in England: Stage I — over 90%; Stage II — approximately 65–70%; Stage III — approximately 35–40%; Stage IV — approximately 20%. Overall five-year survival for all stages combined is approximately 47%, reflecting the high proportion diagnosed at advanced stage. Survival has improved over the past decade with the introduction of PARP inhibitor maintenance therapy, particularly for BRCA-mutated disease. ### Can ovarian cancer be prevented? Risk reduction options for high-risk women (BRCA carriers) include risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy — surgical removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries — which reduces ovarian cancer risk by over 95%. For women of average risk, long-term use of the combined oral contraceptive pill reduces lifetime ovarian cancer risk by approximately 40–50%. There is currently no national ovarian cancer screening programme in the UK — large trials (UKCTOCS) found that CA-125-based screening did not reduce ovarian cancer mortality. ### What is ovarian cancer recurrence? Most advanced ovarian cancers recur within two to three years of completing first-line treatment, despite an initial good response to chemotherapy. Recurrence is classified as platinum-sensitive (relapse more than six months after completion of platinum chemotherapy — re-treatment with platinum is effective) or platinum-resistant (relapse within six months — different chemotherapy agents and targeted therapies are used). Managing recurrent ovarian cancer is complex and is best done at a specialist gynaecological oncology multidisciplinary team. ### What is debulking surgery? Debulking surgery (cytoreductive surgery) is the primary surgical treatment for ovarian cancer. The aim is to remove all visible tumour — achieving 'complete cytoreduction' (no residual disease). The standard procedure is total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, omentectomy and removal of all peritoneal disease, which may include bowel resection, splenectomy or peritoneal stripping. Surgeries are performed by specialist gynaecological oncology surgeons at designated cancer centres. Complete cytoreduction is the single most important factor predicting long-term survival. ### What is the difference between ovarian cancer and ovarian cysts? Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs within or on the ovary and are extremely common — most are benign and resolve without treatment. Ovarian cancer is a malignant tumour with the capacity to invade surrounding tissue and metastasise. Most ovarian cysts are functional (follicular or corpus luteum cysts), dermoid cysts, endometriomas or serous/mucinous cystadenomas — all benign. Risk of malignancy is assessed using CA-125, ultrasound features and RMI. Most simple ovarian cysts in premenopausal women can be managed conservatively with repeat ultrasound. ### Does HRT increase ovarian cancer risk? Long-term use of combined HRT (oestrogen and progesterone) modestly increases ovarian cancer risk by approximately 20–40%. Oestrogen-only HRT (used in women without a uterus) carries a slightly higher risk than combined HRT. The absolute risk increase is small — the Million Women Study estimated approximately one extra ovarian cancer per 1,000 women using HRT for five years. The decision about HRT should weigh menopausal symptom impact against individual risk factors. Short-term HRT use for symptom control is generally considered acceptable for average-risk women. ### Can endometriosis cause ovarian cancer? Endometriosis is associated with an increased risk of certain ovarian cancer subtypes — particularly clear cell and endometrioid carcinoma. However, the absolute risk of ovarian cancer in women with endometriosis remains low. The presence of endometriosis does not mean that ovarian cancer will develop, and the vast majority of women with endometriosis never develop ovarian cancer. Women with endometriosis are encouraged to report new or changing symptoms and attend regular gynaecological follow-up. ### What is a BRCA test? A BRCA test is a blood or saliva test that analyses the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes for mutations that significantly increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. In the NHS, BRCA testing is offered to all women diagnosed with high-grade epithelial ovarian cancer (as the result affects treatment choices, particularly PARP inhibitor eligibility) and to their first-degree relatives through NHS Clinical Genetics. Women found to carry a BRCA mutation can access enhanced surveillance and risk-reduction options. ### Is there a bowel link with ovarian cancer symptoms? Yes — ovarian cancer symptoms can closely mimic bowel conditions, particularly IBS and constipation. Bloating, abdominal discomfort and altered bowel habit are common to both. The key distinguishing feature of ovarian cancer symptoms is their persistence and frequency — occurring more than 12 times per month, rather than being intermittent. Women over 50 who develop persistent bloating, pelvic pain, or urinary symptoms for the first time should be assessed for ovarian cancer, not automatically attributed to IBS. ### What is germ cell ovarian cancer? Germ cell tumours of the ovary arise from the egg-producing cells and account for approximately 2–3% of all ovarian cancers. They are more common in younger women and girls. The most common type is a dysgerminoma. Unlike epithelial ovarian cancer, germ cell tumours are usually highly responsive to chemotherapy (BEP regimen — bleomycin, etoposide, cisplatin) and can often be treated with fertility-sparing surgery (removing only the affected ovary). Five-year survival for germ cell tumours is generally excellent — over 90% even for advanced disease. ### How does ovarian cancer affect people in developing countries? In low-income countries, the combination of late-stage diagnosis, absence of cytoreductive surgical expertise at district level, and unaffordability of platinum chemotherapy and PARP inhibitors means ovarian cancer outcomes are far worse than in the UK. Many patients present with advanced disease and receive no systemic treatment. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for poor patients through locally-licensed oncologists, supporting access to chemotherapy and surgical care that would otherwise be inaccessible. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for poor patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia through locally licensed oncologists. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — ovarian cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ovarian-cancer/ - NHS — Cancer information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer/ - Cancer Research UK — Cancer types: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Ovarian cancer symptoms: persistent bloating and feeling full > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/symptoms > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Ovarian cancer is sometimes called silent, but it does have symptoms. See a GP if bloating, pelvic pain, feeling full quickly or needing to pee more often happen most days for three weeks. There is no NHS screening programme for average-risk women. About 7,500 people are diagnosed in the UK each year, and most are found after the cancer has spread. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. These symptoms are common and usually benign. Persistence is the clue: most days, for three weeks, and new for you. A smear test does not look at the ovaries. ## What symptoms last three weeks? GPs use persistence, not a single bloated evening, as the trigger to test. - Bloating that does not come and go with a period - Feeling full quickly or losing appetite - Pain in the tummy or pelvis - Needing to pee more often or more urgently ## Why is ovarian cancer found late? There is no national screening test. CA125 and ultrasound are used after symptoms. Published UK figures show around 85% of diagnoses at stage 3 or 4. Stage 1 five-year survival is over 90% — which is why three weeks of symptoms is the threshold to act. ## Does a smear test pick up ovarian cancer? No. Cervical screening checks the cervix. A recent normal smear does not explain persistent bloating. ## Key takeaways - Persistent bloating, pelvic pain, early fullness or urinary urgency most days for three weeks should be checked. - There is no NHS ovarian screening programme for average-risk women. - A smear test does not screen for ovarian cancer. - Early-stage survival is high; most cases are still found later. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer - Symptoms: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/symptoms - CA125 & scans: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/tests - Treatment options: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Is bloating before a period ovarian cancer? Cyclical bloating with a period is common. Bloating that is new, on most days, and lasts three weeks should be checked. ### Can you feel an ovarian tumour? Not usually yourself. Do not wait to feel a lump. Ultrasound is how masses are seen. ### Does HRT cause ovarian cancer? Some studies link longer HRT use with a small rise in risk. HRT decisions are individual and should be made with a clinician. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — ovarian cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ovarian-cancer/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # CA125 blood test and ultrasound for ovarian cancer > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/tests > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short If ovarian cancer is possible, a GP may order a CA125 blood test and a pelvic ultrasound. A raised CA125 has many causes besides cancer, including endometriosis and infection. A normal CA125 does not completely rule cancer out if symptoms continue. Go back to the GP if you are still unwell. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. These tests start a pathway. They are not a yes-or-no home kit. Specialists may add CT, MRI and surgery. ## What does CA125 measure? CA125 can be raised in ovarian cancer, especially later-stage epithelial disease. It also rises in pregnancy, periods, fibroids and endometriosis. It is not used to screen well women at average risk. ## What if tests are normal but symptoms continue? Ask for a review. Persistent symptoms after normal tests still deserve another look. ## Who needs closer surveillance? BRCA1 and BRCA2 changes raise ovarian as well as breast cancer risk. Some women choose risk-reducing surgery after genetic counselling. ## Key takeaways - CA125 plus ultrasound is a GP first step, not a public screening programme. - A raised CA125 has many non-cancer causes. - Persistent symptoms after normal tests still deserve a second look. - BRCA gene changes can mean extra options after counselling. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer - Symptoms: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/symptoms - CA125 & scans: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/tests - Treatment options: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I buy CA125 privately and skip the GP? A number alone is easy to misread. Abnormal results still need a clinician who can examine you and arrange ultrasound. ### Does a normal ultrasound mean I am fine? It is reassuring but not perfect. If symptoms continue, ask the GP to think again. ### Is there screening if my mother had ovarian cancer? A GP can take a family history and refer to genetics if criteria are met. That is not a national screening programme. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — ovarian cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ovarian-cancer/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Ovarian cancer treatment: surgery, chemotherapy and PARP inhibitors > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/treatment > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Standard treatment is surgery to remove as much tumour as possible, plus platinum-based chemotherapy. Some people have chemotherapy first. PARP inhibitor tablets such as olaparib are used as maintenance for some BRCA-mutated cancers. Bevacizumab is added for some people. Exact combinations follow NICE criteria on the NHS. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. High-grade serous carcinoma is the most common subtype and is strongly linked with BRCA changes. World Aid Network funds treatment access overseas, not UK clinics and not research labs. ## What does surgery involve? Cytoreductive surgery may include hysterectomy, removal of both ovaries and tubes, and omentectomy. Some people have chemotherapy first to shrink disease. ## What drugs are used afterwards? Carboplatin with paclitaxel is the usual backbone. PARP inhibitors exploit DNA-repair weakness in BRCA-mutated tumours. Bevacizumab is used in some first-line and recurrent settings. ## How does funding overseas differ? These drugs are NHS-funded in Britain when criteria are met. WAN pays partner hospital bills for patients who cannot afford private oncology in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. ## Key takeaways - Surgery plus platinum chemotherapy is the core pathway. - PARP inhibitors help some people with BRCA-mutated disease. - Most UK cases are still found at stage 3 or 4. - WAN funds access overseas, not UK clinics. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer - Symptoms: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/symptoms - CA125 & scans: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/tests - Treatment options: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Is ovarian cancer curable? Stage 1 disease is often treated with curative intent and has high survival. Later-stage disease is often treated to control it for as long as possible. ### Will I need my ovaries removed? Surgery for suspected ovarian cancer usually includes removing the ovaries. Fertility-sparing options are sometimes discussed for selected early cases in specialist centres. ### Does World Aid Network pay for olaparib? We fund treatment a partner clinician has recommended and that the hospital can deliver. Exact drugs depend on diagnosis, stage and local availability. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — ovarian cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ovarian-cancer/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Pancreatic cancer: symptoms, treatment and survival > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/pancreatic-cancer > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Pancreatic cancer starts in the pancreas, an organ behind the stomach that helps you digest food and control blood sugar. It is difficult to find early because its first symptoms — indigestion, tummy or back pain, weight loss — are easy to mistake for something minor. Because of this, it is often diagnosed late. Knowing the warning signs and acting quickly gives the best chance of treatment, especially if the cancer is found before it spreads. Hard to spot early — knowing the vague warning signs can save time that matters. World Aid Network funds treatment for patients who cannot pay. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. ## Appointment checklist - Which scans or specialist tests could clarify the diagnosis? - Could I need help with digestion, nutrition or symptom control? - What could explain my symptoms, and which tests would help? - What are the benefits and possible harms of each test or treatment? - When should I expect results, and who should I contact if they do not arrive? - Which changes mean I should seek help sooner? - If cancer is diagnosed, what are my treatment options and likely side effects? - Can I bring someone with me, request an interpreter or get written information? ## At a glance - ~10,500: UK cases each year - Late, after spread: Often diagnosed - ~7%: Survival (overall) - Vague early symptoms: Why it's missed ## What is pancreatic cancer? Pancreatic cancer starts in the pancreas, an organ behind the stomach that helps you digest food and control blood sugar. It is difficult to find early because its first symptoms — indigestion, tummy or back pain, weight loss — are easy to mistake for something minor. Because of this, it is often diagnosed late. Knowing the warning signs and acting quickly gives the best chance of treatment, especially if the cancer is found before it spreads. Pancreatic cancer has the lowest survival rate of any common cancer in the United Kingdom. Around 10,500 people are diagnosed each year, and it accounts for approximately 9,400 deaths annually, making it the fifth most common cause of cancer death. Only about 10% of patients survive for five years or more after diagnosis. The principal reason for this poor prognosis is late diagnosis. The pancreas sits deep in the abdomen, where early-stage tumours cause few or no symptoms. By the time symptoms appear — jaundice, weight loss, abdominal or back pain — the cancer is often at an advanced stage and no longer amenable to curative surgery. This guide answers the twenty most commonly searched questions about pancreatic cancer in the UK, drawing on NHS and WHO sources, and examines the critical shortage of pancreatic cancer care in low-income countries. The pancreas is a gland located behind the stomach that performs two functions: producing digestive enzymes (exocrine function) and producing hormones including insulin and glucagon (endocrine function). Approximately 95% of pancreatic cancers are exocrine tumours — primarily ductal adenocarcinoma, which is the most aggressive and most common type. The remaining 5% are pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (PNETs), which tend to be slower-growing. Most pancreatic cancers develop in the head of the pancreas (approximately 70%), where they may obstruct the common bile duct and cause jaundice — sometimes the first detectable symptom. Tumours in the body and tail of the pancreas typically remain asymptomatic for longer and are more likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage. ## When should you see a doctor about pancreatic cancer? Most of these symptoms have a less serious cause — but it is always worth getting them checked. See a GP if you notice a new or persistent change. If you feel very unwell, contact NHS 111 or seek urgent help. Take a note of how long the symptom has lasted and whether it is getting worse. You do not need every sign on a list to book an appointment. This guide is general information from World Aid Network, not a diagnosis and not UK NHS care. Only a clinician can assess you. - Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice), often with itchy skin, dark pee or pale poo - Pain in the tummy or back that may be worse after eating or lying down - Losing weight without trying - Indigestion or feeling full quickly that does not go away - Newly diagnosed diabetes without an obvious cause, or worsening diabetes ## Symptoms to report to your GP The NHS advises seeing your GP if you have: unexplained weight loss; jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes); new-onset upper abdominal or back pain; indigestion that does not respond to antacids; new-onset type 2 diabetes, particularly if you are not overweight; a change in bowel habit (greasy, floating stools can indicate bile duct obstruction); or unexplained nausea or fatigue. Because these symptoms can all have many causes, and because pancreatic cancer symptoms are often vague and gradual, it is easy to attribute them to less serious conditions. The NHS and Pancreatic Cancer UK advise presenting to a GP without delay if you have any of these symptoms without an obvious explanation, particularly if you are over 60. ## Causes and risk factors The main risk factors for pancreatic cancer are: increasing age (most diagnoses are in people over 60); smoking (responsible for approximately 25% of cases); being overweight or obese; long-standing type 2 diabetes; chronic pancreatitis (long-term inflammation of the pancreas); a family history of pancreatic cancer; and inherited genetic syndromes including BRCA2 mutations, Lynch syndrome and hereditary pancreatitis. Alcohol is a risk factor primarily through its role in causing chronic pancreatitis rather than a direct carcinogenic effect. Diet high in red and processed meat may also contribute. Around 10% of pancreatic cancers have a hereditary component. ## Treatment: the Whipple procedure and beyond Surgery offers the only chance of cure for pancreatic cancer, but only approximately 15–20% of patients are eligible for resection at diagnosis. The Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) removes the head of the pancreas, the duodenum, the gallbladder and part of the bile duct. Distal pancreatectomy removes the body and tail of the pancreas. Both operations are major procedures performed at specialist hepatopancreaticobiliary (HPB) units. For patients with locally advanced or metastatic disease — the majority — treatment is with chemotherapy. FOLFIRINOX (a combination of folinic acid, fluorouracil, irinotecan and oxaliplatin) or gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel are the primary regimens for patients with adequate performance status. Palliative care — including endoscopic biliary stenting to relieve jaundice and pain management — is an essential component of care for most patients. ## Pancreatic cancer in the developing world Cancer outcomes and access to care vary within and between countries. Costs, travel, delayed diagnosis and the availability of specialist treatment can create barriers. A broad comparison between income groups cannot predict an individual patient’s outcome or isolate the effect of any one cause. World Aid Network’s appeal focuses on helping patients who cannot afford care. The World Health Organization notes that cancer of the pancreas is increasingly prevalent globally as populations age and risk factors such as obesity and diabetes rise. The treatment gap between high-income and low-income settings is among the starkest of any cancer. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for poor patients through locally-licensed oncologists. Every donation funds access to the care that would otherwise be out of reach. ## What are the key takeaways? The most important points on pancreatic cancer for patients, families and donors. - Pancreatic cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer death in the UK, with around 10,500 diagnoses and 9,400 deaths per year. - The five-year survival rate is approximately 10% — the lowest of any common cancer in the UK — primarily because most cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage. - Symptoms are often vague: unexplained weight loss, jaundice, upper abdominal or back pain, and new-onset diabetes in someone not obviously overweight should all prompt a GP visit. - Only 15–20% of patients are eligible for curative surgery (the Whipple procedure). The majority are treated with chemotherapy for advanced disease. - Timely diagnosis and access to specialist pancreatic cancer care can be difficult where costs, travel or service availability create barriers. The situation varies by country and provider. ## What will a donation for pancreatic cancer treatment provide? A gift to World Aid Network's Cancer Emergency Appeal helps pay for diagnosis and treatment that a poor patient has been recommended but cannot afford. Costs vary by diagnosis, provider and treatment plan; no fixed gift guarantees a complete treatment. Trustees direct gifts to the most urgent cases. This is treatment access, not laboratory research and not UK NHS care. Clinicians in partner hospitals decide the medical plan. We fund the bill in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. The Cancer Emergency Appeal funds all types of cancer. Trustees direct gifts to the most urgent hospital bills in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. ## How can I donate to help people with pancreatic cancer? Donate by card at worldaidnetwork.org/donate and choose the Cancer Emergency Appeal. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation with a CIO registration application in progress; Gift Aid is not currently available; HMRC recognition and donor eligibility are required. If you need UK support as a patient or relative, see a GP, NHS 111, Macmillan or the specialist UK charity for this cancer. We fund treatment overseas; we are not a UK helpline. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is pancreatic cancer? Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumour of the pancreas — a gland behind the stomach that produces digestive enzymes and hormones including insulin. Approximately 95% of cases are ductal adenocarcinoma, which is highly aggressive. It is the fifth most common cause of cancer death in the UK, with around 10,500 diagnoses per year and a five-year survival rate of only about 10%. ### What are the symptoms of pancreatic cancer? According to the NHS, symptoms to report to your GP include: unexplained weight loss; jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes); upper abdominal or back pain; indigestion not responding to antacids; new-onset type 2 diabetes without an obvious cause; pale, floating or greasy stools; or unexplained nausea and fatigue. Symptoms are often vague and easy to attribute to other causes, which is why diagnosis is frequently delayed. ### Why is pancreatic cancer so hard to detect early? The pancreas sits deep in the abdomen, hidden from physical examination and not accessible by standard endoscopy. Early-stage pancreatic tumours cause few or no symptoms. By the time symptoms such as jaundice, weight loss or pain become apparent, the cancer has usually grown large enough to obstruct a bile duct or nearby structure, or has already spread to other organs. There is currently no validated national screening test for the general population. ### How common is pancreatic cancer in the UK? Around 10,500 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the UK each year, and approximately 9,400 die from it annually — making it the fifth most common cause of cancer death. It accounts for approximately 3% of all new cancer cases but 6% of cancer deaths, reflecting its poor prognosis. ### What causes pancreatic cancer? The majority of pancreatic cancers arise from accumulated DNA mutations in pancreatic duct cells. Smoking is responsible for approximately 25% of cases. Other causes include long-standing type 2 diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, obesity, a diet high in red and processed meat, heavy alcohol consumption (primarily via chronic pancreatitis), and inherited genetic syndromes including BRCA2 mutations, Lynch syndrome and hereditary pancreatitis. ### What are the risk factors for pancreatic cancer? The main risk factors are: age over 60; smoking; obesity; long-standing type 2 diabetes; chronic pancreatitis; a family history of pancreatic cancer; inherited gene mutations (BRCA2, CDKN2A, STK11, PRSS1, Lynch syndrome); and heavy alcohol use. Around 10% of pancreatic cancers have a hereditary element. Risk increases significantly with a combination of factors such as smoking plus obesity plus diabetes. ### How is pancreatic cancer diagnosed? Diagnosis involves contrast-enhanced CT scanning (pancreatic protocol), endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), MRI/MRCP, and tissue biopsy obtained via EUS-guided fine needle aspiration or CT-guided needle biopsy. CA 19-9 is a blood tumour marker used to support diagnosis and monitor treatment response, though it is not accurate enough for screening alone. Staging CT of the chest, abdomen and pelvis determines whether the tumour is resectable, borderline resectable, locally advanced or metastatic. ### What are the stages of pancreatic cancer? Pancreatic cancer is clinically classified as: resectable (operable, approximately 15–20% at diagnosis); borderline resectable (may become operable after chemotherapy); locally advanced (grown into major blood vessels, approximately 30%); or metastatic (spread to liver, lungs or peritoneum, approximately 50–55%). The TNM staging system (Stages I–IV) is also used. Stage IV — metastatic disease — accounts for the majority of UK diagnoses. ### What is the Whipple procedure? The Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) is the standard surgical operation for pancreatic cancer in the head of the pancreas. It removes the head of the pancreas, the duodenum, the gallbladder and part of the bile duct, with reconstruction to restore digestive continuity. It is a 5–8 hour major operation performed only at specialist HPB (hepatopancreaticobiliary) centres in the UK. Operative mortality at specialist centres is less than 4%; recovery typically takes 4–8 weeks. ### What is the treatment for pancreatic cancer? For resectable disease: surgery (Whipple procedure or distal pancreatectomy) followed by adjuvant chemotherapy (gemcitabine plus capecitabine, or modified FOLFIRINOX). For borderline resectable disease: neoadjuvant chemotherapy to downsize the tumour before surgery. For locally advanced or metastatic disease: chemotherapy with FOLFIRINOX (folinic acid, fluorouracil, irinotecan, oxaliplatin) or gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel for patients with good performance status. Olaparib (PARP inhibitor) is used for BRCA-mutated tumours. Palliative care — biliary stenting, pain management — is central for most patients. ### What is the survival rate for pancreatic cancer? Approximately 10% of pancreatic cancer patients in the UK survive five years. For the minority who undergo curative resection, five-year survival is approximately 20–25%. For metastatic disease — affecting the majority of patients — median survival is 6–12 months with chemotherapy. One-year survival for all stages combined is approximately 25%. These figures have improved modestly over the past decade due to more effective chemotherapy regimens. ### Can pancreatic cancer be cured? Pancreatic cancer can be cured in the approximately 15–20% of patients diagnosed at a resectable stage who undergo successful surgery and do not develop recurrence. For this group, five-year survival is approximately 20–25% with adjuvant chemotherapy. For patients diagnosed with locally advanced or metastatic disease — the majority — current treatment aims to prolong life and manage symptoms rather than achieve cure. ### What is the difference between pancreatic cancer and pancreatitis? Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas — not cancer. Acute pancreatitis is typically caused by gallstones or alcohol. Chronic pancreatitis is long-term pancreatic inflammation, most often from heavy alcohol use or genetic factors. Chronic pancreatitis is itself a risk factor for pancreatic cancer, and the two conditions share symptoms (abdominal pain, weight loss), which can delay diagnosis. Any patient with chronic pancreatitis whose symptoms worsen or change should be reassessed to exclude cancer. ### Is pancreatic cancer hereditary? Approximately 10% of pancreatic cancers have a hereditary component. Inherited gene mutations that increase risk include BRCA2, BRCA1, PALB2, CDKN2A, STK11 (Peutz-Jeghers syndrome), ATM and Lynch syndrome mismatch repair gene mutations. Families with two or more first-degree relatives diagnosed with pancreatic cancer may be referred for genetic testing and surveillance endoscopic ultrasound through specialist genetics or HPB clinics. ### What is jaundice and why does it occur with pancreatic cancer? Jaundice is yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes caused by elevated bilirubin in the blood. In pancreatic cancer, jaundice occurs when a tumour in the head of the pancreas compresses or invades the common bile duct, blocking normal bile flow from the liver into the intestine. It is accompanied by pale stools, dark urine and itching. Painless obstructive jaundice in a person over 60 is a red-flag symptom that the NHS advises investigating urgently to exclude pancreatic cancer. ### What is the difference between exocrine and endocrine pancreatic cancer? Exocrine pancreatic cancer (around 95% of cases) arises from enzyme-producing cells. Ductal adenocarcinoma is by far the most common and most aggressive type. Endocrine tumours (pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours — PNETs, around 5%) arise from hormone-producing islet cells and are generally slower-growing with a better prognosis. Well-differentiated PNETs are sometimes operable even at an advanced stage, unlike ductal adenocarcinoma. ### Are there early detection tests for pancreatic cancer? There is currently no validated screening test for the general population. The CA 19-9 blood test is not accurate enough for population screening. Research into liquid biopsy (circulating tumour DNA) and multi-cancer early detection blood tests is ongoing. In the UK, surveillance endoscopic ultrasound is offered to individuals at high genetic risk (BRCA2, CDKN2A or Lynch syndrome with a family history) at specialist HPB genetics clinics. Earlier diagnosis remains the most critical unmet need in pancreatic cancer. ### What is FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy? FOLFIRINOX is a combination chemotherapy regimen for advanced pancreatic cancer combining four agents: folinic acid (leucovorin), fluorouracil (5-FU), irinotecan and oxaliplatin. Given intravenously every two weeks, it is more effective than gemcitabine alone but significantly more toxic. It is generally reserved for patients with good performance status (PS 0–1) and adequate organ function. A modified version (mFOLFIRINOX) reduces doses to improve tolerability. FOLFIRINOX is also used as neoadjuvant therapy for borderline resectable tumours. ### Can new-onset diabetes be a sign of pancreatic cancer? Yes. New-onset type 2 diabetes — particularly in someone over 60 who is not overweight and has no other obvious risk factors — can be an early sign of pancreatic cancer, because the tumour disrupts insulin-producing islet cells. The NHS advises GPs to consider urgent investigation for any patient over 60 with unexplained new-onset diabetes. People with long-standing type 2 diabetes also have a modestly increased pancreatic cancer risk, though the absolute risk remains low. ### How does pancreatic cancer affect people in developing countries? Cancer outcomes and access to care vary within and between countries. Costs, travel, delayed diagnosis and the availability of specialist treatment can create barriers. A broad comparison between income groups cannot predict an individual patient’s outcome or isolate the effect of any one cause. World Aid Network’s appeal focuses on helping patients who cannot afford care. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for poor patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia through locally licensed oncologists. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/pancreatic-cancer or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — pancreatic cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pancreatic-cancer/ - NHS — Cancer information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer/ - Cancer Research UK — Cancer types: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # How pancreatic cancer is diagnosed: CT, EUS and biopsy > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/pancreatic-cancer/diagnosis > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short A GP who suspects pancreatic cancer will arrange blood tests and urgent scans, usually CT. Specialist centres may use MRI, endoscopic ultrasound and a biopsy to confirm the type. Jaundice is sometimes relieved with a stent before further treatment. There is no home screening kit. Speed matters because only a minority of tumours can still be removed. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. About 95% of pancreatic cancers are exocrine tumours, usually ductal adenocarcinoma. A smaller group are neuroendocrine tumours, which often grow more slowly and are treated differently. UK care is organised through specialist HPB (hepatopancreaticobiliary) centres. Those units, CT scanners and chemotherapy are exactly what many patients overseas cannot reach. ## What tests confirm pancreatic cancer? CT of the chest, abdomen and pelvis maps the tumour and whether it involves major vessels or has spread. MRI and PET-CT are used in some pathways. Endoscopic ultrasound can take a needle biopsy through the stomach wall. Blood tests look at liver function and, sometimes, CA19-9 — a marker that can be raised in pancreatic cancer but is not accurate enough to use as a screening test. ## What if you are jaundiced? A blocked bile duct can be opened with an endoscopic stent so the liver can recover before surgery or chemotherapy. That step is both a treatment for symptoms and part of getting fit for further care. ## Why does specialist centre care matter? Whipple surgery and modern chemotherapy need experienced teams. In many low-income settings those teams, scanners and drugs are missing. World Aid Network funds treatment costs at partner hospitals — we do not perform the Whipple operation ourselves. ## Key takeaways - Diagnosis relies on specialist scans and usually a biopsy — not a home test. - CA19-9 can support the picture but is not a screening test. - Stenting can relieve jaundice before further treatment. - Specialist HPB units are where UK surgery is done. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/pancreatic-cancer - Symptoms: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/pancreatic-cancer/symptoms - Diagnosis: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/pancreatic-cancer/diagnosis - Treatment options: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/pancreatic-cancer/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Is CA19-9 a screening test? No. It can be raised for other reasons and can be normal in some cancers. It is used alongside scans, not instead of them. ### How quickly should tests happen? Suspected pancreatic cancer is referred on an urgent NHS pathway. If you are getting more jaundiced or very unwell, seek urgent help rather than waiting. ### Does World Aid Network diagnose pancreatic cancer? No. We fund care that licensed partner oncologists recommend. UK diagnosis is through the NHS. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — pancreatic cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pancreatic-cancer/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Pancreatic cancer symptoms: jaundice, weight loss and back pain > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/pancreatic-cancer/symptoms > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Pancreatic cancer is hard to spot early because the pancreas sits deep in the abdomen. See a GP about unexplained weight loss, jaundice, new upper tummy or back pain, indigestion that will not settle, greasy stools, or new type 2 diabetes if you are not overweight. Most of these signs have other causes. Checking them is how the few that are cancer get found sooner. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. Around 10,500 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the UK each year, and about 9,400 die of it. Five-year survival is about 7–10% — the lowest of any common UK cancer — mainly because most cases are found late. About 70% of tumours start in the head of the pancreas, where they can block the bile duct and cause jaundice. Tumours in the body or tail often stay silent longer. ## Which symptoms should you report? The NHS advises a GP visit if you have any of these without a clear explanation, especially over 60. - Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice), dark pee, pale poo or itchy skin - Weight loss without trying - New upper tummy or back pain, sometimes worse after eating or lying down - Indigestion that does not respond to usual medicines - New type 2 diabetes without an obvious reason ## Why is pancreatic cancer found late? There is no NHS screening programme for people at average risk. Early tumours rarely hurt. By the time jaundice or weight loss appears, the cancer may already be beyond surgery. Only about 15–20% of patients can have potentially curative surgery at diagnosis. That is why vague symptoms in older adults are still worth a prompt check. ## Who is at higher risk? Smoking causes about a quarter of cases. Other risks include age over 60, obesity, long-standing type 2 diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, and a family history. About 10% have a hereditary component, including BRCA2, Lynch syndrome and hereditary pancreatitis. ## Key takeaways - Jaundice, unexplained weight loss and new upper abdominal or back pain should be checked. - There is no routine NHS screening test for average-risk adults. - About 15–20% of people can have surgery at diagnosis. - Five-year UK survival is about 7–10%, mainly because of late diagnosis. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/pancreatic-cancer - Symptoms: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/pancreatic-cancer/symptoms - Diagnosis: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/pancreatic-cancer/diagnosis - Treatment options: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/pancreatic-cancer/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Does indigestion mean pancreatic cancer? Usually not. Indigestion is common. Indigestion that will not settle, especially with weight loss or jaundice, should still be assessed by a GP. ### Can new diabetes be a sign? New type 2 diabetes in someone who is not overweight, or diabetes that suddenly worsens, can occasionally be linked to pancreatic disease. Mention it to a GP. ### Is there a blood test that screens for it? No reliable population screening blood test is used on the NHS for average-risk people. Diagnosis uses scans, blood tests and specialist assessment after symptoms or incidental findings. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — pancreatic cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pancreatic-cancer/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Pancreatic cancer treatment: Whipple surgery and chemotherapy > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/pancreatic-cancer/treatment > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Surgery is the only treatment that can cure pancreatic adenocarcinoma, but only about 15–20% of people are eligible. The Whipple procedure removes the head of the pancreas, duodenum, gallbladder and part of the bile duct. Most people are treated with chemotherapy such as FOLFIRINOX or gemcitabine with nab-paclitaxel, plus symptom control including stents and palliative care. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. These operations are major and done in specialist UK centres. Chemotherapy combinations cost more than many families overseas earn in a year — which is why access, not biology, drives the global survival gap. ## What is the Whipple procedure? Pancreaticoduodenectomy (the Whipple) is used for tumours in the head of the pancreas that have not spread and do not encase key vessels. Distal pancreatectomy removes the body and tail. Both are large operations with a recovery that takes weeks to months. Some people have chemotherapy before or after surgery to reduce the chance of recurrence. ## What if surgery is not possible? FOLFIRINOX (folinic acid, fluorouracil, irinotecan and oxaliplatin) or gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel are the main drug combinations for people well enough to have them. Pain control, nutrition and biliary stenting are part of care, not an afterthought. ## How does World Aid Network help? We do not run HPB units in Britain. A Cancer Emergency Appeal gift helps a patient who cannot pay receive tests or treatment a partner oncologist has already recommended in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia. ## Key takeaways - Only a minority of people can have potentially curative surgery. - FOLFIRINOX and gemcitabine combinations are standard drug options in well-resourced systems. - Stents and palliative care are essential when cure is not possible. - WAN funds bills overseas, not UK NHS surgery. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/pancreatic-cancer - Symptoms: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/pancreatic-cancer/symptoms - Diagnosis: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/pancreatic-cancer/diagnosis - Treatment options: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/pancreatic-cancer/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Can chemotherapy cure pancreatic cancer? Chemotherapy can shrink disease, relieve symptoms and extend life. Cure of adenocarcinoma usually requires surgery that removes all visible tumour, which most people cannot have at diagnosis. ### How long is recovery after a Whipple? Hospital stays are often one to two weeks if recovery is straightforward, with months of tiredness and dietary adjustment. Teams give individual advice. ### Is five-year survival really about 10%? UK figures of about 7–10% five-year survival are published for all stages combined. People found early enough for surgery do better. The low average reflects late diagnosis. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — pancreatic cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pancreatic-cancer/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Prostate cancer: symptoms, PSA test, treatment and survival > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/prostate-cancer > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Prostate cancer starts in the prostate gland and may cause no symptoms early on. New urinary changes should be checked by a GP, although they often have another cause. A PSA blood test can help guide further investigations, but cannot diagnose cancer alone. Treatment depends on the stage, grade and your preferences. Symptoms, the PSA blood test, treatment and survival — plus how World Aid Network funds care for men who cannot pay. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. This World Aid Network guide covers prostate cancer symptoms, the PSA blood test, Gleason score, stages, treatment, survival, and how we fund care for men who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. It is general information, not medical advice. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/prostate-cancer ## Appointment checklist - What can a PSA result tell us, and what can it miss? - If cancer is confirmed, how do grade and stage affect my options? - What could explain my symptoms, and which tests would help? - What are the benefits and possible harms of each test or treatment? - When should I expect results, and who should I contact if they do not arrive? - Which changes mean I should seek help sooner? - If cancer is diagnosed, what are my treatment options and likely side effects? - Can I bring someone with me, request an interpreter or get written information? ## At a glance - ~57,900: New UK diagnoses a year (Cancer Research UK, 2019 and 2021–2022) - 1 in 8 / 1 in 4: Lifetime risk in UK men / lifetime risk in Black men (Prostate Cancer UK) - ~12,300: UK deaths a year — the second most common cause of cancer death in men (CRUK, 2022–2024) - Ask your GP: Discuss PSA testing based on symptoms, age, family history and inherited risk ## What is prostate cancer? Prostate cancer is a malignant tumour that starts in the prostate, a walnut-sized gland below the bladder in men and people with a prostate. It is the most common cancer in UK men. Many tumours grow slowly; some are aggressive and need treatment quickly. The prostate sits just below the bladder and surrounds part of the urethra — the tube that carries urine. Its job is to make fluid that forms part of semen. Cancer develops when cells in the gland grow out of control. Most prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas, meaning they start in the glandular cells. Some stay inside the prostate for years and may never cause harm. Others break through the capsule, reach nearby lymph nodes, or spread to bones and other organs. Cancer Research UK counts around 57,900 new diagnoses a year in the UK (2019 and 2021–2022 average, about 160 a day). Prostate Cancer UK, using more recent figures published in January 2026, says more than 64,000 men are now diagnosed every year. Around 12,300 men die of prostate cancer each year. About one in eight UK men will be diagnosed in their lifetime. ## What are the symptoms of prostate cancer? Early prostate cancer often causes no symptoms at all. When signs appear they are usually urinary — needing to pee more often, especially at night, a weak or stop-start flow, or a feeling that the bladder has not emptied. Blood in urine or semen, or new back, hip or pelvic pain, should always be checked by a GP. The prostate surrounds the urethra, so a growth large enough to press on that tube can change how you pee. Those same changes are far more often caused by a non-cancerous enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH) or by prostatitis (inflammation). That is why symptoms are a reason to see a GP, not a diagnosis on their own. Because early, treatable disease is often silent, the PSA blood test is the main way to find prostate cancer before symptoms start. Do not wait for pain or blood if you are in a higher-risk group — ask about a PSA test. - Difficulty starting to pee, or having to strain - A weak or intermittent urine flow - Needing to pee more often, especially at night (nocturia) - A feeling that the bladder has not fully emptied - A sudden, urgent need to pee - Blood in the urine or semen - Unexplained pain in the lower back, hips, pelvis or bones ## When should you see a doctor about prostate cancer symptoms? See a GP if you notice new urinary changes, blood in your urine or semen, or pain in the back, hips or pelvis that does not go away. Most of these signs are not cancer, but they should be checked. If you feel very unwell, contact NHS 111 or seek urgent help. You do not need to have every symptom on a list. One persistent change is enough to book an appointment. Take a note of how long it has been going on, whether it is worse at night, and whether anyone in your family has had prostate, breast or ovarian cancer — that helps the GP. World Aid Network publishes this as general information, not a diagnosis. Only a clinician can assess you. This guide does not fund or replace NHS care in the UK. ## What is a PSA test for prostate cancer? A PSA test is a blood test that measures prostate-specific antigen, a protein made by the prostate. A raised level can be a sign of prostate cancer, but an enlarged prostate, a urine infection, recent sex or vigorous exercise can also raise it. Some cancers do not raise PSA at all. The NHS says routine PSA testing is not offered to most people. Its current guidance describes an exception for people with a confirmed BRCA2 gene change. Ask your GP about the current pathway for your circumstances, including if you have symptoms. A raised PSA usually leads to an MRI scan of the prostate, then a targeted biopsy if the scan looks suspicious. The biopsy is what confirms cancer. PSA alone cannot do that. To avoid a falsely high reading, GPs often advise not ejaculating or doing vigorous exercise such as cycling in the 48 hours before the test, and waiting if you have a urine infection. ## Does the NHS screen for prostate cancer? There is no routine PSA screening offer for everyone. The NHS describes a specific exception for people with a confirmed BRCA2 gene change. Anyone with a prostate can discuss testing with a GP. Symptoms need assessment regardless of age or screening eligibility; a PSA test alone cannot confirm or exclude cancer. Screening for everyone has not been introduced because PSA is not accurate enough on its own. It misses some cancers, raises false alarms in men who do not have cancer, and can find slow-growing tumours that would never have caused harm — leading to treatment some men did not need. Screening recommendations can change and UK delivery pathways may differ. Check the linked NHS guidance and ask your GP rather than relying on an online age threshold. Investigating symptoms is different from screening people who feel well. ## Who is at higher risk of prostate cancer? Risk rises with age, especially from 50, and most diagnoses are in older men. Black African and Black Caribbean men have about a 1 in 4 lifetime risk. A father or brother with prostate cancer roughly doubles your risk. A BRCA2 gene change also raises risk. Obesity and inactivity may play a smaller role. You cannot change your age, ethnicity or family history. What you can change is whether you have the conversation about a PSA test at the right age, and whether urinary or bone-pain symptoms are checked rather than put down to 'getting older'. Diet evidence is weaker. The NHS does not recommend a special prostate diet beyond general healthy eating, a healthy weight and staying active. Those steps help overall health even when they do not specifically prevent prostate cancer. - Age — risk rises sharply after 50; more than a third of new UK cases are in men aged 75 and over (Cancer Research UK) - Black ethnicity — about 1 in 4 Black men in the UK will get prostate cancer, versus 1 in 8 men overall (Prostate Cancer UK) - Family history — father or brother diagnosed, especially under 60 - Inherited gene changes — particularly BRCA2 - Body weight and activity — the most evidence-backed lifestyle factors ## Why are Black men at higher risk of prostate cancer? Black men in the UK have about a 1 in 4 lifetime risk of prostate cancer, roughly double the 1 in 8 risk for men overall. The disease can start younger and behave more aggressively. Prostate Cancer UK advises Black men to talk to a GP about a PSA test from age 45. The higher lifetime risk is a reason to discuss testing, even without symptoms. Your GP can consider your age, family history and personal circumstances alongside the benefits and limitations of a PSA test. Almost 1,600 Black men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year in England. If you are Black, you do not need symptoms to ask. Book a GP appointment from age 45, say you want to discuss a PSA test, and mention any family history. Our discussion planner helps you prepare questions for that appointment. ## How is prostate cancer diagnosed? Diagnosis usually starts with a PSA blood test and often a digital rectal examination. If PSA is raised, the next step is typically a multiparametric MRI of the prostate. If the MRI looks suspicious, a targeted biopsy samples the tissue. Those samples are graded with the Gleason score and staged with the TNM system. MRI before biopsy has changed UK practice: many men with a reassuring scan never need a biopsy. When a biopsy is needed it is usually MRI-targeted, which is more accurate than older random sampling. Together, PSA level, Gleason grade (or ISUP grade group) and TNM stage put the cancer into a risk category. That category — not any single number — guides whether active surveillance, surgery, radiotherapy or hormone therapy is discussed first. ## What is the Gleason score for prostate cancer? The Gleason score grades how aggressive prostate cancer looks under the microscope. A pathologist scores the two most common cell patterns from 1 to 5 and adds them. Gleason 6 is low grade, 7 is intermediate, and 8 to 10 is high grade. ISUP grade groups 1 to 5 are now often used alongside it. Gleason 6 (grade group 1) cancers are often slow-growing and may be suitable for active surveillance. Gleason 8 to 10 (grade groups 4 and 5) cancers are more likely to grow and spread, so treatment is usually recommended if the man is fit enough. The score is only one part of the picture. Stage, PSA, MRI findings and your general health all matter. Ask your specialist to explain your grade group in plain English before you decide on treatment. ## What are the stages of prostate cancer? Prostate cancer is staged with the TNM system. Stage I and II mean the tumour is still inside the prostate. Stage III means it has grown through the capsule or into the seminal vesicles. Stage IV means it has reached lymph nodes, bones or other organs. Stage and grade together drive treatment choices. Localised (Stage I–II) disease is often curable with surgery or radiotherapy, and some low-risk cases are monitored instead. Locally advanced (Stage III) disease is still frequently treated with the aim of long-term control. Metastatic (Stage IV) disease is not usually curable, but hormone therapy and other drugs can control it for years. In England in 2022, 53% of prostate cancers with a known stage were found at Stage I or II (Cancer Research UK). Finding cancer while it is still inside the prostate is why the PSA conversation matters. ## What is the treatment for prostate cancer? Treatment depends on stage, grade, PSA, age and what side effects you most want to avoid. Options include active surveillance, surgery (often robotic prostatectomy), external beam radiotherapy, brachytherapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and newer drugs for advanced disease. A specialist team should walk through the trade-offs with you. Because the prostate sits next to nerves and muscles used for erections and bladder control, surgery and radiotherapy can cause urinary leaks and erection difficulties. Techniques have improved, including nerve-sparing and robotic surgery, but no treatment is side-effect free. Hormone therapy commonly causes hot flushes, fatigue, loss of libido and thinner bones. For many men with low-risk disease, the kindest first step is not to treat at all, but to watch closely. That is active surveillance — a recognised NHS approach, not a delay. ## What is active surveillance for prostate cancer? Active surveillance means monitoring a low-risk, localised prostate cancer with regular PSA tests, MRI scans and occasional biopsies, and starting treatment only if the cancer shows signs of growing. It avoids the side effects of surgery or radiotherapy for cancers that may never have caused harm. Watchful waiting is different: it is a gentler approach, usually for older men or men with other serious illnesses, focused on treating symptoms if they appear rather than trying to cure the cancer. If you are offered active surveillance, ask how often you will have PSA tests and MRI scans, and what change would trigger treatment. It is a plan, not 'doing nothing'. ## What is the survival rate for prostate cancer? Cancer Research UK reports around 80% ten-year net survival across all stages. Stage-specific figures use a different population and follow-up period: almost 100% five-year net survival for stage 1 or 2 in England. These population estimates cannot predict your individual outlook. Ask your specialist how stage, grade and health affect your prognosis. Cancer Research UK reports around 57,900 new cases a year and around 12,300 deaths a year. Prostate Cancer UK says more than 540,000 men in the UK are living with or after prostate cancer. Most men diagnosed in the UK die with the disease rather than from it. These figures describe groups, not individuals. Your outlook depends on stage, grade, how far it has spread, other illnesses, and which treatments you can have. ## Can prostate cancer be cured? Localised prostate cancer — still inside the prostate — is often curable with surgery or radiotherapy. Many men treated at that stage are disease-free for ten years or more. Metastatic (Stage IV) prostate cancer is not usually curable, but hormone therapy and other treatments can control it and extend life for years. Cure is not the only good outcome. For some slow-growing cancers, living well without treatment side effects is the aim. For advanced disease, the aim is control: fewer symptoms, longer life, and support for urinary, sexual and bone health. If you are comparing charities, remember that research charities fund trials and discovery. World Aid Network funds treatment costs for poor patients overseas who have already been recommended care they cannot pay for. ## How does prostate cancer affect men in poorer countries? The same cancer is far deadlier where PSA testing, specialist urology and hormone therapy are scarce or unaffordable. The World Health Organization describes unequal access to cancer diagnosis and treatment between countries. World Aid Network funds care for men who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. In the UK, most men diagnosed early can expect to live many years. In a low-income setting a man may present late, with bone pain, because there was no PSA test and no money for an MRI or biopsy. Hormone therapy, radiotherapy and surgery then sit behind a hospital bill his family cannot meet. World Aid Network does not run UK clinics and does not replace the NHS. We pay treatment costs through locally licensed oncologists in registered partner hospitals in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia — never as cash to patients. The Cancer Emergency Appeal funds all types of cancer, including prostate cancer. ## What will a donation for prostate cancer treatment provide? A gift to World Aid Network's Cancer Emergency Appeal helps pay for diagnosis and treatment that a poor patient has been recommended but cannot afford. Treatment costs vary by diagnosis, provider and care plan. A donation is a contribution to the wider cancer fund, not a guaranteed purchase of a procedure. Trustees direct gifts to the most urgent cases. This is treatment access, not laboratory research and not UK NHS care. Clinicians in partner hospitals decide the medical plan. We fund the bill. Give what you can on this page or via the Cancer Emergency Appeal. A monthly gift helps partners keep treating the next man who is turned away. - Contribute towards assessed diagnosis and treatment needs - Support the wider cancer fund rather than a reserved prostate cancer case - Check published funding and reporting information before giving ## How can I donate to help men with prostate cancer? Donate by card at worldaidnetwork.org/donate and choose the Cancer Emergency Appeal. Your gift funds treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation with a CIO registration application in progress; Gift Aid is not currently available; HMRC recognition and donor eligibility are required. Open the donate page and select cancer care. If you are collecting at a workplace, mosque, church or in someone's memory, email info@worldaidnetwork.org and we will mark the gift. If you need UK support as a patient or relative, contact your GP, NHS 111, Prostate Cancer UK or Macmillan. We are an overseas treatment-funding charity, not a UK helpline. ## Prostate cancer symptoms compared with an enlarged prostate - What you notice: Needing to pee more often, especially at night — Often caused by: Usually a non-cancerous enlarged prostate (BPH) — What to do: See a GP. Ask about a PSA test. - What you notice: Weak, stop-start flow or difficulty starting — Often caused by: Usually BPH, not cancer — What to do: Still worth checking — treatment can ease the symptoms. - What you notice: Feeling the bladder has not emptied — Often caused by: Usually BPH — What to do: See a GP. Do not ignore it if it is new. - What you notice: Blood in urine or semen — Often caused by: Needs prompt assessment — several causes, including cancer — What to do: See a GP without delay. - What you notice: New pain in the back, hips, pelvis or bones that does not go away — Often caused by: Many causes; sometimes cancer that has spread — What to do: See a GP promptly, especially with other risk factors. ## Who can ask for a PSA blood test in the UK? - Who: Most men — From what age: 50 — Why: NHS informed-choice PSA test after a discussion with a GP - Who: Black African or Black Caribbean men — From what age: 45 — Why: Lifetime risk is about 1 in 4, not 1 in 8 - Who: Men whose father or brother had prostate cancer — From what age: 45 — Why: Family history roughly doubles lifetime risk - Who: People with a known BRCA2 gene change — From what age: Ask your GP or genetics team — Why: The NHS describes an exception to usual routine-testing advice for this group - Who: Any man with urinary, blood or bone-pain symptoms — From what age: Any adult age — Why: Symptoms should be assessed, not waited out ## What treatment is usually discussed? - Situation: Low-risk cancer still inside the prostate — Treatments often discussed: Active surveillance — regular PSA tests, MRI and, if needed, biopsies. Treat only if it changes. - Situation: Intermediate- or high-risk cancer still inside the prostate — Treatments often discussed: Surgery to remove the prostate (often robotic) or radiotherapy, sometimes with hormone therapy. - Situation: Cancer that has grown through the prostate capsule — Treatments often discussed: Radiotherapy with hormone therapy is common. Surgery is sometimes an option. - Situation: Cancer that has spread to nodes, bones or other organs — Treatments often discussed: Hormone therapy (androgen deprivation), often with chemotherapy or newer drugs such as enzalutamide or abiraterone. ## What is the survival rate for prostate cancer? - Measure: New cases each year — Figure: Around 57,900 (about 160 a day) — Source: Cancer Research UK, 2019 and 2021–2022 - Measure: Latest charity-cited diagnoses — Figure: More than 64,000 a year — Source: Prostate Cancer UK, January 2026 - Measure: Deaths each year — Figure: Around 12,300 — Source: Cancer Research UK, 2022–2024 - Measure: Ten-year net survival, all stages — Figure: Around 80% — Source: CRUK survival guide; England and Wales registry study, diagnoses 1971–2018, followed to 2019 - Measure: Stage 1 or 2, five-year net survival — Figure: Almost 100% — Source: CRUK; England diagnoses 2013–2017, followed to 2018 - Measure: Men living with or after prostate cancer — Figure: Around 540,000 in the UK — Source: Prostate Cancer UK, January 2026 ## What will a donation provide? - £10: A contribution to the cancer treatment fund; no fixed treatment is guaranteed - £25: A contribution towards assessed cancer-care needs - £50: A contribution towards clinician-recommended care, not a guaranteed chemotherapy session - £100: A contribution to the wider cancer fund; costs vary by patient and provider ## How to ask your GP for a PSA test In the UK, men aged 50 and over — or 45 if Black or with a family history of prostate cancer — can ask a GP for a PSA blood test after an informed discussion. - Check your risk: Use the PSA discussion planner to prepare questions about age, family history and inherited risk. It does not calculate your risk. - Book a GP appointment: Say you want to discuss a PSA test. You can raise concerns even without symptoms. Your GP can explain whether testing is appropriate. - Talk through the pros and cons: A raised PSA can lead to MRI and biopsy even when you do not have cancer. Some slow-growing cancers never need treatment. - Prepare for the blood test: Avoid ejaculation and vigorous exercise such as cycling for 48 hours, and wait if you have a urine infection. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is prostate cancer? Prostate cancer is a tumour that starts in the prostate gland below the bladder. It is the most common cancer in UK men, with around 57,900 diagnoses a year (Cancer Research UK) and more than 64,000 on Prostate Cancer UK's latest figures. Many cases grow slowly; some need urgent treatment. ### What are the first signs of prostate cancer? Often there are none. When signs appear they are usually urinary — peeing more often at night, a weak flow, or a feeling the bladder has not emptied. Blood in urine or semen, or new bone, back or hip pain, should be checked by a GP. World Aid Network's guide is information, not a diagnosis. ### Can I get a PSA test on the NHS? Yes. There is no national screening programme, but men aged 50 and over can ask a GP for a PSA blood test after discussing the benefits and limits. Black men and men with a father or brother who had prostate cancer are encouraged to have that talk from age 45. ### Does a high PSA mean I have prostate cancer? No. An enlarged prostate, a urine infection, recent ejaculation or vigorous exercise can all raise PSA. Some men with cancer have a normal PSA. A raised result usually leads to an MRI, not an instant diagnosis. ### What is the survival rate for prostate cancer in the UK? CRUK reports around 80% ten-year net survival across all stages. This is a population estimate, not an individual prediction. The survival section explains the source populations and dates. ### Can prostate cancer be cured? Cancer still inside the prostate is often curable with surgery or radiotherapy. Advanced prostate cancer that has spread is not usually curable, but hormone therapy, chemotherapy and newer drugs can control it for a long time. ### Why is prostate cancer more common in Black men? Black men in the UK have about a 1 in 4 lifetime risk, versus 1 in 8 for men overall. The cancer can start younger and be more aggressive. Prostate Cancer UK advises a PSA conversation with a GP from age 45. Full guide: https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/prostate-cancer-black-men. ### What is the Gleason score? It grades how aggressive prostate cancer looks in a biopsy. Two cell patterns scored 1 to 5 are added together. Gleason 6 is low grade; 7 is intermediate; 8 to 10 is high grade. ISUP grade groups 1 to 5 are often reported alongside it. ### Is an enlarged prostate the same as prostate cancer? No. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement that is very common with age and causes many of the same urinary symptoms. A GP can assess you and discuss whether a PSA test is useful. ### How can I help during Movember? Official Movember fundraising at uk.movember.com supports the Movember Foundation. World Aid Network is not a Movember partner. To fund prostate cancer treatment overseas this November, donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/movember-prostate-cancer-developing-world. Gifts pay hospital bills in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia — not UK research. ### Does World Aid Network treat prostate cancer in the UK? No. We do not provide NHS care or UK clinics. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment — including prostate cancer where partner hospitals can deliver it — for poor patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia through locally licensed oncologists. Donate via the Cancer Emergency Appeal. ### How can I donate to prostate cancer treatment? Give by card at https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate and choose the Cancer Emergency Appeal, through the secure donation page. No fixed gift guarantees a chemotherapy session; actual costs vary. World Aid Network's Charity Commission registration is in progress (application 5290505); Gift Aid applies once it is granted. ### Where should I go for UK patient support? See your GP or NHS 111 for medical advice. Prostate Cancer UK and Macmillan Cancer Support offer specialist UK information and helplines. World Aid Network funds treatment overseas; we are not a UK patient helpline. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for poor patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia through locally licensed oncologists. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/prostate-cancer or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — Prostate cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-cancer/ - NHS — PSA test: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/psa-test/ - Cancer Research UK — Prostate cancer statistics: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/prostate-cancer - Cancer Research UK — About prostate cancer: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/prostate-cancer - Prostate Cancer UK — Facts and figures (updated January 2026): https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/risk-and-symptoms/about-prostate-cancer/facts-and-figures - Cancer Research UK — Survival for prostate cancer: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/prostate-cancer/survival - NHS — Prostate cancer symptoms: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms/ - Prostate Cancer UK — Choosing a treatment: https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/treatments/choosing-a-treatment - World Health Organization — Cancer: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # The PSA test for prostate cancer explained > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/psa-test > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short The PSA test is a blood test measuring prostate-specific antigen, a protein made by the prostate. A raised level can be a sign of prostate cancer, but harmless conditions such as an enlarged prostate can also cause it. Discuss the possible benefits, harms and current testing pathway with your GP. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. The PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test is the main blood test used to check the health of the prostate. Because early prostate cancer often causes no symptoms at all, the PSA test is one of the few ways to pick up a problem early — but it comes with genuine trade-offs that are worth understanding before you decide. PSA testing is not routinely offered to everyone. The current NHS guidance describes an exception for people with a confirmed BRCA2 gene change. Discuss your circumstances with a GP, including symptoms, family history and any known inherited risk. ## What the PSA test measures PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland. Small amounts normally leak into the blood, and the level tends to rise gradually with age. A higher-than-expected level can be an early sign of prostate cancer, which is why the test is useful. However, a raised PSA does not mean you have cancer. Common, non-cancerous causes include an enlarged prostate (very common with age), a urine infection, recent vigorous exercise, or recent ejaculation. Equally, some men with prostate cancer have a normal PSA, so the test can give false reassurance. ## Who can have a PSA test In the UK, any man over 50 can ask his GP for a PSA test, even without symptoms, after discussing the benefits and risks. Because the risk of prostate cancer is higher and starts younger in some groups, men are encouraged to consider the test earlier — from age 45 — if they are Black or have a father or brother who had prostate cancer. Black men can read the dedicated prostate cancer in Black men guide for the 1 in 4 lifetime risk. If you have urinary symptoms, such as needing to pee more often or a weak flow, your GP may suggest a PSA test as part of looking into the cause. ## Weighing up the pros and cons The main benefit of the PSA test is that it can find prostate cancer early, before symptoms appear, when treatment is most likely to be successful. For men at higher risk, this can be very valuable. The downsides are real too. A raised PSA often leads to further tests, such as an MRI scan and a biopsy, which can cause anxiety and, occasionally, side effects — even though many of these men turn out not to have cancer. The test can also detect slow-growing cancers that would never have caused harm, leading to treatment that was not needed. Understanding this balance is why the decision is a personal one, made together with your GP. ## What happens if your PSA is raised If your PSA is higher than expected, the next step is usually an MRI scan of the prostate, which helps show whether a biopsy is needed and where to target it. A biopsy takes small samples of prostate tissue to check for cancer cells. If cancer is found, further tests grade how aggressive it is and whether it has spread, which guides the choice of treatment — including, for some slow-growing cancers, simply monitoring it closely rather than treating straight away. ## Key takeaways - The PSA test is a blood test that can help find prostate cancer early, before symptoms appear. - A raised PSA is often caused by harmless conditions, and some prostate cancers do not raise PSA at all. - A PSA discussion should consider symptoms and inherited risk as well as age; check current NHS guidance with your GP. - A raised result usually leads to an MRI scan and possibly a biopsy — many of these men do not have cancer. - Deciding whether to have a PSA test is a personal choice, best made after discussing the pros and cons with a GP. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/prostate-cancer - The PSA test: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/psa-test - Symptoms: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/symptoms - Treatment options: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I ask my GP for a PSA test? Yes. In the UK, any man over 50 can request a PSA test from their GP, even without symptoms, after a discussion about the benefits and risks. Men at higher risk — Black men, or those with a father or brother who had prostate cancer — are encouraged to consider it from age 45. Black men: https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/prostate-cancer-black-men. ### Does a high PSA mean I have cancer? Not necessarily. Many things other than cancer can raise PSA, including an enlarged prostate, a urine infection, recent exercise or recent ejaculation. A raised result means further checks are sensible, but most causes are not cancer. ### Why isn't there national PSA screening in the UK? Because the PSA test on its own is not accurate enough to screen everyone safely. It misses some cancers, raises false alarms in many men without cancer, and can detect slow-growing cancers that would never cause harm. Instead, the UK offers an informed-choice approach where men can request the test after discussing it with their GP. ### How should I prepare for a PSA test? To avoid a falsely raised reading, it is generally advised not to ejaculate or do vigorous exercise (such as cycling) in the 48 hours before the test, and to wait if you have a urine infection. Your GP or nurse will give you specific advice. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — Prostate cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-cancer/ - NHS — PSA test: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/psa-test/ - Cancer Research UK — Prostate cancer statistics: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/prostate-cancer - Cancer Research UK — About prostate cancer: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/prostate-cancer - Prostate Cancer UK — Facts and figures (updated January 2026): https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/risk-and-symptoms/about-prostate-cancer/facts-and-figures - Cancer Research UK — Survival for prostate cancer: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/prostate-cancer/survival - NHS — Prostate cancer symptoms: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms/ - Prostate Cancer UK — Choosing a treatment: https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/treatments/choosing-a-treatment - World Health Organization — Cancer: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # PSA Test Discussion Planner & Risk Factors | WAN > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/risk-checker > Prepare questions about prostate cancer risk and PSA testing for your GP. A private planner with NHS sources, not a diagnosis or eligibility test. Quick answer Age, Black ethnicity, family history and some inherited gene changes can affect prostate cancer risk. This planner helps you prepare a conversation with your GP; it does not calculate your personal risk or decide whether you should have a PSA test. New or concerning symptoms need assessment at any age. ## What would you like to ask your GP? Your selections are not sent, saved or included in analytics. You can read every question below without using the planner. ### Your GP discussion questions This does not diagnose cancer or confirm eligibility for testing. Speak to your GP if you are concerned even when no topic here fits. ## Which questions can anyone use? - Tell your GP about symptoms and when they started. Ask which assessment you need and what changes mean you should seek help sooner. Do not wait for a screening age. - Ask how your age, general health and preferences affect the possible benefits and harms of PSA testing. - Tell your GP if you are Black or have Black ancestry and ask how this affects when to discuss PSA testing. A population risk figure is not a prediction for you. - Bring details of relatives affected and their age at diagnosis if you know them. Ask whether your history changes the testing discussion or suggests a genetics referral. - Tell your GP or genetics team which gene change was found. Ask about the current pathway for you; NHS PSA guidance describes a specific exception for confirmed BRCA2 changes. Also ask what a raised or normal PSA result would mean, which follow-up tests might be needed, and when to expect results. For urgent medical advice in England, use [NHS 111](https://111.nhs.uk/). Call 999 for a life-threatening emergency, or your local emergency number outside the UK. [Read about PSA tests, benefits and limitations](/cancer/prostate-cancer/psa-test) · [Print an appointment checklist](/cancer/prostate-cancer#appointment-checklist) ## What are the sources for this guide? Follow the original guidance for its evidence, dates and limitations. General background references are not a clinical review of this page. - [NHS — PSA test](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/psa-test/) - [NHS — Prostate cancer symptoms and family history](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms/) - [Prostate Cancer UK — Risk and symptoms](https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/risk-and-symptoms) [Editorial policy](/editorial-policy) · [Corrections and reporting an error](/corrections) ## How can I support cancer treatment? Connect the information you have read with treatment support and the checks that protect your donation. - [Donate to cancer care](/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency#donate-form) Give to the Cancer Emergency Appeal’s wider fund for patients who cannot pay. - [Cancer Emergency Appeal](/appeal/cancer-emergency) See what the treatment fund supports. - [How donations reach care](/where-your-money-goes) Understand programme funding and accountability. - [Cancer information and support](/cancer) Find guides to cancer types, diagnosis and care. - [Cancer treatment support enquiries](/cancer/eligibility-checker) Prepare an enquiry and understand the review process. - [Childhood cancer support](/childhood-cancer-treatment) Explore help for children and their families. - [Hospital partnership enquiries](/partner-with-us) Eligibility, agreements and funding review for care providers. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Prostate cancer symptoms to know > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/symptoms > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Early prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms. When symptoms appear they are often urinary — needing to pee more often, especially at night, difficulty starting, or a weak, stop-start flow. These are more often caused by a harmless enlarged prostate, but blood in the urine or semen, or new back or hip pain, should always be checked by a GP. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. One of the most important things to understand about prostate cancer is that, in its early and most treatable stages, it usually causes no symptoms whatsoever. The prostate sits below the bladder and surrounds the tube that carries urine, so symptoms tend only to appear once a growth is large enough to press on that tube — or once the cancer has spread. This is exactly why the PSA blood test exists: it can pick up signs of a problem before any symptoms develop. It is also why urinary symptoms, while worth checking, are usually not caused by cancer at all. ## Urinary symptoms When prostate problems do cause symptoms, they are usually related to peeing, because the prostate surrounds the urethra. Things to look out for include: - Needing to pee more often than usual, especially during the night - Difficulty starting to pee, or having to strain - A weak flow, or a flow that stops and starts - A feeling that your bladder has not fully emptied - A sudden or urgent need to pee ## Why these symptoms are usually not cancer Most urinary symptoms in older men are caused by a non-cancerous condition called benign prostatic enlargement (BPH) — the prostate naturally getting bigger with age. While these symptoms are usually not due to cancer, they are still worth seeing a GP about, both to rule out cancer and because the symptoms themselves can often be treated and improved. ## Symptoms that need prompt attention Some symptoms are more concerning and should always be checked promptly. These include blood in the urine or semen, and new, unexplained pain in the back, hips, pelvis or bones that does not go away. Bone pain can sometimes be a sign that prostate cancer has spread, so it should not be ignored, particularly alongside other risk factors. Whatever the likely cause, seeing a GP means the right tests can be arranged and any serious cause can be found early. ## Key takeaways - Early prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms — this is why the PSA test is important for finding it early. - Most urinary symptoms in older men are caused by a harmless enlarged prostate, not cancer. - Urinary changes are still worth seeing a GP about, as they can be treated and cancer can be ruled out. - Blood in the urine or semen, or new unexplained back, hip or pelvic pain, should always be checked promptly. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/prostate-cancer - The PSA test: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/psa-test - Symptoms: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/symptoms - Treatment options: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Does prostate cancer always cause urinary symptoms? No. Early prostate cancer often causes no symptoms at all. Urinary symptoms usually appear only when a growth presses on the tube that carries urine, and in older men these symptoms are far more often caused by a harmless enlarged prostate than by cancer. ### Is needing to pee at night a sign of prostate cancer? Needing to pee more often at night is a common urinary symptom that is usually caused by a non-cancerous enlarged prostate, not cancer. It is still worth seeing a GP, who can check the cause and discuss whether a PSA test is appropriate. ### Can prostate cancer cause back pain? New, persistent and unexplained pain in the back, hips or pelvis can occasionally be a sign that prostate cancer has spread to the bones. Back pain has many common causes, but if it is new, does not go away, or comes with other symptoms, see a GP. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — Prostate cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-cancer/ - NHS — PSA test: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/psa-test/ - Cancer Research UK — Prostate cancer statistics: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/prostate-cancer - Cancer Research UK — About prostate cancer: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/prostate-cancer - Prostate Cancer UK — Facts and figures (updated January 2026): https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/risk-and-symptoms/about-prostate-cancer/facts-and-figures - Cancer Research UK — Survival for prostate cancer: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/prostate-cancer/survival - NHS — Prostate cancer symptoms: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms/ - Prostate Cancer UK — Choosing a treatment: https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/treatments/choosing-a-treatment - World Health Organization — Cancer: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Prostate cancer treatment options explained > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/treatment > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Prostate cancer treatment depends on how aggressive the cancer is and whether it has spread. Slow-growing cancers are often managed with active surveillance — monitoring closely and treating only if it changes. Other options are surgery, radiotherapy and hormone therapy. Because treatments can affect urinary and sexual function, the choice is weighed up carefully with your specialist team. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. Unlike many cancers, prostate cancer often grows very slowly. This changes how it is treated: for a significant number of men, the wisest course is not to treat straight away at all, but to monitor the cancer closely. For others with faster-growing or more advanced disease, active treatment is important. Because the prostate sits next to nerves and muscles involved in bladder control and erections, treatments can have side effects in these areas. A specialist team helps each man weigh up the benefits and risks based on his cancer and his priorities. ## Active surveillance and watchful waiting For low-risk, slow-growing prostate cancer, active surveillance is often recommended. This means keeping a close eye on the cancer with regular PSA tests, scans and occasional biopsies, and starting treatment only if there are signs it is growing. The aim is to avoid the side effects of treatment for cancers that may never cause harm. Watchful waiting is a less intensive approach, generally used for older men or those with other health problems, where the focus is on managing symptoms if and when they appear rather than aiming to cure. ## Surgery and radiotherapy Surgery to remove the prostate (a radical prostatectomy) is an option for cancer that has not spread beyond the prostate, often carried out using keyhole or robot-assisted techniques. Radiotherapy uses targeted radiation to destroy cancer cells and can be given from outside the body (external beam) or by placing radioactive seeds inside the prostate (brachytherapy). Both surgery and radiotherapy can be very effective for localised prostate cancer. Both can also affect bladder control and erections, though techniques have improved and side effects vary from person to person. Your team will explain what to expect. ## Hormone therapy and advanced disease Prostate cancer usually depends on the male hormone testosterone to grow. Hormone therapy lowers testosterone or blocks its effect, slowing the cancer. It is often combined with radiotherapy, or used when the cancer has spread beyond the prostate. For advanced prostate cancer, hormone therapy is frequently combined with chemotherapy or newer targeted treatments, which have significantly improved how long and how well men live with the disease. Even when prostate cancer cannot be cured, it can often be controlled for a long time. ## Key takeaways - Prostate cancer often grows slowly, so 'active surveillance' — monitoring rather than treating — is sometimes the best choice. - Surgery (removing the prostate) and radiotherapy are both effective treatments for localised cancer. - Treatments can affect bladder control and erections, so the choice is weighed up carefully with your team. - Hormone therapy slows prostate cancer by reducing testosterone and is often used for advanced disease. - Even advanced prostate cancer can often be controlled for many years. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/prostate-cancer - The PSA test: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/psa-test - Symptoms: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/symptoms - Treatment options: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Why might my doctor recommend not treating my prostate cancer straight away? Many prostate cancers grow so slowly that they would never cause harm in a man's lifetime. For these low-risk cancers, active surveillance — monitoring closely with regular tests and treating only if it changes — avoids the side effects of treatment while keeping you safe. It is a recognised, evidence-based approach, not a case of doing nothing. ### Will prostate cancer treatment affect my sex life or bladder? It can. Because the prostate sits close to the nerves and muscles involved in erections and bladder control, surgery and radiotherapy can cause erection difficulties or urinary problems. The risk varies between individuals and treatments, and techniques have improved. Your team will discuss the likely effects and the support available. ### Can advanced prostate cancer be treated? Yes. Even when prostate cancer has spread and cannot be cured, it can often be controlled for a long time with hormone therapy, sometimes combined with chemotherapy or newer targeted drugs. These treatments can help men live longer and maintain a good quality of life. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — Prostate cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-cancer/ - NHS — PSA test: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/psa-test/ - Cancer Research UK — Prostate cancer statistics: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/prostate-cancer - Cancer Research UK — About prostate cancer: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/prostate-cancer - Prostate Cancer UK — Facts and figures (updated January 2026): https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/risk-and-symptoms/about-prostate-cancer/facts-and-figures - Cancer Research UK — Survival for prostate cancer: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/prostate-cancer/survival - NHS — Prostate cancer symptoms: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms/ - Prostate Cancer UK — Choosing a treatment: https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/treatments/choosing-a-treatment - World Health Organization — Cancer: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Skin cancer: symptoms, treatment and survival > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/skin-cancer > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. Most cases are caused by ultraviolet (UV) light, from the sun or from sunbeds. There are two broad groups: non-melanoma skin cancers (basal cell and squamous cell), which are very common and rarely life-threatening, and melanoma, which is rarer but more serious. The key is to watch your skin for any new growth or any mole that changes, and to protect your skin from burning. Most skin cancers are very treatable when caught early. The UK's most common cancer — mostly caused by UV from sun and sunbeds. World Aid Network funds treatment for patients who cannot pay. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. ## Appointment checklist - What type of skin change is this, and is a biopsy needed? - How should I care for the treated skin and check for new changes? - What could explain my symptoms, and which tests would help? - What are the benefits and possible harms of each test or treatment? - When should I expect results, and who should I contact if they do not arrive? - Which changes mean I should seek help sooner? - If cancer is diagnosed, what are my treatment options and likely side effects? - Can I bring someone with me, request an interpreter or get written information? ## At a glance - 350,000+: UK cases each year - UV (sun & sunbeds): Main cause - Non-melanoma · melanoma: Two groups - Preventable: Largely ## What is skin cancer? Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. Most cases are caused by ultraviolet (UV) light, from the sun or from sunbeds. There are two broad groups: non-melanoma skin cancers (basal cell and squamous cell), which are very common and rarely life-threatening, and melanoma, which is rarer but more serious. The key is to watch your skin for any new growth or any mole that changes, and to protect your skin from burning. Most skin cancers are very treatable when caught early. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United Kingdom and one of the most preventable. More than 350,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed every year in the UK — far more than any other cancer. The vast majority are non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC), primarily basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, which are almost always curable when caught early. Melanoma, though less common, is the most dangerous type of skin cancer and accounts for the majority of skin cancer deaths. Around 16,000 melanomas are diagnosed in the UK each year, causing approximately 2,300 deaths annually. This guide answers the twenty most commonly searched questions about skin cancer in the UK, drawing on NHS and WHO sources — from recognising warning signs and understanding different types to treatment options and prevention. ## When should you see a doctor about skin cancer? Most of these symptoms have a less serious cause — but it is always worth getting them checked. See a GP if you notice a new or persistent change. If you feel very unwell, contact NHS 111 or seek urgent help. Take a note of how long the symptom has lasted and whether it is getting worse. You do not need every sign on a list to book an appointment. This guide is general information from World Aid Network, not a diagnosis and not UK NHS care. Only a clinician can assess you. - A new growth, lump or patch on the skin that will not heal - A sore that scabs, bleeds and does not heal within a few weeks - A mole that changes in size, shape or colour (see the ABCDE rule for melanoma) - A patch of skin that is rough, scaly or crusty - Anything on your skin that looks unusual or is changing ## Types of skin cancer There are three main types of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common, accounting for approximately 75% of all skin cancers. It develops from basal cells in the deepest layer of the epidermis, grows slowly and very rarely spreads. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type, developing from squamous cells in the outer layer of skin. SCC is more likely than BCC to spread if left untreated. Melanoma arises from melanocytes (pigment cells) and is the most dangerous type — representing only 4% of skin cancer cases but approximately 80% of skin cancer deaths. Less common skin cancers include Merkel cell carcinoma, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, cutaneous lymphomas and Kaposi sarcoma. Collectively, the non-melanoma skin cancers (BCC and SCC) account for approximately 330,000+ UK diagnoses per year, while melanoma accounts for approximately 16,000. ## Warning signs and the ABCDE rule The NHS advises seeing your GP if you notice: a new or changing mole; a sore or lesion that does not heal within six weeks; a skin growth that bleeds or crusts repeatedly; a pearly or shiny bump on sun-exposed skin (typical of BCC); a firm, red or skin-coloured lump that grows quickly (typical of SCC); or any skin change that concerns you. For melanoma specifically, the ABCDE rule helps identify suspicious moles: Asymmetry (one half different from the other); Border (irregular, ragged or blurred edges); Colour (multiple colours within one lesion); Diameter (larger than 6 mm); and Evolution (any change in size, shape, colour or sensation). The 'ugly duckling sign' — a mole that looks noticeably different from all your others — is also a red flag regardless of the ABCDE criteria. ## What skin cancer looks like: a visual guide Because skin cancers vary in appearance, understanding their typical visual characteristics is essential for early detection. The descriptions below are based on clinical guidance from the NHS and the British Association of Dermatologists. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) most commonly appears as a small, shiny or pearly bump on sun-exposed skin — particularly the face, ears, scalp or neck. It often has a translucent quality with tiny surface blood vessels (telangiectasia) visible on close inspection, and rolled edges around a central depression. Nodular BCC, the most common subtype, looks like a raised, dome-shaped lesion with a smooth, reflective surface. Superficial BCC appears instead as a flat, pink or red scaly patch, often on the trunk, and can be confused with eczema. Morphoeic BCC looks like a pale, scar-like area with poorly defined edges — the most difficult subtype to detect visually. Pigmented BCC may contain areas of dark brown or black pigmentation and can be confused with a melanoma or a benign mole. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) typically presents as a firm, flesh-coloured or red lump with a rough, warty or crusted surface. Unlike BCC, an SCC often grows relatively quickly over weeks or months. It may bleed when touched and can form a non-healing ulcer. Bowen's disease (SCC in situ) appears as a persistent, slowly enlarging red scaly patch — often larger and flatter than an invasive SCC. Melanoma is highly variable in appearance. Early melanomas often look like a flat or slightly raised mole with an irregular outline and uneven colour — multiple shades of brown, black, pink, red or white within the same lesion — and a diameter greater than 6 mm. Nodular melanoma, a faster-growing subtype, appears as a raised, dark or occasionally pink bump that bleeds easily. Amelanotic melanoma is particularly deceptive: it lacks the expected dark pigmentation and may look like an ordinary pink or skin-coloured lump. Subungual melanoma appears as a dark streak running lengthways under a fingernail or toenail. Lentigo maligna melanoma typically appears as a large, flat, brown or tan patch on sun-damaged skin in older adults, most commonly on the face or scalp. Important: these descriptions are for awareness only. The NHS strongly advises against self-diagnosis from images or text descriptions. Use the ABCDE rule as a prompt to seek a professional opinion — not as a tool for ruling cancer in or out. Any skin change that concerns you should be assessed by a GP. ## Causes and UV radiation Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and sunbeds is the primary cause of skin cancer. UV damages the DNA in skin cells, triggering mutations that allow abnormal cell growth. Cumulative lifetime UV exposure is the main driver of non-melanoma skin cancers. Intermittent intense exposure and sunburn — particularly in childhood and adolescence — are more strongly associated with melanoma risk. The WHO classifies sunbeds as Group 1 carcinogens. Using a sunbed before the age of 35 increases melanoma risk by approximately 75%. In 2011, the UK banned commercial sunbed use for under-18s. The NHS advises avoiding sunbeds entirely. ## Treatment options Treatment depends on the type, size, location and stage of the skin cancer. For BCC and SCC, standard treatments include surgical excision with adequate margins, Mohs micrographic surgery (for facial and high-risk sites), cryotherapy, curettage and cautery, radiotherapy, topical therapies (imiquimod, 5-fluorouracil) and photodynamic therapy. For advanced BCC, vismodegib/sonidegib (hedgehog inhibitors) are used. For advanced SCC, immunotherapy (cemiplimab) is now standard. For melanoma, wide local excision is the primary treatment. For advanced or metastatic disease, immunotherapy (pembrolizumab, nivolumab ± ipilimumab) and targeted therapy (BRAF/MEK inhibitors for BRAF V600-mutated tumours) have transformed outcomes. All NHS skin cancer treatments are approved by NICE based on clinical evidence. ## Skin cancer in the developing world In low-income countries, dermatology services are highly concentrated in urban centres. Patients in rural areas frequently present with large, advanced skin cancers that have caused significant local tissue destruction or spread to regional lymph nodes — lesions that would have been cured by a simple outpatient procedure if caught earlier. Access to Mohs surgery, immunotherapy and targeted therapy is extremely limited for poor patients. The World Health Organization notes that skin cancer incidence is rising globally. In regions with high solar UV index (much of Asia, Africa and South-East Asia — including the regions where World Aid Network operates), fair-skinned individuals and those who have experienced significant UV exposure face elevated risk. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment of all types for poor patients through locally-licensed doctors and registered hospitals. A donation today helps fund early-stage cancer care that makes the difference between cure and suffering. ## What are the key takeaways? The most important points on skin cancer for patients, families and donors. - Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, with over 350,000 diagnoses per year. Most are non-melanoma skin cancers (BCC and SCC), which are almost always curable when caught early. - Melanoma accounts for only 4% of skin cancer cases but approximately 80% of skin cancer deaths. It requires urgent assessment and specialist treatment. - The ABCDE rule (Asymmetry, Border, Colour, Diameter, Evolution) helps identify suspicious moles. Any changing or non-healing skin lesion should be assessed by a GP promptly. - UV radiation — from the sun and sunbeds — is the primary cause of skin cancer. Sunbeds are WHO Group 1 carcinogens. Avoiding sunbeds and using SPF 30+ sunscreen are the most important preventive measures. - In low-income countries, late-stage skin cancer diagnoses are common because dermatology access is limited — and advanced treatments such as immunotherapy are unaffordable for poor patients. ## What will a donation for skin cancer treatment provide? A gift to World Aid Network's Cancer Emergency Appeal helps pay for diagnosis and treatment that a poor patient has been recommended but cannot afford. Costs vary by diagnosis, provider and treatment plan; no fixed gift guarantees a complete treatment. Trustees direct gifts to the most urgent cases. This is treatment access, not laboratory research and not UK NHS care. Clinicians in partner hospitals decide the medical plan. We fund the bill in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. The Cancer Emergency Appeal funds all types of cancer. Trustees direct gifts to the most urgent hospital bills in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. ## How can I donate to help people with skin cancer? Donate by card at worldaidnetwork.org/donate and choose the Cancer Emergency Appeal. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation with a CIO registration application in progress; Gift Aid is not currently available; HMRC recognition and donor eligibility are required. If you need UK support as a patient or relative, see a GP, NHS 111, Macmillan or the specialist UK charity for this cancer. We fund treatment overseas; we are not a UK helpline. ## How to check a mole with the ABCDE rule Melanoma is often visible on the skin. The ABCDE rule helps you notice a mole that needs a GP appointment: Asymmetry, Border, Colour, Diameter and Evolving. - Look at the whole skin: Check moles and new patches, including your back, scalp, soles and under nails. Ask someone to look at places you cannot see. - Use ABCDE: Be alert to a mole that is Asymmetrical, has an uneven Border, more than one Colour, a Diameter larger than 6mm, or is Evolving (changing). - Photograph anything you are watching: A phone photo every few months helps you notice change. Change matters more than a mole that has always looked the same. - See a GP about any new or changing lesion: A sore that will not heal, a mole that itches or bleeds, or a new dark patch under a nail should be checked. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is skin cancer? Skin cancer is a malignant tumour that develops in the cells of the skin. There are three main types: basal cell carcinoma (BCC, the most common, rarely spreads), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC, more likely to spread than BCC) and melanoma (the most dangerous, arising from pigment cells and responsible for most skin cancer deaths). Together, these cancers make skin cancer the most commonly diagnosed cancer group in the UK, with over 350,000 cases per year. ### What are the types of skin cancer? The three main types are: BCC (basal cell carcinoma) — the most common, arising from basal cells, rarely spreads, almost always curable; SCC (squamous cell carcinoma) — arising from squamous cells, can spread if untreated, generally curable when caught early; and melanoma — the most dangerous, arising from melanocytes, capable of rapid spread, causing approximately 80% of skin cancer deaths. Less common types include Merkel cell carcinoma, cutaneous lymphoma and Kaposi sarcoma. ### How common is skin cancer in the UK? Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. Over 350,000 cases are diagnosed each year — approximately 300,000 BCCs, approximately 45,000 SCCs and approximately 16,000 melanomas. Non-melanoma skin cancer (BCC plus SCC) accounts for the vast majority of cases and is almost always curable. Skin cancer incidence has been rising steadily for decades due to increased UV exposure and sunbed use. ### What are the symptoms of skin cancer? Symptoms vary by type. BCC: a pearly, shiny bump or a sore that repeatedly heals and reopens. SCC: a firm, red or skin-coloured lump that grows quickly, may be tender, and may ulcerate. Melanoma: a new or changing mole with asymmetry, irregular borders, multiple colours, diameter over 6 mm or evolution. General warning signs include: any skin lesion that does not heal within six weeks, bleeds without obvious cause, or has changed in size, shape or colour. ### What causes skin cancer? UV radiation from the sun and sunbeds is the primary cause of all three main types of skin cancer. UV damages DNA in skin cells, triggering mutations that allow uncontrolled growth. Cumulative UV exposure drives BCC and SCC; intermittent intense exposure and sunburn — particularly in childhood — is more closely associated with melanoma. Other risk factors include immunosuppression, fair skin and previous skin cancer. ### Does sun exposure cause skin cancer? Yes. Sun exposure is the leading cause of skin cancer in the UK and worldwide. Both UVB radiation (which causes sunburn) and UVA radiation (which penetrates deeper and causes DNA damage without visible burning) contribute to skin cancer risk. The NHS advises: using SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen; wearing protective clothing; seeking shade during 11am–3pm; and avoiding sunbeds. Sunscreen should be applied generously and reapplied every two hours. ### What is the difference between melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer? Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) refers primarily to BCC and SCC — tumours arising from epidermal cells that very rarely (BCC) or occasionally (SCC) spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma arises from melanocytes and has a much greater propensity to metastasise rapidly to lymph nodes and distant organs. Melanoma is far more dangerous: it accounts for approximately 4% of skin cancer cases but approximately 80% of skin cancer deaths. ### How is skin cancer diagnosed? A suspicious skin lesion is assessed clinically by a GP or dermatologist, aided by dermoscopy. If skin cancer is suspected, the NHS Two Week Wait pathway ensures urgent referral to a dermatologist. Diagnosis is confirmed by biopsy — a small piece of tissue is removed under local anaesthetic and examined by a pathologist. For melanoma, the entire lesion is excised (not just biopsied). Staging investigations (CT, PET-CT, sentinel lymph node biopsy) are performed for invasive SCC and melanoma. ### What does skin cancer look like? BCC: a pearly, pink or skin-coloured shiny bump; a flat scar-like area; a pink growth with raised rolled edges; or a sore that bleeds and heals repeatedly. SCC: a firm red, scaly or crusted lump that may be tender and grows over weeks to months, sometimes ulcerating. Melanoma: a new or changing mole that is asymmetrical, has irregular borders, contains multiple colours, is larger than 6 mm or is evolving. Any suspicious or non-healing skin lesion should be assessed by a GP. ### What is the ABCDE rule for skin cancer? The ABCDE rule is an NHS-recommended tool for assessing moles and pigmented skin lesions: A — Asymmetry; B — Border (irregular, ragged or blurred edges); C — Colour (more than one colour or shade within the lesion); D — Diameter (greater than 6 mm, though smaller melanomas exist); E — Evolution (any change in size, shape, colour or sensation, or any new symptom such as bleeding, crusting or itching). Any lesion meeting one or more criteria should be assessed promptly by a GP. ### What is the treatment for skin cancer? Treatment depends on the type and stage. BCC: surgical excision, Mohs surgery, cryotherapy, curettage, topical imiquimod or 5-FU, PDT, radiotherapy; vismodegib for advanced disease. SCC: surgical excision or Mohs surgery; radiotherapy for inoperable disease; cemiplimab (immunotherapy) for advanced/metastatic SCC. Melanoma: wide local excision for localised disease; immunotherapy (pembrolizumab, nivolumab ± ipilimumab) or BRAF/MEK inhibitors for advanced/metastatic disease. ### What is Mohs surgery? Mohs micrographic surgery is a specialised technique used for high-risk and facial skin cancers. The surgeon removes the cancer one layer at a time, immediately examining each layer under a microscope to check whether it is cancer-free. Removal continues only in areas where cancer cells remain, until completely clear margins are confirmed. Mohs surgery achieves the highest cure rates (over 98% for primary BCC) while maximally preserving normal tissue — particularly important on the face, around the eyes, nose and ears. ### What is the survival rate for skin cancer? Survival rates vary by type. BCC: cure rate exceeds 95% with appropriate treatment; BCC-specific deaths are extremely rare. SCC: five-year survival for localised disease is approximately 90–95%; for metastatic SCC it falls to 25–35% (improving with immunotherapy). Melanoma: five-year survival exceeds 95% for Stage I; approximately 80% for Stage II; 60% for Stage III; 25% for Stage IV (rising to 40%+ with combination immunotherapy in some patient groups). ### Who is at risk of skin cancer? Risk is highest in people with: fair or freckled skin, blue or green eyes, red or blonde hair; a history of sunburn or prolonged sun exposure; regular sunbed use; a personal or family history of skin cancer; many moles or atypical moles; immunosuppression; outdoor occupations; previous exposure to ionising radiation or arsenic; and certain genetic conditions (Gorlin syndrome, xeroderma pigmentosum). People from all backgrounds can develop skin cancer. ### Can you get skin cancer anywhere on the body? Yes. While BCC and SCC most commonly occur on sun-exposed areas (face, scalp, ears, neck, hands), they can develop anywhere. Melanoma most commonly appears on the back in men and the legs in women, but can arise on any skin surface including the palms, soles, under nails and mucous membranes. Uveal melanoma develops in the eye. Any new or changing skin lesion on any part of the body should be assessed by a GP. ### Can skin cancer be prevented? Most skin cancer is preventable. The NHS advises: applying SPF 30 or higher broad-spectrum sunscreen to all exposed skin; reapplying every two hours and after swimming; wearing a wide-brimmed hat, UV-protective clothing and sunglasses; seeking shade between 11am and 3pm; avoiding sunbeds entirely; and performing regular skin self-examination to detect changes early. Children's skin should be particularly well protected as sunburn in childhood significantly increases lifetime cancer risk. ### What SPF sunscreen should I use? The NHS recommends using a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 for everyday use, and SPF 50 for children, people with fair or very fair skin, and for periods of prolonged or intense sun exposure. Choose a broad-spectrum product (protecting against both UVA and UVB). Apply generously — most people use less than half the amount needed for the stated protection. Reapply every two hours and immediately after swimming or towel-drying. Sunscreen should be used alongside shade and protective clothing, not as the sole form of protection. ### Are sunbeds dangerous? Yes. The WHO classifies sunbeds as Group 1 carcinogens — the highest cancer risk category, reserved for agents with conclusive evidence of human carcinogenicity. Sunbed use before age 35 increases the lifetime risk of melanoma by approximately 75%. Sunbeds expose users to concentrated UVA and sometimes UVB radiation, causing DNA damage in skin cells. The UK banned commercial sunbed use by under-18s in 2011. The NHS advises avoiding sunbeds entirely, regardless of age. ### Does darker skin protect against skin cancer? Darker skin (higher melanin content) does provide some natural protection against UV radiation compared with very fair skin, and BCC and SCC are significantly less common in people with dark skin. However, melanoma can and does develop in people of all skin types. Acral lentiginous melanoma — occurring on the palms, soles and under nails — is the most common melanoma subtype in people with darker skin and is often diagnosed at a later stage due to lower awareness among both patients and clinicians. ### How does skin cancer affect people in developing countries? In low-income countries, dermatology services are highly concentrated in urban hospitals, meaning patients in rural areas commonly present with large, advanced skin cancers. Mohs surgery, PDT, immunotherapy and targeted therapy are largely unavailable. Even simple excision may require long travel and out-of-pocket costs beyond many patients' means. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment — including skin cancer — for poor patients through locally-licensed doctors, working to close this inequality. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for poor patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia through locally licensed oncologists. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/skin-cancer or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — non melanoma skin cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/non-melanoma-skin-cancer/ - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/non-melanoma-skin-cancer/ - https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/skin-cancer - https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ultraviolet-radiation - NHS — Cancer information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer/ - Cancer Research UK — Cancer types: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Skin cancer signs: sores that do not heal > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/skin-cancer/symptoms > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Skin cancer is the UK’s most common cancer, with more than 350,000 cases a year. Most are non-melanoma — basal cell or squamous cell — caused by UV from the sun or sunbeds. Look for a sore that will not heal, a new lump, or a scaly patch. Melanoma is less common and more serious; use the ABCDE mole rule. See a GP about anything new or changing. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. Non-melanoma skin cancers are rarely life-threatening when treated. Melanoma has its own silo. Both are largely preventable by not burning. ## What should you show a GP? Take a photo if a patch changes. GPs can refer to dermatology on a suspected-cancer pathway. - A new growth, lump or patch that will not heal - A sore that scabs, bleeds and does not heal in a few weeks - A mole that changes (see the melanoma ABCDE rule) - A rough, scaly or crusty patch, especially on sun-exposed skin ## BCC or SCC — what is the difference? Basal cell carcinoma is the most common and rarely spreads. Squamous cell carcinoma can spread if neglected. Both are treated, usually with surgery, in dermatology clinics. ## How do you cut UV risk? Shade, clothing, and sunscreen on uncovered skin. Do not use sunbeds. A tan is skin injury, not health. ## Key takeaways - A sore that will not heal should be checked. - UV is the main cause. - Most non-melanoma skin cancers are highly treatable. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/skin-cancer - Spotting it: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/skin-cancer/symptoms - Dermoscopy: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/skin-cancer/tests - Treatment: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/skin-cancer/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Do I need a whole-body mole map? People with many moles or a strong family history may be offered surveillance. Everyone should report a changing lesion. ### Can skin cancer appear where the sun does not shine? Yes, though sun-exposed sites are more common. Check your back, scalp and between the toes. ### Do you fund skin cancer surgery overseas? When a partner hospital can treat an eligible patient who cannot pay. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — non melanoma skin cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/non-melanoma-skin-cancer/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # How is skin cancer diagnosed? > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/skin-cancer/tests > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short A GP looks at the lesion and may refer you to dermatology. A dermatoscope is a lighted magnifier that shows structures under the skin surface. Many suspected cancers are biopsied or removed and sent to a pathologist. This is general information. Do not try to diagnose your own mole from photographs on the internet. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. Photography helps you and the clinic see change. It does not replace an examination. ## What is dermoscopy? It is a handheld microscope for skin. It helps distinguish seborrhoeic warts, blood vessels in BCC, and pigment networks in moles. ## Punch, shave or excision biopsy? The clinic chooses a method that gets enough tissue without unnecessary scarring. Melanoma is usually excised with a margin, not shaved, when it is suspected. ## Do I need scans? Most BCC and SCC do not. Scans are for melanoma or SCC that might have spread. Your letter will say if further tests are needed. ## Key takeaways - Dermoscopy plus biopsy is how most skin cancers are confirmed. - Suspected melanoma is excised, not ignored. - Most non-melanoma cases do not need body scans. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/skin-cancer - Spotting it: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/skin-cancer/symptoms - Dermoscopy: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/skin-cancer/tests - Treatment: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/skin-cancer/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Will the biopsy leave a scar? Usually a small one. Ask about the site and stitches before you agree. ### Can a GP freeze a suspected cancer? Cryotherapy is for some diagnosed, low-risk lesions — not a substitute for examining a changing mole. ### Does WAN run UK dermatology clinics? No. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — non melanoma skin cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/non-melanoma-skin-cancer/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Skin cancer treatment: surgery and other options > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/skin-cancer/treatment > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Surgery is the usual treatment for basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer. Some superficial lesions are treated with creams, photodynamic therapy or radiotherapy. Melanoma treatment is covered on the melanoma pages. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment overseas for patients who cannot pay. We do not replace NHS dermatology in the UK. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. The aim is complete removal with the smallest safe scar. Mohs surgery is used on the face for some BCCs. ## What is an excision with a margin? The cancer is cut out with a rim of normal skin. Pathology checks the edges. A second procedure is sometimes needed if a margin is involved. ## When are creams or PDT used? For selected superficial BCCs or pre-cancerous patches, after a clinician has confirmed the diagnosis. They are not for melanoma. ## Follow-up and new primaries People who have had one skin cancer are more likely to get another. Keep protecting your skin and report new lesions. ## Key takeaways - Surgery cures most non-melanoma skin cancers. - Creams are only for selected superficial lesions. - Sun protection continues after treatment. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/skin-cancer - Spotting it: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/skin-cancer/symptoms - Dermoscopy: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/skin-cancer/tests - Treatment: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/skin-cancer/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Is Mohs available everywhere? It is a specialist technique, mainly for facial tumours. Not every BCC needs it. ### Will I need radiotherapy? Sometimes, if surgery is not suitable or after incomplete removal. Your team explains why. ### Do you fund skin cancer care overseas? Yes, within partner hospital capacity. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — non melanoma skin cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/non-melanoma-skin-cancer/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Testicular cancer: symptoms, treatment and survival > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/testicular-cancer > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men aged 15–49, yet it is also one of the most treatable — more than 98% of men survive when it is caught early. The most common sign is a painless lump or swelling in one testicle. Getting to know what is normal for you, and checking now and then in a warm bath or shower, means you are far more likely to notice a change early. If you find a lump, see your GP — most are not cancer, but it should always be checked. The most common cancer in younger men — and one of the most treatable. World Aid Network funds treatment for patients who cannot pay. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. ## Appointment checklist - Which tests are needed for this testicular change? - Should I discuss sperm storage before treatment starts? - What could explain my symptoms, and which tests would help? - What are the benefits and possible harms of each test or treatment? - When should I expect results, and who should I contact if they do not arrive? - Which changes mean I should seek help sooner? - If cancer is diagnosed, what are my treatment options and likely side effects? - Can I bring someone with me, request an interpreter or get written information? ## At a glance - ~2,400: UK cases each year - Men aged 15–49: Most common in - Over 98%: Survival when caught early - Regular self-checks: Best habit ## What is testicular cancer? Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men aged 15–49, yet it is also one of the most treatable — more than 98% of men survive when it is caught early. The most common sign is a painless lump or swelling in one testicle. Getting to know what is normal for you, and checking now and then in a warm bath or shower, means you are far more likely to notice a change early. If you find a lump, see your GP — most are not cancer, but it should always be checked. Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men aged 15–49 in the UK, with approximately 2,400 new diagnoses every year. Despite this, it causes only around 50 deaths annually — making it one of the most curable of all solid tumours, with an overall five-year survival rate exceeding 95%. The high cure rate reflects both the tumours' sensitivity to platinum-based chemotherapy and the availability of effective salvage treatment for relapsed disease. Early detection — through regular testicular self-examination and prompt medical attention for any new testicular lump — gives the best chance of cure with less intensive treatment. This guide answers the twenty most commonly searched questions about testicular cancer in the UK, drawing on NHS and WHO sources. ## When should you see a doctor about testicular cancer? Most of these symptoms have a less serious cause — but it is always worth getting them checked. See a GP if you notice a new or persistent change. If you feel very unwell, contact NHS 111 or seek urgent help. Take a note of how long the symptom has lasted and whether it is getting worse. You do not need every sign on a list to book an appointment. This guide is general information from World Aid Network, not a diagnosis and not UK NHS care. Only a clinician can assess you. - A painless lump or swelling in a testicle - A change in the size, shape or feel of a testicle - A dull ache or heaviness in the scrotum - A sudden build-up of fluid in the scrotum ## Types and risk factors The vast majority of testicular cancers (approximately 95%) are germ cell tumours (GCTs) — tumours arising from the sperm-producing cells. Germ cell tumours are classified as seminomas (approximately 55% of GCTs — occurring typically in men aged 30–45, radiosensitive, AFP always normal) or non-seminomatous germ cell tumours (NSGCTs, approximately 45% — including teratoma, embryonal carcinoma, yolk sac tumour and choriocarcinoma, occurring in a slightly younger age group, may produce AFP and/or beta-hCG). Mixed tumours containing both seminomatous and non-seminomatous elements are classified and managed as NSGCTs. Risk factors include: cryptorchidism (undescended testis — the most important risk factor, increasing risk 4–8-fold even after surgical correction); a personal or family history of testicular cancer; infertility; and certain intersex conditions. A previous testicular GCT increases the risk in the contralateral testis by approximately 2–3%. Testicular cancer is more common in white European men than in men of African or Asian ethnicity. The cause is not fully understood, but germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS, or carcinoma in situ) is the precursor lesion. ## Diagnosis and tumour markers Any new, painless lump on or in a testicle requires urgent assessment — typically scrotal ultrasound, which is performed urgently (within 24 hours of presentation for a high-risk lump). If malignancy is suspected on ultrasound, tumour markers — AFP (alpha-fetoprotein), beta-hCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin) and LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) — are measured before surgery, as elevated markers at diagnosis help confirm the diagnosis, classify the tumour type, assess prognosis and monitor treatment response. AFP is elevated in approximately 70% of NSGCTs and is never elevated in pure seminomas (any AFP elevation in a seminoma-histology tumour means treating it as an NSGCT). Beta-hCG is elevated in some seminomas and many NSGCTs. LDH is a prognostic marker. CT staging of the chest, abdomen and pelvis is performed after orchidectomy to assess retroperitoneal lymph node and distant metastasis. ## Treatment Radical inguinal orchidectomy — surgical removal of the affected testis through a groin incision — is the primary treatment for all testicular GCTs and provides the definitive histological diagnosis. The scrotal route is avoided to prevent disruption of lymphatic drainage. Sperm banking is offered to all men before treatment, as chemotherapy can affect fertility. Most men retain normal testosterone production from the remaining testis. For Stage I seminoma after orchidectomy: active surveillance (most common, preferred for low-risk patients), adjuvant single-dose carboplatin, or adjuvant radiotherapy. For Stage I NSGCT: active surveillance (preferred for low-risk patients) or one cycle of adjuvant BEP (bleomycin, etoposide, cisplatin). For Stage II–IV disease or relapse: BEP chemotherapy (3–4 cycles) is the standard, achieving cure in the majority. High-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplant is used for relapsed/refractory disease. ## What are the key takeaways? The most important points on testicular cancer for patients, families and donors. - Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men aged 15–49 but one of the most curable — five-year survival exceeds 95% overall and is near 100% for Stage I disease. - The most common symptom is a painless lump or swelling in one testicle. Other symptoms include a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, a dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin, and a sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum. - Any new testicular lump requires urgent scrotal ultrasound — same day or next day assessment. Do not wait to see if it resolves. - Treatment begins with radical inguinal orchidectomy. Most men with Stage I disease can be managed on surveillance. BEP chemotherapy is highly effective for metastatic and relapsed disease. - Sperm banking must be offered before any chemotherapy or radiotherapy, as treatment can temporarily or permanently affect sperm production. ## What will a donation for testicular cancer treatment provide? A gift to World Aid Network's Cancer Emergency Appeal helps pay for diagnosis and treatment that a poor patient has been recommended but cannot afford. Costs vary by diagnosis, provider and treatment plan; no fixed gift guarantees a complete treatment. Trustees direct gifts to the most urgent cases. This is treatment access, not laboratory research and not UK NHS care. Clinicians in partner hospitals decide the medical plan. We fund the bill in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. The Cancer Emergency Appeal funds all types of cancer. Trustees direct gifts to the most urgent hospital bills in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. ## How can I donate to help people with testicular cancer? Donate by card at worldaidnetwork.org/donate and choose the Cancer Emergency Appeal. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation with a CIO registration application in progress; Gift Aid is not currently available; HMRC recognition and donor eligibility are required. If you need UK support as a patient or relative, see a GP, NHS 111, Macmillan or the specialist UK charity for this cancer. We fund treatment overseas; we are not a UK helpline. ## How to check your testicles Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in younger men and is highly treatable when found early. Get to know what is normal for you and see a GP about any new lump. - Check in a warm bath or shower: Warm water relaxes the scrotum, which makes it easier to feel each testicle. - Feel for a new lump or change: Hold the testicle and roll it gently between finger and thumb. A painless lump, swelling or change in size or feel should be checked. - See a GP promptly: Most lumps are not cancer, but they should always be assessed. Do not wait to see if it goes away. - Do not ignore a heavy or aching feeling: A dull ache or heaviness in the scrotum is also worth a GP appointment. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is testicular cancer? Testicular cancer is a malignant tumour of the testicle, arising in most cases from germ cells (sperm-producing cells). It is the most common cancer in men aged 15–49 in the UK, with approximately 2,400 diagnoses per year. Despite its frequency in young men, it is one of the most curable cancers — around 50 men die annually, giving it an overall five-year survival rate exceeding 95%. ### What are the symptoms of testicular cancer? The most common symptom is a painless lump or swelling on or in one testicle — which may be noticed during self-examination or incidentally. Other symptoms include: a feeling of heaviness or discomfort in the scrotum; a dull ache in the lower abdomen, back or groin; a sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum (hydrocele); and changes in the size or shape of a testicle. In men with metastatic disease, symptoms may include back pain (retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy), breathlessness (lung metastasis) or gynaecomastia (breast enlargement — from beta-hCG production). ### How do I check for testicular cancer? The NHS advises that men regularly examine their testicles — ideally once a month, after a warm bath or shower when the scrotal skin is relaxed. Support the scrotum in the palm of the hand and use the thumb and fingers to feel each testicle gently. Normal testicles are smooth, oval and firm; one is usually slightly larger and hangs lower. Look for any new lump, swelling, change in size or shape, or hardness. Any new change should be assessed by a GP promptly — the majority of lumps are benign, but all require assessment. ### Is a testicular lump always cancer? No. The majority of testicular lumps are benign. Common benign causes include: epididymal cysts (very common — smooth, fluid-filled lumps at the back of the testicle); varicocele (dilated veins in the scrotum, described as a 'bag of worms' feel); hydrocele (fluid collection around the testicle); epididymitis or orchitis (infection/inflammation — usually associated with pain and tenderness). However, any new lump must be assessed urgently by a GP, who will arrange scrotal ultrasound within 24 hours if malignancy cannot be excluded clinically. ### What causes testicular cancer? The exact cause is not fully understood. The most important risk factor is cryptorchidism (undescended testis) — the testicle's failure to descend into the scrotum during fetal development, which increases testicular cancer risk 4–8-fold even after orchidopexy (surgical correction). Other risk factors include a personal or family history of testicular cancer, certain intersex conditions, infertility and European ethnicity. Testicular cancer is thought to originate from germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS) — abnormal precursor cells present from birth that transform malignantly under the influence of puberty-related hormones. ### What are the types of testicular cancer? The main types are germ cell tumours (95% of all testicular cancers): seminomas (~55% — slow-growing, radiosensitive, AFP always normal, peak incidence 30–45 years) and non-seminomatous germ cell tumours (NSGCTs, ~45% — including teratoma, embryonal carcinoma, yolk sac tumour and choriocarcinoma, peak incidence 20–35 years). Mixed tumours are classified and treated as NSGCTs. Rarer non-germ cell tumours include Leydig cell tumours (usually benign) and Sertoli cell tumours. ### What are tumour markers for testicular cancer? Three blood tumour markers are measured before orchidectomy and during follow-up: AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) — elevated in approximately 70% of NSGCTs; always normal in pure seminoma (any elevation means treating as NSGCT). Beta-hCG (beta human chorionic gonadotrophin) — elevated in approximately 20% of seminomas and many NSGCTs; very high levels are characteristic of choriocarcinoma. LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) — a general marker of tumour bulk used in the IGCCCG prognostic classification. Serial marker measurements after orchidectomy guide staging assessment and monitor treatment response. ### How is testicular cancer diagnosed? Diagnosis begins with scrotal ultrasound, which is arranged urgently by the GP if a suspicious lump is found. If malignancy is suspected on ultrasound, tumour markers (AFP, beta-hCG, LDH) are measured. The definitive diagnostic and therapeutic procedure is radical inguinal orchidectomy — surgical removal of the entire affected testis through a groin incision. The specimen is examined histopathologically. CT staging of chest, abdomen and pelvis is performed after orchidectomy. Testicular biopsy (scrotal approach) should not be performed as it disrupts lymphatic drainage. ### What is orchidectomy? Radical inguinal orchidectomy is the primary surgical procedure for testicular cancer. The affected testis and spermatic cord are removed through a groin incision under general or spinal anaesthetic. The inguinal (groin) approach is used — not the scrotal route — to avoid disturbing the lymphatic drainage of the scrotum (which differs from that of the testis and retroperitoneum, and scrotal incision would change the lymphatic drainage pattern). The procedure takes approximately 30–60 minutes and is performed as a day case or with one overnight stay. Sperm banking is offered before the procedure where possible. ### What is BEP chemotherapy? BEP (bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin) is the standard platinum-based chemotherapy regimen for metastatic or relapsed testicular cancer. It is given in 21-day cycles — typically 3 cycles for good-prognosis disease, 4 cycles for intermediate or poor-prognosis. BEP is highly effective — approximately 80–90% of patients with good-prognosis metastatic testicular cancer are cured. Side effects include nausea, hair loss, fatigue, infection risk, bleomycin-related lung toxicity, cisplatin-related hearing loss and peripheral neuropathy, and effects on fertility. ### Can testicular cancer affect fertility? Yes. Testicular cancer and its treatment can affect fertility. Orchidectomy removes one testicle; most men retain adequate testosterone and sperm production from the remaining testicle. However, chemotherapy — particularly cisplatin-based BEP — can temporarily or permanently reduce sperm count. Radiotherapy also affects fertility. The NHS mandates that sperm banking must be offered to all men before chemotherapy or radiotherapy for testicular cancer. Recovery of fertility after chemotherapy occurs in approximately 50% of men within two years. ### What is the survival rate for testicular cancer? Testicular cancer has excellent cure rates. Five-year survival: Stage I — approaching 100%; Stage II — approximately 95%; Stage III (metastatic good prognosis) — approximately 90%; poor-prognosis metastatic — approximately 50–70%. Overall five-year survival across all stages is approximately 96–98%. Testicular cancer is one of the few solid tumours where even metastatic disease can be cured — BEP chemotherapy achieves cure in the majority of patients with good-prognosis metastatic disease. ### Will I still produce testosterone after losing a testicle? In most cases, yes. One testicle is sufficient to produce normal levels of testosterone — the remaining testicle typically compensates. Testosterone deficiency (hypogonadism) after orchidectomy for testicular cancer is uncommon but can occur, particularly if the remaining testicle has reduced function due to the underlying condition (infertility and altered spermatogenesis are common in men with testicular cancer even before treatment). If testosterone deficiency is confirmed by blood tests, testosterone replacement therapy is available and effective. ### Can testicular cancer come back? Relapse rates vary by stage and histology. Stage I seminoma on surveillance: approximately 15–20% relapse, though virtually all are cured with subsequent treatment. Stage I NSGCT on surveillance: approximately 25–30% relapse, most cured with BEP. After BEP for metastatic disease: relapse depends on the risk group — approximately 10–30%. Relapsed testicular GCT is treated with salvage BEP regimens or high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplant. Even relapsed testicular cancer has cure rates substantially higher than most other solid tumours. ### Does having one testicle affect sex life? Orchidectomy does not affect sexual function or testosterone levels in most men. Libido, erection and orgasm are unaffected by removal of one testicle. Men may experience psychological concerns about body image, which is normal — support from the clinical nurse specialist, peer support groups (Orchid, Macmillan) and counselling are available. Testicular prostheses (implants) are offered to men who wish them, inserted at the time of orchidectomy or at a later date, to restore normal scrotal appearance. ### What is retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND)? Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) is a surgical procedure to remove lymph nodes in the retroperitoneum (the space behind the abdominal organs) — the primary lymphatic drainage site for the testes. It is used for selected patients with residual retroperitoneal masses after chemotherapy (particularly in NSGCTs, where residual masses may contain viable tumour or mature teratoma) and in some Stage II NSGCTs as primary treatment. It is a complex operation performed at specialist centres, with risk of ejaculatory dysfunction (retrograde ejaculation) from disruption of sympathetic nerve fibres. ### How does testicular cancer affect men in developing countries? In low-income countries, testicular cancer is less frequently diagnosed early due to limited access to scrotal ultrasound and tumour marker testing. BEP chemotherapy — the highly effective standard treatment — requires cisplatin, etoposide and bleomycin, which may be unavailable or unaffordable in many settings, and requires specialist oncology nursing and close monitoring for toxicity. The high cure rates achievable in high-income countries are not replicated where chemotherapy access is limited. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment through locally-licensed oncologists. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for poor patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia through locally licensed oncologists. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/testicular-cancer or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — testicular cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/testicular-cancer/ - NHS — Cancer information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer/ - Cancer Research UK — Cancer types: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Testicular cancer symptoms and how to check > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/testicular-cancer/symptoms > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short A painless lump or swelling in one testicle is the main sign of testicular cancer. A heavy feeling or a sudden collection of fluid also needs a GP visit. About 2,400 men are diagnosed in the UK each year, mostly aged 15 to 49. More than 98% survive when it is found early. Check yourself in a warm shower and see a GP about any new lump. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. Most lumps are not cancer. Checking is still how the treatable ones are found in time. There is no shame in asking a GP to examine you. ## What should a self-check feel for? Get to know the smooth, egg-shaped feel of each testicle and the softer epididymis at the back. You are looking for a new hard lump or a change in size. - A painless lump or swelling in a testicle - A change in size, shape or firmness - A dull ache or heaviness in the scrotum - A sudden build-up of fluid ## Who is at higher risk? An undescended testicle in childhood raises risk even after it has been brought down. White men have higher rates than some other groups. Family history is uncommon but relevant. ## Does testicular cancer mean losing fertility? Treatment can affect sperm. Sperm banking is offered before chemotherapy in UK practice. Many men still father children afterwards. Ask before treatment starts. ## Key takeaways - A new testicular lump should be checked promptly. - It is the most common cancer in men aged 15 to 49. - Early-stage survival is over 98%. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/testicular-cancer - Self-check: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/testicular-cancer/symptoms - Ultrasound & markers: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/testicular-cancer/tests - Treatment: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/testicular-cancer/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Is a lumpy epididymis cancer? Often no. The epididymis at the back of the testicle is normally softer. A GP can tell the difference or refer for ultrasound. ### Can I wait to see if a lump goes away? Book a GP rather than waiting weeks. Ultrasound is quick and most results are reassuring. ### Do you fund testicular cancer treatment overseas? Yes, within partner capacity, for patients who cannot pay. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — testicular cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/testicular-cancer/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Testicular ultrasound and tumour marker blood tests > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/testicular-cancer/tests > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short If a testicular lump might be cancer, a GP refers you for an urgent scrotal ultrasound. Blood tests measure AFP, HCG and LDH — tumour markers that help type the cancer and plan treatment. A chest X-ray or CT looks for spread. Diagnosis is usually confirmed when the testicle is removed, not by cutting into it in the scrotum. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. Do not let embarrassment delay ultrasound. It is a standard, private scan and the fastest way to explain a lump. ## Why ultrasound first? Ultrasound distinguishes a cyst, a hydrocele and a solid lump that needs surgery. It does not use radiation. ## What do tumour markers mean? AFP and HCG can be raised in some germ-cell tumours. They are not a screening test for well men. They guide treatment and follow-up after surgery. ## Why is the testicle removed to diagnose? Cutting into a testicular cancer through the scrotum can spread cells. An inguinal orchidectomy — removing the testicle through a groin incision — is both diagnosis and first treatment. ## Key takeaways - Urgent ultrasound is the first specialist test. - Marker blood tests help type the tumour. - The diagnostic operation is usually through the groin, not the scrotum. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/testicular-cancer - Self-check: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/testicular-cancer/symptoms - Ultrasound & markers: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/testicular-cancer/tests - Treatment: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/testicular-cancer/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Will I need both testicles removed? Almost never for a first cancer. One testicle is enough for hormone production in most men. ### Are markers always raised? No. Some tumours do not produce AFP or HCG. Ultrasound and surgery still go ahead. ### Does WAN offer UK ultrasound? No. We fund overseas hospital bills. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — testicular cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/testicular-cancer/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Testicular cancer treatment and survival > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/testicular-cancer/treatment > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short The first treatment is almost always surgery to remove the affected testicle. Some men then have chemotherapy or, less often, radiotherapy, depending on the type and stage. Surveillance with scans and blood tests is used when the chance of leftover cancer is low. More than 98% of men survive early disease. World Aid Network funds this care overseas for patients who cannot pay. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. A specialist germ-cell team plans treatment. Seminoma and non-seminoma are treated slightly differently. Both have excellent outcomes in the UK. ## What is an orchidectomy? The testicle is removed through a groin incision. A prosthesis can be offered. You can usually go home the same day or the next. ## When is chemotherapy used? If markers stay up, or scans show spread to lymph nodes or lungs, short courses of chemotherapy are highly effective. Hair loss and fertility effects should be discussed before the first cycle. ## What follow-up looks like Blood tests and CT scans continue for years because late relapse is uncommon but possible. Attend the appointments even when you feel well. ## Key takeaways - Surgery comes first for almost every patient. - Chemotherapy still cures most men with spread. - Early-stage survival is over 98%. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/testicular-cancer - Self-check: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/testicular-cancer/symptoms - Ultrasound & markers: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/testicular-cancer/tests - Treatment: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/testicular-cancer/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Will I need testosterone after surgery? Usually not if the other testicle is healthy. Levels are checked if you have symptoms. ### Can testicular cancer come back in the other side? Rarely. You will be taught to check the remaining testicle. ### Do you fund chemotherapy overseas? Yes, when a licensed partner oncologist has recommended a protocol the hospital can deliver. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — testicular cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/testicular-cancer/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Thyroid cancer: symptoms, treatment and survival > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/thyroid-cancer > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Thyroid cancer starts in the thyroid, a small butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that controls how your body uses energy. The most common sign is a painless lump in the neck. The reassuring news is that most neck lumps are not cancer, and even when they are, thyroid cancer is one of the most curable cancers — over 95% of people with the most common types survive long-term. Any new or growing neck lump should still be checked by a GP. One of the most curable cancers — usually starting as a painless neck lump. World Aid Network funds treatment for patients who cannot pay. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. ## Appointment checklist - What type of thyroid lump or cancer is being investigated? - Could treatment affect my voice or mean taking thyroid hormone? - What could explain my symptoms, and which tests would help? - What are the benefits and possible harms of each test or treatment? - When should I expect results, and who should I contact if they do not arrive? - Which changes mean I should seek help sooner? - If cancer is diagnosed, what are my treatment options and likely side effects? - Can I bring someone with me, request an interpreter or get written information? ## At a glance - ~4,500: UK cases each year - Painless neck lump: Most common sign - Over 95%: 5-year survival - Surgery: Main treatment ## What is thyroid cancer? Thyroid cancer starts in the thyroid, a small butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that controls how your body uses energy. The most common sign is a painless lump in the neck. The reassuring news is that most neck lumps are not cancer, and even when they are, thyroid cancer is one of the most curable cancers — over 95% of people with the most common types survive long-term. Any new or growing neck lump should still be checked by a GP. Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy and one of the most curable cancers. Around 4,200 people in the UK are diagnosed every year, and it is approximately three times more common in women than men. For the most common types — papillary and follicular thyroid cancer — five-year survival rates exceed 95%, and many patients are effectively cured with surgery alone. The thyroid gland sits at the front of the neck and produces hormones that regulate metabolism, heart rate and body temperature. Most thyroid lumps (nodules) are benign, but any persistent neck lump should be assessed by a GP to exclude malignancy. This guide answers the twenty most commonly searched questions about thyroid cancer in the UK, drawing on NHS and WHO sources. ## When should you see a doctor about thyroid cancer? Most of these symptoms have a less serious cause — but it is always worth getting them checked. See a GP if you notice a new or persistent change. If you feel very unwell, contact NHS 111 or seek urgent help. Take a note of how long the symptom has lasted and whether it is getting worse. You do not need every sign on a list to book an appointment. This guide is general information from World Aid Network, not a diagnosis and not UK NHS care. Only a clinician can assess you. - A painless lump in the front of the neck that is growing - A hoarse voice that does not get better - Difficulty swallowing or breathing - A swelling or lump in the neck that lasts more than a few weeks ## Types of thyroid cancer Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common type, accounting for approximately 80% of all thyroid cancers. It is slow-growing, spreads to cervical lymph nodes (but this does not significantly worsen prognosis) and is highly curable — five-year survival exceeds 98% for Stage I. Follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC, approximately 10–15%) is also differentiated and well-treated, but spreads via the bloodstream rather than lymph nodes. Both PTC and FTC are classified as differentiated thyroid cancers (DTC) and respond well to radioiodine treatment. Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC, approximately 4%) arises from parafollicular C cells (calcitonin-producing cells) rather than follicular cells. It does not respond to radioiodine; approximately 25% are hereditary, arising in the context of MEN2 syndrome (multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2) caused by RET proto-oncogene mutations. Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (undifferentiated, approximately 2%) is rare but extremely aggressive — most patients survive only months from diagnosis. It requires urgent specialist management. ## Diagnosis A thyroid nodule is assessed with neck ultrasound, which characterises the nodule's features (size, echogenicity, vascularity, calcification, margins). The U1–U5 classification system guides management: U1 (normal) and U2 (benign) require no biopsy; U3 (indeterminate) and U4 (suspicious)/U5 (malignant) require fine needle aspiration cytology (FNA). FNA — a simple outpatient procedure using a fine needle to aspirate cells from the nodule — produces a Thy1–Thy5 cytological grading: Thy4 and Thy5 require surgical excision. Blood tests include thyroid function tests (TSH, T4, T3), calcitonin (elevated in MTC) and thyroglobulin (used for monitoring DTC after treatment, not for primary diagnosis). CT and MRI are used for staging and surgical planning. Radioiodine whole body scan is used after thyroidectomy in DTC to assess residual thyroid tissue and metastatic disease. ## Treatment Surgical treatment is the cornerstone of thyroid cancer management. Total thyroidectomy is standard for most thyroid cancers; hemithyroidectomy (removal of one lobe) is appropriate for low-risk, small papillary or follicular cancers. Central neck dissection (removal of lymph nodes in the central compartment) and lateral neck dissection are performed when lymph node involvement is confirmed or suspected. After total thyroidectomy for differentiated thyroid cancer, radioiodine ablation (I-131) destroys residual thyroid tissue and micrometastases. Lifelong levothyroxine replacement is required after total thyroidectomy, usually at a TSH-suppressive dose to reduce stimulation of any residual DTC cells. For progressive, iodine-refractory DTC, targeted therapies — lenvatinib and sorafenib (NICE approved) — provide significant disease control. Vandetanib and cabozantinib are targeted therapies approved for MTC. ## What are the key takeaways? The most important points on thyroid cancer for patients, families and donors. - Thyroid cancer is one of the most curable cancers. Five-year survival exceeds 98% for papillary thyroid cancer Stage I and remains excellent for most differentiated thyroid cancers at all stages. - A painless lump in the front of the neck is the most common presenting symptom. Other symptoms include hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing, swollen lymph nodes in the neck and, rarely, breathlessness. - Most thyroid nodules are benign. Assessment with ultrasound and FNA biopsy (Thy1–Thy5 grading) determines which nodules require surgical excision. - Standard treatment is thyroidectomy followed by radioiodine ablation (I-131) for differentiated thyroid cancers and lifelong levothyroxine at TSH-suppressive doses. Lenvatinib/sorafenib are used for iodine-refractory advanced disease. - Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) can be hereditary (MEN2 syndrome). All patients with MTC should have RET mutation testing. Family members of those with hereditary MTC should be tested and monitored. ## What will a donation for thyroid cancer treatment provide? A gift to World Aid Network's Cancer Emergency Appeal helps pay for diagnosis and treatment that a poor patient has been recommended but cannot afford. Costs vary by diagnosis, provider and treatment plan; no fixed gift guarantees a complete treatment. Trustees direct gifts to the most urgent cases. This is treatment access, not laboratory research and not UK NHS care. Clinicians in partner hospitals decide the medical plan. We fund the bill in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. The Cancer Emergency Appeal funds all types of cancer. Trustees direct gifts to the most urgent hospital bills in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. ## How can I donate to help people with thyroid cancer? Donate by card at worldaidnetwork.org/donate and choose the Cancer Emergency Appeal. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation with a CIO registration application in progress; Gift Aid is not currently available; HMRC recognition and donor eligibility are required. If you need UK support as a patient or relative, see a GP, NHS 111, Macmillan or the specialist UK charity for this cancer. We fund treatment overseas; we are not a UK helpline. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is thyroid cancer? Thyroid cancer is a malignant tumour arising from the thyroid gland — the butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck that produces thyroid hormones. It is the most common endocrine malignancy, with approximately 4,200 UK diagnoses per year. It is three times more common in women than men. The most common type — papillary thyroid carcinoma — has a five-year survival rate exceeding 98% for early-stage disease, making it one of the most curable cancers. ### What are the symptoms of thyroid cancer? The most common presenting symptom is a painless lump or swelling in the front of the neck. Other symptoms include: a hoarse or changed voice (caused by pressure on the recurrent laryngeal nerve); difficulty swallowing (dysphagia); difficulty breathing or a sensation of pressure in the throat; swollen lymph nodes in the neck; and, rarely, neck pain radiating to the ears. Most thyroid lumps are benign thyroid nodules — but any persistent neck lump should be assessed by a GP to exclude malignancy. ### Is a thyroid nodule the same as thyroid cancer? No. Thyroid nodules are extremely common — approximately 50–70% of adults have a detectable thyroid nodule on ultrasound, and the vast majority are benign. Only approximately 5–15% of thyroid nodules assessed with FNA biopsy are found to be malignant. A thyroid nodule that is solid, hypoechoic, has irregular margins, contains microcalcifications or has associated lymph node changes on ultrasound is more suspicious and requires FNA biopsy. Many benign nodules require only ultrasound surveillance. ### What are the types of thyroid cancer? The four main types are: papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) — the most common (~80%), slow-growing, excellent prognosis; follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) — approximately 10–15%, also excellent prognosis; medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) — approximately 4%, arises from C cells, ~25% hereditary, does not respond to radioiodine; and anaplastic thyroid carcinoma — approximately 2%, extremely aggressive, median survival only weeks to months. Each type requires different treatment and has a different prognosis. ### What causes thyroid cancer? The cause of most thyroid cancers is unknown. Established risk factors include: ionising radiation exposure — particularly in childhood (e.g. previous radiotherapy to the head and neck, or the Chernobyl nuclear disaster which caused a marked increase in childhood thyroid cancer in affected regions); a family history of thyroid cancer or MEN2 syndrome; RET proto-oncogene mutations (hereditary MTC); female sex; being aged 35–55; and possibly iodine deficiency (associated with follicular carcinoma) or excess iodine (associated with papillary carcinoma in some populations). ### How is thyroid cancer diagnosed? A GP feeling a neck lump will order a thyroid ultrasound. Nodules scoring U3–U5 (indeterminate, suspicious or malignant features) are investigated with fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology — a clinic procedure in which a thin needle withdraws cells from the nodule for microscopic examination (Thy1–Thy5 grading). Thy4 and Thy5 require surgical excision. Blood tests include TSH, T4 and calcitonin (for suspected MTC). CT or MRI assesses for lymph node involvement and tracheal invasion. ### What is FNA biopsy of the thyroid? Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy is the standard method for investigating a suspicious thyroid nodule. A thin, fine needle is inserted into the nodule under ultrasound guidance to aspirate cells; no anaesthetic is required. The sample is analysed by a cytopathologist and graded Thy1 (non-diagnostic), Thy2 (non-neoplastic/benign), Thy3 (follicular lesion/neoplasm — indeterminate), Thy4 (suspicious of malignancy) or Thy5 (malignant). Thy4 and Thy5 trigger surgical referral. Thy3 often requires repeat sampling or diagnostic hemithyroidectomy. ### What is the treatment for thyroid cancer? Standard treatment for most differentiated thyroid cancers is thyroidectomy (total or hemithyroidectomy depending on risk), followed by radioiodine ablation (I-131) in moderate and high-risk cases to destroy residual thyroid tissue. Lifelong levothyroxine therapy maintains thyroid hormone levels and suppresses TSH, reducing stimulation of residual DTC cells. For locally advanced or metastatic iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer, lenvatinib or sorafenib (NICE-approved targeted therapies) are used. MTC is treated with surgery; vandetanib and cabozantinib for advanced MTC. ### What is radioiodine treatment for thyroid cancer? Radioiodine (I-131) ablation is given after total thyroidectomy for differentiated thyroid cancers (papillary and follicular). The patient swallows a capsule or drink of radioactive iodine, which is selectively taken up by residual thyroid cells (including micrometastases) and destroys them with radiation. The procedure requires a period of isolation (usually 2–7 days in hospital or at home) to prevent irradiating others from excreted radioactivity. Radioiodine reduces recurrence risk and aids monitoring via thyroglobulin levels and whole-body scans. It is not effective for MTC or anaplastic carcinoma. ### Do I need levothyroxine after thyroid cancer surgery? Yes — if you have had a total thyroidectomy, your thyroid gland has been removed and you will need lifelong levothyroxine replacement to maintain normal metabolism. After thyroid cancer surgery, the dose is usually set at a TSH-suppressive level — slightly higher than standard replacement — to keep TSH low and reduce its stimulating effect on any residual thyroid cancer cells. Your endocrinologist will adjust the dose over time based on thyroglobulin levels, imaging and long-term recurrence risk. ### What is the survival rate for thyroid cancer? Five-year survival rates in England: papillary thyroid cancer Stage I — approximately 99%; all differentiated thyroid cancer (papillary and follicular) — approximately 95–98% five-year survival; medullary thyroid cancer — approximately 85–90% five-year survival. Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma has a very poor prognosis with median survival of three to five months from diagnosis. Overall, thyroid cancer has one of the best prognoses of any malignancy, largely because the majority are differentiated cancers diagnosed at an early stage. ### Is thyroid cancer hereditary? Most thyroid cancers are sporadic (not inherited). However, approximately 25% of medullary thyroid cancers (MTC) are hereditary — caused by germline RET proto-oncogene mutations — occurring in the context of MEN2A or MEN2B syndromes. All patients with MTC should have RET mutation testing, and first-degree relatives of those with hereditary MTC should be offered cascade genetic testing. Prophylactic thyroidectomy is recommended for RET mutation carriers before cancer develops. Family history also modestly increases the risk of differentiated thyroid cancer. ### What is MEN2 syndrome? Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) is a rare inherited syndrome caused by mutations in the RET gene, characterised by a high lifetime risk of medullary thyroid carcinoma. MEN2A also includes phaeochromocytoma (adrenal tumour) and primary hyperparathyroidism. MEN2B includes phaeochromocytoma, mucosal neuromas and marfanoid habitus. The RET mutation determines the specific disease variant and age of onset. Prophylactic thyroidectomy is offered to known RET mutation carriers — ideally before the age at which MTC typically develops in that mutation subtype. ### Can thyroid cancer spread? Papillary thyroid cancer commonly spreads to regional cervical lymph nodes — but this does not significantly worsen prognosis in well-differentiated papillary carcinoma. Distant metastasis (to lung or bone) is more common with follicular carcinoma and worsens prognosis, though differentiated thyroid cancer metastases may still respond to radioiodine. Medullary carcinoma spreads to lymph nodes and liver. Anaplastic carcinoma is extremely aggressive, with rapid local invasion and distant spread. ### Can I live normally after thyroid cancer treatment? The vast majority of people treated for differentiated thyroid cancer live a full, normal life after treatment. Long-term levothyroxine therapy is taken once daily and is well-tolerated. Regular follow-up — typically annual thyroglobulin measurement, neck ultrasound and periodic radioiodine whole-body scanning — monitors for recurrence. Long-term recurrence rates for well-differentiated thyroid cancer treated with total thyroidectomy and radioiodine ablation are low. Most patients are discharged from specialist follow-up after several years if thyroglobulin remains undetectable. ### Can thyroid cancer come back after treatment? Recurrence rates for differentiated thyroid cancer are relatively low with appropriate primary treatment (thyroidectomy ± radioiodine) — approximately 5–10% at 10 years for papillary carcinoma. Recurrence most commonly occurs in the thyroid bed or cervical lymph nodes. Rising thyroglobulin levels during follow-up (in the context of undetectable TSH-stimulated thyroglobulin at completion of treatment) is an early indicator of recurrence. Radioiodine-sensitive recurrences are treated with further radioiodine; iodine-refractory progressive disease is treated with lenvatinib or sorafenib. ### What targeted therapies are available for thyroid cancer? For iodine-refractory locally advanced or metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer: lenvatinib (first-line, NICE-approved) and sorafenib (second-line) are multi-kinase inhibitors that significantly prolong progression-free survival. For advanced medullary thyroid cancer: vandetanib and cabozantinib are RET/VEGFR inhibitors approved by NICE. For RET-fusion-positive or RET-mutated tumours, pralsetinib and selpercatinib are highly selective RET inhibitors with strong response rates, now available through NHS England Genomic Medicine. ### How does thyroid cancer affect people in developing countries? In low-income countries, thyroid cancer is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage due to limited access to neck ultrasound, FNA biopsy and specialist endocrinology. Radioiodine facilities are scarce and unavailable to most rural poor patients. Levothyroxine — while inexpensive — is not consistently available in many settings. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment through locally-licensed oncologists, supporting access to cancer care that would otherwise be entirely inaccessible to poor patients. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for poor patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia through locally licensed oncologists. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/thyroid-cancer or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — thyroid cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/thyroid-cancer/ - NHS — Cancer information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer/ - Cancer Research UK — Cancer types: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Thyroid cancer symptoms: a painless neck lump > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/thyroid-cancer/symptoms > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short The usual sign of thyroid cancer is a painless lump in the front of the neck. A hoarse voice that does not settle, or trouble swallowing, also needs a GP visit. About 4,500 people are diagnosed in the UK each year. Survival for the common types is over 95%. Most neck lumps are not cancer. Get a new lump checked anyway. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. The thyroid sits at the base of the neck. Lumps here are common. Ultrasound and a needle test are how doctors tell a cyst from a cancer. ## Which neck changes should you report? A lump you can see or feel in the front of the neck is the main reason people are referred. Pain is not required. - A painless lump in the front of the neck that is growing - A hoarse voice that does not get better - Difficulty swallowing or breathing - A neck swelling that lasts more than a few weeks ## Are most thyroid lumps cancer? No. Many are benign nodules or cysts. The reason to check is that the lumps that are cancer are highly treatable when found. ## Does thyroid cancer run in families? Most cases are not inherited. A few rare types are linked to family syndromes. Mention any family history of thyroid cancer or endocrine tumours to a GP. ## Key takeaways - A new or growing front-of-neck lump should be checked. - Most thyroid lumps are not cancer. - Common types have excellent long-term survival. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/thyroid-cancer - Neck lump: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/thyroid-cancer/symptoms - Ultrasound & FNA: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/thyroid-cancer/tests - Treatment: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/thyroid-cancer/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Can a GP tell if a neck lump is cancer? Not by feel alone. Ultrasound and, if needed, a needle sample are the next steps. ### Does a normal blood test rule out thyroid cancer? No. Thyroid hormone blood tests can be normal. Imaging is what looks at a lump. ### Do you fund thyroid surgery overseas? When a partner hospital recommends it for a patient who cannot pay, within cancer programme capacity. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — thyroid cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/thyroid-cancer/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Thyroid ultrasound and fine-needle biopsy > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/thyroid-cancer/tests > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short A GP refers a thyroid lump for ultrasound. If the scan looks suspicious, a fine-needle aspiration samples cells. Results are graded to decide whether to watch, repeat the test, or operate. Blood tests check how the gland is working but do not diagnose cancer. This is general information. Ask a clinician about your own lump. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. This pathway avoids operating on every lump while still catching the cancers that need surgery. ## What does thyroid ultrasound look for? Size, shape, calcifications and blood flow help a radiologist score how concerning a nodule is. Cystic lumps are often lower risk. ## What is a fine-needle aspiration? A thin needle takes cells from the lump, usually under ultrasound. It is a clinic procedure. Results may be inconclusive, which is why some people need a repeat sample. ## When is a scan of the chest or neck added? If cancer is confirmed, further imaging looks for spread before surgery is planned. Not every nodule needs this. ## Key takeaways - Ultrasound is the first specialist test for a thyroid lump. - A needle sample, not a blood test, diagnoses most thyroid cancers. - Inconclusive results are common and often mean a repeat sample. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/thyroid-cancer - Neck lump: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/thyroid-cancer/symptoms - Ultrasound & FNA: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/thyroid-cancer/tests - Treatment: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/thyroid-cancer/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Does FNA hurt? You may feel a brief sting. Local anaesthetic is sometimes used. Ask the clinic. ### Can I wait and watch a small nodule? Some low-risk nodules are monitored. That decision belongs to the specialist, not a website. ### Does WAN offer thyroid scans in the UK? No. We fund treatment overseas for patients who cannot pay. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — thyroid cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/thyroid-cancer/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Thyroid cancer treatment: surgery and radioiodine > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/thyroid-cancer/treatment > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Surgery is the main treatment for thyroid cancer — removing part or all of the gland. Some people then have radioiodine to treat remaining thyroid tissue. Hormone tablets replace what the gland used to make. Five-year survival for the common types is over 95%. World Aid Network funds treatment access overseas, not UK NHS care. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. An endocrine or head-and-neck surgeon plans the operation. Not every small, low-risk cancer needs the whole gland removed. ## What surgery is usual? A lobectomy removes half the thyroid. A total thyroidectomy removes all of it. Lymph nodes are taken if they look involved. Voice-box nerve care is part of the consent discussion. ## What is radioiodine for? After a total thyroidectomy, radioactive iodine can destroy leftover thyroid cells. Not every patient needs it. You will be given specific isolation advice if it is used. ## Will I need lifelong tablets? If the whole gland is removed, yes — levothyroxine replaces thyroid hormone. Doses are adjusted with blood tests. This is routine and not chemotherapy. ## Key takeaways - Surgery is the main treatment. - Radioiodine is used for some, not all, patients. - Common types have excellent survival when treated. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/thyroid-cancer - Neck lump: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/thyroid-cancer/symptoms - Ultrasound & FNA: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/thyroid-cancer/tests - Treatment: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/thyroid-cancer/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Is thyroid cancer chemotherapy? Usually not. Surgery and sometimes radioiodine are the main treatments. Targeted drugs are reserved for rarer advanced disease. ### Can I live without a thyroid? Yes, with daily hormone replacement. Specialists adjust the dose. ### Do you fund radioiodine overseas? Only where a licensed partner hospital can give it and has recommended it. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — thyroid cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/thyroid-cancer/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # What is chemotherapy? > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/treatment/chemotherapy > Last reviewed: 2026-08-22 ## In short Chemotherapy uses medicines to kill cancer cells or stop them growing. It travels in the bloodstream, so it can reach cancer that has spread. It is usually given in cycles, as a drip or as tablets. World Aid Network funds chemotherapy overseas for patients who cannot pay. This page is information, not a diagnosis. Medicines that kill cancer cells, given in cycles. Donate to fund a session overseas for a patient who cannot pay. Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/treatment/chemotherapy. Chemotherapy uses medicines to kill cancer cells. It is usually given in cycles, as a drip or as tablets. This page is information, not a diagnosis and not NHS care. Named checkout: https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency. Cancer hub: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer. Radiotherapy: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/treatment/radiotherapy. Cancer surgery: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/treatment/surgery. ## At a glance - Individual: Treatment plans and costs depend on diagnosis and patient needs - Cycles: Treatment, then rest days, then another session — so the body can recover - Whole body: Drugs travel in the bloodstream, unlike surgery or radiotherapy - 3 countries: Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia — our charitable Objects ## What is chemotherapy? Chemotherapy uses medicines to kill cancer cells or stop them dividing. Cancer cells grow faster than most healthy cells, so the drugs target that rapid growth. They travel in the bloodstream and can reach cancer that has spread. This page is information, not a diagnosis. World Aid Network does not provide NHS care. The medicines are sometimes called cytotoxic drugs. Unlike surgery or radiotherapy, which treat one area, chemotherapy works throughout the body. That is why it is used when cancer has spread, or after surgery to mop up cells left behind. Type-specific plans — for example breast, leukaemia or bowel regimens — live on those cancer guides. This guide explains chemotherapy and barriers to treatment; the type guides cover more specific questions. ## How does chemotherapy work? The drugs damage cells that are dividing quickly. That includes cancer, which is why they can shrink a tumour. Some healthy cells also divide quickly — in hair follicles, the gut lining and bone marrow — which is why side effects happen. Your own specialist chooses the drugs. This is not a diagnosis and not NHS care from us. Different drugs hit cells at different points in the division cycle. Combinations are common so more cells are caught. Supportive medicines help with nausea and infection risk. Ask the treating team to explain the names on the consent form in plain English. World Aid Network does not choose the protocol. A locally licensed oncologist in a registered hospital does. We fund the bill a family cannot meet in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia. ## How is chemotherapy given? Most often as a liquid drip into a vein in hospital. Some types are tablets taken at home. Treatment is usually given in cycles: a session, then days or weeks of rest so the body can recover, then another session. A course may last a few months. See a specialist for personal advice. This is not a diagnosis. A drip session can take hours. Tablets still need blood tests and a plan for missed doses and infection. Either way, the rest days are part of treatment, not a pause you skip. Please do not post chemotherapy drugs from Britain. The wrong drug, the wrong dose or a delayed parcel does not help. Donate here so a partner hospital can buy what the oncologist has already prescribed. - Intravenous drip — Liquid into a vein in hospital — the most common method - Tablets or capsules — Taken at home on a set schedule, with blood-test checks - A cycle — Treatment days, then rest days so healthy cells can recover - A course — Several cycles over weeks or months, set by the specialist - With other treatments — Before surgery to shrink a tumour, or after surgery to reduce return ## Why is chemotherapy given in cycles? A cycle is a burst of treatment followed by a rest. Cancer cells are hit while they divide. Healthy cells — hair, gut, bone marrow — get time to recover before the next dose. Skipping rest days is not a way to finish faster. The schedule is part of safety. Ask your team before changing anything. This is not a diagnosis. Blood tests before a cycle check that bone marrow has recovered. If counts are low, a session may be delayed. That delay is clinical, not a failure. Completing the planned course matters more than squeezing sessions together. For blood cancers especially, stopping mid-course because a family cannot pay is more dangerous than a delayed start. Remaining cells can become harder to treat. That is why a monthly gift to the Cancer Emergency Appeal matches a real chemotherapy timetable. ## What are the side effects of chemotherapy? Common effects include tiredness, nausea, hair thinning or loss, and a higher risk of infection because bone marrow is affected. They are usually temporary and can be managed with supportive medicines. Not everyone gets the same effects. Ask your cancer team what to expect from your drugs. World Aid Network is not a UK helpline. Infection risk is why a fever during chemotherapy is urgent — NHS 111 or a specialist unit, not this website. Mouth ulcers, diarrhoea and taste changes are also common. Supportive care is part of the protocol, not an optional extra. In the countries we fund, supportive medicines and blood tests cost money too. A gift here can cover a session and the care that makes it safe. We do not invent a named patient’s side-effect list. ## Does chemotherapy always cause hair loss? No. Hair loss depends on the specific drugs. Some cause it, some cause thinning, some do not. Where it happens it is usually temporary, with hair growing back after the course. Cold caps are used in some UK units; they are not something we supply overseas. Ask your team about your regimen. This is not a diagnosis. Scalp cooling does not work for every drug or every person. Body hair and eyebrows can be affected too. Wigs and headwear are a personal choice. Macmillan and NHS pages cover UK practical help; we are not that service. If you are donating because someone you love lost their hair in treatment, you can mark a gift in memory. Write to info@worldaidnetwork.org. The gift still funds a hospital bill overseas, not a UK wig service. ## When is chemotherapy used with surgery or radiotherapy? It may be given before surgery to shrink a tumour, or after surgery and radiotherapy to reduce the chance of cancer returning. It is also used on its own when cancer has spread. The combination depends on type and stage. Breast, bowel and cervical guides explain those pathways. This page is the general chemotherapy explainer, not a treatment plan. Chemoradiotherapy means chemotherapy and radiotherapy together, used for some cervical and other cancers. That detail belongs on the type page. Radiotherapy itself is explained on the radiotherapy guide. World Aid Network funds what a partner hospital can actually deliver. We do not promise a UK private protocol or a named branded drug from a British pharmacy. ## How is this different from the Cancer Emergency Appeal? This page owns what chemotherapy is — how it works, cycles, drips, tablets and side effects — with a donate form. The Cancer Emergency Appeal is the named checkout for all types of cancer treatment, not chemotherapy alone. Both gifts fund partner hospital bills. Please read the page that matches your question. Neither is NHS care. Stay here if you wanted the explainer. Use the Cancer Emergency Appeal if you already decided to give and want the named appeal URL. Trustees send money to the most urgent bill a partner can treat. Leukaemia, lymphoma and childhood cancer pages explain why continuity of a course matters. Those URLs own the disease. This URL owns the treatment method. ## Why is chemotherapy harder to get overseas? In the UK, the NHS gives chemotherapy without a bill at the door. In Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia a family often pays out of pocket for the drugs, the blood tests and the supportive care. One session can be unaffordable. World Aid Network funds that bill through locally licensed oncologists. We do not run clinics or fly teams from Britain. The World Health Organization reports that access to cancer medicines is far from equal. We do not invent caseloads. We pay for a protocol a partner hospital can already deliver for a patient who cannot pay. Please do not send leftover tablets from a UK course. Donate on this page instead. Card gifts are processed immediately; treatment follows the hospital list. ## How can I donate to fund chemotherapy? Please give on this page by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. The gift is marked for the Cancer Emergency Appeal, which funds chemotherapy and every other type a partner hospital can treat. £50 contributes towards care; it does not guarantee a session. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks — application 5290505. Use the form beside this guide, or open the donate page and choose cancer treatment. If you are collecting as a group, bring the total here. For a gift in memory of someone, write to info@worldaidnetwork.org. Do not assume a 25% Gift Aid top-up for a WAN donation. Any future eligibility will be explained on our Gift Aid page. Card donations are open now. ## What will my donation to chemotherapy provide? Your donation pays for diagnosis and treatment a poor patient cannot afford. Typical partner costs include £50 for one chemotherapy session and £100 for a staging scan. Trustees send the Cancer Emergency Appeal to the most urgent bill — chemotherapy and every other type a partner hospital can treat. Please give what you can. Clinicians decide the medical plan. We fund the invoice. What a patient receives depends on diagnosis, stage and what that hospital can deliver. The table is a guide, not a promise that every gift buys an identical item. - £10 — essential cancer medicines for one patient for one week - £25 — diagnostic blood tests or a screening examination - £50 — one chemotherapy session - £100 — a diagnostic scan to confirm and stage cancer - £250 — contribution towards cancer care; treatment costs vary - £500 — cancer surgery for one patient at a partner hospital ## Can I give monthly for a chemotherapy course? Yes. A monthly gift to the Cancer Emergency Appeal matches a chemotherapy course, which does not end after one appointment. Please set up a regular amount on this page. You can also give once. To mark a gift in memory of someone who had chemotherapy, write to info@worldaidnetwork.org. You can change a monthly gift later. Please do not wait for the next awareness month. The next cycle is booked in between campaigns too. A small monthly amount keeps a course from stopping because the money ran out. ## What will a donation provide? - £10: Contribution towards cancer medicines - £25: Contribution towards clinically indicated cancer tests - £50: Contribution towards clinically recommended cancer care - £100: Contribution towards clinically recommended cancer tests - £250: Contribution towards clinically recommended cancer treatment - £500: Contribution towards hospital-based cancer treatment ## How to donate to fund chemotherapy overseas Donate so World Aid Network can pay for a chemotherapy session — and other cancer treatment — for a patient who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia. - Read this guide: Understand cycles, drips and side effects. This is information, not a diagnosis. See a GP or specialist for personal advice. - Open the donate form: Stay on this page or go to worldaidnetwork.org/donate and choose cancer treatment. - Give by card: Pay by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. £50 contributes towards cancer care. - Optional: give monthly: A regular gift matches a course that lasts weeks or months. You can change it later. ## Related pages - Cancer Emergency Appeal — Named checkout — all types of cancer, treatment not research. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency - Cancer hub — Nineteen type guides and the donate form. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer - Radiotherapy guide — Targeted radiation — how it works and the global machine gap. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/treatment/radiotherapy - Cancer surgery guide — Types of operation, biopsy and why a theatre bill is unaffordable. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/treatment/surgery - Leukaemia guide — Why finishing a chemotherapy course matters. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/leukaemia - Childhood cancer — Paediatric treatment and the survival gap. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/childhood-cancer - Breast cancer guide — When chemotherapy is used with surgery. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/breast-cancer - How to help cancer patients — Practical ways to fund care, not only research. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/how-to-help-cancer-patients - Cancer in developing countries — Why survival collapses when treatment is out of reach. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/cancer-in-developing-countries - Best charity for cancer — We do not rank. Donate if treatment overseas matches. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/best-charity-for-cancer - Monthly giving — Keep a chemotherapy course funded between campaigns. https://worldaidnetwork.org/monthly-giving - How we work — Grants to partner hospitals, not cash to individuals. https://worldaidnetwork.org/how-we-work - Donate by card — Give to cancer treatment in a few minutes. https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate ## Frequently asked questions ### What is chemotherapy? Chemotherapy uses medicines to destroy cancer cells or stop them dividing. It travels through the bloodstream, so it can reach cancer throughout the body — including cancer that has spread. This page is information, not a diagnosis. ### How is chemotherapy given? Most often as a drip into a vein, though some types are tablets at home. It is usually given in cycles — a treatment session followed by a recovery period — repeated over a course that may last several months. ### Why does chemotherapy cause side effects? It targets fast-growing cells. That includes cancer, and also some healthy cells in hair, the gut lining and bone marrow. Tiredness, nausea, hair loss and infection risk are common. They are usually temporary and can be managed. ### Does chemotherapy always cause hair loss? No. It depends on the drugs. Some cause hair loss, others thinning, others none. Where it occurs it is usually temporary. Ask your cancer team about your regimen. ### Why is chemotherapy given in cycles? So cancer cells are hit while they divide, and healthy cells have rest days to recover. Skipping rest is not a shortcut. Blood tests often decide whether the next cycle can go ahead. ### Does World Aid Network give chemotherapy in the UK? No. We do not provide NHS care or UK clinics. We fund cancer treatment — including chemotherapy where partner hospitals can deliver it — for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. ### How can I donate to fund chemotherapy? Give by card on this page or at https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate and choose the Cancer Emergency Appeal. Suggested donations contribute to the wider fund; a session needs a patient-specific quote. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks (application 5290505). ### Will Gift Aid apply? Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks (application 5290505). We will contact donors when that happens. Card gifts are open now. ### Can I send chemotherapy medicines from the UK? Please do not. Parcels usually arrive late, may be the wrong drug, and cost more than paying the hospital in front of the patient. Donate on this page instead. ### How is this different from radiotherapy? Chemotherapy is medicine in the bloodstream. Radiotherapy is targeted radiation to one area. Many people have both. See the radiotherapy guide for machines, sessions and the global machine gap. ## How you can help Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/treatment/chemotherapy or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # What is radiotherapy? > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/treatment/radiotherapy > Last reviewed: 2026-08-22 ## In short Radiotherapy uses targeted high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. Around half of cancer patients benefit at some point. It is usually given as short daily sessions over a few weeks. World Aid Network funds treatment overseas where a partner can deliver it. This page is information, not a diagnosis. Targeted radiation to destroy cancer cells. Donate so a patient who cannot pay is not turned away from treatment a partner hospital can give. Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/treatment/radiotherapy. Radiotherapy uses targeted radiation to destroy cancer cells. It is usually given as short daily sessions. This page is information, not a diagnosis and not NHS care. Named checkout: https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency. Cancer hub: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer. Chemotherapy: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/treatment/chemotherapy. Cancer surgery: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/treatment/surgery. ## At a glance - Half: Around half of people with cancer have radiotherapy at some point (NHS) - 2 types: External beam from a machine, or internal radiotherapy (brachytherapy) - Machine gap: Many low-income countries have far too few machines — some have none - 3 countries: Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia — our charitable Objects ## What is radiotherapy? Radiotherapy uses carefully aimed high-energy radiation, usually X-rays, to damage cancer cells so they can no longer grow. It treats one area, unlike chemotherapy, which travels in the bloodstream. Around half of people with cancer have it at some point. This page is information, not a diagnosis. World Aid Network does not provide NHS care. It is also called radiation therapy. Specialists plan the beams so they hit the tumour and spare as much healthy tissue as possible. It can be used to try to cure a cancer, to shrink a tumour before surgery, to mop up cells afterwards, or to relieve pain in advanced disease. Type-specific plans — for example cervical brachytherapy or prostate radiotherapy — live on those cancer guides. This page owns the general question: what radiotherapy is, how it is given, and why machines are scarce overseas. ## How does radiotherapy work? The radiation damages DNA inside cancer cells so they cannot divide and they die. Treatment is planned on scans so the dose hits the tumour. Nearby healthy cells can be affected too, which is why side effects happen in the treated area. Your own specialist sets the plan. This is not a diagnosis and not NHS care from us. A planning session comes first. Marks or a mask help the team aim the same way each day. Each treatment itself is usually only a few minutes. The course is the repeated sessions, not one visit. World Aid Network does not choose the plan. A locally licensed oncologist in a registered hospital does. We fund the bill a family cannot meet in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia, where that hospital can actually deliver radiotherapy. ## What are the types of radiotherapy? There are two main types. External beam radiotherapy uses a machine outside the body — this is the most common and is painless. Internal radiotherapy, or brachytherapy, places a radioactive source close to or inside the tumour, for example in some cervical cancers. Ask your team which you are having. This is not a diagnosis. Cervical, prostate and breast guides explain when each type is used for that cancer. Chemoradiotherapy means chemotherapy and radiotherapy together; that detail belongs on the type page. We do not promise a named UK private machine or a brand of linear accelerator. We fund what a partner hospital can deliver. - External beam — A machine directs radiation at the cancer from outside the body — the most common type, and painless - Internal (brachytherapy) — A radioactive source is placed inside the body, close to or within the tumour - A course — Usually short daily sessions, often Monday to Friday, over a few weeks - With other treatments — Before or after surgery, or with chemotherapy, depending on type and stage ## How is radiotherapy given? External beam treatment is usually given as short daily sessions, often Monday to Friday, over a few weeks. Each session itself typically takes only a few minutes. The exact schedule depends on the cancer and the goal of treatment. See a specialist for personal advice. This is not a diagnosis. You lie still while the machine moves around you. You do not feel the radiation. The team leaves the room but can see and hear you. Brachytherapy is a different visit pattern, set by that protocol. Please do not try to arrange a UK machine for someone overseas. Donate here so a partner hospital can treat the patient in front of them, if they have the equipment and staff. ## Does radiotherapy hurt? The treatment itself is painless — external beam radiotherapy feels like having an X-ray. Side effects can build up over a course, most commonly tiredness and skin changes in the treated area, plus effects specific to that part of the body. Most settle after the course ends. Ask your cancer team what to expect. This is not a diagnosis. Skin in the treated area can become red or sore, like sunburn. The team will tell you what creams to use and what to avoid. Tiredness is common even when the session is short. A fever during treatment still needs urgent local advice — NHS 111 or a specialist unit in the UK, not this website. World Aid Network is not a helpline. ## What are the side effects of radiotherapy? Tiredness and skin changes in the treated area are the most common. Other effects depend on the part of the body being treated — for example bowel or bladder irritation, or a sore mouth. They usually settle after the course. Not everyone gets the same effects. Ask your team. World Aid Network is not a UK helpline. Unlike chemotherapy, radiotherapy does not usually cause hair loss unless the head is in the treatment field. Nausea depends on the area treated. Supportive care is part of the plan. In the countries we fund, getting to the machine every day can cost a family as much as the treatment itself. A gift here can cover the hospital bill a partner can already deliver. We do not invent a named patient’s side-effect list. ## When is radiotherapy used with surgery or chemotherapy? It may be given before surgery to shrink a tumour, or after surgery to reduce the chance of cancer returning. It is also used with chemotherapy for some cancers, including some cervical disease. The combination depends on type and stage. Breast, prostate and cervical guides explain those pathways. This page is the general radiotherapy explainer, not a treatment plan. Chemotherapy is medicine in the bloodstream. Radiotherapy is targeted radiation to one area. Many people have both. See the chemotherapy guide for cycles, drips and tablets. World Aid Network funds what a partner hospital can actually deliver. We do not promise a UK private protocol. ## How is this different from chemotherapy? Chemotherapy is medicine that travels in the bloodstream and can reach cancer that has spread. Radiotherapy is targeted radiation to one area. Many people have both. This page owns radiotherapy. The chemotherapy guide owns medicines, cycles and drips. Named checkout for every type of treatment is the Cancer Emergency Appeal. Neither is NHS care. Stay here if you wanted machines, sessions and the global gap. Use the chemotherapy guide if you wanted cytotoxic drugs. Use the Cancer Emergency Appeal if you already decided to give and want the named appeal URL. Type pages own the disease. These two URLs own the treatment methods. ## How is this different from the Cancer Emergency Appeal? This page owns what radiotherapy is — types, sessions, side effects and the machine gap — with a donate form. The Cancer Emergency Appeal is the named checkout for all types of cancer treatment, not radiotherapy alone. Both gifts fund partner hospital bills. Please read the page that matches your question. Neither is NHS care. Stay here if you wanted the explainer. Use the Cancer Emergency Appeal if you already decided to give and want the named appeal URL. Trustees send money to the most urgent bill a partner can treat. Not every partner hospital has a radiotherapy machine. We fund what that hospital can deliver. We do not fly a linear accelerator from Britain. ## Why do some countries have too few radiotherapy machines? Radiotherapy needs expensive machines, planning systems and trained staff. The WHO and IAEA report that many low- and middle-income countries have far too few machines, and some have none. In the UK the NHS gives this treatment without a bill at the door. We fund a partner hospital bill in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia. We do not install machines. That gap is why a cancer that radiotherapy could cure or palliate still kills when the family cannot reach a machine or cannot pay. We do not invent caseloads. We pay for a protocol a licensed partner can already deliver for a patient who cannot pay. Please do not try to ship equipment from Britain. Donate on this page instead. Card gifts are processed immediately; treatment follows the hospital list. ## How can I donate to fund radiotherapy? Please give on this page by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. The gift is marked for the Cancer Emergency Appeal, which funds radiotherapy where a partner hospital can deliver it, and every other type they can treat. We do not quote a typical session price. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks — application 5290505. Use the form beside this guide, or open the donate page and choose cancer treatment. If you are collecting as a group, bring the total here. For a gift in memory of someone, write to info@worldaidnetwork.org. Do not assume a 25% Gift Aid top-up for a WAN donation. Any future eligibility will be explained on our Gift Aid page. Card donations are open now. ## What will my donation to radiotherapy provide? Your donation contributes towards diagnosis and treatment a poor patient cannot afford. We do not quote fixed prices for a session or scan, because costs vary by patient and hospital. Trustees send the Cancer Emergency Appeal to the most urgent bill a partner hospital can treat — including radiotherapy where they have a machine. Please give what you can. Clinicians decide the medical plan. What a patient receives depends on diagnosis, stage and what that hospital can deliver. The amounts below are contributions, not prices for a particular item or a guaranteed treatment. - £50 — contributes towards supportive medicines and aftercare - £150 — contributes towards diagnostic tests and clinical assessment - £250 — contributes towards diagnostic work and treatment costs - £500 — a larger contribution towards clinically recommended treatment ## Can I give monthly for a radiotherapy course? Yes. A monthly gift to the Cancer Emergency Appeal matches a radiotherapy course, which runs over weeks of daily sessions, not one appointment. Please set up a regular amount on this page. You can also give once. To mark a gift in memory of someone who had radiotherapy, write to info@worldaidnetwork.org. You can change a monthly gift later. Please do not wait for the next awareness month. Daily sessions are booked in between campaigns too. A small monthly amount keeps treatment from stopping because the money ran out. ## What will a donation provide? - £10: Contribution towards cancer medicines - £25: Contribution towards clinically indicated cancer tests - £50: Contribution towards clinically recommended cancer care - £100: Contribution towards clinically recommended cancer tests - £250: Contribution towards clinically recommended cancer treatment - £500: Contribution towards hospital-based cancer treatment ## How to donate to fund radiotherapy overseas Donate so World Aid Network can pay for cancer treatment — including radiotherapy where a partner hospital can deliver it — for a patient who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia. - Read this guide: Understand types, sessions and side effects. This is information, not a diagnosis. See a GP or specialist for personal advice. - Open the donate form: Stay on this page or go to worldaidnetwork.org/donate and choose cancer treatment. - Give by card: Pay by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Gifts go to the Cancer Emergency Appeal. - Optional: give monthly: A regular gift matches a course of daily sessions over weeks. You can change it later. ## Related pages - Cancer Emergency Appeal — Named checkout — all types of cancer, treatment not research. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency - Cancer hub — Nineteen type guides and the donate form. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer - Chemotherapy guide — Medicines in the bloodstream — cycles, drips, tablets and side effects. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/treatment/chemotherapy - Cancer surgery guide — Types of operation, biopsy and why a theatre bill is unaffordable. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/treatment/surgery - Cervical cancer guide — When brachytherapy is used with other treatment. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/cervical-cancer - Prostate cancer guide — When radiotherapy is used for prostate cancer. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/prostate-cancer - Breast cancer guide — When radiotherapy follows surgery. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/breast-cancer - How to help cancer patients — Practical ways to fund care, not only research. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/how-to-help-cancer-patients - Cancer in developing countries — Why survival collapses when treatment is out of reach. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/cancer-in-developing-countries - Best charity for cancer — We do not rank. Donate if treatment overseas matches. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/best-charity-for-cancer - Monthly giving — Keep a radiotherapy course funded between campaigns. https://worldaidnetwork.org/monthly-giving - How we work — Grants to partner hospitals, not cash to individuals. https://worldaidnetwork.org/how-we-work - Donate by card — Give to the Cancer Emergency Appeal with the form on this page. https://worldaidnetwork.org#appeal-donation ## Frequently asked questions ### What is radiotherapy? Radiotherapy uses high-energy radiation, usually X-rays, to destroy cancer cells by damaging their DNA. It is carefully targeted to hit the tumour while sparing healthy tissue. Around half of all cancer patients benefit from it at some point. This page is information, not a diagnosis. ### Does radiotherapy hurt? The treatment itself is painless — external beam radiotherapy feels like having an X-ray. Side effects can build up over a course, most commonly tiredness and skin changes in the treated area. Most settle after treatment finishes. ### What are the types of radiotherapy? The two main types are external beam radiotherapy, where a machine directs radiation from outside the body, and internal radiotherapy or brachytherapy, where a radioactive source is placed close to the tumour — used, for example, in some cervical cancers. ### How long does a course of radiotherapy take? It varies, but external beam radiotherapy is often given as short daily sessions, Monday to Friday, over a few weeks. The exact schedule depends on the cancer and the goal of treatment. Each session itself usually takes only a few minutes. ### Why don't all countries have radiotherapy? It needs expensive machines, planning systems and trained specialists. Many low- and middle-income countries have far too few machines, and some have none. That gap is a major reason cancer survival is lower in poorer countries. ### How is this different from chemotherapy? Chemotherapy is medicine in the bloodstream. Radiotherapy is targeted radiation to one area. Many people have both. See the chemotherapy guide for cycles, drips and tablets. ### Does World Aid Network give radiotherapy in the UK? No. We do not provide NHS care or UK clinics. We fund cancer treatment — including radiotherapy where partner hospitals can deliver it — for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. We do not install machines. ### How can I donate to fund radiotherapy? Give by card on this page or at https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate and choose the Cancer Emergency Appeal. We do not quote a typical radiotherapy session price. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks (application 5290505). ### Will Gift Aid apply? Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks (application 5290505). We will contact donors when that happens. Card gifts are open now. ### Can I send radiotherapy equipment from the UK? Please do not. We do not fly linear accelerators from Britain. Donate on this page so a partner hospital can treat a patient they can already treat. ## How you can help Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/treatment/radiotherapy or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # What is cancer surgery? > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/treatment/surgery > Last reviewed: 2026-08-22 ## In short Cancer surgery is an operation to remove a tumour, take a biopsy, or relieve symptoms. It treats one area, unlike chemotherapy. Many people also have medicines or radiotherapy. World Aid Network funds surgery overseas for patients who cannot pay, where a partner hospital can operate. This page is information, not a diagnosis. An operation to remove a tumour or confirm a diagnosis. Donate so a patient who cannot pay is not turned away from a partner theatre. Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/treatment/surgery. Cancer surgery is an operation to remove a tumour, take a biopsy, or relieve symptoms. This page is information, not a diagnosis and not NHS care. Named checkout: https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency. Cancer hub: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer. Chemotherapy: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/treatment/chemotherapy. Radiotherapy: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/treatment/radiotherapy. Cataract / Gift of Sight: https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/gift-of-sight. ## At a glance - Individual: The operation and cost depend on the patient and hospital - One area: Surgery treats the tumour in front of the surgeon, unlike chemotherapy - Local teams: PMDC, KKI or MMC registered surgeons in partner hospitals — not UK visiting teams - 3 countries: Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia — our charitable Objects ## What is cancer surgery? Cancer surgery is an operation to remove a tumour, take tissue for diagnosis, or ease symptoms such as a blockage. It treats one area. Chemotherapy travels in the bloodstream. Radiotherapy aims radiation at a field. This page is information, not a diagnosis. World Aid Network does not provide NHS care or run UK theatres. Many people have surgery plus medicines or radiotherapy. The combination depends on type and stage. Breast, bowel, prostate, lung and cervical guides explain those pathways. Blood cancers such as leukaemia are usually treated with drugs, not an operation to remove the disease. This guide explains the purposes of cancer surgery and barriers to care. The cancer type guides cover more specific operations. ## How does cancer surgery work? A licensed surgeon operates in a registered hospital to remove cancer, sample lymph nodes, or relieve pressure. Scans and a biopsy usually come first so the team knows what they are treating. Your own specialist decides whether an operation is possible. This is not a diagnosis and not NHS care from us. The aim may be to cure early disease, to stage how far it has spread, or to make life more comfortable when a cure is not possible. Anaesthesia, a sterile theatre and follow-up care are part of the bill, not extras. World Aid Network does not choose the operation. A locally licensed surgeon does. We fund the invoice a family cannot meet in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia, where that hospital can actually operate. ## What types of cancer surgery are there? The main types are surgery to remove a tumour, a biopsy or staging operation to confirm diagnosis and spread, palliative surgery to relieve symptoms, and reconstructive surgery after some operations such as breast surgery. Which type you need depends on the cancer. Ask your specialist. This is not a diagnosis. Mastectomy, prostatectomy and bowel resection belong on those type guides. This table is the general map, not a consent form. We do not promise a UK private protocol or a named branded implant from a British catalogue. We fund what a partner hospital can deliver. - Remove the tumour — Take out the cancer, and often nearby tissue or lymph nodes, when that can still cure or control disease - Biopsy or staging — Take a sample, or sample nodes, so the team knows the type and how far it has spread - Palliative — Relieve a blockage, bleeding or pain when the aim is comfort, not cure - Reconstructive — Rebuild after some operations — detail lives on the type page, for example breast ## When is surgery used with chemotherapy or radiotherapy? Chemotherapy or radiotherapy may be given before surgery to shrink a tumour, or afterwards to reduce the chance of cancer returning. Some people have surgery alone. The plan depends on type and stage. Breast, bowel and prostate guides explain those pathways. This page is the general surgery explainer, not a treatment plan. Chemotherapy is medicine in the bloodstream. Radiotherapy is targeted radiation. Surgery is an operation. Many people have more than one. See those two guides for cycles, drips, machines and sessions. World Aid Network funds what a partner hospital can actually deliver. We do not promise that every partner can offer all three. ## Why do people have a biopsy or staging operation? A biopsy takes a small sample so a laboratory can name the cancer. Staging surgery samples lymph nodes or nearby tissue to see how far it has spread. Those results guide whether a bigger operation, medicines or radiotherapy come next. Scans help, but tissue often decides. This is not a diagnosis. See a specialist. In the countries we fund, the biopsy and the scan are bills a family must pay before anyone books a theatre. A gift here can cover that step so treatment is not guessed. We do not invent a named patient’s pathology report. Trustees pay a verified invoice at a registered hospital. ## What happens after cancer surgery? Recovery depends on the operation, the person’s health and the hospital. Pain control, wound care and a plan for medicines or radiotherapy are part of safe care. Ask the treating team what to expect. World Aid Network is not a UK helpline and does not provide NHS aftercare. This is not a diagnosis. A fever, heavy bleeding or a wound that opens needs urgent local advice — not this website. In the UK that is NHS 111 or the specialist unit. Overseas it is the hospital that operated. Follow-up visits cost money too. A gift to the Cancer Emergency Appeal can cover the operation and the care that makes it safe. We do not invent a recovery timetable for a named patient. ## How is cancer surgery different from chemotherapy or radiotherapy? Surgery is an operation on one area. Chemotherapy is medicine in the bloodstream and can reach cancer that has spread. Radiotherapy is targeted radiation to a field. Many people have more than one. This page owns surgery. The other two guides own medicines and machines. Named checkout is the Cancer Emergency Appeal. None of this is NHS care. Stay here if you wanted types of operation and why a theatre bill is unaffordable. Use the chemotherapy guide for cycles and drips. Use the radiotherapy guide for sessions and the machine gap. Type pages own the disease. These three URLs own the treatment methods. ## How is this different from the Cancer Emergency Appeal? This page owns what cancer surgery is — types, biopsy, recovery and why an operation is unaffordable overseas — with a donate form. The Cancer Emergency Appeal is the named checkout for all types of cancer treatment, not surgery alone. Both gifts fund partner hospital bills. Please read the page that matches your question. Neither is NHS care. Stay here if you wanted the explainer. Use the Cancer Emergency Appeal if you already decided to give and want the named appeal URL. Trustees send money to the most urgent bill a partner can treat. Not every partner hospital can operate on every cancer. We fund what that hospital can deliver. We do not fly patients to Britain. ## How is cancer surgery different from the Gift of Sight Appeal? Gift of Sight raises funds towards cataract and other clinically recommended eye care. This page is cancer surgery — removing a tumour or confirming a diagnosis — funded through the Cancer Emergency Appeal. Cancer surgery costs require a patient-specific hospital quote. They are different programmes. You can donate to either. If you searched for cataract, eye surgery or sponsor a cataract operation, use Gift of Sight or the sponsor-a-cataract-operation page. Stay here for cancer theatre bills. World Aid Network does not mix those gifts. Eye surgery and cancer treatment are separate Objects in how trustees send money. ## Why is cancer surgery harder to get overseas? In the UK, the NHS operates without a bill at the door. In Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia a family often pays out of pocket for the theatre, the surgeon, anaesthesia and the stay. One operation can be unaffordable. World Aid Network funds that bill through locally licensed surgeons. We do not run clinics or fly teams from Britain. Late diagnosis makes surgery harder. A tumour found early may be removable. The same cancer found late may need medicines instead, or may no longer be operable. We do not invent caseloads. We pay for an operation a partner hospital can already deliver for a patient who cannot pay. Please do not try to bring a patient to a UK private hospital on a tourist visa as the plan. Donate on this page instead. Card gifts are processed immediately; the operation follows the hospital list. ## How can I donate to fund cancer surgery? Please give on this page by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. The gift is marked for the Cancer Emergency Appeal, which funds surgery where a partner hospital can operate, and every other type they can treat. £500 contributes towards care; it does not guarantee an operation. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks — application 5290505. Use the form beside this guide, or open the donate page and choose cancer treatment. If you are collecting as a group, bring the total here. For a gift in memory of someone, write to info@worldaidnetwork.org. Do not assume a 25% Gift Aid top-up for a WAN donation. Any future eligibility will be explained on our Gift Aid page. Card donations are open now. ## What will my donation to cancer surgery provide? Your donation pays for diagnosis and treatment a poor patient cannot afford. Actual costs depend on the clinical plan, tests and hospital quote. Trustees send the Cancer Emergency Appeal to the most urgent bill a partner hospital can treat — surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy where they have a machine. Please give what you can. Clinicians decide the medical plan. We fund the invoice. What a patient receives depends on diagnosis, stage and what that hospital can deliver. The table is a guide, not a promise that every gift buys an identical operation. - £10 — essential cancer medicines for one patient for one week - £25 — diagnostic blood tests or a screening examination - £50 — one chemotherapy session - £100 — a diagnostic scan to confirm and stage cancer - £250 — contribution towards cancer care; treatment costs vary - £500 — cancer surgery for one patient at a partner hospital ## Can I give monthly for cancer surgery? Yes. A monthly gift to the Cancer Emergency Appeal matches cancer care that does not end after one operation — scans, medicines and follow-up come next. Please set up a regular amount on this page. You can also give once. To mark a gift in memory of someone who had cancer surgery, write to info@worldaidnetwork.org. You can change a monthly gift. Please do not wait for the next awareness month. Theatre lists run in between campaigns too. A small monthly amount keeps the next patient from being sent home because the money ran out. ## What will a donation provide? - £10: Contribution towards cancer medicines - £25: Contribution towards clinically indicated cancer tests - £50: Contribution towards clinically recommended cancer care - £100: Contribution towards clinically recommended cancer tests - £250: Contribution towards clinically recommended cancer treatment - £500: Contribution towards hospital-based cancer treatment ## How to donate to fund cancer surgery overseas Donate so World Aid Network can pay for a cancer operation — and other cancer treatment — for a patient who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia. - Read this guide: Understand types of cancer surgery. This is information, not a diagnosis. See a GP or specialist for personal advice. Cataract operations are Gift of Sight, not this page. - Open the donate form: Stay on this page or go to worldaidnetwork.org/donate and choose cancer treatment. - Give by card: Pay by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. £500 contributes towards care; it does not guarantee an operation. - Optional: give monthly: A regular gift matches follow-up and the next patient. You can change it later. ## Related pages - Cancer Emergency Appeal — Named checkout — all types of cancer, treatment not research. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency - Cancer hub — Nineteen type guides and the donate form. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer - Chemotherapy guide — Medicines in the bloodstream — cycles, drips, tablets and side effects. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/treatment/chemotherapy - Radiotherapy guide — Targeted radiation — types, sessions and the machine gap. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/treatment/radiotherapy - Gift of Sight Appeal — The eye care fund; distinct from cancer treatment funding. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/gift-of-sight - Breast cancer guide — When surgery is used with other treatment. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/breast-cancer - Bowel cancer guide — Resection and related pathways. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/bowel-cancer - How to help cancer patients — Practical ways to fund care, not only research. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/how-to-help-cancer-patients - Cancer in developing countries — Why survival collapses when treatment is out of reach. https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/cancer-in-developing-countries - Best charity for cancer — We do not rank. Donate if treatment overseas matches. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/best-charity-for-cancer - How we work — Grants to partner hospitals, not cash to individuals. https://worldaidnetwork.org/how-we-work - Donate by card — Give to cancer treatment in a few minutes. https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate ## Frequently asked questions ### What is cancer surgery? An operation to remove a tumour, take a biopsy, or relieve symptoms. It treats one area. Many people also have chemotherapy or radiotherapy. This page is information, not a diagnosis. ### What types of cancer surgery are there? Surgery to remove a tumour, biopsy or staging operations, palliative surgery to relieve symptoms, and reconstructive surgery after some operations. Named operations such as mastectomy live on the type guides. ### Does World Aid Network operate in the UK? No. We do not provide NHS care or UK theatres. We fund cancer surgery — where partner hospitals can operate — for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. ### How much does cancer surgery cost through World Aid Network? £500 is a suggested contribution, not a quote for an operation. Costs depend on the procedure and patient. Figures are a guide, not a menu you pick for a named patient. Trustees send the gift to the most urgent bill. ### Is this the same as cataract surgery? No. Cataract and other sight-restoring operations are supported through the Gift of Sight Appeal. This page is cancer surgery via the Cancer Emergency Appeal. ### How is this different from chemotherapy or radiotherapy? Surgery is an operation. Chemotherapy is medicine in the bloodstream. Radiotherapy is targeted radiation. Many people have more than one. See those two guides for the other methods. ### How can I donate to fund cancer surgery? Give by card on this page or at https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate and choose the Cancer Emergency Appeal. Suggested donations contribute to the wider fund; an operation needs a patient-specific quote. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks (application 5290505). ### Will Gift Aid apply? Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks (application 5290505). We will contact donors when that happens. Card gifts are open now. ### Can I fly a patient to Britain for the operation? Please do not make that the plan. We fund a licensed surgeon in a registered hospital in front of the patient. Donate on this page instead. ### Do you fund leukaemia surgery? Leukaemia is a blood cancer, usually treated with chemotherapy, not an operation to remove the disease. The leukaemia guide and the chemotherapy guide explain that pathway. This appeal still funds the hospital bill a family cannot pay. ## How you can help Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/treatment/surgery or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Cancer stages and grades explained > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/understanding-cancer/stages-and-grades > Last reviewed: 2026-06-19 ## In short A cancer's stage describes how big it is and how far it has spread, usually from 1 (small and localised) to 4 (spread to distant parts of the body). Its grade describes how abnormal the cells look and how quickly they are likely to grow, usually from 1 to 3. Together they guide treatment and the likely outlook. When someone is diagnosed with cancer, two of the first things their medical team work out are the cancer's stage and its grade. These often get confused, but they describe different things — and both matter. This guide explains what stage and grade mean, how they differ, and why they are so important for deciding treatment and understanding the likely outlook. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment overseas for patients who cannot pay — not NHS care and not research. Named checkout: https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency. Chemotherapy: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/treatment/chemotherapy. Radiotherapy: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/treatment/radiotherapy. Cancer surgery: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/treatment/surgery. ## What 'stage' means The stage describes the size of the cancer and how far it has spread. A common system uses numbers 1 to 4: stage 1 is a small cancer that has not spread; stages 2 and 3 are larger and/or have spread to nearby tissue or lymph nodes; and stage 4 means the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body (sometimes called secondary or metastatic cancer). Doctors also use a more detailed system called TNM, which describes the Tumour size (T), whether nearby lymph Nodes are affected (N), and whether the cancer has Metastasised or spread (M). Staging usually involves scans and tests, and it is the single biggest factor in deciding treatment and outlook. ## What 'grade' means The grade is different: it describes how abnormal the cancer cells look under a microscope, which gives a clue to how quickly the cancer is likely to grow and spread. Low-grade (grade 1) cells look fairly similar to normal cells and tend to grow slowly; high-grade (grade 3) cells look very abnormal and tend to grow and spread more quickly. So stage answers 'how much and how far?', while grade answers 'how aggressive do the cells look?'. A cancer can be early-stage but high-grade, or later-stage but low-grade — which is why doctors consider both. ## Why stage and grade matter Together, stage and grade guide the whole treatment plan and help estimate the likely outcome. Generally, the earlier the stage and the lower the grade, the better the outlook and the simpler the treatment. This is also why early diagnosis matters so much: finding a cancer at stage 1 rather than stage 4 can transform someone's chances. In places where cancer is often found late, survival is lower — not because the cancer is different, but because it is found at a more advanced stage. ## Key takeaways - Stage = how big the cancer is and how far it has spread (usually 1 to 4). - Grade = how abnormal the cells look and how fast they are likely to grow (usually 1 to 3). - Stage and grade are different — a cancer can be early-stage but high-grade, or vice versa. - Doctors also use the TNM system (Tumour, Nodes, Metastasis) for detailed staging. - Earlier stage and lower grade generally mean a better outlook — which is why early diagnosis is so important. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the difference between cancer stage and grade? Stage describes how big a cancer is and how far it has spread, usually from 1 (small and localised) to 4 (spread to distant parts of the body). Grade describes how abnormal the cancer cells look under a microscope and how quickly they are likely to grow, usually from 1 (slower) to 3 (faster). Stage is about extent; grade is about how aggressive the cells appear. ### What does stage 4 cancer mean? Stage 4 means the cancer has spread from where it started to distant parts of the body — sometimes called secondary or metastatic cancer. It is generally harder to treat than earlier stages, though treatment can often still control it, relieve symptoms and extend life, and outcomes continue to improve. ### What is the TNM system? TNM is a detailed staging system: T describes the size of the Tumour, N describes whether nearby lymph Nodes contain cancer, and M describes whether the cancer has Metastasised (spread to distant parts of the body). These are combined to give the overall stage number. ### Is a high-grade cancer always worse? High-grade cancers tend to grow and spread more quickly than low-grade ones, so grade is an important factor. But outlook depends on stage and grade together, along with the cancer type and treatment. An early-stage high-grade cancer can still be very treatable, especially when caught early. ### Why does early diagnosis matter so much? Because stage is the biggest factor in outcome. Finding a cancer at stage 1 — small and localised — usually means simpler, more successful treatment than finding the same cancer at stage 4. This is why screening and prompt investigation of symptoms save lives, and why late diagnosis drives lower survival in many countries. ## How you can help Stage at diagnosis decides outcomes, and access to early treatment decides who survives. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for poor patients through locally-licensed oncologists. Donate today. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/understanding-cancer/stages-and-grades or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — Stages of cancer - Cancer staging (TNM) — clinical references --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # What does a 5-year survival rate mean? > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/understanding-cancer/survival-rates > Last reviewed: 2026-06-19 ## In short A 5-year survival rate is the percentage of people with a particular cancer who are still alive five years after diagnosis. It is a statistic based on large groups in the past, not a prediction for any individual, and it varies hugely by cancer type, stage at diagnosis and country, reflecting access to diagnosis and treatment. When people read about cancer, they often come across '5-year survival rates'. The figures can be reassuring or frightening, but they are widely misunderstood. Knowing what they really mean — and do not mean — helps put them in perspective. This guide explains what a 5-year survival rate is, why it is a statistic rather than a personal prediction, and why the same cancer can have very different survival figures depending on where someone lives. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment overseas for patients who cannot pay — not NHS care and not research. Named checkout: https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency. Chemotherapy: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/treatment/chemotherapy. Radiotherapy: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/treatment/radiotherapy. Cancer surgery: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/treatment/surgery. ## What a 5-year survival rate is A 5-year survival rate is simply the percentage of people diagnosed with a particular cancer who are still alive five years later. For example, if a cancer has a 5-year survival rate of 80%, it means that, on average, 80 out of every 100 people diagnosed with it were alive five years after diagnosis. Five years is used as a common benchmark because, for many cancers, someone who is well five years after treatment has a good chance of long-term cure. It does not mean a person is only expected to live five years. ## Why it's a statistic, not a prediction Survival rates are averages drawn from large numbers of people diagnosed in the past. They cannot tell any individual what will happen to them, because they do not account for that person's age, general health, the exact features of their cancer, or newer treatments that have appeared since the data was collected. Because treatments keep improving, today's survival figures are often based on people treated years ago and may understate current chances. A survival rate is best understood as background context, not a personal forecast — something to discuss with a doctor who knows the individual's situation. ## Why survival varies by stage and country Survival depends heavily on the stage at which a cancer is found. The same cancer caught at stage 1 may have a survival rate several times higher than when caught at stage 4 — which is why early diagnosis matters so much. Survival also varies dramatically between countries. A cancer that is highly survivable in a wealthy country can have far lower survival in a low-income one — not because the disease is different, but because of later diagnosis and limited access to treatment. This gap is exactly what charities funding treatment in poorer countries aim to close. ## Key takeaways - A 5-year survival rate is the percentage of people with a cancer still alive five years after diagnosis. - It is a statistic based on past groups — not a prediction for any individual. - Five years is a common benchmark; it does not mean someone is expected to live only five years. - Because treatments keep improving, current figures may understate today's chances. - Survival varies hugely by stage at diagnosis and by country, reflecting differences in access to care. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does a 5-year survival rate mean? It is the percentage of people diagnosed with a particular cancer who are still alive five years after diagnosis. A 5-year survival rate of 80% means that, on average, 80 of every 100 people diagnosed were alive five years later. It is a statistic about groups, not a prediction for any one person. ### Does a 5-year survival rate mean I will only live 5 years? No. Five years is used as a common benchmark because, for many cancers, being well five years after treatment indicates a good chance of long-term cure. Many people live far longer than five years. The figure does not set a limit on anyone's life. ### Why isn't a survival rate a prediction for me? Because it is an average from large groups of people diagnosed in the past. It cannot account for your age, general health, the specific features of your cancer, or newer treatments developed since the data was collected. Your own doctor can give you a much more personal picture. ### Why do survival rates differ between countries? Mainly because of differences in when cancer is found and whether treatment can be accessed and afforded. The same cancer caught early and treated promptly has far better survival than one found late and left untreated. This is why survival can be much lower in low-income countries, despite the disease being the same. ### What is 'net survival'? Net survival is a refined measure used by statisticians that estimates survival from the cancer itself, by adjusting for deaths from other causes. It allows fairer comparisons between groups and over time. For most readers, the key point is the same: survival figures are population statistics, not individual predictions. ## How you can help Survival rates vary by country because access to treatment does. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for poor patients through locally-licensed oncologists. Donate today and help close the gap. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/understanding-cancer/survival-rates or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — Cancer survival statistics - Cancer survival and net survival — statistical references --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Womb cancer: symptoms, treatment and survival > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/womb-cancer > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Womb cancer (also called endometrial or uterine cancer) is the most common cancer of the female reproductive system. The good news is that it usually has a clear, early warning sign: unexpected vaginal bleeding, especially any bleeding after the menopause. Because this sign appears early, many womb cancers are found and treated successfully. Any bleeding that is not normal for you should be reported to a GP straight away. The most common gynaecological cancer — with one clear early warning sign. World Aid Network funds treatment for patients who cannot pay. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. ## Appointment checklist - Which tests can investigate my unusual bleeding? - What could treatment mean for menopause, fertility and recovery? - What could explain my symptoms, and which tests would help? - What are the benefits and possible harms of each test or treatment? - When should I expect results, and who should I contact if they do not arrive? - Which changes mean I should seek help sooner? - If cancer is diagnosed, what are my treatment options and likely side effects? - Can I bring someone with me, request an interpreter or get written information? ## At a glance - ~10,000: UK cases each year - Women after menopause: Most common in - Over 95% (Stage 1): Survival when caught early - Bleeding after menopause: Key sign ## What is womb cancer? Womb cancer (also called endometrial or uterine cancer) is the most common cancer of the female reproductive system. The good news is that it usually has a clear, early warning sign: unexpected vaginal bleeding, especially any bleeding after the menopause. Because this sign appears early, many womb cancers are found and treated successfully. Any bleeding that is not normal for you should be reported to a GP straight away. Womb cancer — also called endometrial cancer or uterine cancer — is the most common gynaecological cancer in the UK. Around 10,000 women are diagnosed each year, and approximately 2,400 die annually from the disease. Despite being the most common, it is not the most deadly gynaecological cancer — that remains ovarian cancer — because womb cancer is often diagnosed at an early stage due to its distinctive and recognisable symptom. Post-menopausal bleeding — any vaginal bleeding that occurs 12 or more months after periods have stopped — is the hallmark symptom of womb cancer and must always be investigated. Although 9 in 10 women with post-menopausal bleeding are found not to have cancer, all cases require urgent assessment. This guide answers the twenty most commonly searched questions about womb cancer in the UK, drawing on NHS and WHO sources. ## When should you see a doctor about womb cancer? Most of these symptoms have a less serious cause — but it is always worth getting them checked. See a GP if you notice a new or persistent change. If you feel very unwell, contact NHS 111 or seek urgent help. Take a note of how long the symptom has lasted and whether it is getting worse. You do not need every sign on a list to book an appointment. This guide is general information from World Aid Network, not a diagnosis and not UK NHS care. Only a clinician can assess you. - Any vaginal bleeding after the menopause - Bleeding between periods, or much heavier periods than usual - Unusual vaginal discharge, especially if blood-stained - Pain in the lower tummy or during sex - Losing weight without trying ## Types and risk factors The vast majority of womb cancers (approximately 80%) are Type I endometrioid endometrial carcinomas — slow-growing tumours that are strongly driven by oestrogen excess and carry a good prognosis when detected early. Type II endometrial cancers — including high-grade serous, clear cell and carcinosarcoma — are less common but more aggressive, with a worse prognosis. The distinction matters clinically because Type I and Type II tumours have different molecular profiles and respond differently to treatment. The major risk factors for womb cancer relate to prolonged, unopposed oestrogen stimulation of the endometrium: obesity (the most important modifiable risk factor — adipose tissue converts androgens to oestrogen); Type 2 diabetes; polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); late menopause (over 55); never having been pregnant; tamoxifen therapy (for breast cancer); oestrogen-only HRT (without progestogen) in women with a uterus; and Lynch syndrome (mismatch repair gene mutations — associated with up to 60% lifetime risk of endometrial cancer). ## Diagnosis Any woman with post-menopausal bleeding or unexpected inter-menstrual bleeding should be referred via the NHS Two Week Wait pathway to a gynaecology clinic. Investigation includes transvaginal ultrasound (an endometrial thickness of less than 4 mm effectively excludes endometrial cancer in postmenopausal women) and hysteroscopy — a direct visual inspection of the uterine cavity using a thin telescope, with guided biopsy of any abnormal areas. Pipelle endometrial biopsy (a simple outpatient procedure) is used for initial sampling. Staging of confirmed endometrial cancer uses MRI of the pelvis (to assess myometrial invasion depth and cervical involvement) and CT chest-abdomen-pelvis (to detect lymph node and distant metastasis). Molecular classification (using immunohistochemistry and molecular testing for POLE mutation, MMR deficiency and TP53 mutation) is now performed at specialist centres and directly guides adjuvant treatment decisions. ## Treatment The primary treatment for endometrial cancer is surgery — total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries), plus pelvic and para-aortic lymph node assessment. Minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic) surgery is preferred where possible. Adjuvant treatment after surgery depends on risk stratification: low-risk Stage I disease (no further treatment); intermediate-risk (vaginal brachytherapy); high-risk or advanced disease (external beam radiotherapy, chemotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel, or both). For recurrent or advanced endometrial cancer, immunotherapy has transformed outcomes. Pembrolizumab combined with lenvatinib is NICE-approved for MMR-proficient advanced endometrial cancer; pembrolizumab monotherapy is approved for MMR-deficient (dMMR/MSI-H) tumours. Dostarlimab is also approved for dMMR advanced endometrial cancer. These immunotherapy-based combinations have significantly improved progression-free and overall survival compared with chemotherapy alone. ## What are the key takeaways? The most important points on womb cancer for patients, families and donors. - Womb cancer is the most common gynaecological cancer in the UK, with approximately 10,000 diagnoses per year. Most are diagnosed at an early stage, giving an excellent overall prognosis. - Post-menopausal bleeding — any vaginal bleeding 12+ months after the last period — must always be investigated urgently. It is the most important warning symptom of womb cancer. - Obesity is the most important modifiable risk factor. Adipose tissue produces oestrogen, which drives endometrial proliferation. Maintaining a healthy weight significantly reduces womb cancer risk. - Standard treatment is hysterectomy plus bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Adjuvant radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy are used for higher-risk disease. Immunotherapy (pembrolizumab + lenvatinib) is now standard for recurrent disease. - Lynch syndrome causes up to 60% lifetime endometrial cancer risk. Women with Lynch syndrome require enhanced surveillance and should inform their gynaecologist of their diagnosis. ## What will a donation for womb cancer treatment provide? A gift to World Aid Network's Cancer Emergency Appeal helps pay for diagnosis and treatment that a poor patient has been recommended but cannot afford. Costs vary by diagnosis, provider and treatment plan; no fixed gift guarantees a complete treatment. Trustees direct gifts to the most urgent cases. This is treatment access, not laboratory research and not UK NHS care. Clinicians in partner hospitals decide the medical plan. We fund the bill in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. The Cancer Emergency Appeal funds all types of cancer. Trustees direct gifts to the most urgent hospital bills in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. ## How can I donate to help people with womb cancer? Donate by card at worldaidnetwork.org/donate and choose the Cancer Emergency Appeal. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation with a CIO registration application in progress; Gift Aid is not currently available; HMRC recognition and donor eligibility are required. If you need UK support as a patient or relative, see a GP, NHS 111, Macmillan or the specialist UK charity for this cancer. We fund treatment overseas; we are not a UK helpline. ## How to get unexpected vaginal bleeding checked Womb cancer often has a clear early warning: bleeding after the menopause, or bleeding that is not normal for you. Getting it checked promptly is how most cases are found early. - Treat any post-menopausal bleeding as a reason to see a GP: Even a small amount of blood after the menopause should be checked. Do not wait to see if it happens again. - Report bleeding between periods: Much heavier periods, bleeding between periods, or blood-stained discharge also need assessment. - Ask what tests come next: A GP may arrange an ultrasound, a biopsy, or an urgent suspected-cancer referral. - Do not put it down to age alone: Bleeding after the menopause is common enough to check and important enough not to ignore. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is womb cancer? Womb cancer (also called endometrial cancer or uterine cancer) is a malignant tumour of the lining of the uterus (the endometrium). It is the most common gynaecological cancer in the UK, with approximately 10,000 diagnoses per year. Most (approximately 80%) are Type I endometrioid adenocarcinomas — oestrogen-driven, slow-growing and generally diagnosed at an early stage with a good prognosis. ### What are the symptoms of womb cancer? Post-menopausal bleeding — any vaginal bleeding that occurs 12 or more months after periods have stopped — is the most common and most important symptom. In premenopausal women, unexpected bleeding between periods or unusually heavy periods can be a symptom. Other symptoms include: a watery or blood-stained vaginal discharge; pelvic pain or pressure; pain during or after sex; and unintentional weight loss. Any post-menopausal bleeding must be reported to a GP promptly — it should never be assumed to be normal. ### What causes womb cancer? Womb cancer is primarily driven by excess oestrogen stimulation of the endometrium without the balancing effect of progesterone. Factors that create this oestrogen excess include: obesity (adipose tissue converts androgens to oestrogen); Type 2 diabetes; PCOS; late menopause; never having been pregnant; oestrogen-only HRT without progestogen in women with an intact uterus; and tamoxifen. Lynch syndrome — an inherited DNA mismatch repair gene mutation — is the most important hereditary risk factor, carrying up to 60% lifetime endometrial cancer risk. ### Who is at highest risk of womb cancer? Risk is highest in: postmenopausal women over 60 (peak incidence); obese women (BMI over 30 — the most important modifiable risk factor); women with Type 2 diabetes; those with Lynch syndrome or a strong family history of colorectal and endometrial cancer; women who have never been pregnant; those with PCOS; women taking tamoxifen for breast cancer; and those on long-term oestrogen-only HRT without progestogen. The combined oral contraceptive pill and progestogen-releasing IUS (Mirena) are protective. ### How is womb cancer diagnosed? Investigation begins with a transvaginal ultrasound to measure the endometrial thickness. A thin endometrium (under 4 mm) effectively excludes cancer in postmenopausal women. A thick or irregular endometrium triggers hysteroscopy — a direct visual inspection of the uterine cavity using a thin camera-equipped scope — with guided biopsy. Pipelle endometrial biopsy (an outpatient sampling procedure) is used for initial tissue sampling. MRI stages the tumour locally; CT chest-abdomen-pelvis detects lymph node and distant metastasis. ### What is post-menopausal bleeding? Post-menopausal bleeding (PMB) is defined as any vaginal bleeding that occurs 12 or more months after the last menstrual period in a woman who has gone through the menopause naturally. It must always be reported to a GP and investigated urgently — it is the most common presenting symptom of womb cancer. However, approximately 90% of women investigated for PMB are found not to have cancer — other causes include atrophic vaginitis, endometrial atrophy, cervical polyps and HRT effects. ### What is hysteroscopy? Hysteroscopy is a procedure in which a thin, flexible or rigid telescope (hysteroscope) equipped with a camera and light is passed through the vagina and cervix into the uterine cavity, allowing direct visual inspection of the endometrium. Abnormal areas can be biopsied under direct vision. Outpatient hysteroscopy is performed under local anaesthetic or without anaesthetic; general anaesthetic is used if the procedure is combined with polyp removal or other operative procedures. It is the definitive investigation for suspected endometrial pathology. ### What is Lynch syndrome? Lynch syndrome (hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer, HNPCC) is an inherited condition caused by mutations in DNA mismatch repair genes (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2 or EPCAM). It is the most common cause of hereditary endometrial cancer — women with Lynch syndrome have a lifetime risk of endometrial cancer of up to 60% and are also at significantly elevated risk of colorectal, ovarian and other cancers. Lynch syndrome is diagnosed through germline genetic testing. Women with Lynch syndrome should be offered annual endometrial surveillance and may opt for risk-reducing hysterectomy after completing childbearing. ### How is womb cancer treated? The primary treatment is surgery — total hysterectomy (removal of uterus and cervix) and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of fallopian tubes and ovaries), plus lymph node assessment. Minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopic or robotic) is preferred. Adjuvant treatment depends on molecular risk stratification: low-risk Stage I — no further treatment; intermediate risk — vaginal brachytherapy; high-risk/advanced — external beam radiotherapy and/or carboplatin + paclitaxel chemotherapy. Recurrent disease: pembrolizumab + lenvatinib (NICE-approved) or dostarlimab (for dMMR tumours). ### What is the survival rate for womb cancer? Five-year survival rates in England: Stage I — approximately 90%; Stage II — approximately 75–80%; Stage III — approximately 50%; Stage IV — approximately 20%. Overall five-year survival for all stages combined is approximately 77%, reflecting the high proportion diagnosed at an early stage (around 75% of UK womb cancers are Stage I at diagnosis). Immunotherapy-based treatments for recurrent disease are improving survival for advanced and recurrent endometrial cancer. ### Can obesity cause womb cancer? Yes. Obesity is the most important modifiable risk factor for womb cancer. Adipose (fat) tissue contains an enzyme called aromatase that converts androgens into oestrogen — the higher the body fat, the greater the oestrogen production. This excess, unopposed oestrogen stimulates the endometrium, increasing the risk of pre-cancerous hyperplasia and cancer. Compared with women of healthy weight, those with a BMI over 30 have approximately twice the risk, and those with a BMI over 40 have approximately four times the risk of developing womb cancer. ### Does the Mirena coil protect against womb cancer? Yes. The levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS, commonly called the Mirena coil) releases a low dose of progestogen directly into the uterine cavity, causing the endometrial lining to thin. This counteracts the oestrogen-stimulated proliferation that drives endometrial cancer and is associated with a significant reduction in womb cancer risk — estimates suggest approximately 50% risk reduction with long-term use. The LNG-IUS is also used as part of the treatment for endometrial hyperplasia (the precursor to Type I endometrial cancer). ### What is endometrial hyperplasia? Endometrial hyperplasia is the abnormal thickening of the endometrial lining due to excess oestrogen stimulation, representing a pre-cancerous condition that can progress to endometrial cancer. It is classified as simple, complex or atypical hyperplasia — the last being at highest risk of malignant transformation (approximately 29% risk of progression to cancer if untreated). Atypical hyperplasia is treated with high-dose progestogen (oral or via LNG-IUS) for women wishing to preserve fertility, or hysterectomy for those who have completed childbearing. ### Can womb cancer be prevented? Risk can be reduced by: maintaining a healthy weight; treating type 2 diabetes well; using combined HRT (oestrogen plus progestogen) rather than oestrogen-only in women with a uterus; considering the combined oral contraceptive pill or LNG-IUS (Mirena); attending Lynch syndrome surveillance if at genetic risk; and reporting any post-menopausal bleeding or unexpected inter-menstrual bleeding to a GP promptly. There is no national womb cancer screening programme for average-risk women. ### Is womb cancer the same as cervical cancer? No. Womb cancer (endometrial cancer) and cervical cancer are different diseases arising from different parts of the female reproductive tract. Womb cancer arises from the endometrium (lining of the uterus) and is primarily driven by oestrogen excess. Cervical cancer arises from the cervix (the neck of the uterus) and is caused by HPV infection in 99.7% of cases. They have different risk factors, symptoms, investigations and treatments. Cervical screening does not detect womb cancer. ### What are the types of womb cancer? The main types are: Type I endometrioid endometrial carcinoma (approximately 80% — oestrogen-driven, good prognosis, usually Grade 1 or 2); Type II cancers — high-grade serous, clear cell and carcinosarcoma (approximately 20% — not oestrogen-driven, more aggressive, worse prognosis). Molecular classification now divides endometrial cancers into four groups: POLE-mutated (best prognosis), MMR-deficient (intermediate-good, responds to immunotherapy), copy-number low (intermediate), and TP53-mutated (worst prognosis). This molecular classification increasingly guides adjuvant treatment decisions. ### Can womb cancer be treated without removing the uterus? For carefully selected young women with early-stage (Stage IA, Grade 1 endometrioid) endometrial cancer who wish to preserve fertility, fertility-sparing management with high-dose progestogen (oral megestrol or medroxyprogesterone acetate, or LNG-IUS) may be appropriate after thorough staging and multidisciplinary team discussion. This is not standard management and requires close specialist gynaecological oncology follow-up with repeated endometrial sampling. It is only considered in well-selected patients; hysterectomy remains the standard surgical treatment. ### Does tamoxifen cause womb cancer? Yes — tamoxifen, used to treat oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, acts as an oestrogen agonist in the uterus, stimulating endometrial proliferation and increasing the risk of endometrial cancer approximately two- to three-fold. Women taking tamoxifen should be advised to report any abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge to their GP promptly so it can be investigated. Routine endometrial surveillance in asymptomatic tamoxifen users is not recommended by NICE as it has not been shown to improve outcomes. ### How does womb cancer affect people in developing countries? In low-income countries, womb cancer is frequently diagnosed late because symptom awareness is low and gynaecology services are concentrated in urban centres. Hysterectomy — the cornerstone of treatment — requires a specialist surgeon and a safe surgical environment that may not be available in rural settings. Chemotherapy and immunotherapy for advanced disease are largely unaffordable. World Aid Network funds cancer treatment through locally-licensed oncologists, helping to improve access to life-saving care. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for poor patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia through locally licensed oncologists. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/womb-cancer or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — womb cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/womb-cancer/ - NHS — Cancer information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer/ - Cancer Research UK — Cancer types: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Womb cancer symptoms: bleeding after the menopause > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/womb-cancer/symptoms > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short The main warning sign of womb cancer is unexpected vaginal bleeding — especially any bleeding after the menopause. Heavier periods, bleeding between periods, or unusual discharge also need a GP visit. About 10,000 people are diagnosed in the UK each year. Most cases are found early because the bleeding appears soon. This is general information, not medical advice. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. Womb cancer — also called endometrial or uterine cancer — is the most common gynaecological cancer. The early warning sign is unusually clear, which is why Stage 1 survival is over 95% when people come forward. A smear test does not screen the womb lining. Do not wait for the next screening appointment if you have unexpected bleeding. ## What bleeding should you report? Any bleeding that is not normal for you is enough reason to book a GP appointment. You do not need pain as well. - Any vaginal bleeding after the menopause - Bleeding between periods, or periods that become much heavier - Unusual vaginal discharge, especially if blood-stained - Pain in the lower tummy or during sex ## Who is more likely to get womb cancer? Most diagnoses are in women after the menopause. Higher oestrogen exposure over a lifetime — including obesity, some types of HRT, and never having been pregnant — raises risk. A family history of womb or bowel cancer should be mentioned to a GP. ## Does a smear test find womb cancer? No. Cervical screening looks at the cervix. Post-menopausal bleeding still needs a separate check, usually starting with a GP examination and a referral for ultrasound or hysteroscopy. ## Key takeaways - Unexpected bleeding, especially after menopause, should be checked even once. - A smear test does not screen for womb cancer. - Early-stage survival is high because the warning sign appears early. - World Aid Network funds treatment overseas for patients who cannot pay — not NHS care. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/womb-cancer - Symptoms: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/womb-cancer/symptoms - Ultrasound & biopsy: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/womb-cancer/tests - Treatment: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/womb-cancer/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Is spotting after menopause always cancer? No. Many causes are benign. Cancer is one of the reasons it must be checked rather than watched at home. ### Can HRT cause womb cancer? Oestrogen-only HRT can raise risk if you still have a womb. Combined HRT is used to protect the lining. Discuss your own prescription with a clinician. ### Do you fund womb cancer surgery overseas? Yes, when a licensed partner hospital has recommended it for a patient who cannot pay, within our cancer programme. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — womb cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/womb-cancer/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # How is womb cancer diagnosed? > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/womb-cancer/tests > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short If womb cancer is possible, a GP refers you for tests. A transvaginal ultrasound measures the womb lining. If it is thickened, a biopsy or hysteroscopy samples the tissue. Results confirm whether cells are cancer and how they look under the microscope. This is general UK information. Speak to a GP about your own bleeding. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. These tests are how unexpected bleeding is explained. Most results are not cancer. The pathway exists so the ones that are cancer are found while they are still treatable. ## What does a pelvic ultrasound show? Ultrasound looks at the thickness of the endometrium. A thin lining after the menopause is reassuring. A thicker lining needs a tissue sample. ## What is a hysteroscopy? A thin camera looks inside the womb. A biopsy can be taken at the same time. It is usually a day-case procedure. Ask the clinic how they manage pain and what to expect afterwards. ## What happens after a cancer diagnosis? A specialist team discusses stage and grade, usually with MRI or CT to see if the cancer has spread. Surgery is the main treatment for early disease. ## Key takeaways - Ultrasound is the usual first hospital test after a GP referral. - A biopsy is how womb cancer is confirmed. - Most unexpected bleeding is not cancer; tests still matter. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/womb-cancer - Symptoms: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/womb-cancer/symptoms - Ultrasound & biopsy: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/womb-cancer/tests - Treatment: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/womb-cancer/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Is a biopsy painful? You may feel cramping. Clinics explain pain relief beforehand. Ask if you are anxious. ### How soon should bleeding be investigated? Book a GP as soon as you notice it. Do not wait for it to happen again. ### Does WAN run NHS diagnostics? No. We fund treatment bills at partner hospitals in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — womb cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/womb-cancer/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Womb cancer treatment: surgery and what comes after > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/womb-cancer/treatment > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Surgery is the main treatment for early womb cancer — usually removing the womb, and often the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Radiotherapy or chemotherapy may follow if the cancer has spread into the muscle or beyond. Stage 1 survival is over 95%. World Aid Network funds this kind of care overseas for patients who cannot pay. Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. Treatment is planned by a gynaecological oncology team. The exact operation depends on stage, grade and whether you have already been through the menopause. ## What surgery is usually offered? A hysterectomy removes the womb. Lymph nodes may be sampled. Fertility-sparing options are uncommon and only considered in very specific early cases after specialist advice. ## When is radiotherapy or chemotherapy used? They are added when there is a higher chance of the cancer coming back — for example a higher grade, or spread beyond the inner lining. Hormone treatment is sometimes used for selected tumours. ## How does World Aid Network help? In the UK the NHS funds this pathway. In Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia many families cannot pay for surgery. Our Cancer Emergency Appeal pays hospital bills for eligible patients across all cancer types, including gynaecological cancers. ## Key takeaways - Hysterectomy is the usual treatment for early womb cancer. - Extra treatment depends on stage and grade. - WAN funds overseas treatment access, not UK NHS care. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/womb-cancer - Symptoms: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/womb-cancer/symptoms - Ultrasound & biopsy: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/womb-cancer/tests - Treatment: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/womb-cancer/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Will I need chemotherapy? Not always. Many Stage 1 cancers are treated with surgery alone. Your team explains the pathology report. ### Can womb cancer come back? It can. Follow-up visits look for bleeding or other new symptoms. Report changes between appointments. ### Do you fund hormone therapy overseas? Only if a licensed partner oncologist has recommended it and the hospital can supply it. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency ## Sources - NHS — womb cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/womb-cancer/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Cataract Surgery Cost: NHS, Private & Charity Care | WAN > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cataract-surgery-cost > Understand cataract surgery costs, NHS and private funding, what a hospital quote should include, and how charity donation estimates differ. [Eye health guides](/eye-health) # How much does cataract surgery cost? A practical guide to comparing care, quotes and charity giving. Quick answer Cataract surgery costs depend on how care is funded, the provider, the lens and what follow-up is included. Eligible NHS care is publicly funded; private and overseas care requires a provider-specific quote. Charity gift amounts may be planning examples or contributions, so they should not be treated as guaranteed operation prices. ## NHS, private and charity funding __What to check before comparing costs__ | Route | What to check | | ---------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | NHS care | Eligibility, clinical assessment, referral and local waiting time. Ask the treating service about available lens options. | | Private treatment | A dated provider quote, the eye or eyes covered, all fees, the lens, follow-up and exclusions. | | Overseas care | Local public or insurance options, hospital and clinician credentials, patient-specific costs, travel and aftercare. | | Charity-supported care | Who qualifies, whether funding is confirmed, what the programme covers and how completed care is reported. | Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia have their own public, private and insurance arrangements. Access depends on eligibility, location and service capacity; it is inaccurate to assume that everyone must buy private care. ## What should a cataract surgery quote include? - Assessment and eye measurements, and whether extra tests cost more. - Which eye is covered, the recommended lens, and reasons for any additional lens charge. - Surgeon, hospital, theatre and anaesthesia fees. - Medicines, routine follow-up and how to obtain urgent advice after treatment. - The cost and responsibility for additional visits or treatment if there is a complication. - The quote date, currency, cancellation terms and what is excluded. A low headline price cannot show whether care is suitable. The specialist should explain the expected benefit and risks for the individual patient. Read the [cataract symptoms and treatment guide](/eye-health/cataracts) or the [NHS explanation of surgery](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cataract-surgery/). ## What a WAN donation amount means About £200 is a cataract surgery planning estimate supplied to WAN by consultant ophthalmic surgeon Mr Mohamed Mohyudin. It is not a current patient-specific quote, an audited average or a guaranteed number of operations. Smaller and larger gifts contribute to the programme according to assessed need and available funding. Read [how estimates work](/where-your-money-goes#estimates), check [published reporting](/our-impact) or use the [donation planner](/eye-surgery-cost-calculator) to calculate your own giving total. [Support cataract care](/sponsor-a-cataract-operation) ## Questions about costs Is cataract surgery free on the NHS? For eligible NHS patients, clinically indicated cataract treatment is funded by the NHS. An optician or eye specialist can explain referral, suitability and the local waiting time. WAN does not arrange NHS appointments. How much is private cataract surgery? There is no single price. Request a dated written quote from the provider for one eye or both eyes, specifying the lens, surgeon and hospital fees, assessment, medicines, follow-up and any exclusions. We do not publish a current price comparison without verified provider quotes. Why do charity donation amounts differ? A suggested gift may be a contribution to a wider programme, an illustrative average or a price for a particular service. These are different measures. Compare the funding scope, services included and supporting reports, not just the headline amount. Does £200 guarantee a complete WAN-funded operation? No. Around £200 is a planning estimate supplied to WAN by Mr Mohamed Mohyudin, not a guaranteed price or an audited cost per operation. Hospital quotes, clinical needs and available funds determine the care funded. Is better vision guaranteed after surgery? No. Cataract surgery often improves vision, but other eye conditions and complications can affect the result. The specialist should discuss likely benefits, risks and follow-up before consent. ## What are the sources for this guide? Follow the original guidance for its evidence, dates and limitations. General background references are not a clinical review of this page. - [nhs.uk](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cataract-surgery/) - [nhs.uk](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cataracts/) [Editorial policy](/editorial-policy) · [Corrections and reporting an error](/corrections) Updated 4 October 2026\. This is general information about funding and quotes. A named clinician has not signed off this page; personal decisions belong with your treating specialist. ## About the cataract estimate Around £200 is a cataract surgery planning estimate supplied to WAN by consultant ophthalmic surgeon Mr Mohamed Mohyudin. Actual costs depend on the patient, facility and included care; it is not a fixed price or a guaranteed result. [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin’s professional profile](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/). The estimate supplied to WAN is separate from UK private clinic prices. [Read how local doctors and specialist training support the programme](/appeal/gift-of-sight#local-doctors). ## How can I help someone access eye care? Understand the care available, explore its costs and see how a donation reaches a treatment partner. - [Give to eye care](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form) About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. Any amount contributes to the Gift of Sight Appeal. - [Sponsor cataract surgery](/sponsor-a-cataract-operation) Learn how to help fund an operation. - [Plan an eye-care gift](/eye-surgery-cost-calculator) Calculate your giving total without assuming a number of operations. - [Where your donation goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and accounted for. - [Sight-restoring eye surgery](/eye-surgery) Explore the eye care programme and treatment pathway. - [Getting help for vision changes](/eye-health/screening-checker) Find guidance on professional eye care and support enquiries. - [Clinicians and hospital enquiries](/eye-care-partners) Review standards, participation and professional introductions. - [Screening locations and availability](/free-eye-screening-camps) Check published schedules and what to ask before attending. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Cervical Cancer Screening Charity | Fund Care | WAN > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cervical-cancer-screening-charity > Our cervical cancer screening charity funds partner screening, HPV testing and treatment for women who cannot pay. See how screening works. # Cervical Cancer Screening Charity — Catch It Early, Save a Life Cervical cancer is preventable and treatable when caught early — yet it kills hundreds of thousands of women in countries where screening is unaffordable. Your gift helps partner clinicians reach women who would not otherwise be tested. [ Fund cervical cancer care ](/appeal/cancer-emergency) [ Breast cancer programme ](/breast-cancer-treatment) ✓ Gifts go to partner-hospital treatment costs✓ Licensed oncologists and surgeons✓ No cash — direct to partner hospitals What does World Aid Network fund? World Aid Network funds cervical cancer screening and treatment — HPV testing, colposcopy, biopsy and surgery at partner facilities — for women who cannot afford private gynaecological care in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. All care is delivered by licensed local clinicians through the Cancer Emergency Appeal. Women's charities that fund cancer screening address one of the starkest global health inequalities. In the UK, the NHS cervical screening programme has dramatically reduced mortality. In our Object countries, most women present with late-stage disease because a smear test costs money they do not have. World Aid Network funds screening camps, diagnostic work-up and treatment through licensed gynaecologists and oncologists at partner hospitals. Every donation is restricted to patient care costs within our charitable Objects. ## Your donation at work Gifts fund patient care and emergency relief in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. £25 Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary £75 Contributes towards HPV testing and colposcopy after abnormal findings £150 Contributes towards biopsy and pathology to confirm a diagnosis £500 Contributes towards surgery for early-stage cervical cancer ## Frequently asked questions Why focus on cervical cancer screening? WHO estimates around 604,000 new cases of cervical cancer and around 280,000 deaths in 2024, with the highest rates in low- and middle-income countries (WHO fact sheet, checked 22 October 2026: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cervical-cancer). It is one of the most preventable cancers when HPV vaccination and screening are available and abnormal results are treated promptly. What does a donation fund? Mobile screening clinics, HPV testing, colposcopy, biopsy and treatment for women with precancerous or early-stage findings who cannot afford private gynaecological care in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia. Is this part of the Cancer Emergency Appeal? Yes. Cervical cancer screening and treatment is funded through the Cancer Emergency Appeal, which trustees direct to the most urgent cases across all cancer programmes. ### Related pages [Breast cancer treatment](/breast-cancer-treatment)[Childhood cancer treatment](/childhood-cancer-treatment)[Cancer care programme](/cancer)[How we work](/how-we-work) ## Fund screening that catches cervical cancer early Cervical cancer is preventable when caught early. Your gift helps partner clinicians reach women who would not otherwise be tested. [ Fund cervical cancer care ](/appeal/cancer-emergency) [ Breast cancer programme ](/breast-cancer-treatment) Suggested amounts are contributions towards partner screening and treatment costs, not prices for a specific test. ## How can I support cancer treatment? Connect the information you have read with treatment support and the checks that protect your donation. - [Donate to cancer care](/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency#donate-form) Give to the Cancer Emergency Appeal’s wider fund for patients who cannot pay. - [Cancer Emergency Appeal](/appeal/cancer-emergency) See what the treatment fund supports. - [How donations reach care](/where-your-money-goes) Understand programme funding and accountability. - [Cancer information and support](/cancer) Find guides to cancer types, diagnosis and care. - [Cancer treatment support enquiries](/cancer/eligibility-checker) Prepare an enquiry and understand the review process. - [Childhood cancer support](/childhood-cancer-treatment) Explore help for children and their families. - [Hospital partnership enquiries](/partner-with-us) Eligibility, agreements and funding review for care providers. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Charity Fundraising Ideas for Work & Communities | WAN > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/charity-fundraising-ideas > Explore 12 practical fundraising ideas for workplaces, schools and community groups, with event planning, accessible options and free WAN appeal materials. Quick answer Practical UK fundraising ideas include sponsored walks, coffee mornings, skills sessions and community events. Choose an activity that fits your group, budget and access needs, then agree the appeal purpose and create a staff-approved WAN fundraising page. Use the free fundraising pack for posters, invitations, event checks and records. ## Which activity suits our group? Start with the people taking part. Consider their interests, time, travel and access needs, then compare the likely costs with your target. Giving should be voluntary. These are ideas to plan and check; no income or level of participation is guaranteed. 01 ### Sponsored walk Friends, workplaces and community groups Choose a manageable route, check access and weather, and offer a volunteering or seated alternative. Say whether pledges depend on completing the route. 02 ### Coffee morning Small workplaces and local groups Keep costs manageable, check food safety and allergen information, and distinguish an item price from a voluntary suggested donation. 03 ### Skills lunch Teams and professional networks Invite a colleague to teach a useful skill. Use the approved fundraiser link and keep donations optional; check employer and venue permission. 04 ### Craft gathering Clubs and community venues Make or share crafts together. Agree material costs and whether any sale proceeds go to the appeal before advertising. 05 ### Team movement challenge Remote or mixed-ability teams Choose an inclusive challenge with personal goals. Avoid publishing individual health or activity data without permission. 06 ### Reading challenge Families and schools Use age-appropriate activities and adult supervision. Explain the sponsorship conditions and offer participation without a donation. 07 ### Community meal Faith groups and neighbourhoods Check food hygiene, allergens, venue capacity and access. Be clear about fixed ticket prices and the amount that will support the appeal. 08 ### Music or spoken-word evening Local performers and community groups Check venue and performance permissions, sound arrangements, accessibility and any licensing requirements. 09 ### Birthday fundraiser Individuals and families Invite optional gifts through your approved page. Explain the programme you have chosen without promising an individual patient result. 10 ### Online workshop Distributed communities Choose an accessible platform, test joining instructions and keep payment on the approved donation page. Respect contact preferences. 11 ### Employer matching campaign Companies with an agreed budget Confirm the sponsor, rate, eligibility, dates, cap and payment terms in writing before advertising a match. 12 ### Volunteer-led awareness event Professional and community networks Share current WAN appeal information and invite optional donations. Use approved materials and give visitors a clear contact for questions. ## How do we organise the fundraiser? 1. **Choose a programme.** Read the [Gift of Sight appeal](/appeal/gift-of-sight), [cancer appeal](/appeal/cancer-emergency) or [current emergency appeals](/appeal). Agree any special restriction with WAN first. 2. **Set an affordable plan.** Name an organiser, budget for costs, check venue permission and plan accessibility, first aid and safeguarding where relevant. 3. **Request your page.** [Submit your fundraising page for staff review](/fundraise/start). Check the purpose, target, dates and payment link before publishing. 4. **Prepare the invitation.** Use the [editable fundraising templates and posters](/fundraising-pack). State any prices, voluntary suggested donations, costs and conditions clearly. 5. **Record and report.** Separate donations received, costs, transfers and unpaid pledges. Thank supporters with confirmed figures and avoid counting a donation twice. ## What does a fundraising target mean? A target is the amount you hope to raise for an agreed programme. It is not evidence of care already delivered. Around £200 is the cataract-surgery planning estimate supplied to WAN by Mr Mohamed Mohyudin; actual provider costs, patient needs and clinical outcomes vary. For example, “Our team aims to raise £1,000 towards WAN’s eye-surgery programme” describes a financial goal. Do not promise five completed operations by dividing that target by an estimate. Read [how donations are used](/where-your-money-goes) and agree any restricted gift before launch. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks. Check [WAN’s current registration status](/about/registration-status) before reusing old materials. ## How does employer matching work? Ask your employer whether it can make a matching commitment, then record the sponsor, rate, eligible gifts, start and end dates, total cap and payment deadline. A proposed offer is not live until agreed. Stop promoting it when it ends or the cap is reached, and record an unpaid match as a pledge. The [employer fundraising pack](/fundraising-pack) contains a matching request and announcement draft. For wider support, [discuss a corporate partnership](/corporate-partnerships). ## What permissions and safeguards should we check? Requirements depend on the event and its location. Check venue permission, insurance, collections, food safety and any regulated activities. Raffles and lotteries require separate consideration. The [Gambling Commission](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/public-and-players/fundraising-and-lotteries) explains the relevant categories, while [GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/find-licences/street-collection-licence) points to local street-collection licensing. Use informed permission for identifiable people in images, give donors access to [privacy information](/privacy-policy) and respect a decision not to give. The [Code of Fundraising Practice](https://www.fundraisingregulator.org.uk/code) provides standards for responsible fundraising. These resources do not provide event approval or insurance. ## Frequently asked questions Which fundraising idea is best for a small workplace? A coffee morning, skills lunch or optional team challenge can be manageable. Compare the time, cost, venue and access needs before choosing. A small event with clear costs can be more suitable than a complex challenge. How much should our fundraiser aim to raise? Set a financial target your group can reasonably work towards. Around £200 is a surgeon-supplied cataract planning estimate, not a fixed procedure price. Do not convert a target into a promised number of operations or people helped. Can we add Gift Aid? Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks. Does a raffle need special permission? Raffles and lotteries have specific rules. Check the Gambling Commission guidance and any relevant local requirements before promoting or selling tickets. A general fundraising pack does not provide a licence or approve your event. ## Ready to plan your fundraiser? Download the materials, agree your programme and share your event proposal with WAN. [Get the fundraising pack](/fundraising-pack)[Request a fundraising page](/fundraise/start)[Contact WAN](/contact) ## Make an informed donation Check what the organisation offers, understand the conditions and choose a way to give that suits you. - [Compare ways to donate](/ways-to-donate) Card giving, monthly gifts and other routes, with current availability. - [Gift Aid eligibility explained](/gift-aid) Understand donor conditions and the current status at WAN. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and how estimates differ from results. - [Check our registration status](/about/registration-status) Distinguish the application reference from a registered charity number. - [Practical donor resources](/donor-resources) Find answers, useful tools and giving options. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Charity lottery UK guide > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/charity-lottery > Last reviewed: 2026-08-24 ## In short A charity lottery is a licensed prize draw under the Gambling Act 2005. Buying a ticket is gambling, not a donation. World Aid Network does not run a charity lottery, raffle or sweepstake. Give by card instead — more of each pound reaches the cause, and Gift Aid requires HMRC recognition and eligible donation records. It is not currently available at WAN. What a society lottery, raffle and sweepstake are, how much of a ticket reaches the cause, and why World Aid Network does not run one. World Aid Network does not run a charity lottery, raffle, sweepstake or prize draw. Buying a ticket is gambling under the Gambling Act 2005, not a donation. Gift Aid does not apply to tickets. Give by card at https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate. This page is general information, not legal advice. ## At a glance - 20%: Statutory minimum of society lottery proceeds that must go to the cause (Gambling Commission) - 16+: Legal minimum age to buy or sell a society lottery ticket — the National Lottery is 18+ - 2.7%: Great Britain adults scoring 8+ on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (GSGB 2024) - 25p: Gift Aid on a £1 donation — never on a lottery, raffle or 100-club ticket (HMRC) ## How to support a charity without buying a lottery ticket Give a genuine donation instead of buying a chance to win. World Aid Network does not run a lottery. Card gifts fund eye surgery, cancer treatment, and emergency food, water and shelter. - Open the donate page: Go to worldaidnetwork.org/donate — or use the form on this page. - Choose a cause and amount: Eye surgery, cancer treatment, or emergency relief. Give once or every month. - Pay by card: Card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. There is no prize and no draw. - Check Gift Aid status: WAN does not currently collect Gift Aid declarations or claim a top-up. Check the current status page before relying on tax relief. ## What do charity lottery, raffle, sweepstake and prize draw mean? - Charity lottery (Society lottery): A paid-entry draw run for a non-commercial society. Tickets cost the same amount, the winner is chosen by chance, and a set share of proceeds funds the cause. - Charity raffle (Prize raffle): Usually a one-off or event draw with numbered tickets. In law a paid raffle is still a lottery if payment, prize and chance are all present. - Charity sweepstake (Charity flutter): Entrants pay and are assigned a random outcome linked to a race, match or tournament. The holder of the winning outcome takes the prize; the rest is meant for the cause. - Prize draw (Free prize draw): A paid draw is a lottery. A genuine free-entry route (for example by post, with no extra charge) can take the arrangement outside lottery regulation. - Small society lottery (Local authority lottery): Up to £20,000 proceeds in one lottery and £250,000 in a calendar year. Registered with the local authority. Maximum prize £25,000. - Large society lottery (Licensed society lottery): Above those thresholds. Needs a Gambling Commission operating licence. Up to £5 million proceeds per lottery and £50 million in a year. - Tombola (Every-ticket-wins drum): Players draw a ticket and see an immediate prize. Common at fêtes. Still gambling if you pay to take part. - Postcode lottery (Street prize lottery): A subscription lottery keyed to a home postcode. If that postcode is drawn, subscribers sharing it share a prize. - 100 club (Members’ numbers club): A regular numbers draw, often monthly. HMRC treats 100-club payments like raffle tickets — not Gift Aidable gifts. ## Common UK charity lottery formats - Weekly numbers lottery (Subscription draw): Players pay about £1–£2 a week for a set of numbers. A random draw pays cash prizes. A published share of ticket sales goes to the society’s purposes. - Monthly lottery and raffle (Ongoing plus one-off): A standing monthly lottery, sometimes with a separate event raffle. Used by patient-support and hospice charities. Still gambling on both products. - Postcode lottery (Street-level draw): Players subscribe with their home postcode. A drawn postcode pays everyone on that street who entered. Often run by a licensed external lottery manager. - Event raffle or tombola (Single-event draw): Tickets sold at a fête, dinner or sports day. A raffle drawn at the same event may be an incidental non-commercial lottery. Confirm current rules before you sell tickets. - Sweepstake (Sporting outcome): A paid workplace or golf-day sweepstake is usually a lottery. A closed work lottery can be an exempt category. If in doubt, read Gambling Commission guidance on private and work lotteries. ## What is a charity lottery? A charity lottery is a fundraising draw in which you pay for a chance to win a prize and a share of the money is meant for a good cause. In UK law it is a lottery — a form of gambling — not a donation. World Aid Network does not run one. The Gambling Act 2005 treats an arrangement as a lottery when three things are present: payment to take part, a prize, and allocation of that prize by chance. Charities and other non-commercial societies may run lotteries if they stay inside the society-lottery rules. The legal name is a society lottery. People search for charity raffle, charity sweepstake, prize draw, tombola, 100 club and postcode lottery as if they were different products. Paid versions of those formats are still lotteries when payment, prize and chance line up. A genuine free-entry prize draw is the main exception. Hundreds of UK charities use lotteries. That is legal, common and often well run. It is not a criticism of them that World Aid Network has chosen a different boundary. We ask for a direct gift instead. ## How does a charity lottery work? You buy a ticket at a fixed price. Numbers or a postcode are assigned. A random draw selects winners. Prizes and running costs come out of proceeds. At least 20% of each lottery’s proceeds must go to the society’s purposes. The rest may cover prizes and expenses. A typical weekly charity lottery costs about £1 or £2 per line. Some schemes bill monthly. Postcode lotteries take a subscription against your home postcode and pay everyone in a drawn postcode who entered. Event raffles sell numbered tickets and draw them on the night. Every ticket in a society lottery must cost the same, and the price must be paid before the draw. Tickets have to show the society’s name, the price, who is promoting the lottery, and how the draw date is fixed. Licensed lotteries must also point players to the Gambling Commission. A charity may hire a licensed external lottery manager to run the scheme. That does not move legal responsibility off the society. Both the society and the manager need the right licence if the lottery is large enough to need the Commission. - Payment, prize and chance — all three, or it is not a lottery - Same ticket price for every player, paid before the draw - At least 20% of proceeds to the cause; up to 80% for prizes and expenses - Winners chosen by chance, not by skill ## Are charity lotteries legal in the UK? Yes. Society lotteries are a permitted category under the Gambling Act 2005. Small ones register with the local authority. Large ones need a Gambling Commission operating licence. Buying a ticket is still gambling, even when the cause is a charity. The Act lists eight categories of permitted lottery. Society lotteries (small and large) and local authority lotteries are the ones most people mean by “charity lottery”. The others are exempt formats such as incidental non-commercial lotteries at an event, private lotteries, work lotteries, residents’ lotteries and customer lotteries. The National Lottery is a different legal regime. It is not a society lottery. The minimum age for National Lottery play is 18. Society lottery tickets must not be sold to, or by, anyone under 16. Many charity lottery operators set 18+ as a house rule on top of the law. Licensed society lottery tickets must not be sold in a street, except from a kiosk or shop, or door to door. “Street” includes malls and passages. This page is general information, not a licence application and not legal advice. Read the Gambling Commission before you sell tickets. ## What is a society lottery? A society lottery is a lottery promoted for a non-commercial society — a charity, sports club or community group, not a business aiming at private gain. Small society lotteries register with the council. Large ones are licensed by the Gambling Commission. A small society lottery may not take more than £20,000 in proceeds from a single lottery, or more than £250,000 from all its lotteries in a calendar year. No prize may be worth more than £25,000, even if the prize was donated. Registration is with the licensing authority where the society’s principal office sits. The first registration fee is typically £40, then £20 a year. If a lottery would break those limits, it is a large society lottery. The society must hold a Commission operating licence before it crosses the line. After one large lottery, later lotteries in that year and the following three years are also treated as large. Large lotteries may take up to £5 million in one draw and £50 million in a calendar year. The top prize is £25,000 or 10% of proceeds, whichever is greater — so a £5 million lottery could offer a £500,000 top prize. At least 20% of the gross proceeds of each lottery must go to the society’s purposes. Ticket sales by website or phone on a large lottery need a remote operating licence. Small society lotteries registered with a council do not need a Commission remote licence to sell online. Returns after each small society draw go to the local authority. - Small: ≤ £20,000 per lottery, ≤ £250,000 a year, prize cap £25,000 — local authority registration - Large: above those limits — Gambling Commission licence; up to £5 million per lottery and £50 million a year - 20% minimum to the cause on every lottery, small or large - This is not legal advice. Confirm current limits with the Gambling Commission before you promote a draw ## How much of a charity lottery ticket goes to the charity? By law at least 20p in every £1 of proceeds must go to the society’s purposes. Many reputable charity lotteries publish a return to good causes of about 30–45p. The rest pays prizes, the operator, marketing and compliance. A direct donation is usually a much higher share per pound, and can attract Gift Aid. The 20% floor is a Gambling Commission condition, not a typical result. Operators must also publish the proportion returned to the cause. Look for that figure on the lottery page or in the annual report before you compare schemes. Postcode lotteries often quote around a third of each subscription. A card donation is not “100% to the cause”. World Aid Network does not claim a 100% donation policy. Payment processing still takes a cut. Even so, most of a direct gift can fund surgery, treatment or emergency kits, and Gift Aid is not currently available at WAN; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. If your aim is the jackpot, a lottery is the product you want — and you should read the odds the operator is required to show you. If your aim is the cause, a donation sends more of the same spend to the work. ## Can you claim Gift Aid on a charity lottery or raffle ticket? No. HMRC does not treat raffle, lottery or 100-club tickets as gifts. You are paying for the right to enter. It does not matter how small the chance of winning is, or how cheap the prize. Gift Aid is only for genuine donations of money. HMRC’s Gift Aid guidance (Chapter 3) lists raffle and lottery tickets, including 100 clubs, alongside school fees and jumble-sale purchases: they are payments for a right or goods, not donations. A charity must not claim Gift Aid on those payments. World Aid Network’s Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks (application 5290505). You can donate by card now and tick the Gift Aid box to record a declaration. That route is for a gift, not for a ticket we do not sell. If you want the tax-efficient version of giving, use the donate page, not a raffle. Higher-rate taxpayers can reclaim the extra difference through self-assessment once Gift Aid is live — still only on a real donation. See the Gift Aid page for the 25p-in-the-pound table. ## Is buying a charity lottery ticket the same as donating? No. A lottery ticket is a gambling purchase. Only the published share reaches the cause, and Gift Aid never applies. A donation is a gift. World Aid Network asks you to give on the donate page rather than look for a WAN lottery — there isn’t one. The wording on lottery adverts can feel like giving. You are still paying for a chance. That is why the Gambling Commission regulates the product and why BeGambleAware messages appear on licensed schemes. For the same £2 a week, a direct monthly gift to World Aid Network can be Gift Aided later and can be allocated to cataract surgery, cancer treatment, or emergency food, water and shelter. A lottery ticket cannot. ## Is a charity lottery the same as a raffle? They are close cousins, not identical in everyday speech. “Raffle” usually means a one-off draw with numbered tickets. “Charity lottery” usually means an ongoing weekly or monthly subscription. In UK law a paid raffle is still a lottery if payment, prize and chance are present. A raffle drawn at the same non-commercial event where the tickets were sold may be an incidental non-commercial lottery. Those exempt lotteries do not need a Commission licence or local-authority registration, but they have their own limits on when and how tickets are sold. Confirm the current prize and expense rules with the Gambling Commission before you print tickets. An ongoing raffle sold in advance, online, or through multiple channels is not an incidental event lottery. It needs small-society registration or a large-society licence, depending on proceeds. A tombola, where every ticket wins something, is still gambling if people pay to draw. Instant-win charity scratch cards are instant lotteries and need the right licence if they are sold to the public. ## What is a charity sweepstake or prize draw? A charity sweepstake assigns a random horse, team or player to each paying entrant. The holder of the winning outcome takes the prize. A charity prize draw is a catch-all name for any draw. Paid entry makes both of them lotteries. A genuine free-entry route can make a prize draw not a lottery. Workplace Grand National sweepstakes sit in a grey area. A closed work lottery among colleagues can be an exempt work lottery if it stays inside the Act’s private/work rules. The moment you sell tickets to the public, take a cut as the organiser, or advertise widely, you may have left the exempt category. The Gambling Commission’s guidance on organising small lotteries is the place to check. Free prize draws must offer a real free route that is as publicised as the paid route. A premium-rate text with no postal alternative is not a free draw. If the only way in is to pay, it is a lottery. World Aid Network does not run sweepstakes, free draws or paid draws. If your office wants to support us, collect donations and give them on the donate page, or email info@worldaidnetwork.org to mark a group gift. ## What is a postcode lottery? A postcode lottery is a subscription society lottery keyed to your home postcode. If that postcode is drawn, players who entered on that street share a prize. A licensed external lottery manager usually runs the scheme for a list of charity partners. World Aid Network is not a partner and does not receive those proceeds. The People’s Postcode Lottery is the well-known UK example. Other postcode and street-prize products exist. They are licensed gambling products, not donations. Operators publish a return to good causes — often around a third of each pound — which is still below a typical direct gift, and Gift Aid still does not apply. We do not rank postcode lotteries and we do not tell you not to play someone else’s licensed scheme. We do say: if your reason for paying is the cause, a card gift to World Aid Network (or to any charity you already trust) sends more of that spend to the work. ## How is a charity lottery different from the National Lottery? The National Lottery is a separate statutory lottery, not a society lottery. Players must be 18. It is not run by individual charities. A charity lottery is promoted for one society or a portfolio of societies, with a 16+ legal floor for tickets. World Aid Network does not receive National Lottery funding as a default, and we do not run a society lottery. National Lottery proceeds go to National Lottery good-cause distributors under their own rules. A society lottery’s 20% minimum stays with that society’s purposes. The products look similar at the till. The licences, ages and money trails are different. The Health Lottery is another well-known society-lottery brand supporting health-related good causes. It is not World Aid Network and we are not a beneficiary. Name-brand searches should not be answered with a WAN ticket — we do not sell one. ## What is the best charity lottery in the UK? World Aid Network does not rank charity lotteries and does not publish a top ten. If you care about the share that reaches the cause, read each operator’s published return to good causes. If you care about impact per pound, a direct donation beats any lottery ticket we have seen. “Best” depends on whether you want a prize or a gift. Licensed operators must show information on proceeds, prizes and the chance of winning before you play. Use that, not a ranked list on this site. We will not name World Aid Network as the best charity lottery because we do not run one. We will not place ourselves above Macmillan, hospices, or postcode-lottery partners. If you already play a scheme you trust, that is your choice. If you want to fund cataract surgery, cancer treatment, or emergency food and water through us, use the donate page. ## Do I need a licence to run a charity raffle in the UK? It depends on scale and format. A small raffle drawn at the same non-commercial event where tickets were sold may need no licence. An ongoing raffle, an advance ticket sale, or proceeds above the small-society caps needs local-authority registration or a Gambling Commission licence. World Aid Network does not licence other people’s raffles. Work through the Gambling Commission’s pages on society lotteries and on organising small lotteries before you print tickets. Check prize caps, the 20% minimum to the cause, under-16 rules, and whether an external lottery manager would need their own licence. Do not claim Gift Aid on raffle income. Do not sell licensed lottery tickets in the street except from a kiosk, a shop, or door to door. Do not invent a “WAN raffle” — we are not running one, and using our name on tickets we have not authorised would be misleading. If you wanted the raffle in order to support World Aid Network, skip the draw. Collect gifts and donate them here, or ask us to mark a community collection. That is simpler, Gift Aidable later, and does not require a gambling licence. ## Why does World Aid Network not run a charity lottery? Because a lottery is gambling. Players pay for a chance to win. Repeat weekly tickets can escalate. Gambling harm falls hardest on people who already have little slack. We fund treatment and emergency kits for people who cannot pay. We will not attach our fundraising to a product that can deepen that harm. Many charities we respect run lotteries carefully, with age checks and GambleAware signposting. This is a boundary we have set for ourselves, not a ranking of their ethics. We would rather say: you give, the money pays a hospital bill or a relief kit, we report what it funded. No jackpot, no draw, no chance element. That is the honest relationship we want with supporters. Card donations are open now. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks. If you were looking for a World Aid Network lottery, raffle or sweepstake, this is the page that tells you it does not exist — and where to give instead. ## Can charity lotteries cause gambling harm? Most people who buy a weekly charity ticket are not harmed. Gambling harm is not decided by whether the brand is a charity. The same chance-and-reward loop sits under commercial and charitable products. If spending is climbing, hidden, or paid for from rent or food money, treat it as a gambling problem — even if the tickets were “for a good cause”. The Gambling Survey for Great Britain (2024) found 2.7% of adults aged 18+ scored 8 or more on the Problem Gambling Severity Index. That is a screen for people already experiencing adverse consequences, not a count of charity-lottery players. Public Health England’s 2021 point estimate of 409 gambling-related suicides a year in England was replaced in 2023 by an OHID range of 117 to 496 associated with problem gambling. Those figures are estimates, not a death register. Charity framing can make it harder to notice a problem. A low price and a good-cause story lower the barrier to buying another line. Licensed operators must still provide information on how to gamble responsibly. World Aid Network would rather lose lottery income than raise it from people who cannot afford the ticket. If you need help, use the helplines on this page. They are independent of us. - Spending more than you can afford on tickets or chasing losses - Hiding lottery spend from family, or borrowing to keep playing - Feeling anxious or preoccupied when you are not playing - Using money meant for rent, food or bills - Failed attempts to cut down ## How can I support World Aid Network instead of buying a lottery ticket? Give by card on this page or at worldaidnetwork.org/donate. Choose eye surgery, cancer treatment, or emergency relief. Give once or monthly. There is no prize. About £200 contributes towards cataract care. Gift Aid requires HMRC recognition and eligible donation records. It is not currently available at WAN. Other methods — payroll giving, gifts in wills, crypto, shares, in memory — are listed on ways to donate. None of them is a lottery. If your workplace, mosque, church or friends were planning a raffle “for WAN”, collect the money and donate it here instead. Email info@worldaidnetwork.org if you want the gift marked as a group or in someone’s memory. - Donate by card — worldaidnetwork.org/donate - USD checkout — worldaidnetwork.org/give (not a US 501(c)(3)) - Ways to donate — payroll, legacy, crypto, shares - Gift Aid — currently unavailable at WAN ## Lottery ticket versus a direct donation - What you are buying — lottery: A chance to win — gambling under the Gambling Act 2005. Donation: A gift with no prize attached - Typical share to the cause — lottery: At least 20% by law; many operators publish about 30–45p in the pound. Donation: Most of the pound after card fees — not a 100% donation policy - Gift Aid — lottery: Never. HMRC treats the ticket as payment for a right to enter. Donation: 25p extra per £1 from a UK taxpayer, once WAN registration is granted - Who can take part — lottery: Society lottery tickets must not be sold to or by under-16s. Donation: Anyone can give; Gift Aid is UK taxpayers only ## What will a donation typically fund? - £10: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £25: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £50: A contribution towards clinically recommended cancer care, or two weeks of emergency food - £100: Temporary shelter materials, or a contribution toward cancer diagnostics - £200: Contribution towards cataract care at a partner hospital - £500: Contribution to the selected cancer or emergency relief fund ## UK gambling support helplines - GamCare — National Gambling Helpline: 0808 802 0133 — Free, confidential, 24 hours a day. https://www.gamcare.org.uk - BeGambleAware: begambleaware.org — Advice, self-assessment and treatment routes. https://www.gambleaware.org/tools-and-support/ - GamStop — self-exclusion: gamstop.co.uk — Free self-exclusion from UK-licensed online gambling. https://www.gamstop.co.uk - Gamblers Anonymous UK: 0330 094 0322 — Peer support — face-to-face and online meetings. https://www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk - NHS problem gambling support: Via your GP or NHS 111 — Referral to NHS-funded treatment, including CBT. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/addiction-support/gambling-addiction/ - Samaritans: 116 123 — Free, 24/7, if you are in crisis. https://www.samaritans.org ## Related pages - Donate by card — Give without a ticket, draw or prize. https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate - Gift Aid — 25p extra on a genuine donation — never on a raffle ticket. https://worldaidnetwork.org/gift-aid - Ways to donate — Payroll, legacy, crypto, shares and in memory — not lotteries. https://worldaidnetwork.org/ways-to-donate - Monthly giving — A regular gift, not a weekly numbers line. https://worldaidnetwork.org/monthly-giving - Where your money goes — How World Aid Network spends gifts. We do not claim 100%. https://worldaidnetwork.org/where-your-money-goes - How we work — Grants to partners, not cash to individuals. https://worldaidnetwork.org/how-we-work - Gift of Sight Appeal — A £200 gift contributes towards cataract care. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/gift-of-sight - Cancer Emergency Appeal — Treatment for patients who cannot pay — not research. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency - Emergency relief — Food, water, hygiene kits and shelter after disaster. https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief - Legacy giving — A gift in your will — not a raffle. https://worldaidnetwork.org/legacy-giving - Payroll giving — Give from salary before tax. https://worldaidnetwork.org/payroll-giving - In-memory giving — A tribute gift, not a prize draw in someone’s name. https://worldaidnetwork.org/in-memory-giving - Registration status — Charity Commission application 5290505. https://worldaidnetwork.org/about/registration-status - Donate in US dollars — USD checkout. Not a 501(c)(3). https://worldaidnetwork.org/give ## Frequently asked questions ### What is a charity lottery? A charity lottery — a society lottery in UK law — is a paid prize draw run for a non-commercial society. Tickets, chance and a prize make it gambling under the Gambling Act 2005. It is not a donation. World Aid Network does not run one. Give at https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate instead. ### Does World Aid Network run a charity lottery, raffle or sweepstake? No. We do not run a lottery, raffle, sweepstake, tombola, 100 club, scratch card or prize draw. We ask for a direct gift so more of each pound can fund surgery, treatment or emergency kits, and so fundraising is not tied to gambling harm. ### How does a charity lottery work? You pay a fixed ticket price, receive numbers or a postcode, and a random draw selects winners. At least 20% of proceeds must go to the society’s purposes. The rest covers prizes and costs. Licensed operators must show proceeds and prize information before you play. ### Are charity lotteries legal in the UK? Yes. Small society lotteries register with the local authority (£20,000 per lottery and £250,000 a year, £25,000 prize cap). Large society lotteries need a Gambling Commission licence (up to £5 million per lottery and £50 million a year). Buying a ticket is still gambling. ### How much of a charity lottery ticket goes to the charity? The legal minimum is 20% of proceeds. Many operators publish about 30–45p in the pound. A direct donation typically sends more of each pound to the work and can attract Gift Aid. World Aid Network does not claim a 100% donation policy. ### Can I claim Gift Aid on a raffle or lottery ticket? No. HMRC treats raffle, lottery and 100-club tickets as payment for a right to enter, not as gifts. Gift Aid is only for genuine donations of money. See https://worldaidnetwork.org/gift-aid ### Is buying a charity lottery ticket the same as donating? No. A ticket is a gambling purchase. A donation is a gift. World Aid Network does not sell tickets. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate ### Is a charity lottery the same as a raffle? In conversation, raffles are one-off and lotteries are weekly or monthly. In law a paid raffle is still a lottery if payment, prize and chance are present. Small raffles drawn at a single event may be incidental non-commercial lotteries. ### What is a charity raffle? A prize draw with numbered tickets sold to raise money for a charity. Drawn at an event, it may be exempt. Sold in advance or online as an ongoing product, it needs society-lottery registration or a Commission licence. ### Do I need a licence to run a charity raffle? A raffle drawn at the same non-commercial event where tickets were sold may need no licence. Anything larger needs local-authority registration or a Gambling Commission licence. Confirm current rules with the Commission. Do not use the World Aid Network name on a raffle we have not authorised. ### Is a charity raffle classed as gambling? Yes, if people pay to enter and the prize is awarded by chance. That is why Gift Aid does not apply and why the Gambling Act regulates most paid raffles. ### What is a charity sweepstake? Entrants pay and are randomly assigned an outcome (a horse, team or player). The holder of the winning outcome takes the prize. Paid sweepstakes are lotteries. Closed workplace sweepstakes may be exempt work lotteries if they stay inside the Act. ### Are charity sweepstakes legal in the UK? Paid public sweepstakes must follow society-lottery rules. Free-entry draws with a genuine free route are generally not lotteries. Workplace sweepstakes can be exempt if they are a closed work lottery. Check Gambling Commission guidance on private and work lotteries. ### What is a charity prize draw? A general name for any draw for prizes linked to a charity. Paid entry is a lottery. A genuine, well-publicised free-entry route can take it outside lottery regulation. ### How is a prize draw different from a charity lottery? People use the words interchangeably. Legally, payment is the fork: pay to enter and it is a lottery; a real free route and it may be a free prize draw. Ongoing subscription products are usually called lotteries. ### What is a society lottery? The legal term for a lottery run for a non-commercial society (charity, club, community group). Small: local-authority registration. Large: Gambling Commission licence. Minimum 20% of proceeds to the society’s purposes. ### What is the difference between a tombola and a raffle? In a tombola every ticket typically wins something from a drum, immediately. In a raffle only some tickets win, and the draw is at a set time. Both are gambling if you pay to take part. ### Do charities run scratch cards? Some have. Instant-win cards are instant lotteries and need the right licence if sold to the public. World Aid Network does not sell scratch cards. ### What is a 100 club? A regular numbers draw, often among members, with a monthly prize. HMRC treats 100-club payments like raffle tickets — not Gift Aidable. World Aid Network does not run a 100 club. ### What is the People’s Postcode Lottery? A well-known UK postcode subscription lottery run with licensed partners. Players enter by home postcode. World Aid Network is not a partner and does not receive those proceeds. It is gambling, not a WAN donation. ### What is the best charity lottery to play in the UK? We do not rank lotteries. Compare each operator’s published return to good causes if the share to charity is what you care about. If impact per pound is what you care about, donate instead of buying a ticket. World Aid Network does not run a lottery. ### How old do you have to be to play a charity lottery? Society lottery tickets must not be sold to or by anyone under 16. The National Lottery is 18+. Many charity lottery brands set 18+ as a house rule. This is not legal advice. ### Can charity lotteries cause gambling addiction? They can form part of harmful gambling for some people, because the product is still chance-based and often weekly. Most players are not harmed. If spend is rising or hidden, contact GamCare on 0808 802 0133. ### Where can I get help with a gambling problem in the UK? GamCare 0808 802 0133 (24/7). BeGambleAware.org. GamStop.co.uk for online self-exclusion. Gamblers Anonymous UK 0330 094 0322. NHS via your GP. If you are in crisis, Samaritans 116 123. ### How do I donate to World Aid Network instead? Use https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate (pounds) or https://worldaidnetwork.org/give (US dollars). Card, Apple Pay and Google Pay. Other methods: https://worldaidnetwork.org/ways-to-donate. About £200 contributes towards cataract care. ## How you can help World Aid Network does not run a lottery. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate or https://worldaidnetwork.org/give. Gift Aid: https://worldaidnetwork.org/gift-aid. If gambling is causing harm, GamCare 0808 802 0133 or https://www.gambleaware.org/tools-and-support/ ## Sources - Gambling Commission — Society lotteries: https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/licensees-and-businesses/page/society-lotteries - Gambling Commission — Promoting society and local authority lotteries: https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/licensees-and-businesses/guide/promoting-society-and-local-authority-lotteries - Gambling Commission — How to run a small society lottery: https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/public-and-players/guide/page/licences-for-small-society-lotteries - HMRC — Gift Aid detailed guidance, Chapter 3 (raffle and lottery tickets are not gifts): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/charities-detailed-guidance-notes/chapter-3-gift-aid - Gambling Survey for Great Britain 2024 (2.7% of adults 18+ PGSI 8+): https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/news/article/2024-gambling-survey-for-great-britain-published - OHID / PHE gambling-related harms evidence review — 2023 economic update (suicide figures are estimates of association, not a death register): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/gambling-related-harms-evidence-review/gambling-related-harms-evidence-review-summary--2 - BeGambleAware: https://www.gambleaware.org/tools-and-support/ - GamCare National Gambling Helpline 0808 802 0133: https://www.gamcare.org.uk --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Charity virtual gifts > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/charity-virtual-gifts > Last reviewed: 2026-10-04 ## In short A charity virtual gift is a donation dedicated in someone’s name. Donate on this page, then email info@worldaidnetwork.org with the name. We send a digital card you can forward. About £200 contributes towards cataract care. £25 contributes towards medical and hygiene supplies. The patient overseas is not named to you. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks. Dedicate a donation in someone’s name. About £200 contributes towards cataract care. £25 contributes towards medical and hygiene supplies. Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/charity-virtual-gifts. There is no automated gift shop: donate, then email info@worldaidnetwork.org with the name for a digital card. This page is not listed on https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal. Packed Christmas shoebox: https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/digital-shoebox-appeal. Seasonal checkout: https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/christmas-appeal. Year-round cataract: https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/gift-of-sight. ## At a glance - ~£200: Planning estimate only; actual eye care costs vary - £25: Contribution towards locally sourced medical and hygiene supplies - Digital card: Email a name after you donate — no packed box from Britain - 3 countries: Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia — our charitable Objects ## What is a charity virtual gift? A charity virtual gift is a donation you mark in someone’s name. The person you honour receives a digital card. The gift itself funds cataract surgery, cancer treatment, or emergency food, water and shelter in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia — not a parcel posted from Britain. People search for charity gift cards, ethical presents and something better than another box of chocolates. This page is that menu. You choose an amount and a cause, donate by card, then tell us who the gift is for. World Aid Network does not run a named-patient gift shop. The person overseas is not introduced to you. Privacy sits with the hospital and the family. What you can give is the bill a partner cannot meet, dedicated at home in a name you choose. Please donate first. A card without a gift does not pay for an operation. ## How do I give a charity virtual gift? Donate on this page. Choose eye surgery, cancer treatment or emergency relief. Then email info@worldaidnetwork.org with the recipient’s name, the occasion, and the date you need the card. We send a digital gift card you can forward or print. There is no separate checkout for cards. The donation is the gift. The email is only so we can word the dedication. Say if the card is for a birthday, Christmas, a thank-you, or an in-memory note. If someone has died and you want a funeral collection or a lasting tribute fund, use the in-memory giving page — that is a different job. Donors in the United States, Canada and other countries can give on this page in pounds, or on the give-from-the-USA page in dollars. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation, not a US 501(c)(3) and not a registered Canadian charity. - Choose a cause and amount on the form on this page. - Give once or every month. You will receive an email receipt. - Write to info@worldaidnetwork.org with the name and occasion. - Forward the digital card. The funded care stays with a partner in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia. ## What charity virtual gifts can I choose? The gifts we can honestly offer match our Objects: a cataract operation (typically £200), a Digital Shoebox Medical Kit (£25), cancer treatment at a partner hospital, or emergency food, water, hygiene kits and shelter. We do not sell goats, wells or packed toy boxes. If you want a present that restores sight, choose eye surgery. Gift of Sight is the named year-round cataract checkout if you already know that is the gift. This page is the menu when you are still choosing. If you want a smaller present, the Digital Shoebox Appeal is a £25 locally sourced Medical Kit. Packed Christmas shoeboxes from Britain are not accepted. Cancer gifts fund all types of cancer — imaging, surgery or chemotherapy for a patient who cannot pay. Not research. Not NHS care. Disaster gifts are food, water and shelter only. They do not rebuild houses or send cash to individuals. - Gift of Sight — A £200 gift contributes towards cataract care. - Digital Shoebox — £25 for one locally sourced Medical Kit. - Cancer treatment — suggested gifts contribute to care, rather than buying a quoted session. - Emergency relief — food, clean water, hygiene kits and shelter after disaster. ## How much does a charity virtual gift cost? From £25 for a Medical Kit to A £200 gift contributes towards cataract care. You can give any amount. Amounts are suggested contributions, not verified partner quotes or guaranteed treatment. We do not invent caseloads. A smaller gift still helps. Trustees apply it to the cause you pick. A larger gift can fund two operations or a workplace collection. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks (application 5290505). You can donate now. We will contact UK taxpayers when that happens. ## Will the person I honour receive a card? Yes — a digital gift card, after you donate and email the name. We do not post a physical catalogue, a goat, or a packed box. You forward or print the card. The patient overseas does not write back. Write to info@worldaidnetwork.org with the spelling of the name, the occasion, and when you need the file. Give us a few working days where you can. If you searched for a printed charity gift catalogue with photos of animals and wells, that is a different kind of charity shop. Our Objects are eye surgery, cancer treatment and emergency food, water and shelter in three countries. ## Do you send a physical gift from the UK? No. World Aid Network does not pack or post presents from Britain. Local partners buy supplies nearby or a partner hospital delivers the operation. A virtual gift is money that becomes care, plus a digital card at home. Freight, customs and unused toiletries waste kindness. The Digital Shoebox Appeal exists because a cardboard Christmas shoebox is often the wrong tool. Please do not post a box to our London address and expect it to travel overseas. The useful thing you can do tonight is donate on this page. ## How is this different from the Digital Shoebox Appeal? The Digital Shoebox Appeal is one £25 Medical Kit, bought locally, instead of packing a cardboard shoebox. This page is the wider virtual-gift menu: kit, cataract, cancer treatment or relief, dedicated in a name. If a Medical Kit is the present, donate on the Digital Shoebox page. Both gifts can carry a digital card. The difference is the product. Stay here if you are still choosing. Go to the Digital Shoebox Appeal if you already want the kit. ## How is this different from the Christmas Appeal? The Christmas Appeal is the seasonal donate page — often a gift of sight at about £200. This page is the year-round menu for dedicating any of our gifts in someone’s name. Christmas checkout stays on the Christmas Appeal. You can still email a name after you give there. World Aid Network is secular. Christmas is a giving season, not a religious test. Donors of every faith and none are welcome. ## How is this different from in-memory giving? In-memory giving is for someone who has died — a one-off memorial gift, a funeral collection, or a tribute fund. A charity virtual gift is usually a living present: birthday, thank-you, Christmas. You can still dedicate an in-memory note from this page, but the in-memory giving page is the guide for funerals and tributes. Please donate either way. The hospital bill does not change because the card is sad or joyful. ## Can I give a charity virtual gift from the US, Canada or another country? Yes. Card gifts are accepted from any country. Use this page for pounds, or the give-from-the-USA page for US dollars. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation, not a US 501(c)(3) and not a registered Canadian charity, so gifts are generally not tax-deductible there. Gift Aid is UK-only. The digital card still works. Email the name as usual. Programme delivery stays in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. ## What will a donation provide? - £25: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £50: A contribution towards clinically recommended cancer care - £100: Temporary shelter materials, or food and water for a displaced household - £200: Contribution towards cataract care at a partner hospital - £400: Contribution towards eye care; actual costs and outcomes vary - £500: A larger treatment or relief gift where partners quote this cost ## How to give a charity virtual gift Donate on this page, then email a name for a digital gift card. About £200 contributes towards cataract care. - Choose a gift: Pick eye surgery, cancer treatment or emergency relief. About £200 contributes towards cataract care. £25 contributes towards medical and hygiene supplies. - Donate on this page: Give once or monthly by card. You will receive an email receipt. - Email the name: Write to info@worldaidnetwork.org with the recipient’s name, the occasion, and when you need the card. - Forward the card: We send a digital gift card you can forward or print. The funded care stays with a partner overseas. ## Related pages - Digital Shoebox Appeal — £25 locally sourced Medical Kit — not a packed box. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/digital-shoebox-appeal - Christmas Appeal — Seasonal gift of sight — typically £200. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/christmas-appeal - Gift of Sight Appeal — Year-round cataract checkout — typically £200. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/gift-of-sight - Sponsor a cataract operation — One complete operation as a product — typically £200. https://worldaidnetwork.org/sponsor-a-cataract-operation - Cancer Emergency Appeal — Treatment for all types of cancer overseas. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency - In-memory giving — Funeral collections and tribute gifts. https://worldaidnetwork.org/in-memory-giving - Ways to donate — Payroll, crypto, shares, legacy and more. https://worldaidnetwork.org/ways-to-donate - Donate in US dollars — USD checkout. Not 501(c)(3). https://worldaidnetwork.org/give - Sponsor a child — No named-child letters. Fund a child’s cataract or treatment. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/sponsor-a-child - How we work — Grants to partners, not cash to individuals. https://worldaidnetwork.org/how-we-work ## Frequently asked questions ### What is a charity virtual gift? A donation dedicated in someone’s name. The person you honour receives a digital card. The gift funds cataract surgery, cancer treatment, or emergency food, water and shelter in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia — not a packed parcel from Britain. ### How do I give a charity virtual gift? Donate at worldaidnetwork.org/charity-virtual-gifts, then email info@worldaidnetwork.org with the name and occasion. There is no automated gift shop. ### How much does a charity virtual gift cost? From £25 for a Medical Kit to A £200 gift contributes towards cataract care. You can give any amount. Amounts are suggested contributions, not verified partner quotes or guaranteed treatment. ### Do you send a physical gift? No. We do not pack or post presents from the UK. Local partners buy kits nearby or a partner hospital delivers the operation. ### Will I get a letter from the patient? No. World Aid Network does not run a named-patient or named-child letter scheme. The digital card is for the person you are honouring at home. ### Is this the same as the Digital Shoebox Appeal? No. The Digital Shoebox is one £25 Medical Kit instead of a packed Christmas shoebox. This page is the wider menu. Digital Shoebox: worldaidnetwork.org/blog/digital-shoebox-appeal. ### Is this the Christmas Appeal? No. Christmas checkout is worldaidnetwork.org/blog/christmas-appeal. You can still dedicate a Christmas gift from this page, or donate on the Christmas Appeal and email a name there. ### Can I give from the United States or Canada? Yes. Use this page or worldaidnetwork.org/give for US dollars. World Aid Network is not a US 501(c)(3) and not a registered Canadian charity, so gifts are generally not tax-deductible there. ### Will Gift Aid apply? Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks (application 5290505). You can donate now. See worldaidnetwork.org/gift-aid. ### Do you claim a 100% donation policy? No. Gifts fund programme costs at partner hospitals and local partners. How grants are released is explained at worldaidnetwork.org/how-we-work. ### Is World Aid Network a registered charity? It is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (Charity Commission application 5290505). Gift Aid is not currently available. See worldaidnetwork.org/about/registration-status. ## How you can help Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/charity-virtual-gifts or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=virtual-gifts. Then email info@worldaidnetwork.org with the name for a digital gift card. --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Childhood Cancer Charity | Paediatric Treatment | WAN > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/childhood-cancer-treatment > Fund childhood and paediatric cancer treatment — chemotherapy, surgery and supportive care — for families who cannot pay. Continuity funding, not research. # Childhood Cancer Treatment — Paediatric Care Families Cannot Afford A child with leukaemia who completes a funded chemotherapy course has an 80%+ chance of survival in well-resourced systems. Without funded care, the same blood cancer diagnosis is often fatal. Your gift funds paediatric treatment through locally licensed oncologists — treatment access, not research. [ Fund childhood cancer care ](/appeal/cancer-emergency) [ See all cancer programmes ](/cancer) ✓ Gifts go to partner-hospital treatment costs✓ Licensed oncologists and surgeons✓ No cash — direct to partner hospitals What does World Aid Network fund? World Aid Network funds childhood and paediatric cancer treatment — chemotherapy, surgery and supportive care — for poor families in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia who cannot afford private oncology. Licensed local clinicians deliver care at partner hospitals. Continuity funding means children are not forced to stop mid-course. Every year, thousands of children in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia are diagnosed with cancers that are curable with funded treatment — leukaemia, brain tumours, Wilms tumour, neuroblastoma and more. The barrier is not medicine. It is cost. World Aid Network's Cancer Emergency Appeal maintains continuity funding for children already in treatment who risk stopping mid-course because the money has run out. Mid-protocol abandonment is clinically catastrophic: residual cancer cells develop drug resistance, and relapse carries a far worse prognosis than the original diagnosis. All disbursements go directly to partner hospitals against named patient lists approved by our trustees. We operate a strict no-cash policy. Programme results are published on our impact reporting page once partner reports are approved. ## Your donation at work Gifts fund patient care and emergency relief in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. £50 Contributes towards chemotherapy for a child whose family cannot afford the next dose £250 Contribution towards cancer care; actual costs and outcomes vary £500 Surgical access support for a child with a resectable tumour £1,000 A meaningful contribution toward a full funded treatment course ## Frequently asked questions What childhood cancers does World Aid Network fund? Our Cancer Emergency Appeal funds paediatric cancer treatment including acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), brain tumours, neuroblastoma and other childhood cancers for poor families in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia who cannot afford private care. Why is childhood cancer survival so much lower in these countries? In high-income countries, health systems fund full chemotherapy courses — survival exceeds 80% for many childhood cancers. In our Object countries, families pay out of pocket. Stopping treatment mid-course due to cost turns curable cancers into death sentences. How much does it cost to fund childhood cancer treatment? Every amount is a contribution towards a child’s cancer care, not the price of a treatment. Costs depend on the diagnosis, the treatment plan and the partner hospital’s quote, so we do not promise what a set amount will buy. Who delivers the treatment? All care is delivered by locally licensed paediatric oncologists and haematologists at accredited partner hospitals. World Aid Network supports access to treatment through local clinical providers; this programme does not fund research hospitals or clinical trials. Is this the same as donating to childhood cancer research? No. Research charities and specialised paediatric centres fund discovery and trials. World Aid Network funds diagnosis and treatment access — chemotherapy, surgery and supportive care — so a child can complete a course their family cannot afford. ### Related pages [Cancer care programme](/cancer)[Cancer charities compared](/cancer-charities)[Breast cancer treatment](/breast-cancer-treatment)[How we work](/how-we-work) ## How can you fund paediatric cancer treatment? Early diagnosis and funded treatment can mean the difference between a curable and an incurable childhood cancer. Every donation goes to patient care at accredited partner hospitals — not research labs. [ Fund childhood cancer care ](/appeal/cancer-emergency) [ See all cancer programmes ](/cancer) Suggested amounts are contributions towards cancer care, not the price of a treatment course. ## How can I support cancer treatment? Connect the information you have read with treatment support and the checks that protect your donation. - [Donate to cancer care](/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency#donate-form) Give to the Cancer Emergency Appeal’s wider fund for patients who cannot pay. - [Cancer Emergency Appeal](/appeal/cancer-emergency) See what the treatment fund supports. - [How donations reach care](/where-your-money-goes) Understand programme funding and accountability. - [Cancer information and support](/cancer) Find guides to cancer types, diagnosis and care. - [Cancer treatment support enquiries](/cancer/eligibility-checker) Prepare an enquiry and understand the review process. - [Hospital partnership enquiries](/partner-with-us) Eligibility, agreements and funding review for care providers. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Clean Water Charity > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/clean-water-charity > Last reviewed: 2026-08-24 ## In short World Aid Network is a clean water charity. Donate on this page to fund emergency drinking water after disasters in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Your gift buys purification tablets, bottled water or a household filter — not a permanent well. £10 typically makes about 200 litres safe to drink. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks. A water charity gift here funds emergency drinking water — purification, bottles and filters — not permanent wells. Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/clean-water-charity. World Aid Network is a water charity and clean water charity. Gifts fund emergency drinking water — purification, bottles and filters — not permanent wells. This page is not listed on https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal. Named checkout: https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/clean-water-emergency. ## At a glance - £10: Typical cost of purification tablets for about 200 litres - Needs-led: Delivery depends on access, funding, supplies and capacity - 72 hrs: Window before waterborne disease often takes hold - Not wells: Emergency purification, bottles and filters — not permanent infrastructure ## What is a water charity? A water charity raises money so people can drink safely. World Aid Network is a clean water charity for disasters, not a well-drilling charity. Donate on this page. After a flood or quake, wells are spoiled and pipes break. Your gift becomes purification, bottled water or a household filter in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia. Some water charities drill boreholes for a generation. That is not this page. Our Objects cover emergency water after disaster: the window when dirty water is often the next killer. You do not have to ship bottles from Britain. The useful thing you can do tonight is donate. A gift of £10 can fund purification for about 200 litres. ## What is a clean water charity? A clean water charity funds water that is safe to drink. This page is World Aid Network’s clean water charity guide. Donate here. We fund emergency drinking water after disaster — not municipal pipes and not permanent wells. £10 typically funds purification for about 200 litres. The named checkout is the Clean Water Emergency Appeal. Broader emergency relief still includes water. Use this page, or the Clean Water Emergency Appeal, when you want the gift restricted to drinking water. ## How do I donate to a clean water charity? You can give on this page by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Keep emergency relief selected so the gift is marked for water. That is how you donate clean water through World Aid Network. A monthly gift keeps purification stocks ready. Please do not ship bottles from Britain. Partners buy or purify water nearby. Use the form beside this guide. If your mosque, church, workplace or friends are collecting, gather what you can and donate it here. ## How is this different from the Clean Water Emergency Appeal? This page is the water charity and clean water charity guide, with a donate form. The Clean Water Emergency Appeal is the named year-round checkout on the appeals index. Both fund the same emergency drinking water — purification, bottles and filters, not wells. You can give on either page. This URL is not listed on the emergency appeals index. Search for water charity or clean water charity should land here. Search for a clean water appeal should land on the Clean Water Emergency Appeal. The gift buys the same emergency water. ## What does donate clean water actually fund? When you donate clean water here, trustees release funds for emergency drinking water. £10 typically covers purification tablets for about 200 litres. £25 can cover bottled water for a family for a week. £50 can cover a household filter. Partners kit what the ground allows that week. We do not dig wells. You do not have to choose tablets, bottles or filters. Figures on this page are a guide to typical costs, not a menu you pick for a named village. Partners will kit what is needed. - £10 — purification tablets for about 200 litres - £25 — bottled water for a displaced family for one week - £50 — a point-of-use water filter for one household - £100 — contributes towards clean water for displaced families - £250 — contributes towards safe drinking water after a disaster - £500 — contributes towards water purification for a displaced community ## What is emergency drinking water after a disaster? Emergency drinking water is what a family can safely swallow in the first days after a flood or quake. Wells are spoiled. Pipes break. People drink what they can find, then disease takes hold. This is not a new city reservoir. Hygiene kits sit with water because dirty water spreads disease. Soap, jerrycans and sanitary items stop the next outbreak. We do not rebuild sanitation networks. - Purification tablets — Households can treat water they already have — £10 typically covers about 200 litres - Bottled water — First days, when wells are unsafe and cooking water is gone - Household filters — Families who will be displaced for longer than a few days - Hygiene kits — Soap, jerrycans and sanitary items so dirty water does not become the next killer ## Why do the first 72 hours matter for drinking water? After a flood or quake, wells spoil and people drink what they can find. The Sphere Handbook sets 15 litres of water per person per day as established practice in an emergency. WHO says you should assume water is contaminated until it is treated. Partners aim to start within forty-eight to seventy-two hours of activation. Sphere’s 15-litre figure is a sector minimum, not a World Aid Network caseload: https://spherestandards.org/handbook/. WHO’s humanitarian-emergencies water note is https://www.who.int/teams/environment-climate-change-and-health/water-sanitation-and-health/environmental-health-in-emergencies/humanitarian-emergencies. Diarrhoeal disease remains a leading killer of young children where water is unsafe (WHO: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diarrhoeal-disease). The cameras show the flood. They rarely show the child with diarrhoea a few days later. Money that has already been given can move when the well is spoiled. ## Do you dig wells or rebuild city water? No. A gift to this water charity is emergency access — purification, bottled water, filters, hygiene kits and mobile units — not permanent infrastructure. Reconstruction sits outside our Objects. Both jobs matter. They are not the same job. If you want a broader disaster gift covering food and shelter as well, use the Humanitarian Appeal or Disasters Emergency Relief. ## Should I send bottled water from Britain? Money is more useful. Partners buy or purify water nearby. Bottles from the United Kingdom arrive late and cost more than they help. A card gift on this page is how you donate clean water from the UK. If your community is collecting, bring the money here. A container of British bottles is slow, heavy and often the wrong response. Local purchase is faster and cheaper. ## How quickly will my donation become emergency drinking water? Card donations are processed straight away. Partners aim to start water distributions within forty-eight to seventy-two hours of activation. Cut roads take longer. Your water charity gift still means a family can drink without waiting for a new campaign. You donate. Trustees release funds when disaster-driven water need is confirmed. Local partners buy purification, bottled water or filters nearby and deliver them. We do not send cash to individuals. ## Can I give monthly to a clean water charity? Yes. A monthly donation keeps purification stocks ready for the next spoiled well. Please set up a regular gift on this page. Even a small monthly amount helps this clean water charity answer the next flood. You can change it later. If you would rather give once, that gift is welcome too. Please start a monthly gift at the amount that is comfortable for you. You can also give in memory of someone you love. Write to info@worldaidnetwork.org and we will mark the gift for emergency drinking water. ## How is this different from a well-drilling water charity? Some water charities drill boreholes and pipes so a village has water for a generation. That is real work. It is not this page. World Aid Network is a clean water charity for disasters: purification, bottled water and household filters in the days after a flood or quake. We do not rank WaterAid or anyone else. Search for “best water charity UK” often means a well charity. We will not say we are number one and we will not publish a ranking. If a borehole is what you wanted, give to an organisation that drills them. If you wanted water in a cup this week after a spoiled well, stay here. The emergency aid guide explains the wider package — food, water, hygiene kits and shelter. Emergency relief is the disaster programme hub. This water charity page stays restricted to drinking water. ## How much clean water does a family need after a disaster? Sphere’s Handbook treats 15 litres per person per day as established practice for drinking, cooking and basic hygiene in an emergency. WHO says a short-term survival minimum can be 7.5 litres, and that 15 litres should be provided as soon as possible. £10 on this page typically funds purification for about 200 litres. Partners kit what the ground allows. Two hundred litres is a typical tablet pack, not a named village allocation. A family of five at 15 litres each needs 75 litres a day — so that £10 pack is a few days of treated water, not a season. £25 can cover bottled water for a week. £50 can cover a household filter. We do not truck water as a standing programme and we do not rebuild municipal pipes. Emergency drinking water is tablets, bottles, filters and hygiene kits. ## How is this different from emergency aid? Emergency aid is food, clean water, hygiene kits and temporary shelter together. This water charity page is water only. Please use the emergency aid guide, or the Humanitarian Appeal, if you want the full disaster package. Both jobs use local partners. Neither rebuilds homes. What is emergency aid? is the explainer. Emergency relief is the programme hub. Named country checkouts are the Indonesia Emergency Appeal and the Pakistan Floods Appeal. First Aid is a UK skills guide, not a water fund. ## How is this different from the Indonesia Emergency Appeal and Pakistan Floods Appeal? Those named appeals fund food, water, hygiene kits and shelter in one country. This clean water charity page restricts the gift to emergency drinking water across Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Please use the Pakistan Floods Appeal for monsoon flooding in Pakistan. A water-only gift here can move to whichever Object-country water emergency trustees confirm next. A restricted Indonesia or Pakistan gift cannot be moved to the other country. The water in the cup is the same kind of help. ## Can I donate to a water charity from the US or Canada? Yes. Give by card on this page in pounds, or use the give-from-the-USA page for dollars. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation, not a US 501(c)(3) and not a registered Canadian charity. Gifts are generally not tax-deductible there. The water still goes to families in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia. You do not have to ship bottles from North America either. Partners buy or purify water nearby. A card gift is how you donate clean water from overseas. ## How is this different from food aid or the Hunger Crisis Appeal? This water charity page is restricted to emergency drinking water. The Hunger Crisis Appeal and the food aid charity page fund emergency food parcels. Broader disaster appeals fund food, water, hygiene kits and shelter together. Please use those other pages if you want food. Cancer treatment and cataract surgery are separate programmes. First Aid is a written skills guide, not a fundraising appeal. Please use those pages if that is how you want to help. ## What will a donation provide? - £10: Water purification tablets making about 200 litres safe to drink - £25: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £50: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £100: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £250: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £500: Contributes towards water purification for a displaced community ## How to donate to a clean water charity Donate so World Aid Network can fund emergency drinking water — purification, bottles and filters — after disasters in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. - Open this page: Stay here or go to worldaidnetwork.org/donate. - Choose emergency relief: Keep the Clean Water Emergency Appeal selected so the gift is marked for water. - Give by card: Pay by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. - Optional: give monthly: A monthly gift keeps purification stocks ready. ## Related pages - Clean Water Emergency Appeal — Named checkout — clean water appeal for purification, bottles and filters. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/clean-water-emergency - What is emergency aid? — Food, water, hygiene kits and shelter — the wider package. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/emergency-aid - Emergency relief — How we fund food, water, hygiene kits and shelter after disaster. https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief - Flood relief — Why contaminated water is the first threat after a flood. https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief/floods - Indonesia Emergency Appeal — Food, water and shelter after earthquakes and tsunamis. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/indonesia-emergency - Pakistan Floods Appeal — Flood-affected families in Pakistan. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/pakistan-emergency - Hunger Crisis Appeal — Emergency food parcels after a harvest is lost. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/hunger-crisis - Food aid charity — Emergency nutrition parcels — not drinking water. https://worldaidnetwork.org/food-aid-charity - Humanitarian Appeal — Standing fund — food, water, hygiene kits and shelter. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/humanitarian-appeal - Crisis Appeal — Standing fund when a crisis hits — food, water and shelter. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/crisis-appeal - Disasters Emergency Relief — Named disaster appeal — food, water, hygiene kits and shelter. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/disasters-emergency-relief - First Aid — How to give first aid in the UK — 999, bleeding, burns, choking and CPR. https://worldaidnetwork.org/first-aid - How we work — Grants to local partners, not cash to individuals. https://worldaidnetwork.org/how-we-work - Emergency relief calculator — See what your gift can provide. https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief-calculator - Donate — Give to water or another cause. https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate - Monthly giving — A regular gift keeps purification stocks ready. https://worldaidnetwork.org/monthly-giving - All emergency appeals — Gift of Sight, cancer care and other ways to help. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal ## Frequently asked questions ### How do I donate to a clean water charity? You can give on this page, or at https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate, and choose emergency relief with the Clean Water Emergency Appeal selected. Your gift becomes emergency drinking water. Card, Apple Pay and Google Pay are ready now. ### What will my donation to a water charity pay for? Emergency drinking water: purification tablets, bottled water, household filters, hygiene kits and mobile units. Typical gifts start at £10 for about 200 litres of treated water. Not permanent wells. ### Is this the same as the Clean Water Emergency Appeal? Both fund the same emergency drinking water. This page owns water charity and clean water charity searches. The Clean Water Emergency Appeal is the named checkout on the appeals index. ### Do you dig wells? No. This water charity funds emergency access — purification, bottled water, filters, hygiene kits and mobile units — not permanent infrastructure or city water reconstruction. ### Should I send bottled water from Britain? Money is more useful. Local purchase is faster and cheaper. A card gift on this page is how you donate clean water from the UK. ### How quickly can emergency drinking water be delivered? Partners aim for 48 to 72 hours after the fund is activated. Cut roads take longer. ### Do you fund hygiene kits? Yes. Hygiene kits sit with this water charity because dirty water spreads disease after a flood. We do not rebuild sanitation networks. ### Will Gift Aid apply? Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks (application 5290505). We will contact donors when that happens. ### Can I give monthly? Yes. A monthly donation keeps purification stocks ready. You can also give a one-off gift. ### Can I donate in memory of someone? Yes. Write to info@worldaidnetwork.org and we will mark the gift for emergency drinking water. ### Which countries benefit? Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia only — the countries in our charitable Objects. ### How is this different from the Floods Appeal? The Floods Appeal covers food, water and shelter together. This water charity page is restricted to emergency drinking water. ### Does this page fund cancer treatment or eye surgery? No. Those are separate programmes. Please use the Cancer Emergency Appeal or Gift of Sight Appeal for hospital care. ### How is this different from a well-drilling water charity? We fund emergency purification, bottles and filters after disaster — not boreholes or city pipes. We do not rank other water charities. If you wanted a well, give to an organisation that drills them. ### How much water does a family need after a disaster? Sphere treats 15 litres per person per day as established practice in an emergency. £10 on this page typically funds purification for about 200 litres. Not a named village allocation. ### How is this different from emergency aid? Emergency aid is food, water, hygiene kits and shelter together. This page is drinking water only. The explainer is https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/emergency-aid. ### Can I donate to a water charity from the US or Canada? Yes, by card. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation, not a 501(c)(3) and not a Canadian registered charity. Use https://worldaidnetwork.org/give for dollars. ### Is World Aid Network the best water charity UK? We do not rank charities and we will not say we are number one. Check the mandate: emergency drinking water, not wells, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. ## How you can help Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/clean-water-charity or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=emergency-relief&appeal=clean-water-emergency --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Contact Us | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/contact > Get in touch with World Aid Network. Contact our UK team with questions about donations, Gift Aid, fundraising or our eye, cancer and disaster relief work. # Contact Us Whether you have a question about our work, a donation query, or just want to get in touch — we'd love to hear from you. ## How can you get in touch? Registered office International House, 51 Borough High Street, London SE1 1NB, United Kingdom Telephone [020 4622 0003](tel:+442046220003) Email [info@worldaidnetwork.org](mailto:info@worldaidnetwork.org) Hours Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm UK time ### Explore Our Work - [Sight-Restoring Eye Surgery](/eye-surgery) - [Cancer Treatment](/cancer) - [Emergency Disaster Relief](/appeal) [About World Aid Network →](/about) ## Need help with a donation? - **Receipt:** Stripe, our payment provider, emails it to the address you used at checkout. Check your spam folder, or email us with the date and amount. - **Monthly gift:** [change your card or cancel future payments](/manage-giving), or email us to change the amount. - **A problem or complaint:** see [how to complain](/our-policies#complaints); formal complaints are acknowledged within 5 working days. ## Media or resource enquiry? Our [media resources](/media-resources) include organisation facts, logos and fundraising materials. Include your publication, topic and deadline when contacting us. ## Hospital or aid organisation? Read the [delivery partnership process](/partner-with-us) and include the initial enquiry checklist in your message. [Bahasa Indonesia](/id/bermitra-dengan-kami). --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Corporate Partnerships | Partner With Our Charity | WAN > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/corporate-partnerships > Discuss corporate giving, staff fundraising and matching for eye surgery, cancer care and emergency relief. Agree your partnership scope and reporting. # Corporate Partnerships — Support Treatment & Relief Align your company's values with measurable humanitarian impact. Fund sight-restoring surgery, cancer treatment or disaster relief — with transparent reporting and named programme options. [ Contact our partnerships team ](/contact?subject=corporate) [ Employer fundraising pack ](/fundraising-pack) ✓ CIO registration application in progress✓ Gifts fund patient care and reliefGift Aid not currently available What does World Aid Network do? Companies can discuss support for eye surgery, cancer treatment and emergency relief in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Agree the programme purpose, budget, reporting schedule and any restrictions before giving. Matching requires a documented commitment; payroll giving and tax treatment require separate eligibility checks. A useful partnership defines the programme, funding period and evidence expected. Agree the reporting schedule and what will be measured before making a commitment. Money received, partner payments and delivered treatment or relief are separate measures; no automatic reporting package based on gift size is promised here. Options to discuss include programme grants, staff fundraising and a cause-of-the-year campaign. A matching campaign must state the sponsor, eligible gifts, dates, cap and payment commitment before it is advertised. Payroll giving requires separate provider setup and confirmed eligibility. Read [how donations are used](/where-your-money-goes) and [the current reporting status](/our-impact). GOV.UK explains [company donation relief](https://www.gov.uk/tax-limited-company-gives-to-charity) and [HMRC recognition for charities](https://www.gov.uk/charities-and-tax/tax-reliefs); these general rules do not establish World Aid Network’s current eligibility. ## Your donation at work Gifts fund patient care and emergency relief in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. £2,000 Contribution towards the eye surgery programme; agree a budget and scope £5,000 Contribution towards emergency relief; quantities depend on approved plans £10,000 Meaningful contribution toward a cancer treatment programme cohort £25,000+ Discuss a programme partnership with agreed reporting and documented terms ## Frequently asked questions How can my company partner with World Aid Network? Discuss a programme contribution, employee fundraiser or documented matching commitment. Agree the purpose, budget, reporting and any restrictions before launching a campaign. Contact info@worldaidnetwork.org to discuss a partnership. Is corporate giving tax-deductible? UK tax relief applies only where the relevant conditions are met. World Aid Network’s charity registration is in progress, and this page does not establish HMRC recognition or eligibility for your gift. Confirm the recipient’s status and ask your accountant before claiming relief. Can employees fundraise through payroll giving? Ask us and your payroll provider to confirm recipient eligibility and the necessary setup before promoting payroll giving. We do not promise that a payroll integration or tax relief is currently available for World Aid Network. ### Related pages [Employer fundraising pack](/fundraising-pack)[Fundraise for us](/fundraise-for-us)[Monthly giving](/monthly-giving)[Ways to donate](/ways-to-donate)[About us](/about) ## Partner with World Aid Network Fund a defined programme, run staff fundraising or sponsor a surgical session. Contact us to discuss a tailored corporate partnership. [ Contact our partnerships team ](/contact?subject=corporate) [ Employer fundraising pack ](/fundraising-pack) Confirm recipient eligibility and tax treatment before claiming relief. ## Make an informed donation Check what the organisation offers, understand the conditions and choose a way to give that suits you. - [Compare ways to donate](/ways-to-donate) Card giving, monthly gifts and other routes, with current availability. - [Gift Aid eligibility explained](/gift-aid) Understand donor conditions and the current status at WAN. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and how estimates differ from results. - [Check our registration status](/about/registration-status) Distinguish the application reference from a registered charity number. - [Practical donor resources](/donor-resources) Find answers, useful tools and giving options. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Corrections Log | Public Fixes | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/corrections > Public corrections log for World Aid Network — dated fixes to registration wording, unit costs, clinical claims and machine-readable surfaces. # Public corrections log Dated fixes to facts, registration wording and editorial claims. Last updated 4 October 2026. Quick answer World Aid Network logs material corrections publicly with dates. Report errors to info@worldaidnetwork.org. We correct registration wording, unit costs, clinical claims and broken sources; typos that do not change meaning may be fixed silently. The editorial policy explains what triggers a logged fix. ## How corrections are handled When we make a mistake in programme facts, unit costs, governance status or clinical summaries, we correct it and record material changes here. We do not quietly rewrite history on registration or Gift Aid eligibility. ## How to report an inaccuracy Email [info@worldaidnetwork.org](mailto:info@worldaidnetwork.org) with the URL and what you believe is wrong. We aim to acknowledge within five working days. See also the [editorial policy](/editorial-policy). 1. 2026-10-04 ### Further eye-care corrections and Indonesia guidance A further review found claims missed in the earlier cleanup: permanent sight restoration, fixed procedure costs, blanket clinical-review credits and unconfirmed screening access remained on several eye-care pages. Replaced these with qualified care, funding and availability explanations, including matching structured data and Markdown. Added an Indonesian-language care guide, clearer patient and professional routes, and approval requirements for published camp records and clinician review credits. No PERDAMI partnership, clinic dates, clinician sign-off or patient outcomes are implied by these additions. 2. 2026-10-04 ### Giving estimates, Gift Aid and organisation status Replaced fixed-operation and relief-quantity promises across giving pages with contribution wording. Rebuilt donation calculators to calculate donor giving totals without inventing completed care. Removed the cataract sponsorship Product price and unsourced country-price comparisons. Clarified that CIO registration is pending and Gift Aid needs separate HMRC recognition plus donor and donation eligibility. Gift Aid is not currently available. Updated agent responses and discovery descriptions to match these limits. 3. 2026-10-04 ### Blog and eye-health sources, summaries and comparison claims Added usable source links and removed automatic medical-review claims on eye-health and generic article templates. Stopped truncating summary qualifications to a fixed word count. Rewrote blood-cancer treatment support guidance to remove the unsafe blanket claim that starting then interrupting treatment is worse than not starting. Corrected retail Gift Aid guidance and the donation-policy article’s description of JustGiving platform and processing fees. Repaired obsolete external references and added clearer topic navigation and library filtering. 4. 2026-10-04 ### Screening intervals, Movember fundraising and appeal evidence Corrected outdated cervical screening intervals and the Scotland bowel screening age. Aligned conflicting lung survival wording with a linked source and removed unsupported comparisons. Rewrote the Movember guide to explain independent fundraising and remove fixed treatment prices. Dated Pakistan flood statistics to 2022 with UNICEF sources, clarified the existing surplus policy, and removed unsupported delivery-time and fixed-kit claims from the Crisis, Humanitarian and Disasters appeals. Repaired the obsolete NHS skin-cancer source link. These are editorial corrections, not a claim of clinical sign-off or independently verified programme delivery. 5. 2026-10-04 ### Cancer guide sources, review labels and donation claims Replaced wording implying clinical sign-off on cancer guides with an explicit editorial-summary statement. Added linked sources and contextual references. Removed the unsupported prostate ten-year localised-survival claim and identified the populations and periods behind replacement CRUK figures. Updated PSA wording to reflect current NHS guidance, including BRCA2, and replaced the prostate and breast eligibility calculators with appointment discussion planners. Removed fixed-treatment promises from the shared cancer guide donation module. Suggested gifts are contributions to the wider fund, not guarantees of a chemotherapy session or operation. 6. 2026-07-17 ### Donate CTAs relabelled Enabled live Stripe online card and Apple Pay / Google Pay checkout across all donation forms and appeal pages. 7. 2026-07-28 ### Markdown mirrors and cache negotiation Fixed broken .md alternates and edge cache poisoning risk for Accept/User-Agent negotiated Markdown, and sharpened SERP/AEO copy on key programme pages. 8. 2026-08-10 ### Trust and machine-surface suite Published /editorial-policy, /corrections, /author/kaiser-khan, /method/funding and /open-data; added Content-Signal robots groups, build-generated llms.txt, RSS, datapackage and read-only MCP — with build gates enforcing the surfaces. 9. 2026-08-15 ### Indonesia Emergency Appeal caseload correction Removed unsourced figures on /appeal/indonesia-emergency that described an 8 April 2026 magnitude 7.4 earthquake displacing over two million people and destroying 120,000 homes. The USGS event is 1 April 2026 22:48 UTC (2 April local), Mw 7.4 (event us6000slss). BBC reported one death in Manado. Antara reported 1,966 people displaced on Batang Dua (6 April 2026). USGS PAGER exposure of about 2.1 million people to moderate shaking is not a displacement count. The page is now a standing Indonesia tsunami and earthquake appeal with sourced historical context. 10. 2026-08-24 ### Charity lottery thresholds, age and harm figures Corrected /charity-lottery. Small society lottery limits are £20,000 proceeds per lottery and £250,000 in a calendar year, with a £25,000 maximum prize (Gambling Commission) — not “annual proceeds under £20,000 and a single draw under £2,000”. Society lottery tickets must not be sold to or by under-16s; the National Lottery is 18+ (the page had stated 18+ as the legal floor for charity lotteries). Gambling-harm stats now cite GSGB 2024 (2.7% of adults 18+ PGSI 8+) and the OHID 2023 suicide range (117–496 in England), replacing unsourced 1-in-25, 1.4 million and 409-as-a-hard-count figures. Card donations are open now; the old “give once registration allows” line was wrong. 11. 2026-08-24 ### Will guide probate fee, emergency-aid claims and water 80% figure Corrected /blog/making-a-will-legacy-giving-uk-guide: the England and Wales probate application fee is £526 from 13 July 2026 for estates over £5,000 (HMCTS) — not the old £273 (2024/25) figure. Gift Aid does not apply to a gift in a will; the how-to no longer implies a lifetime Gift Aid top-up on a testamentary gift. On /blog/emergency-aid, removed “every pound goes directly to the family” / “not a single penny diverted to salaries” wording (we do not claim a 100% donation policy). On /clean-water-charity, replaced an unsourced “80% of illness after a shock” line with Sphere’s 15 litres per person per day and WHO emergency-water guidance. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Donate cryptocurrency to charity > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/crypto-giving > Last reviewed: 2026-08-24 ## In short Donate cryptocurrency to charity here in Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, Solana or BNB. Open the page for the coin you are sending and copy only that wallet. We convert every gift to sterling on receipt. Sterling goes to the Emergency Disaster Fund for food, water and shelter. Gift Aid is not claimable yet. Give in Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, Solana or BNB. We convert every gift to sterling on receipt and do not hold crypto as an investment. This page is the crypto giving hub. Wallet addresses live on the coin pages. Card checkout is https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate. Crypto gifts are converted to sterling and allocated to the Emergency Disaster Fund. Gift Aid is not claimable yet (Charity Commission application 5290505). ## At a glance - 5 coins: Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, Solana and BNB — each with its own wallet page - GBP: Converted to sterling on receipt — we do not hold crypto as an investment - EDF: Emergency Disaster Fund — food, water, hygiene kits and shelter - 5290505: Charity Commission application — Gift Aid not claimable yet ## How to donate cryptocurrency to World Aid Network Send Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, Solana or BNB to a wallet published on this website. We convert the gift to sterling for the Emergency Disaster Fund. - Read this hub: Confirm we accept your coin. Gift Aid and CGT relief are not something to assume while registration is in progress. - Open the coin page: Use donate-bitcoin, donate-ethereum, donate-usdt, donate-solana or donate-bnb on this website — not a search-ad lookalike. - Copy the published address: Send only that coin. Wrong network can mean permanent loss. - Optional: ask for a receipt: Email info@worldaidnetwork.org with the transaction id if you need an acknowledgement. ## Which coins can I send? - Bitcoin (BTC): https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate-bitcoin - Ethereum (ETH): https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate-ethereum - USDT (USDT): https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate-usdt - Solana (SOL): https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate-solana - BNB (BNB): https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate-bnb ## What is crypto giving? Crypto giving is a donation of Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, Solana or BNB from your wallet to a charity’s published address. World Aid Network converts every gift to sterling on receipt. We do not hold crypto as an investment. Sterling goes to the Emergency Disaster Fund. This page is the hub. Coin pages hold the wallet addresses. People search “donate crypto to charity” when they want one clear path: which coins, which address, what happens next, and whether tax relief applies. Stay here for that map. Open a coin page only when you are ready to copy an address. Card gifts remain on the donate page if you would rather not use a wallet. Both methods fund real programme costs. We do not claim a 100% donation policy. ## Which cryptocurrencies does World Aid Network accept? We accept Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT on Ethereum mainnet, Solana and BNB. Each coin has its own verified wallet on a separate page. Always copy the address from the page for the coin you are sending. Sending a coin to the wrong network can lose the funds permanently. We do not accept other tokens on those addresses. Bitcoin is not Ethereum. USDT on Tron is not USDT on Ethereum. A BNB Chain token is not Solana. The networks do not share addresses. If you are unsure which asset you hold, stop and check your wallet before you send. We do not publish a new coin here until trustees have a verified wallet for it. Do not send USDC, dogecoin or any other unpublished asset to these addresses. USDT belongs only on Donate USDT — Ethereum mainnet ERC-20. - Bitcoin (BTC): https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate-bitcoin - Ethereum (ETH): https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate-ethereum - USDT (ERC-20 on Ethereum): https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate-usdt - Solana (SOL): https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate-solana - BNB: https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate-bnb ## How do I donate cryptocurrency to charity? Choose Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, Solana or BNB. Open that coin page on this website. Copy the published wallet address. Send only that coin from your wallet or exchange. We convert the gift to sterling on receipt. Email info@worldaidnetwork.org if you need a receipt and can identify the transaction. Do not copy an address from a search result, a screenshot or a message that claims to be us. Only this site and the coin pages are the source. Exchanges sometimes charge a withdrawal fee and may send from a pooled address. That is normal. Large or unusual gifts may need know-your-donor checks before we can thank you by name. ## What happens to my crypto after I donate? As Charity Commission guidance advises, we promptly convert cryptocurrency received into sterling. That protects the gift from later price moves. We do not hold crypto as an investment. Sterling is allocated to the Emergency Disaster Fund for food, water, hygiene kits and shelter. We do not send cash to individuals. Conversion is not instant on every network. A confirmation, a transfer to the conversion rail, and a sterling receipt all take time. The value that funds kits is the sterling amount after conversion, not a later market high. Trustees pay partner hospitals and vetted local relief partners against approved lists. Disaster money does not rebuild houses or run medical clinics. ## Why do you convert crypto to sterling? Charity Commission guidance expects charities that accept crypto to convert it promptly rather than speculate. Holding Bitcoin as an investment would put programme money on the market. Converting to sterling locks the gift at receipt. We can then buy food, water and shelter at partner prices. We do not trade crypto for gain. If the price rises after you send, the extra does not sit in a wallet waiting for a better day. If it falls, we have already converted. That is the point of the policy: a meal does not wait on a chart. The same no-cash rule as every other gift applies after conversion. Partners are paid, not individuals. ## Is a crypto donation tax-efficient in the UK? HMRC can treat a gift of cryptoassets to a qualifying UK charity as no gain, no loss for Capital Gains Tax. World Aid Network’s Charity Commission registration is in progress (application 5290505), so do not assume that relief applies yet. Gift Aid is for gifts of money, not in-kind crypto. Seek independent tax advice. Blog posts that explain HMRC’s Cryptoassets Manual in general terms are not a personal ruling. Your cost, your wallet, and whether we are a qualifying charity on the day you give all matter. When registration is granted we will update this page. Until then, give because you want the Emergency Disaster Fund funded — not because a tax saving is guaranteed. ## Can I claim Gift Aid on a cryptocurrency donation? Not yet, and not as an in-kind crypto gift. Gift Aid is a relief on gifts of money from UK taxpayers. HMRC treats cryptoassets as property. Gift Aid also requires HMRC recognition and donation eligibility; it is not currently available at WAN. If you want Gift Aid later, a sterling card gift on the donate page is the usual path. We will contact donors when Gift Aid becomes claimable for qualifying sterling gifts. Do not add 25% to a crypto amount in your own accounts. Independent advice is essential if tax is why you are giving. We do not act as your tax adviser. ## How is crypto giving different from donating by card? Crypto giving uses a published wallet on a coin page. Card giving uses the donate page. Crypto is converted to sterling, then allocated to the Emergency Disaster Fund. A card gift can be marked for eye surgery, cancer treatment, emergency relief or where most needed. Both are real gifts. Neither is a 100% donation policy. Stay here if you already hold Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, Solana or BNB and want to send it. Use the donate page if you want Apple Pay, Google Pay or a monthly card gift. US-dollar card checkout is the US donate page. Payroll, shares and gifts in wills sit on ways to donate. ## Do I need a crypto giving platform? No. You can send Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, Solana or BNB straight to World Aid Network’s published wallets. You do not need The Giving Block, Engiven or another intermediary for a gift here. Third-party platforms may charge a fee. Always check you are sending to our coin page, not a lookalike. We do not rank those platforms. If you already use one and it lists another charity, give there if that is the gift you want. This page is only for gifts to World Aid Network. Never send crypto to an address a stranger posts in a comment or a direct message claiming to be us. ## What will my crypto donation provide? After conversion to sterling, your gift funds the Emergency Disaster Fund. Typical partner costs include £10 for a week’s drinking water, £25 for a hygiene kit, £50 for two weeks of emergency food, and £100 for temporary shelter materials. Amounts are a guide after conversion, not a Bitcoin price promise. We do not quote how many satoshis buy a tarpaulin. Markets move. The table is what partners typically kit in sterling. Disaster gifts do not rebuild homes or fund medical clinics. We do not invent caseloads. Trustees send converted sterling to the next verified list a partner can deliver. ## Can I donate crypto anonymously? On-chain transfers are pseudonymous, not a way to skip UK charity law. We carry out know-your-donor checks in proportion to the gift. We may decline or return a donation if we cannot establish a legitimate source. We cannot issue Gift Aid receipts for anonymous gifts. Email info@worldaidnetwork.org if you want a named thank-you. Small routine gifts will not usually need a call. Larger or unusual patterns may. That protects the charity and other donors. Do not send crypto as a way to move unexplained funds. We would rather return a gift than take a risk. ## What if I send the wrong coin? Sending a coin to the wrong network’s address can lose the funds permanently. Bitcoin is not Ethereum. USDT on Tron is not USDT on Ethereum. BNB is not Solana. We cannot recover assets sent to the wrong chain. Copy the address only from the matching coin page on this website. If you have already sent the wrong asset, write to info@worldaidnetwork.org with the transaction id. Recovery is often impossible. Do not send a second transaction to “try again” on the same wrong address. If you are new to wallets, a card gift on the donate page is the safer path. There is no shame in that. ## What will a converted gift typically fund? - £10: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £25: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £50: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £100: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £250: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £500: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary ## Frequently asked questions ### Which cryptocurrencies does World Aid Network accept? Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), USDT on Ethereum mainnet (ERC-20), Solana (SOL) and BNB. Each has its own wallet page. Always copy the address from the matching page. ### How do I donate cryptocurrency to charity? Open the coin page on worldaidnetwork.org, copy the published address, and send only that coin. We convert to sterling on receipt. Hub: https://worldaidnetwork.org/crypto-giving ### What happens to the crypto after I donate? We convert it to sterling promptly and allocate it to the Emergency Disaster Fund for food, water, hygiene kits and shelter. We do not hold crypto as an investment. ### Is a crypto donation tax-efficient in the UK? HMRC rules for gifts of cryptoassets to a qualifying charity can include no gain, no loss for CGT. Registration is in progress (application 5290505), so do not assume that applies yet. Seek independent advice. ### Can I claim Gift Aid on a cryptocurrency donation? No. Gift Aid is for eligible gifts of money to HMRC-recognised organisations; it is not currently available at WAN. Cryptoassets are treated as property. See https://worldaidnetwork.org/gift-aid ### Can US donors claim a tax deduction for crypto donations? Generally no. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation, not a US 501(c)(3). Consult a US tax adviser if tax relief matters to you. ### Do you use The Giving Block? You do not need a platform to give here. Send to the wallets on our coin pages. We do not rank third-party crypto giving platforms. ### Where does the sterling go? The Emergency Disaster Fund — food, water, hygiene kits and temporary shelter. Not reconstruction, cash to individuals, or medical clinics. We do not claim a 100% donation policy. ## How you can help Choose a coin at https://worldaidnetwork.org/crypto-giving then send only that asset to the published wallet. Prefer sterling? https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Diabetic Retinopathy Charity | Sight-Saving Care | WAN > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/diabetic-retinopathy-charity > Our diabetic retinopathy charity funds laser therapy, anti-VEGF injections and surgery for patients who cannot pay. See how the Gift of Sight Appeal helps. # Diabetic Retinopathy Charity — Prevent Blindness Before It Is Too Late Pakistan has the world's third-highest number of people with diabetes. Indonesia ranks fifth. Diabetic retinopathy is stealing sight from working-age adults who cannot afford ophthalmic care — but treatment exists. [ Fund sight-saving treatment ](/appeal/gift-of-sight) [ Read about diabetic retinopathy ](/eye-health/diabetic-retinopathy) ✓ Amounts contribute towards care; costs vary✓ Local doctors with visiting specialist support✓ Trustee-approved patient lists What does World Aid Network fund? World Aid Network funds diabetic retinopathy treatment — screening, anti-VEGF injections, laser photocoagulation and vitreoretinal surgery — for patients who cannot afford ophthalmic care in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Treatment is delivered by licensed local vitreoretinal specialists through the Gift of Sight Appeal. Unlike cataracts, diabetic eye disease requires ongoing intervention — screening, injections, laser and sometimes surgery. Without funded care, patients progress from blurred vision to irreversible blindness while still of working age. The Gift of Sight Appeal funds diabetic retinopathy treatment through locally-licensed vitreoretinal specialists at partner hospitals. Your donation covers the procedures that prevent a lifetime of dependency. ## Your donation at work Gifts fund patient care and emergency relief in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. £75 Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary £150 Anti-VEGF injection course preventing progressive vision loss £300 Laser photocoagulation session for proliferative disease £500 Contribution toward vitreoretinal surgery for advanced cases ## Frequently asked questions What is diabetic retinopathy? Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar damages blood vessels in the retina, causing leakage, blockage and abnormal new vessel growth. It is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults globally and is rising fast in Pakistan and Indonesia. Can diabetic eye disease be treated? Yes — with laser photocoagulation, anti-VEGF injections and vitreoretinal surgery. The Gift of Sight Appeal now covers diabetic eye disease treatment alongside cataract surgery within our charitable Objects. Why fund treatment abroad rather than in the UK? World Aid Network funds patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia who cannot afford private ophthalmic care. In the UK, diabetic retinopathy is treated through the NHS. Our programme closes the access gap in low-income communities. ### Related pages [Sponsor a cataract operation](/sponsor-a-cataract-operation)[Blindness charity](/blindness-charity)[Eye surgery programme](/eye-surgery)[Gift of Sight Appeal](/appeal/gift-of-sight) ## Prevent blindness from diabetic eye disease Diabetic retinopathy is treatable when funded early. Your gift covers the procedures that prevent a lifetime of dependency for working-age adults. [ Fund sight-saving treatment ](/appeal/gift-of-sight) [ Read about diabetic retinopathy ](/eye-health/diabetic-retinopathy) £75 funds screening and early laser treatment for one patient. ## How can I help someone access eye care? Understand the care available, explore its costs and see how a donation reaches a treatment partner. - [Give to eye care](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form) About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. Any amount contributes to the Gift of Sight Appeal. - [Sponsor cataract surgery](/sponsor-a-cataract-operation) Learn how to help fund an operation. - [Plan an eye-care gift](/eye-surgery-cost-calculator) Calculate your giving total without assuming a number of operations. - [Where your donation goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and accounted for. - [Sight-restoring eye surgery](/eye-surgery) Explore the eye care programme and treatment pathway. - [Getting help for vision changes](/eye-health/screening-checker) Find guidance on professional eye care and support enquiries. - [Clinicians and hospital enquiries](/eye-care-partners) Review standards, participation and professional introductions. - [Screening locations and availability](/free-eye-screening-camps) Check published schedules and what to ask before attending. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Donate Bitcoin to charity > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate-bitcoin > Last reviewed: 2026-08-24 ## In short Donate Bitcoin to charity here by sending native BTC to the verified wallet on this page. Copy only this Bitcoin address. Do not send Ethereum, Solana, BNB or any other asset to it. We convert Bitcoin to sterling on receipt and do not hold crypto as an investment. Sterling goes to the Emergency Disaster Fund for food, water and shelter. Copy this Bitcoin address and send native BTC only. We convert every gift to sterling on receipt and do not hold crypto as an investment. This page is the Bitcoin wallet. Copy only this address. Only send native Bitcoin (BTC) on the Bitcoin network. Any other asset sent here is usually lost. Other coins and the convert-to-sterling policy: https://worldaidnetwork.org/crypto-giving. Card checkout: https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate. Gift Aid is not claimable yet (Charity Commission application 5290505). ## At a glance - BTC: Native Bitcoin only — Bitcoin network, bech32 address - GBP: Converted to sterling on receipt — we do not hold crypto as an investment - EDF: Emergency Disaster Fund — food, water, hygiene kits and shelter - 5290505: Charity Commission application — Gift Aid not claimable yet ## How to donate Bitcoin to World Aid Network Send native Bitcoin to the wallet published on this page. We convert the gift to sterling for the Emergency Disaster Fund. - Copy this Bitcoin address: Use only the bc1 address on this page — not a search-ad lookalike. - Send native BTC: Bitcoin network only. No Lightning, Bitcoin Cash, wrapped BTC or other tokens. - We convert to sterling: We do not hold Bitcoin as an investment. Sterling funds emergency food, water and shelter. - Optional: ask for a receipt: Email info@worldaidnetwork.org with the transaction id if you need an acknowledgement. ## What is the wallet address? Bitcoin (BTC) on Bitcoin: bc1qy9fntu4ny7qy39mcm76x6q683tglm0n6ma4qrq ## How do I donate Bitcoin to charity? Open this Bitcoin page on worldaidnetwork.org. Copy the published bech32 address that starts with bc1. Send native BTC from your wallet or exchange. We convert the gift to sterling on receipt. Email info@worldaidnetwork.org if you need a receipt and can identify the transaction. Other coins have their own pages. Do not copy a Bitcoin address from a search ad, a screenshot or a message that claims to be us. Only this page is the source for this wallet. Exchanges often charge a BTC withdrawal fee and may send from a pooled address. That is normal. Large or unusual gifts may need know-your-donor checks before we can thank you by name. ## What is the World Aid Network Bitcoin wallet address? The verified Bitcoin address is published in the box on this page. It is a bech32 address that starts with bc1. Copy it with the button rather than typing it. We do not publish a QR from a third-party site. If the address on your screen does not match this page, stop. Do not send. Bitcoin addresses are long on purpose. One wrong character can send the gift to someone we cannot reach. Paste, then check the first and last four characters before you confirm. We will not ask you to send Bitcoin to a new address by email or chat. If someone does, it is not us. ## How do I send Bitcoin from a wallet or exchange? In your wallet or exchange, start a Bitcoin withdrawal. Paste this page’s bc1 address. Choose the Bitcoin network, not Lightning, Bitcoin Cash or a wrapped-BTC token. Enter the amount of BTC. Confirm when the first and last characters match. Wait for Bitcoin confirmations. We convert after we can spend the output. Lightning invoices are not this gift. We have not published a Lightning node. Bitcoin Cash, wrapped BTC on Ethereum and BTCB on BNB Smart Chain are different assets. They will not arrive as this Bitcoin donation. If your exchange lists several BTC networks, pick the native Bitcoin chain. If you are unsure, a card gift on the donate page is safer. ## Can I send anything other than BTC to this address? No. This address accepts native Bitcoin only. Ethereum, ERC-20 tokens, Solana, BNB, USDT, USDC and wrapped BTC sent here are usually lost for good. We cannot recover them. If you hold a different coin, use that coin’s page on this website. Card checkout remains on the donate page. Bitcoin does not share addresses with Ethereum. A 0x address is never this wallet. A Solana address is never this wallet. If you have already sent the wrong asset, write to info@worldaidnetwork.org with the transaction id. Recovery is often impossible. Do not send a second transaction to try again. ## What happens to my Bitcoin after I donate? As Charity Commission guidance advises, we promptly convert Bitcoin received into sterling. That protects the gift from later price moves. We do not hold Bitcoin as an investment. Sterling is allocated to the Emergency Disaster Fund for food, water, hygiene kits and shelter. We do not send cash to individuals. Bitcoin confirmation, a transfer to the conversion rail and a sterling receipt all take time. The value that funds kits is the sterling amount after conversion, not a later market high. Trustees pay vetted local relief partners against approved lists. Disaster money does not rebuild houses or run medical clinics. We do not claim a 100% donation policy. ## What will a Bitcoin donation provide after conversion? After conversion to sterling, your Bitcoin gift funds the Emergency Disaster Fund. Typical partner costs include £10 for a week’s drinking water, £25 for a hygiene kit, £50 for two weeks of emergency food, and £100 for temporary shelter materials. Amounts are a sterling guide after conversion, not a satoshi price promise. We do not quote how many satoshis buy a tarpaulin. Markets move. The table is what partners typically kit in sterling. We do not invent caseloads. Trustees send converted sterling to the next verified list a partner can deliver. ## Is a Bitcoin donation tax-efficient in the UK? HMRC can treat a gift of Bitcoin to a qualifying UK charity as no gain, no loss for Capital Gains Tax. World Aid Network’s registration is in progress (application 5290505), so do not assume that applies yet. Gift Aid is for gifts of money, not in-kind Bitcoin. Seek independent tax advice. The crypto giving hub has the overview. Your cost, your wallet and whether we are a qualifying charity on the day you give all matter. A blog post is not a personal ruling. Give because you want the Emergency Disaster Fund funded — not because a tax saving is guaranteed. ## Can I claim Gift Aid on a Bitcoin donation? Not yet, and not as an in-kind Bitcoin gift. Gift Aid is a relief on gifts of money from UK taxpayers. HMRC treats cryptoassets as property. Gift Aid also requires HMRC recognition and donation eligibility; it is not currently available at WAN. If you want Gift Aid later, a sterling card gift on the donate page is the usual path. Do not add 25% to a Bitcoin amount in your own accounts. We will update the crypto giving hub when Gift Aid becomes claimable for qualifying sterling gifts. We do not act as your tax adviser. ## Can I donate Bitcoin anonymously? On-chain Bitcoin is pseudonymous, not a way to skip UK charity law. We carry out know-your-donor checks in proportion to the gift. We may decline or return a donation if we cannot establish a legitimate source. We cannot issue Gift Aid receipts for anonymous Bitcoin gifts. Email info@worldaidnetwork.org if you want a named thank-you. Small routine gifts will not usually need a call. Larger or unusual patterns may. That protects the charity and other donors. Do not send Bitcoin as a way to move unexplained funds. We would rather return a gift than take a risk. ## How is donating Bitcoin different from donating by card? Bitcoin giving uses this published wallet. Card giving uses the donate page. Bitcoin is converted to sterling, then allocated to the Emergency Disaster Fund. A card gift can be marked for eye surgery, cancer treatment, emergency relief or where most needed. Both are real gifts. Neither is a 100% donation policy. Stay here if you already hold BTC and want to send it. Use the donate page for Apple Pay, Google Pay or a monthly card gift. US-dollar card checkout is the US donate page. Payroll, shares and gifts in wills sit on ways to donate. The crypto giving hub maps every coin we accept. ## Which other coins can I send instead of Bitcoin? If you hold Ethereum, USDT, Solana or BNB, leave this page. Each coin has its own verified wallet. Sending those assets to this Bitcoin address can lose them permanently. The crypto giving hub lists every coin we accept. Card checkout stays on the donate page if you would rather not use a wallet. Bitcoin is not Ethereum. BNB is not Solana. Copy the address only from the matching coin page. ## What will a converted gift typically fund? - £10: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £25: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £50: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £100: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £250: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £500: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary ## Frequently asked questions ### How do I donate Bitcoin to charity? Copy the bc1 address on this page and send native BTC only. We convert to sterling on receipt. Hub: https://worldaidnetwork.org/crypto-giving ### What happens to my Bitcoin after I donate? We convert it to sterling promptly and allocate it to the Emergency Disaster Fund for food, water, hygiene kits and shelter. We do not hold Bitcoin as an investment. ### Can I send Ethereum or USDT to this Bitcoin address? No. Native BTC only. USDT on Ethereum mainnet is https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate-usdt. Other assets sent here are usually lost. Card: https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate ### Is a Bitcoin donation tax-efficient in the UK? HMRC can treat a gift of cryptoassets to a qualifying charity as no gain, no loss for CGT. Registration is in progress (application 5290505), so do not assume that applies yet. Seek independent advice. ### Can I claim Gift Aid on a Bitcoin donation? No. Gift Aid is for eligible gifts of money to HMRC-recognised organisations; it is not currently available at WAN. See https://worldaidnetwork.org/gift-aid ### Can I donate Bitcoin anonymously? Transfers are pseudonymous. We still carry out know-your-donor checks in proportion to the gift and may decline a donation we cannot verify. ## How you can help Copy the Bitcoin address on this page and send native BTC only. We convert the gift to sterling for food, water and shelter. Wallet: https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate-bitcoin. Hub: https://worldaidnetwork.org/crypto-giving. Card: https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Donate BNB to charity > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate-bnb > Last reviewed: 2026-08-24 ## In short Donate BNB to charity here by sending native BNB on BNB Smart Chain to the verified wallet on this page. Copy only this 0x address. Do not send BEP-20 tokens, Ethereum, Bitcoin or Solana. We convert BNB to sterling on receipt. Sterling goes to the Emergency Disaster Fund for food, water and shelter. Gift Aid is not claimable yet. Copy this BNB address and send native BNB on BNB Smart Chain only. We convert every gift to sterling on receipt. This page is the BNB wallet. Copy only this address. Only send native BNB on BNB Smart Chain (BSC). No BEP-20 tokens and no Ethereum mainnet. Other coins and the convert-to-sterling policy: https://worldaidnetwork.org/crypto-giving. Card checkout: https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate. Gift Aid is not claimable yet (Charity Commission application 5290505). ## At a glance - BNB: Native BNB only — BNB Smart Chain, not BEP-20 tokens - GBP: Converted to sterling on receipt — we do not hold crypto as an investment - EDF: Emergency Disaster Fund — food, water, hygiene kits and shelter - 5290505: Charity Commission application — Gift Aid not claimable yet ## How to donate BNB to World Aid Network Send native BNB on BNB Smart Chain to the wallet published on this page. We convert the gift to sterling for the Emergency Disaster Fund. - Copy this BNB address: Use only the 0x address on this page — not a search-ad lookalike. - Select BNB Smart Chain: Send native BNB. No BEP-20 tokens and no Ethereum mainnet. - We convert to sterling: We do not hold BNB as an investment. Sterling funds emergency food, water and shelter. - Optional: ask for a receipt: Email info@worldaidnetwork.org with the transaction id if you need an acknowledgement. ## What is the wallet address? BNB (BNB) on BNB Smart Chain: 0x0D5A1856Aa3E8ee2cCb2B33cE1cdf08Ce4E70bE4 ## How do I donate BNB to charity? Open this BNB page on worldaidnetwork.org. Copy the published 0x address. In Trust Wallet, MetaMask or your exchange, select BNB Smart Chain — not Ethereum mainnet. Send native BNB only. We convert the gift to sterling on receipt. Email info@worldaidnetwork.org if you need a receipt and can identify the transaction. Do not copy a BNB address from a search ad or a chat that claims to be us. Only this page is the source for this wallet. You will pay gas in BNB on BNB Smart Chain. Exchanges may charge a withdrawal fee. Large or unusual gifts may need know-your-donor checks. ## What is the World Aid Network BNB wallet address? The verified BNB address is the 0x address in the box on this page. Copy it with the button. It is for BNB Smart Chain native BNB. The Ethereum page publishes the same 0x string for Ethereum mainnet. Sending on the wrong chain can lose the funds. If the address on your screen does not match this page, stop. Check the first and last four characters after you paste. We will not email you a new BNB address. If someone does, it is not us. A Bitcoin bc1 address is never this wallet. A Solana address is never this wallet. ## How do I send BNB from a wallet or exchange? Start a BNB withdrawal. Paste this 0x address. Choose BNB Smart Chain, sometimes labelled BEP-20 as the network for native BNB — not Ethereum, not opBNB, not a Beacon Chain send to a memo address. Send native BNB, not a token. Confirm when the characters match. We convert after we can spend the BNB. In MetaMask add BNB Smart Chain and switch to it before you send. If the network still says Ethereum, you are about to send on the wrong chain. Binance withdrawals often list ‘BNB Smart Chain (BEP20)’. That can be native BNB on BSC. It is not a licence to send every BEP-20 token. Send BNB only. ## Can I send BEP-20 tokens to this address? No. This address accepts native BNB on BNB Smart Chain only. USDT on BSC is not the USDT we accept. Donate USDT is Ethereum mainnet ERC-20 only. Other BEP-20 tokens and ETH sent on Ethereum mainnet to this 0x string are usually lost. We cannot recover them. If you hold native Ethereum, use Donate Ethereum. Card checkout remains on the donate page. BEP-20 tokens need a contract the receiving wallet can handle. We convert native BNB. We do not operate a token-sweep for every standard. If you have already sent a token or used the wrong chain, write to info@worldaidnetwork.org with the transaction id. Do not send a second transaction to try again. ## What happens to my BNB after I donate? As Charity Commission guidance advises, we promptly convert BNB received into sterling. That protects the gift from later price moves. We do not hold BNB as an investment. Sterling is allocated to the Emergency Disaster Fund for food, water, hygiene kits and shelter. We do not send cash to individuals. Chain confirmation, a transfer to the conversion rail and a sterling receipt all take time. The value that funds kits is the sterling amount after conversion, not a later market high. Trustees pay vetted local relief partners against approved lists. Disaster money does not rebuild houses or run medical clinics. We do not claim a 100% donation policy. ## What will a BNB donation provide after conversion? After conversion to sterling, your BNB gift funds the Emergency Disaster Fund. Typical partner costs include £10 for a week’s drinking water, £25 for a hygiene kit, £50 for two weeks of emergency food, and £100 for temporary shelter materials. Amounts are a sterling guide after conversion, not a BNB price promise. We do not quote how much BNB buys a tarpaulin. Markets move. The table is what partners typically kit in sterling. We do not invent caseloads. Trustees send converted sterling to the next verified list a partner can deliver. ## Is a BNB donation tax-efficient in the UK? HMRC can treat a gift of BNB to a qualifying UK charity as no gain, no loss for Capital Gains Tax. World Aid Network’s registration is in progress (application 5290505), so do not assume that applies yet. Gift Aid is for gifts of money, not in-kind BNB. Seek independent tax advice. The crypto giving hub has the overview. Your cost, your wallet and whether we are a qualifying charity on the day you give all matter. Give because you want the Emergency Disaster Fund funded — not because a tax saving is guaranteed. ## Can I claim Gift Aid on a BNB donation? Not yet, and not as an in-kind BNB gift. Gift Aid is a relief on gifts of money from UK taxpayers. HMRC treats cryptoassets as property. Gift Aid also requires HMRC recognition and donation eligibility; it is not currently available at WAN. If you want Gift Aid later, a sterling card gift on the donate page is the usual path. Do not add 25% to a BNB amount in your own accounts. We will update the crypto giving hub when Gift Aid becomes claimable for qualifying sterling gifts. We do not act as your tax adviser. ## Can I donate BNB anonymously? On-chain BNB is pseudonymous, not a way to skip UK charity law. We carry out know-your-donor checks in proportion to the gift. We may decline or return a donation if we cannot establish a legitimate source. We cannot issue Gift Aid receipts for anonymous BNB gifts. Email info@worldaidnetwork.org if you want a named thank-you. Small routine gifts will not usually need a call. Larger or unusual patterns may. Do not send BNB as a way to move unexplained funds. We would rather return a gift than take a risk. ## How is donating BNB different from donating by card? BNB giving uses this published wallet on BNB Smart Chain. Card giving uses the donate page. BNB is converted to sterling, then allocated to the Emergency Disaster Fund. A card gift can be marked for eye surgery, cancer treatment, emergency relief or where most needed. Both are real gifts. Neither is a 100% donation policy. Stay here if you already hold BNB on BNB Smart Chain. Use the donate page for Apple Pay, Google Pay or a monthly card gift. The crypto giving hub maps every coin we accept. ## Which other coins can I send instead of BNB? If you hold Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT or Solana, leave this page. Each coin has its own verified wallet. Ethereum and USDT use 0x addresses on a different chain from this BNB page. Sending the wrong asset here can lose it permanently. Card checkout stays on the donate page. Open the Ethereum page only when you intend to send native ETH on Ethereum mainnet. Open this page only for native BNB on BNB Smart Chain. ## What will a converted gift typically fund? - £10: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £25: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £50: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £100: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £250: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £500: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary ## Frequently asked questions ### How do I donate BNB to charity? Copy the 0x address on this page, select BNB Smart Chain, and send native BNB only. Hub: https://worldaidnetwork.org/crypto-giving ### Can I send BEP-20 tokens? No. Native BNB on BNB Smart Chain only. Tokens sent here cannot usually be recovered. ### Is this the same address as the Ethereum page? The 0x string can match. The chain does not. This page is BNB Smart Chain. Ethereum is Ethereum mainnet. Wrong chain can mean permanent loss. ### Is a BNB donation tax-efficient in the UK? HMRC can treat a gift of cryptoassets to a qualifying charity as no gain, no loss for CGT. Registration is in progress (application 5290505). Seek independent advice. ### Can I claim Gift Aid on a BNB donation? No. Gift Aid is for eligible gifts of money to HMRC-recognised organisations; it is not currently available at WAN. See https://worldaidnetwork.org/gift-aid ### What happens to my BNB after I donate? We convert it to sterling promptly for the Emergency Disaster Fund — food, water, hygiene kits and shelter. We do not hold BNB as an investment. ## How you can help Copy the BNB address on this page. Select BNB Smart Chain. Send native BNB only. We convert the gift to sterling for food, water and shelter. Wallet: https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate-bnb. Hub: https://worldaidnetwork.org/crypto-giving. Card: https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Donate Ethereum to charity > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate-ethereum > Last reviewed: 2026-08-24 ## In short Donate Ethereum to charity here by sending native ETH on Ethereum mainnet to the verified wallet on this page. Copy only this address. Do not send ERC-20 tokens, Bitcoin, Solana or BNB. We convert Ethereum to sterling on receipt. Sterling goes to the Emergency Disaster Fund for food, water and shelter. Gift Aid is not claimable yet. Copy this Ethereum address and send native ETH on Ethereum mainnet only. We convert every gift to sterling on receipt. This page is the Ethereum wallet. Copy only this address. Only send native ETH on Ethereum mainnet. No ERC-20 tokens and no other chains — including BNB Smart Chain. Other coins and the convert-to-sterling policy: https://worldaidnetwork.org/crypto-giving. Card checkout: https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate. Gift Aid is not claimable yet (Charity Commission application 5290505). ## At a glance - ETH: Native Ether only — Ethereum mainnet, not ERC-20 tokens - GBP: Converted to sterling on receipt — we do not hold crypto as an investment - EDF: Emergency Disaster Fund — food, water, hygiene kits and shelter - 5290505: Charity Commission application — Gift Aid not claimable yet ## How to donate Ethereum to World Aid Network Send native ETH on Ethereum mainnet to the wallet published on this page. We convert the gift to sterling for the Emergency Disaster Fund. - Copy this Ethereum address: Use only the 0x address on this page — not a search-ad lookalike. - Select Ethereum mainnet: Send native ETH. No ERC-20 tokens, L2s or BNB Smart Chain. - We convert to sterling: We do not hold ETH as an investment. Sterling funds emergency food, water and shelter. - Optional: ask for a receipt: Email info@worldaidnetwork.org with the transaction id if you need an acknowledgement. ## What is the wallet address? Ethereum (ETH) on Ethereum mainnet: 0x0D5A1856Aa3E8ee2cCb2B33cE1cdf08Ce4E70bE4 ## How do I donate Ethereum to charity? Open this Ethereum page on worldaidnetwork.org. Copy the published 0x address. In your wallet, select Ethereum mainnet — not Base, Arbitrum, Polygon or BNB Smart Chain. Send native ETH only. We convert the gift to sterling on receipt. Email info@worldaidnetwork.org if you need a receipt and can identify the transaction. Do not copy an Ethereum address from a search ad or a chat that claims to be us. Only this page is the source for this wallet. You will pay gas in ETH. Exchanges may charge a withdrawal fee. Large or unusual gifts may need know-your-donor checks. ## What is the World Aid Network Ethereum wallet address? The verified Ethereum address is the 0x address in the box on this page. Copy it with the button. It is for Ethereum mainnet native ETH. The BNB page publishes the same 0x string for a different chain. Sending on the wrong chain can lose the funds. If the address on your screen does not match this page, stop. Check the first and last four characters after you paste. We will not email you a new Ethereum address. If someone does, it is not us. A Bitcoin bc1 address is never this wallet. A Solana address is never this wallet. ## How do I send Ethereum from a wallet or exchange? Start an ETH withdrawal. Paste this 0x address. Choose Ethereum mainnet, sometimes labelled ERC-20 as the network for native ETH — not BNB Smart Chain, not an L2. Send native ETH, not a token. Confirm when the characters match. Wait for Ethereum confirmations. We convert after we can spend the ether. MetaMask, Rainbow and most exchanges default to a network. Look at the network name before you confirm. Base, Arbitrum, Optimism and Polygon are not this gift. If the exchange only offers ‘BNB Smart Chain’ for this 0x address, do not send. Use the BNB page for BNB, or pick a different withdrawal network for ETH. ## Can I send ERC-20 tokens to this address? No. This address accepts native Ether (ETH) on Ethereum mainnet only. USDT (Tether) has its own wallet on Donate USDT — do not send USDT here. USDC, wrapped ETH, NFTs and any other ERC-20 token sent here cannot usually be recovered. Bitcoin, Solana and BNB sent to this 0x address on the wrong chain are usually lost too. The Donate USDT page is Ethereum mainnet ERC-20 USDT only. It uses a different 0x address from this Ethereum page. Native ETH stays here. If you have already sent a token to this ETH wallet, write to info@worldaidnetwork.org with the transaction id. Do not send a second transaction to try again. ## What happens to my Ethereum after I donate? As Charity Commission guidance advises, we promptly convert Ethereum received into sterling. That protects the gift from later price moves. We do not hold ETH as an investment. Sterling is allocated to the Emergency Disaster Fund for food, water, hygiene kits and shelter. We do not send cash to individuals. Mainnet confirmation, a transfer to the conversion rail and a sterling receipt all take time. The value that funds kits is the sterling amount after conversion, not a later market high. Trustees pay vetted local relief partners against approved lists. Disaster money does not rebuild houses or run medical clinics. We do not claim a 100% donation policy. ## What will an Ethereum donation provide after conversion? After conversion to sterling, your Ethereum gift funds the Emergency Disaster Fund. Typical partner costs include £10 for a week’s drinking water, £25 for a hygiene kit, £50 for two weeks of emergency food, and £100 for temporary shelter materials. Amounts are a sterling guide after conversion, not an ETH price promise. We do not quote how much gwei buys a tarpaulin. Markets move. The table is what partners typically kit in sterling. We do not invent caseloads. Trustees send converted sterling to the next verified list a partner can deliver. ## Is an Ethereum donation tax-efficient in the UK? HMRC can treat a gift of Ethereum to a qualifying UK charity as no gain, no loss for Capital Gains Tax. World Aid Network’s registration is in progress (application 5290505), so do not assume that applies yet. Gift Aid is for gifts of money, not in-kind ETH. Seek independent tax advice. The crypto giving hub has the overview. Your cost, your wallet and whether we are a qualifying charity on the day you give all matter. Give because you want the Emergency Disaster Fund funded — not because a tax saving is guaranteed. ## Can I claim Gift Aid on an Ethereum donation? Not yet, and not as an in-kind Ethereum gift. Gift Aid is a relief on gifts of money from UK taxpayers. HMRC treats cryptoassets as property. Gift Aid also requires HMRC recognition and donation eligibility; it is not currently available at WAN. If you want Gift Aid later, a sterling card gift on the donate page is the usual path. Do not add 25% to an ETH amount in your own accounts. We will update the crypto giving hub when Gift Aid becomes claimable for qualifying sterling gifts. We do not act as your tax adviser. ## Can I donate Ethereum anonymously? On-chain Ethereum is pseudonymous, not a way to skip UK charity law. We carry out know-your-donor checks in proportion to the gift. We may decline or return a donation if we cannot establish a legitimate source. We cannot issue Gift Aid receipts for anonymous Ethereum gifts. Email info@worldaidnetwork.org if you want a named thank-you. Small routine gifts will not usually need a call. Larger or unusual patterns may. Do not send ETH as a way to move unexplained funds. We would rather return a gift than take a risk. ## How is donating Ethereum different from donating by card? Ethereum giving uses this published wallet on Ethereum mainnet. Card giving uses the donate page. ETH is converted to sterling, then allocated to the Emergency Disaster Fund. A card gift can be marked for eye surgery, cancer treatment, emergency relief or where most needed. Both are real gifts. Neither is a 100% donation policy. Stay here if you already hold ETH on mainnet. Use the donate page for Apple Pay, Google Pay or a monthly card gift. The crypto giving hub maps every coin we accept. Ways to donate covers payroll, shares and gifts in wills. ## Which other coins can I send instead of Ethereum? If you hold Bitcoin, USDT, Solana or BNB, leave this page. Each coin has its own verified wallet. USDT on Ethereum mainnet is Donate USDT — a different 0x address. BNB uses a 0x string that can look like this one — it is still a different chain. Sending the wrong asset here can lose it permanently. Card checkout stays on the donate page. Open Donate USDT only when you intend to send Tether (ERC-20) on Ethereum mainnet. Open this page only for native ETH. Open the BNB page only for native BNB on BNB Smart Chain. ## What will a converted gift typically fund? - £10: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £25: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £50: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £100: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £250: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £500: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary ## Frequently asked questions ### How do I donate Ethereum to charity? Copy the 0x address on this page, select Ethereum mainnet, and send native ETH only. Hub: https://worldaidnetwork.org/crypto-giving ### Can I donate ERC-20 tokens? Not to this address. Native ETH only. USDT (ERC-20 on Ethereum mainnet) is https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate-usdt. Other tokens sent here cannot usually be recovered. ### Is this the same address as the BNB page? The 0x string can match. The chain does not. This page is Ethereum mainnet. BNB is BNB Smart Chain. Wrong chain can mean permanent loss. ### Is an Ethereum donation tax-efficient in the UK? HMRC can treat a gift of cryptoassets to a qualifying charity as no gain, no loss for CGT. Registration is in progress (application 5290505). Seek independent advice. ### Can I claim Gift Aid on an Ethereum donation? No. Gift Aid is for eligible gifts of money to HMRC-recognised organisations; it is not currently available at WAN. See https://worldaidnetwork.org/gift-aid ### What happens to my Ethereum after I donate? We convert it to sterling promptly for the Emergency Disaster Fund — food, water, hygiene kits and shelter. We do not hold ETH as an investment. ## How you can help Copy the Ethereum address on this page. Select Ethereum mainnet. Send native ETH only. We convert the gift to sterling for food, water and shelter. Wallet: https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate-ethereum. Hub: https://worldaidnetwork.org/crypto-giving. Card: https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Donate Shares to Charity | Share Giving UK | WAN > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate-shares > Giving listed shares to charity can relieve both capital gains and income tax in the UK. See how share giving to World Aid Network works. Learn more. # Donate shares — the double tax-saving way to give Share gifts to recognised UK charities are tax-efficient: Income Tax relief on their full value and no Capital Gains Tax. These reliefs do not apply to gifts to World Aid Network while its CIO registration application is pending; talk to us about a larger gift instead. [ Talk to us about a gift of shares ](/contact?subject=major-gift) [ Give by card today ](/donate#donate-form) ✓ CIO registration application in progress✓ Gifts fund patient care and reliefGift Aid not currently available Is donating shares tax-efficient? In the UK, donating shares to charity is one of the most tax-efficient ways to give. When you gift qualifying shares, you can claim Income Tax relief on their full value and pay no Capital Gains Tax on any gain — a double tax saving that cash donations do not offer. These reliefs do not apply to gifts to World Aid Network yet. When you sell shares that have grown in value, you may owe Capital Gains Tax on the profit. But if you **give those shares directly to charity** instead, you pay no Capital Gains Tax at all — and you can also deduct their full market value from your taxable income, giving Income Tax relief at your marginal rate. This double saving makes share giving especially powerful for donors holding investments that have appreciated. Qualifying investments include shares listed on a recognised stock exchange, authorised unit trusts and OEICs. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration, so share-gift tax reliefs do not apply to a gift to us now. If you would like to talk about a gift of shares or another larger gift, [contact us](/contact?subject=major-gift). Tax treatment depends on your circumstances — for larger gifts, take professional advice. ## The double tax saving on share gifts Income Tax relief plus no Capital Gains Tax Income Tax Relief on the full value of qualifying shares given to a recognised charity 0% CGT No Capital Gains Tax on share gifts to recognised charities Qualifying Listed shares, unit trusts and OEICs typically qualify for relief Direct Transfer shares to the charity rather than selling them first ## Frequently asked questions Is donating shares to charity tax-efficient? Yes — in the UK, giving shares to charity is one of the most tax-efficient ways to give. When you donate qualifying shares, you can claim Income Tax relief on their full value, and you also pay no Capital Gains Tax on any gain — a double tax saving that giving cash does not offer. Which shares qualify for tax relief? Income Tax relief on share gifts applies to 'qualifying investments', which include shares listed on a recognised stock exchange (in the UK or overseas), units in authorised unit trusts, open-ended investment company (OEIC) shares, and some other investments. Your accountant or the charity can confirm whether a particular holding qualifies. How much tax could I save by donating shares? You can deduct the full market value of the shares (on the day of the gift) from your taxable income, giving Income Tax relief at your marginal rate, and you avoid any Capital Gains Tax that would have been due if you had sold them. For larger or highly-appreciated holdings, this can make share giving substantially more efficient than donating cash. How do I donate shares to charity? You transfer the shares directly to the charity (rather than selling them first), and the charity provides documentation confirming the gift, which you use to claim Income Tax relief through your Self Assessment tax return. It is sensible to speak to the charity and, for larger gifts, your accountant before transferring. Can I donate shares to World Aid Network? World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration. The tax reliefs on share gifts apply only to recognised charities, so they do not apply to a gift to us now. If you are thinking about a gift of shares or another larger gift, contact us through our contact form and we will talk it through. Card donations are open today. ### Related pages [Gift Aid](/gift-aid)[Leave a gift in your will](/legacy-giving)[Payroll giving](/payroll-giving)[Ways to donate](/ways-to-donate) ## Thinking about a gift of shares or a larger gift? Talk to us first. Share-gift tax reliefs do not apply to World Aid Network while our CIO registration application is pending, so we will explain what is possible now. You can also give by card today. [ Talk to us about a gift of shares ](/contact?subject=major-gift) [ Give by card today ](/donate#donate-form) Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances; for larger gifts, speak to your accountant. ## Make an informed donation Check what the organisation offers, understand the conditions and choose a way to give that suits you. - [Compare ways to donate](/ways-to-donate) Card giving, monthly gifts and other routes, with current availability. - [Gift Aid eligibility explained](/gift-aid) Understand donor conditions and the current status at WAN. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and how estimates differ from results. - [Check our registration status](/about/registration-status) Distinguish the application reference from a registered charity number. - [Practical donor resources](/donor-resources) Find answers, useful tools and giving options. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Donate Solana to charity > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate-solana > Last reviewed: 2026-08-24 ## In short Donate Solana to charity here by sending native SOL on Solana mainnet to the verified wallet on this page. Copy only this Solana address. Do not send SPL tokens, Bitcoin, Ethereum or BNB. We convert Solana to sterling on receipt. Sterling goes to the Emergency Disaster Fund for food, water and shelter. Gift Aid is not claimable yet. Copy this Solana address and send native SOL on Solana mainnet only. We convert every gift to sterling on receipt. This page is the Solana wallet. Copy only this address. Only send native SOL on Solana mainnet. Do not send SPL tokens or SOL on any other network. Other coins and the convert-to-sterling policy: https://worldaidnetwork.org/crypto-giving. Card checkout: https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate. Gift Aid is not claimable yet (Charity Commission application 5290505). ## At a glance - SOL: Native Solana only — Solana mainnet, not SPL tokens - GBP: Converted to sterling on receipt — we do not hold crypto as an investment - EDF: Emergency Disaster Fund — food, water, hygiene kits and shelter - 5290505: Charity Commission application — Gift Aid not claimable yet ## How to donate Solana to World Aid Network Send native SOL on Solana mainnet to the wallet published on this page. We convert the gift to sterling for the Emergency Disaster Fund. - Copy this Solana address: Use only the base58 address on this page — not a search-ad lookalike. - Send native SOL: Solana mainnet only. No SPL tokens, memos we did not publish, or other networks. - We convert to sterling: We do not hold SOL as an investment. Sterling funds emergency food, water and shelter. - Optional: ask for a receipt: Email info@worldaidnetwork.org with the transaction id if you need an acknowledgement. ## What is the wallet address? Solana (SOL) on Solana mainnet: 7C5KPQazAynHhbCMqR56dKFJqZrFJvHUxbQSGMEJcDV5 ## How do I donate Solana to charity? Open this Solana page on worldaidnetwork.org. Copy the published base58 address. In Phantom, Solflare or your exchange, select Solana mainnet. Send native SOL only. We convert the gift to sterling on receipt. Email info@worldaidnetwork.org if you need a receipt and can identify the transaction. Other coins have their own pages. Do not copy a Solana address from a search ad or a chat that claims to be us. Only this page is the source for this wallet. Solana fees are paid in SOL. Exchanges may still charge a withdrawal fee. Large or unusual gifts may need know-your-donor checks. ## What is the World Aid Network Solana wallet address? The verified Solana address is the base58 string in the box on this page. It does not start with bc1 or 0x. Copy it with the button rather than typing it. If the address on your screen does not match this page, stop. Do not send. We will not email you a new Solana address. Check the first and last four characters after you paste. Solana addresses are case-sensitive. A Bitcoin or Ethereum address pasted into a Solana withdrawal will not be this gift. The wallet should reject it. If it does not, cancel. ## How do I send Solana from a wallet or exchange? Start a SOL withdrawal. Paste this page’s address. Choose Solana mainnet, not Devnet or a bridge. Send native SOL, not an SPL token. Confirm when the characters match. Solana usually confirms quickly. We convert after we can spend the SOL. We do not publish a memo — if your exchange requires one, send from a self-custody wallet. Some exchanges ask for a memo or tag. We have not published a memo. If the exchange will not withdraw without one, use a self-custody wallet such as Phantom and send from there, or give by card instead. If you are new to Solana wallets, the donate page is the safer path. ## Can I send SPL tokens to this address? No. This address accepts native SOL on Solana mainnet only. USDC on Solana, other SPL tokens, NFTs and assets from Bitcoin, Ethereum or BNB Smart Chain sent here are usually lost. We cannot recover them. If you hold a different coin, use that coin’s page. Card checkout remains on the donate page. SPL tokens sit in associated token accounts. A charity wallet set up for native SOL is not a promise we can sweep every mint. If you have already sent an SPL token, write to info@worldaidnetwork.org with the transaction id. Do not send a second transaction to try again. ## What happens to my Solana after I donate? As Charity Commission guidance advises, we promptly convert Solana received into sterling. That protects the gift from later price moves. We do not hold SOL as an investment. Sterling is allocated to the Emergency Disaster Fund for food, water, hygiene kits and shelter. We do not send cash to individuals. A fast confirmation is not the same as converted sterling. The value that funds kits is the sterling amount after conversion, not a later market high. Trustees pay vetted local relief partners against approved lists. Disaster money does not rebuild houses or run medical clinics. We do not claim a 100% donation policy. ## What will a Solana donation provide after conversion? After conversion to sterling, your Solana gift funds the Emergency Disaster Fund. Typical partner costs include £10 for a week’s drinking water, £25 for a hygiene kit, £50 for two weeks of emergency food, and £100 for temporary shelter materials. Amounts are a sterling guide after conversion, not a SOL price promise. We do not quote how much SOL buys a tarpaulin. Markets move. The table is what partners typically kit in sterling. We do not invent caseloads. Trustees send converted sterling to the next verified list a partner can deliver. ## Is a Solana donation tax-efficient in the UK? HMRC can treat a gift of Solana to a qualifying UK charity as no gain, no loss for Capital Gains Tax. World Aid Network’s registration is in progress (application 5290505), so do not assume that applies yet. Gift Aid is for gifts of money, not in-kind SOL. Seek independent tax advice. The crypto giving hub has the overview. Your cost, your wallet and whether we are a qualifying charity on the day you give all matter. Give because you want the Emergency Disaster Fund funded — not because a tax saving is guaranteed. ## Can I claim Gift Aid on a Solana donation? Not yet, and not as an in-kind Solana gift. Gift Aid is a relief on gifts of money from UK taxpayers. HMRC treats cryptoassets as property. Gift Aid also requires HMRC recognition and donation eligibility; it is not currently available at WAN. If you want Gift Aid later, a sterling card gift on the donate page is the usual path. Do not add 25% to a SOL amount in your own accounts. We will update the crypto giving hub when Gift Aid becomes claimable for qualifying sterling gifts. We do not act as your tax adviser. ## Can I donate Solana anonymously? On-chain Solana is pseudonymous, not a way to skip UK charity law. We carry out know-your-donor checks in proportion to the gift. We may decline or return a donation if we cannot establish a legitimate source. We cannot issue Gift Aid receipts for anonymous Solana gifts. Email info@worldaidnetwork.org if you want a named thank-you. Small routine gifts will not usually need a call. Larger or unusual patterns may. Do not send SOL as a way to move unexplained funds. We would rather return a gift than take a risk. ## How is donating Solana different from donating by card? Solana giving uses this published wallet on Solana mainnet. Card giving uses the donate page. SOL is converted to sterling, then allocated to the Emergency Disaster Fund. A card gift can be marked for eye surgery, cancer treatment, emergency relief or where most needed. Both are real gifts. Neither is a 100% donation policy. Stay here if you already hold SOL. Use the donate page for Apple Pay, Google Pay or a monthly card gift. The crypto giving hub maps every coin we accept. ## Which other coins can I send instead of Solana? If you hold Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT or BNB, leave this page. Each coin has its own verified wallet. Sending those assets to this Solana address can lose them permanently. The crypto giving hub lists every coin we accept. Card checkout stays on the donate page if you would rather not use a wallet. Solana addresses are not 0x addresses and not bc1 addresses. Copy only from the matching coin page. ## What will a converted gift typically fund? - £10: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £25: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £50: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £100: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £250: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £500: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary ## Frequently asked questions ### How do I donate Solana to charity? Copy the Solana address on this page and send native SOL on Solana mainnet only. Hub: https://worldaidnetwork.org/crypto-giving ### Can I send SPL tokens or USDC on Solana? No. Native SOL only. Other mints sent here are usually lost. ### Do you need a memo or destination tag? No. We have not published a memo. If your exchange requires one, send from a self-custody wallet or give by card instead. ### Is a Solana donation tax-efficient in the UK? HMRC can treat a gift of cryptoassets to a qualifying charity as no gain, no loss for CGT. Registration is in progress (application 5290505). Seek independent advice. ### Can I claim Gift Aid on a Solana donation? No. Gift Aid is for eligible gifts of money to HMRC-recognised organisations; it is not currently available at WAN. See https://worldaidnetwork.org/gift-aid ### What happens to my Solana after I donate? We convert it to sterling promptly for the Emergency Disaster Fund — food, water, hygiene kits and shelter. We do not hold SOL as an investment. ## How you can help Copy the Solana address on this page and send native SOL on Solana mainnet only. We convert the gift to sterling for food, water and shelter. Wallet: https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate-solana. Hub: https://worldaidnetwork.org/crypto-giving. Card: https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Donate USDT to charity > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate-usdt > Last reviewed: 2026-08-24 ## In short Donate USDT to charity here by sending Tether on Ethereum mainnet only — the ERC-20 token, not Tron or BNB Chain. World Aid Network publishes the verified wallet on this page. Copy that 0x address. We convert USDT to sterling on receipt for emergency food, water and shelter. Gift Aid is not claimable yet. Copy this Ethereum address and send USDT (ERC-20) on Ethereum mainnet only. We convert every gift to sterling on receipt. This page is the USDT wallet. Copy only this address. Only send USDT (ERC-20) on Ethereum mainnet. Do not send native ETH, USDT on Tron, BNB Smart Chain, Solana, Arbitrum, Polygon or any other token. Other coins and the convert-to-sterling policy: https://worldaidnetwork.org/crypto-giving. Card checkout: https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate. Gift Aid is not claimable yet (Charity Commission application 5290505). ## At a glance - USDT: Tether ERC-20 only — Ethereum mainnet, not Tron or BNB Chain - GBP: Converted to sterling on receipt — we do not hold crypto as an investment - EDF: Emergency Disaster Fund — food, water, hygiene kits and shelter - 5290505: Charity Commission application — Gift Aid not claimable yet ## How to donate USDT to World Aid Network Send USDT (ERC-20) on Ethereum mainnet to the wallet published on this page. We convert the gift to sterling for the Emergency Disaster Fund. - Copy this USDT address: Use only the 0x address or QR on this page — not a search-ad lookalike. - Select Ethereum mainnet: Send USDT (ERC-20) only. No Tron, BNB Smart Chain, Solana, L2s or native ETH. - We convert to sterling: We do not hold USDT as an investment. Sterling funds emergency food, water and shelter. - Optional: ask for a receipt: Email info@worldaidnetwork.org with the transaction id if you need an acknowledgement. ## What is the wallet address? USDT (USDT) on Ethereum mainnet: 0x41C32A9AD7B8a855E9595d1B4e053f0428F01307 ## How do I donate USDT to charity? Open this Donate USDT page on worldaidnetwork.org. Copy the published 0x address or scan the QR on this page. In your wallet, select Ethereum mainnet and the USDT token — not Tron (TRC-20), BNB Smart Chain, Solana or an L2. Send USDT only. We convert the gift to sterling on receipt. Email info@worldaidnetwork.org if you need a receipt and can identify the transaction. Do not copy a USDT address from a search ad or a chat that claims to be us. Only this page is the source for this wallet. You will pay gas in ETH to move ERC-20 USDT. Exchanges may charge a withdrawal fee. Large or unusual gifts may need know-your-donor checks. ## What is the World Aid Network USDT wallet address? The verified USDT address is the 0x address in the box on this page. Copy it with the button, or scan the QR published here. It is for Tether (USDT) on Ethereum mainnet only. Donate Ethereum uses a different 0x address for native ETH. If the address on your screen does not match this page, stop. Check the first and last four characters after you paste. We will not email you a new USDT address. If someone does, it is not us. A Bitcoin bc1 address is never this wallet. A Solana address is never this wallet. A Tron T-address is never this wallet. ## How do I send USDT from a wallet or exchange? Start a USDT withdrawal. Paste this 0x address. Choose Ethereum as the network — often labelled ERC-20. Select the official Tether token, not a lookalike ticker. Confirm when the characters match this page. Wait for Ethereum confirmations. We convert after we can spend the USDT. In MetaMask, switch to Ethereum mainnet, then send USDT. Base, Arbitrum, Optimism and Polygon are not this gift. Tron (TRC-20) is not this gift. If the exchange only offers Tron, BNB Smart Chain or Solana for USDT, do not send to this address. Wrong network usually means permanent loss. ## Can I send USDT on Tron, BNB Smart Chain or Solana? No. This address accepts USDT (ERC-20) on Ethereum mainnet only. USDT on Tron (TRC-20), BNB Smart Chain, Solana, Arbitrum, Polygon or any other chain sent here is usually lost. Native ETH belongs on Donate Ethereum — a different wallet. Bitcoin, Solana and BNB sent here are usually lost too. Tether exists on many networks. Only Ethereum mainnet ERC-20 matches this page. We cannot recover a send on the wrong chain. If you have already sent the wrong asset or used the wrong network, write to info@worldaidnetwork.org with the transaction id. Do not send a second transaction to try again. ## Is this the same wallet as Donate Ethereum? No. Donate Ethereum is native ETH on a different 0x address. This page is USDT (ERC-20) only. Sending native ETH here, or USDT to Donate Ethereum, can lose the gift or send it to the wrong wallet. Copy only from the page for the asset you hold. Both pages use Ethereum mainnet. The asset and the address still differ. Check the ticker in your wallet before you confirm. ## What happens to my USDT after I donate? As Charity Commission guidance advises, we promptly convert USDT received into sterling. That protects the gift from later price moves. We do not hold USDT as an investment. Sterling is allocated to the Emergency Disaster Fund for food, water, hygiene kits and shelter. We do not send cash to individuals. Mainnet confirmation, a transfer to the conversion rail and a sterling receipt all take time. The value that funds kits is the sterling amount after conversion. Trustees pay vetted local relief partners against approved lists. Disaster money does not rebuild houses or run medical clinics. We do not claim a 100% donation policy. ## What will a USDT donation provide after conversion? After conversion to sterling, your USDT gift funds the Emergency Disaster Fund. Typical partner costs include £10 for a week’s drinking water, £25 for a hygiene kit, £50 for two weeks of emergency food, and £100 for temporary shelter materials. Amounts are a sterling guide after conversion, not a USDT price promise. We do not quote how many tokens buy a tarpaulin. Markets move. The table is what partners typically kit in sterling. We do not invent caseloads. Trustees send converted sterling to the next verified list a partner can deliver. ## Is a USDT donation tax-efficient in the UK? HMRC can treat a gift of cryptoassets to a qualifying UK charity as no gain, no loss for Capital Gains Tax. World Aid Network’s registration is in progress (application 5290505), so do not assume that applies yet. Gift Aid is for gifts of money, not in-kind USDT. Seek independent tax advice. The crypto giving hub has the overview. Your cost, your wallet and whether we are a qualifying charity on the day you give all matter. Give because you want the Emergency Disaster Fund funded — not because a tax saving is guaranteed. ## Can I claim Gift Aid on a USDT donation? Not yet, and not as an in-kind USDT gift. Gift Aid is a relief on gifts of money from UK taxpayers. HMRC treats cryptoassets as property. Gift Aid also requires HMRC recognition and donation eligibility; it is not currently available at WAN. If you want Gift Aid later, a sterling card gift on the donate page is the usual path. Do not add 25% to a USDT amount in your own accounts. We will update the crypto giving hub when Gift Aid becomes claimable for qualifying sterling gifts. We do not act as your tax adviser. ## Can I donate USDT anonymously? On-chain USDT is pseudonymous, not a way to skip UK charity law. We carry out know-your-donor checks in proportion to the gift. We may decline or return a donation if we cannot establish a legitimate source. We cannot issue Gift Aid receipts for anonymous USDT gifts. Email info@worldaidnetwork.org if you want a named thank-you. Small routine gifts will not usually need a call. Larger or unusual patterns may. Do not send USDT as a way to move unexplained funds. We would rather return a gift than take a risk. ## How is donating USDT different from donating by card? USDT giving uses this published wallet on Ethereum mainnet. Card giving uses the donate page. USDT is converted to sterling, then allocated to the Emergency Disaster Fund. A card gift can be marked for eye surgery, cancer treatment, emergency relief or where most needed. Both are real gifts. Neither is a 100% donation policy. Stay here if you already hold USDT on Ethereum mainnet. Use the donate page for Apple Pay, Google Pay or a monthly card gift. The crypto giving hub maps every coin we accept. Ways to donate covers payroll, shares and gifts in wills. ## Which other coins can I send instead of USDT? If you hold native Ethereum, Bitcoin, Solana or BNB, leave this page. Each coin has its own verified wallet. Donate Ethereum is native ETH — a different 0x address from this USDT wallet. Sending the wrong asset here can lose it permanently. Card checkout stays on the donate page. Open Donate Ethereum only when you intend to send native ETH. Open this page only for USDT (ERC-20) on Ethereum mainnet. ## What will a converted gift typically fund? - £10: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £25: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £50: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £100: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £250: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £500: Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary ## Frequently asked questions ### How do I donate USDT to charity? Copy the 0x address on this page, select Ethereum mainnet, and send USDT (ERC-20) only. Hub: https://worldaidnetwork.org/crypto-giving ### Can I send USDT on Tron or BNB Smart Chain? No. Ethereum mainnet ERC-20 only. USDT on Tron, BNB Chain or Solana sent here is usually lost. ### Is this the same address as Donate Ethereum? No. Native ETH uses a different 0x address on https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate-ethereum. This page is USDT only. ### Is a USDT donation tax-efficient in the UK? HMRC can treat a gift of cryptoassets to a qualifying charity as no gain, no loss for CGT. Registration is in progress (application 5290505). Seek independent advice. ### Can I claim Gift Aid on a USDT donation? No. Gift Aid is for eligible gifts of money to HMRC-recognised organisations; it is not currently available at WAN. See https://worldaidnetwork.org/gift-aid ### What happens to my USDT after I donate? We convert it to sterling promptly for the Emergency Disaster Fund — food, water, hygiene kits and shelter. We do not hold USDT as an investment. ## How you can help Copy the USDT address on this page. Select Ethereum mainnet. Send USDT (ERC-20) only. We convert the gift to sterling for food, water and shelter. Wallet: https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate-usdt. Hub: https://worldaidnetwork.org/crypto-giving. Card: https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Donate to charity > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate > Last reviewed: 2026-09-12 ## In short Choose eye surgery, cancer treatment, emergency relief or where most needed, then give once or monthly by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Your gift is paid to partner hospitals and local relief partners in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia, never as cash to individuals. About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. Actual costs vary. Fund cataract surgery, cancer treatment and emergency food, water and shelter in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate. US-dollar gifts: https://worldaidnetwork.org/give. Other methods: https://worldaidnetwork.org/ways-to-donate. ## At a glance - Around £200: Planning estimate for cataract surgery; actual costs vary - Your choice: Choose the programme your donation supports - 3 programmes: Eye surgery, cancer treatment and emergency relief - Reporting: Read the current appeal reporting status ## How to donate to charity Donate to charity with World Aid Network to fund cataract surgery, cancer treatment or emergency food, water and shelter. - Choose a cause: Pick eye surgery, cancer treatment, emergency relief, or where most needed on this page. - Choose an amount: Give once or every month. Suggested amounts are contributions to the programme you choose. - Complete the form: Fill in the donation form on this page. You will receive an email receipt. - Optional: other methods: Payroll, crypto, shares and gifts in wills are listed at worldaidnetwork.org/ways-to-donate. ## How do I donate to charity here? Use the form on this page. Choose a cause, choose an amount, and give once or every month. You will receive an email receipt. Payroll, cryptocurrency and gifts in wills sit on ways to donate. US-dollar checkout is the US donate page. This is the checkout. Named appeals, programme hubs and other methods sit one click away if you want more detail first. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks. ## What will my donation to charity provide? About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation; actual costs vary by patient and hospital. Other suggested amounts are contributions to the programme you choose, not fixed prices. Disaster gifts buy food, clean water, hygiene kits and shelter. Choose Eye Surgery if you want a sight-restoring operation. Choose Cancer Treatment for all types of cancer at partner hospitals — not laboratory research and not UK NHS care. Choose Emergency Relief for food, water and shelter after a flood, earthquake or tsunami. Where Most Needed lets trustees send an unrestricted gift to the most urgent programme that week. ## Which causes can I donate to? You can donate to charity for eye surgery, cancer treatment, emergency relief, or where most needed. Cancer gifts fund all types of cancer. Disaster gifts are food, water, hygiene kits and shelter only. This page is the general checkout. If you want a named campaign, open the Humanitarian Appeal, Crisis Appeal, Disasters Emergency Relief, the Gift of Sight Appeal, the Cancer Emergency Appeal, the Indonesia Emergency Appeal or the Pakistan Floods Appeal. Those pages mark the gift. This page is the general donate-to-charity checkout. We do not operate hospitals or fly our own clinical teams. Licensed partner clinicians deliver care. Local relief partners buy food, water and shelter nearby. We do not send cash to individuals. - Eye surgery: sight-restoring cataract operations for patients who cannot pay. - Cancer treatment: all types of cancer at partner hospitals — not research, not NHS care. - Emergency relief: food, clean water, hygiene kits and shelter. No reconstruction, cash grants or medical clinics. - Where most needed: unrestricted gift; trustees send it to the most urgent programme. ## Can I donate to charity every month? Yes. Choose monthly on the form. A regular gift helps trustees plan surgical lists and keep emergency kits ready between headlines. You can cancel future payments at any time. One-off gifts are welcome too. Monthly giving is explained in more depth on the monthly giving page. Start here if you already know you want to give. Gift Aid is not currently available on monthly or one-off gifts to World Aid Network. ## Where does my charity donation go? Gifts pay partner hospitals and vetted local relief partners against trustee-approved lists. We do not send cash to individuals. We do not claim a 100% donation policy. Restricted gifts stay with the cause you pick. Read how we work if you want the grant path in full. Restricted gifts stay with the cause you pick: eye surgery, cancer treatment or emergency relief. Unrestricted gifts (Where Most Needed) can move to the most urgent programme. Disaster money does not rebuild houses, fund livelihoods, or pay for medical clinics. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (Charity Commission application 5290505). ICO reference ZC156579. We will publish a registered charity number only once one is issued. ## Is World Aid Network a registered charity? World Aid Network is a charitable organisation applying for CIO registration in England and Wales. Charity Commission registration is in progress (application 5290505). Do not assume a Gift Aid top-up is currently available; eligibility and required records must be confirmed. The registration status page has the live wording. You can donate to charity on this page now. Gift Aid is not currently available. Any future declaration process will be explained only once the necessary recognition and eligibility conditions are met. Do not wait for a charity number if you want to fund treatment or relief today. ## How else can I give besides this page? This page is for a donation to charity today. Payroll giving, cryptocurrency, donated shares, gifts in wills, in-memory tributes and fundraising are on ways to donate. US-dollar gifts are on the US donate page. Suggested amounts contribute to the selected programme; they do not guarantee a particular kit, treatment or outcome. If you want to leave a gift in your will, use the legacy giving page and provide for your family first. If you want to give Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency, start at crypto giving. Suggested amounts contribute to the selected programme; they do not guarantee a particular kit, treatment or outcome. ## What will a donation provide? - £10: Contribution towards your selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £25: Contribution towards your selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £50: Contribution towards your selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £100: Contribution towards your selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £200: Contribution towards your selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary - £250: Contribution towards your selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary ## Related pages - Ways to donate — Payroll, crypto, shares, legacy, in-memory and more. https://worldaidnetwork.org/ways-to-donate - Charity lottery UK — We do not run a lottery. Tickets are gambling, not gifts. https://worldaidnetwork.org/charity-lottery - Crypto giving — Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, Solana and BNB. Converted to sterling for emergency food, water and shelter. https://worldaidnetwork.org/crypto-giving - Monthly giving — A regular gift helps plan surgery lists and relief kits. https://worldaidnetwork.org/monthly-giving - Gift Aid — Current Gift Aid status and eligibility requirements. https://worldaidnetwork.org/gift-aid - Best charities to donate to — We do not rank. Check filings, then give if the mandate matches. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/best-charities-to-donate-to - Best charity for cancer — We do not rank. Donate if treatment access matches. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/best-charity-for-cancer - Children's charity donation — Help children — cataract, childhood cancer or emergency relief. Not a named-child scheme. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/childrens-charity-donation - Sponsor a child — Sponsor a child’s cataract, cancer treatment or food and water — not a letter scheme. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/sponsor-a-child - Cataract charity UK — A guide to giving for cataract surgery. Not listed on /appeal. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/cataract-charity-uk - Gift of Sight Appeal — Sight-restoring cataract surgery for patients who cannot pay. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/gift-of-sight - Cancer Emergency Appeal — Treatment for all types of cancer — not research. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency - Humanitarian Appeal — Standing fund — food, water, hygiene kits and shelter in a humanitarian emergency. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/humanitarian-appeal - Crisis Appeal — Standing fund — food, water, hygiene kits and shelter when a crisis hits. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/crisis-appeal - Disasters Emergency Relief — Standing fund — food, water, hygiene kits and shelter after disaster. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/disasters-emergency-relief - Emergency relief — Food, water and shelter after disaster. https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief - What is emergency aid? — How emergency aid works — food, water, hygiene kits and shelter. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/emergency-aid - Clean Water Charity — Water charity — emergency drinking water, not wells. https://worldaidnetwork.org/clean-water-charity - Legacy giving — Leave a gift in your will. How-to: UK will-writing guide. https://worldaidnetwork.org/legacy-giving - How to make a will UK — Seven steps, witnessing, executors and intestacy. Not legal advice. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/making-a-will-legacy-giving-uk-guide - How we work — Grants to partners, not cash to individuals. https://worldaidnetwork.org/how-we-work - Registration status — Charity Commission application 5290505. https://worldaidnetwork.org/about/registration-status - Donate in US dollars — USD checkout. Not a 501(c)(3). https://worldaidnetwork.org/give - Charity virtual gifts — Dedicate a donation in someone’s name. Email a name for a digital card. https://worldaidnetwork.org/charity-virtual-gifts - Giving Tuesday 2026 — Tuesday 1 December. Donate here. Not an official Giving Tuesday partner. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/giving-tuesday-2026-uk-charity-guide - Christmas Appeal — Give at Christmas to eye surgery, cancer treatment or relief. Not listed on /appeal. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/christmas-appeal - Muslim charity & Christian charity — Secular UK charity. Donors of every faith are welcome. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/charity-for-humanity-beyond-faith-labels - Digital Shoebox Appeal — Suggested amounts contribute to the selected programme; they do not guarantee a particular kit, treatment or outcome. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/digital-shoebox-appeal ## Frequently asked questions ### How do I donate to charity with World Aid Network? Use the form on this page. Choose a cause and amount, then give once or monthly. To give in US dollars, use worldaidnetwork.org/give. Other methods are listed at worldaidnetwork.org/ways-to-donate. ### Is this the pound checkout? Yes. This page is the pound checkout. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks (application 5290505). To give in US dollars, use worldaidnetwork.org/give. ### Can I give in US dollars? Yes. Use this page for pounds, or worldaidnetwork.org/give for US dollars. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation, not a US 501(c)(3), so gifts are generally not tax-deductible there. ### Is Gift Aid available yet? Not yet. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation with a CIO registration application in progress (application 5290505). Eligibility and required records must be confirmed before any Gift Aid claim. See worldaidnetwork.org/gift-aid and worldaidnetwork.org/about/registration-status. ### Where does my donation go? Funds pay partner hospitals and vetted local relief partners against trustee-approved lists — never as cash to individuals. Programmes are eye surgery, cancer treatment, and emergency food, water and shelter. ### Do you send 100% of donations overseas? No. World Aid Network does not claim a 100% donation policy. Gifts on this page fund programme costs at partner hospitals and local partners. How grants are released is explained at worldaidnetwork.org/how-we-work. ### Can I donate to cancer treatment or eye surgery? Yes. Choose Cancer Treatment or Eye Surgery on the form. Cancer gifts fund all types of cancer, not research and not NHS care. Named pages: worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency and worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/gift-of-sight. ### Can I donate to charity every month? Yes. Select monthly on this form, or read worldaidnetwork.org/monthly-giving. You can change or cancel a regular gift later. ### What if I donate by mistake? If you paid twice, entered the wrong amount or did not mean to give, email info@worldaidnetwork.org within 30 days and we will refund the payment made in error. See worldaidnetwork.org/our-policies#refunds. ### Do you run a charity lottery? No. A lottery ticket is gambling, not a donation, and Gift Aid does not apply. World Aid Network does not run a lottery, raffle or sweepstake. See worldaidnetwork.org/charity-lottery. Give on this page instead. ## How you can help Donate to charity at https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Donation Impact: Plan Your Giving | WAN > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/donation-impact > Plan your giving and understand donation impact. Compare one-off and monthly gifts, programme purposes, estimates and reporting at World Aid Network. A donation to World Aid Network contributes towards eye care, cancer treatment or emergency relief. The calculator shows your planned giving over time. It does not convert money into verified operations or families reached. Check the programme purpose, funding policy and published reports to understand how donations may be used. ## Plan a gift that fits your budget Compare a one-off contribution with a regular gift. This calculates your giving, not the number of people treated or supplies delivered. Your planned giving £25.00 One contribution of £25.00. Monthly totals assume 12 successful payments at the same amount. You can manage your regular gift through [Manage giving](/manage-giving). No payment is taken by this planner. [Continue to secure donation](/donate?amount=25&cause=general#donate-form) Your entries stay in this browser until you choose to continue to the donation form. Gift Aid is not included in these totals. ## What can a contribution support? - [Eye care](/appeal/gift-of-sight) Contributions towards clinically recommended care, including cataract surgery and follow-up. - [Cancer treatment](/appeal/cancer-emergency) Contributions towards the wider cancer fund; individual needs and treatment costs vary. - [Emergency relief](/emergency-relief) Contributions towards assessed needs for food, water, hygiene supplies and shelter. ## How do we distinguish plans from results? An amount on a donation form is not a completed activity. Costs depend on provider quotes, clinical needs, location and supplies. Outcome totals should come from approved delivery records. A suggested gift does not guarantee a particular patient, procedure, kit or delivery time. [Read the funding policy](/where-your-money-goes) · [Check published impact and reporting](/our-impact) ## Before continuing Check the selected programme and frequency at checkout. For a country-specific emergency, use its [named appeal](/appeal). Gift Aid is not currently available at WAN; future claims depend on HMRC recognition, eligible gifts and valid declarations. Read our [Gift Aid guide](/gift-aid) for details. ## Make an informed donation Check what the organisation offers, understand the conditions and choose a way to give that suits you. - [Compare ways to donate](/ways-to-donate) Card giving, monthly gifts and other routes, with current availability. - [Gift Aid eligibility explained](/gift-aid) Understand donor conditions and the current status at WAN. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and how estimates differ from results. - [Check our registration status](/about/registration-status) Distinguish the application reference from a registered charity number. - [Practical donor resources](/donor-resources) Find answers, useful tools and giving options. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Donor Resources, Answers & Evidence | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/donor-resources > Find reliable World Aid Network guides, appeal information, donation options and reporting status in one searchable resource library. # Find the right answer before you give Explore how our programmes work, check the current evidence and choose a way to help. The answers below link to the pages that explain each claim in more detail. ## How can you check a donation? Start with the programme or appeal description to understand the intended use of your gift. Then read [where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) and the [current reporting status](/our-impact). Planning estimates are not completed outcomes; we publish financial and delivery figures only when their evidence and reporting period are approved. ## Which donor resources can help you? These guides cover causes, giving choices and the checks that help you assess an appeal. Search resources TopicAll topicsEye careCancer careEmergency reliefWays to giveEvidence and trust What would you like to do?All purposesUnderstand a causeCheck a claim or giftChoose how to give Showing all 20 resources - Eye care · Understand a cause ### [Eye surgery programme](/eye-surgery) How donations contribute to clinically assessed eye care and follow-up. - Eye care · Understand a cause ### [Eye health information](/eye-health) Understand eye conditions and when to seek professional assessment. - Eye care · Choose how to give ### [Gift of Sight appeal](/appeal/gift-of-sight) Read the appeal purpose and the current evidence and reporting status before giving. - Cancer care · Understand a cause ### [Cancer treatment programme](/cancer) Read how support for diagnosis and treatment is intended to work. - Cancer care · Choose how to give ### [Cancer Emergency Appeal](/appeal/cancer-emergency) See the intended use and reporting status for the cancer treatment appeal. - Cancer care · Understand a cause ### [Cancer treatment enquiries](/cancer/eligibility-checker) Find the enquiry process; eligibility and care require professional review. - Emergency relief · Understand a cause ### [Emergency relief programme](/emergency-relief) How food, safe water, hygiene and shelter support may be delivered. - Emergency relief · Choose how to give ### [Emergency Floods appeal](/appeal/emergency-floods) Review the standing relief appeal and its current publication status. - Emergency relief · Understand a cause ### [Clean water support](/clean-water-charity) Learn about emergency drinking water and what this programme covers. - Evidence and trust · Check a claim or gift ### [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) Understand programme purposes, costs, planning estimates and restricted gifts. - Evidence and trust · Check a claim or gift ### [Our impact and appeal updates](/our-impact) Check which financial and delivery figures have approved evidence and which remain unavailable. - Evidence and trust · Check a claim or gift ### [Registration status](/about/registration-status) Check World Aid Network’s current charity registration status. - Evidence and trust · Check a claim or gift ### [Editorial policy](/editorial-policy) How we review, source and correct published information. - Evidence and trust · Check a claim or gift ### [Corrections log](/corrections) Read published corrections and changes to important information. - Ways to give · Choose how to give ### [Ways to donate](/ways-to-donate) Compare card, monthly, crypto, payroll and other supported giving options. - Ways to give · Choose how to give ### [Donate by card](/donate) Choose a programme and amount in the secure card checkout. - Ways to give · Choose how to give ### [Monthly giving](/monthly-giving) Explore regular donations and how they can be changed or cancelled. - Ways to give · Check a claim or gift ### [Manage your donation](/manage-giving) Open the secure donor portal to review or manage a recurring gift. - Ways to give · Understand a cause ### [Gift Aid status](/gift-aid) Read when Gift Aid may become available and who would qualify. - Evidence and trust · Check a claim or gift ### [Contact the charity](/contact) Ask about a programme, a restricted gift or a reporting question. No resources match those filters. Try another topic or [ask us a question](/contact). ## Where can you check these answers? Each answer summarises a public World Aid Network page. The linked page gives the full context and current publication status. Find an answer Answers come from the linked pages and are reviewed by our editors. ### What does a £200 eye surgery example mean? Around £200 is a planning estimate used on this site, not a guaranteed price or an audited cost per operation. The final amount depends on the hospital quote, the patient’s clinical needs and what is included. Smaller gifts contribute towards the programme; estimates are not reported as completed treatment. [Read how estimates work](/where-your-money-goes#estimates) Reviewed 23 September 2026 ### What impact has been verified? Verified programme totals and delivery reports are not yet published here. An unavailable total does not mean zero activity. We separate money received, payments to partners and completed care or relief, and publish figures only with an approved reporting period and supporting evidence. [See reporting status](/our-impact) Reviewed 23 September 2026 ### Is World Aid Network registered with the Charity Commission? Charity Commission registration is in progress. Check the current status before relying on tax or registration claims. [Check registration status](/about/registration-status) Reviewed 23 September 2026 ### Can I claim Gift Aid on a donation now? Gift Aid is not currently available. Future claims require HMRC recognition of the organisation and eligible donations with valid donor declarations. The current status is explained on our Gift Aid page. [Read Gift Aid status](/gift-aid) Reviewed 23 September 2026 ### Can I choose where my donation goes? The donation form lets you select a programme or appeal. If you need a restriction beyond the published description, contact us before donating to agree its terms. [Read donation terms](/where-your-money-goes) Reviewed 23 September 2026 ### How do I manage or cancel a monthly gift? Use the secure donor portal to review or manage an existing recurring donation. You can also contact World Aid Network for help. [Manage a monthly gift](/manage-giving) Reviewed 23 September 2026 No matching answer yet. [Ask us directly](/contact). Need a different answer? [Contact World Aid Network](/contact). --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Editorial Policy | Provenance & Corrections | WAN > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/editorial-policy > How World Aid Network researches and reviews content: sourced numbers, no fabricated impact, a public corrections log, and what donations cannot buy. # Editorial policy How we research, write and review World Aid Network content — and what money cannot buy. Last updated: 4 October 2026 Quick answer World Aid Network publishes desk-assessed programme and health-education content with named provenance, no fabricated statistics, and a public corrections log. Donations never buy softer verdicts or invented impact figures. Charity Commission registration remains in progress (application 5290505). See /corrections to report an error. ## What is our editorial purpose? Our purpose is to explain how World Aid Network funds sight-restoring eye surgery, cancer treatment and emergency disaster relief for poor and disaster-affected families in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia — and to help donors decide whether and how to give. Educational pages summarise publicly available health and humanitarian information so readers understand the need. Fundraising pages distinguish intended uses, planning estimates and evidenced outcomes. A suggested gift amount does not guarantee a complete procedure. We link to current funding details without overstating registration or Gift Aid status. We write for a UK and international audience in British English. We do not expand outside our two charitable Objects, invent geography beyond Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia, or imply that World Aid Network runs its own overseas clinics or field teams. Partner hospitals and vetted local organisations deliver the work on the ground. ## How do we reach a verdict on a page? Decision pages open with a clear answer in plain English and explain relevant limitations. Summaries retain the qualifications needed to understand them. We use descriptive headings and concise paragraphs, without forcing a fixed word count or turning every heading into a question. Where we lack first-hand clinical experience at the bedside, we say so: guides are desk-assessed against primary sources and partner programme rules, not a substitute for a clinician’s advice or an NHS appointment. A useful page explains what is known, what remains uncertain and what a reader can do next. Necessary medical, financial and programme qualifications must not be removed for a shorter snippet. If we cannot source a claim today, we do not publish the claim. “We do not know” is publishable; an invented number is a defect. ## Which sources do we trust? Clinical and public-health claims are checked against primary or recognised secondary sources such as NHS.uk summaries, WHO / IARC publications, national cancer and blindness statistics, and the published guidance of relevant professional bodies. Humanitarian need figures cite named disaster assessments or national statistics with a capture or review date. Programme costs must identify their basis. Planning examples are not verified live partner quotes. A complete-treatment claim needs a current, publishable cost breakdown and a clear account of what is included. Every specific number on the site should carry a primary source and a capture or review date including internal programme prices. If we cannot source a figure today, we omit it rather than approximate from memory or from a competitor’s page. ## Who writes and who reviews? Editorial Director Kaiser Khan oversees structure, provenance, machine-legibility standards and fundraising accuracy for World Aid Network. See the [author page](/author/kaiser-khan) for identity and related links. Named clinical reviewers are credited on individual pages when a credentialed reviewer has assessed that content and the approved content version is recorded. Until a named clinical reviewer is appointed for a topic, bylines state desk assessment rather than implying personal clinical sign-off. Trustees remain responsible for charitable Objects, partner selection and the release of funds against named patient lists or verified relief reports. Editorial staff do not invent patient outcomes to make a page more persuasive. ## What money cannot buy Donations never purchase a higher rank in our guides, a softer verdict, the removal of “who this is not for” language, or a fabricated impact counter. We do not sell sponsored placements inside educational content. When Stripe or other card checkout is live, payment processing is disclosed; Gift Aid eligibility requires HMRC recognition and valid donor and donation records. Scores, rankings and clinical claims are firewalled from fundraising targets. World Aid Network does not take affiliate commission on donations to other organisations. Where we mention larger or specialist charities, we do so to help readers choose — including when another organisation may be a better fit for a need outside our Objects. ## What triggers a correction? We correct factual errors, outdated statistics, broken source links, and any wording that overstates charity registration, Gift Aid eligibility, or programme delivery. Corrections are logged on [/corrections](/corrections) with the date and a short description of what changed. Contact [info@worldaidnetwork.org](mailto:info@worldaidnetwork.org) to report an error — we aim to acknowledge within five working days. Minor typographical fixes that do not change meaning may be applied without a log entry. Material changes to registration status, unit costs, geography or clinical claims always appear in the public log. ## How do we handle composite stories and imagery? Patient stories labelled “composite” are representative narratives built to explain a pathway, not identifiable case files. Photographs used for atmosphere may be documentary, generative or stock images chosen for dignity; they are not presented as photographs of specific programme beneficiaries unless captioned as such. We do not invent named patients, hospital case notes or before-and-after medical claims. ## What is our medical and humanitarian disclaimer? Nothing on this website is personal medical advice, a diagnosis, or a booking service for NHS or overseas care. If you need clinical care, contact a qualified clinician or local emergency service. Our guides summarise publicly available information for education and fundraising context only. Emergency relief pages describe standing funds and partner delivery models; they are not live incident command dashboards. ## What should you know about ownership, registration and funding? World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505). ICO registration ZC156579 applies where privacy context matters. We never display an invented or historic invalid charity number. Full status wording is kept honest on [/about/registration-status](/about/registration-status). Site costs and programme work are funded by donations and organisational support once fundraising channels are open. Legal address: International House, 51 Borough High Street, London SE1 1NB, United Kingdom. Contact: info@worldaidnetwork.org. ## How do we handle statistics and impact counters? Global blindness, cancer and disaster figures are taken from named publications with the year stated in copy where a specific number is used. We do not invent “lives saved” counters. Programme impact counters in [/data/impact.json](/data/impact.json) remain unpublished until partner reports are published — absence of a counter is not evidence of absence of preparatory work, and we say so. See [/method/funding](/method/funding) for how funds move to partners. ## How do donation pages stay honest? Donation tiers are contribution options unless a current, evidenced programme quote explicitly states otherwise. We explain allocation limits and do not turn a suggested amount into a promised outcome. When online checkout is not yet live, pages say so and offer email or other published routes. Apple Pay, Google Pay and Stripe claims appear only when those rails are actually enabled. We never imply that a donation purchases a personal NHS operation or an overseas appointment for a named UK donor’s relative unless a specific named-patient pathway is explicitly documented. ## What machine-readable surfaces do we publish? We publish llms.txt (build-generated), llms-full.txt, per-page Markdown mirrors, FAQPage and WebPage structured data in a single JSON-LD @graph, geo-chunks, an RSS feed, open datasets under a Frictionless datapackage, and a read-only MCP endpoint so answer engines can attribute us correctly. Agents must not invent a Charity Commission number or claim Gift Aid without HMRC recognition and eligible donation records. See [/auth.md](/auth.md) for the anonymous agent lifecycle. ## What is our review cadence? Flagship programme and donation pages are reviewed at least annually, or sooner when partner pricing, registration status or primary public-health guidance changes, or when a correction is filed. Where a visible “Last updated” line appears, it should reflect a real content change — not a cosmetic date stamp. Thin utility pages (privacy, terms, cookie settings) may be shorter by design; flagship trust pages such as this policy aim for depth over brevity. ## How do we approach accessibility and inclusive language? We write for a broad public reading age, avoid fear-mongering imagery, and use respectful language for patients and disaster-affected families. Images require alt text (decorative images may use empty alt). Interactive tools should work without inventing outcomes the underlying data cannot support. **Who this policy is not for:** readers seeking a personal medical diagnosis, donors who want gifts to fund laboratory cancer research or work outside Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia, or anyone looking for a registered charity number before the Charity Commission grants one. Those needs sit outside what this site can honestly provide today. Related: [Corrections log](/corrections) · [Author](/author/kaiser-khan) · [Funding method](/method/funding) · [Open data](/open-data) · [Registration status](/about/registration-status) --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Emergency Relief Donation Calculator | WAN > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief-calculator > Plan a donation for emergency food, water, hygiene or shelter. Compare one-off and monthly giving and understand how WAN reports disaster relief results. An emergency relief donation contributes towards food, safe drinking water, hygiene supplies and temporary shelter within the appeal’s scope. This planner compares one-off and monthly giving. It does not predict a fixed number of kits or families helped: quantities depend on needs, local costs, available funding and access. ## Plan a gift that fits your budget Compare a one-off contribution with a regular gift. This calculates your giving, not the number of people treated or supplies delivered. Your planned giving £50.00 One contribution of £50.00. Monthly totals assume 12 successful payments at the same amount. You can manage your regular gift through [Manage giving](/manage-giving). No payment is taken by this planner. [Continue to secure donation](/donate?amount=50&cause=emergency-relief#donate-form) Your entries stay in this browser until you choose to continue to the donation form. Gift Aid is not included in these totals. ## What can a contribution support? - [Eye care](/appeal/gift-of-sight) Contributions towards clinically recommended care, including cataract surgery and follow-up. - [Cancer treatment](/appeal/cancer-emergency) Contributions towards the wider cancer fund; individual needs and treatment costs vary. - [Emergency relief](/emergency-relief) Contributions towards assessed needs for food, water, hygiene supplies and shelter. ## How do we distinguish plans from results? An amount on a donation form is not a completed activity. Costs depend on provider quotes, clinical needs, location and supplies. Outcome totals should come from approved delivery records. A suggested gift does not guarantee a particular patient, procedure, kit or delivery time. [Read the funding policy](/where-your-money-goes) · [Check published impact and reporting](/our-impact) ## Before continuing Check the selected programme and frequency at checkout. For a country-specific emergency, use its [named appeal](/appeal). Gift Aid is not currently available at WAN; future claims depend on HMRC recognition, eligible gifts and valid declarations. Read our [Gift Aid guide](/gift-aid) for details. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Emergency Relief > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief > Last reviewed: 2026-09-12 ## In short World Aid Network emergency relief funds food, clean water, hygiene kits and shelter for families in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Delivery depends on assessed needs, available funds, access and partner capacity. Donate by card from the UK. Disaster gifts do not rebuild homes or fund medical clinics. Food, clean water and shelter after floods, earthquakes and tsunamis in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Support assessed emergency needs through local partners. Please donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=emergency-relief. Named appeals: https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/humanitarian-appeal, https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/crisis-appeal, https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/disasters-emergency-relief, https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/indonesia-emergency, https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/pakistan-emergency, https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/emergency-floods. First aid skills guide (not an appeal): https://worldaidnetwork.org/first-aid. ## At a glance - Needs-led: No guaranteed response time; delivery depends on local conditions - 3 countries: Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia — our charitable Objects - 33M+: People affected in the 2022 Pakistan floods (published disaster figure, not a WAN caseload) - M7.7: Flores earthquake, 15 August 2026 — donate via the Indonesia Emergency Appeal ## How to donate to emergency relief from the UK Donate by card so World Aid Network can fund food, clean water, hygiene kits and shelter after floods, earthquakes and tsunamis in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. - Stay on this page or open an appeal: Use the form here for general emergency relief, or open the Indonesia, Pakistan or Floods appeal if you want a named disaster. - Give by card: Pay by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Please do not send parcels from Britain unless a partner has asked in writing. - Optional: give monthly: A monthly gift keeps kits ready before the next monsoon, earthquake or tsunami. - Share the page: Tell a workplace, mosque, church or friends. Gather gifts and donate them here. ## What is emergency relief from World Aid Network? Emergency relief is food, clean drinking water, hygiene kits and temporary shelter for families hit by floods, earthquakes or tsunamis in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. We do not rebuild houses or run medical clinics from these gifts. When a river bursts or the ground shakes, a family can lose the three things that keep them alive before breakfast: the rice that was meant to last the week, the well in the yard, and the roof over the children’s beds. They run with what they can carry. Then they wait. That wait is what this programme is for. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration. Trustees release gifts to vetted local partner organisations in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia — the three countries in our charitable Objects. Partners buy supplies nearby and deliver them. We do not fly our own field teams. We do not send cash to individuals. You do not have to pack a box. You do not have to travel. The useful thing you can do tonight is give by card. Suggested amounts contribute towards emergency relief; quantities and contents depend on assessed needs and local quotes. ## Why do families need emergency relief after a disaster? Floodwater spoils wells. Earthquakes crack walls and burst pipes. A tsunami washes away rice stores. Families need meals, drinking water and a dry place to sleep in the first hours — not weeks later. Please contribute towards assessed needs; no response time is guaranteed. The cameras leave. The need does not. A child still needs clean water the morning after the flood. An older person still needs a tarpaulin when aftershocks make a cracked house unsafe. Parents still need something to cook when the market cannot open. That is why a standing emergency fund matters more than a one-day collection. Contaminated water is often the deadliest threat after a flood. Sewage and debris mix with drinking supplies. In crowded shelters, diarrhoeal illness spreads fast, especially among young children. Hygiene kits sit with water for that reason: soap, sanitary items and water-purification supplies stop the second wave of harm. Please do not wait for the next headline. Give now. A gift today helps the family still sleeping under plastic, and the family who will lose their house the next time the monsoon comes or the plates shift. ## How can I donate to emergency relief from the UK? Give by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay on this page, or open a named appeal. Please do not send clothes, tins or bottled water from Britain unless a partner has asked in writing. Local partners buy food, water, hygiene kits and shelter materials nearby. A monthly gift keeps kits ready between headlines. Use the form beside this page, or go to the donate page and choose Emergency Relief. If you want your gift marked, open the Humanitarian Appeal or Crisis Appeal, Disasters Emergency Relief, the Indonesia Emergency Appeal, the Pakistan Floods Appeal, or the standing Floods and Earthquake Appeal. Those pages are the live named appeals. This page explains the programme they sit inside. If your mosque, church, workplace or friends are collecting, gather what you can and donate it here. Tell them it will buy food, water and shelter for families in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia. That is the whole of the ask. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks (application 5290505). We will contact donors when that happens. ## What is flood relief? Flood relief is emergency food, safe drinking water, hygiene kits and temporary shelter after monsoon rains, river bursts or flash floods. World Aid Network funds flood relief in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia only. In Pakistan, monsoon rains and glacial melt routinely burst rivers and submerge whole districts. In Indonesia, flash floods and landslides follow heavy rain. Families lose homes, crops and clean water in a matter of hours. The danger does not end when the water recedes: contaminated wells spread disease, and people are left without food or a dry floor. A gift to flood relief is more useful than sending parcels. Money lets partners buy rice, water-purification supplies, hygiene kits and tarpaulins locally — faster and cheaper than a container from Britain. For a Pakistan-marked gift, use the Pakistan Floods Appeal. For the three-country standing fund, use the Emergency Floods Appeal. Read our flood relief guide if you want the step-by-step of how to help. Then please donate. A standing gift before monsoon season is how a family drinks clean water on day one. ## What is earthquake relief? Earthquake relief is food, clean water, hygiene kits and temporary shelter in the first 72 hours after a shock. On 15 August 2026 a magnitude 7.7 quake struck off Flores. Use the Indonesia Emergency Appeal for that response. Earthquakes give no warning. Homes collapse. Water pipes break. People sleep outside because they are afraid the roof will fall. Cold, thirst and hunger become deadly quickly. Speed depends on funds and partners being ready in advance — not on a new campaign launched after the pictures appear. Local partners buy tarpaulins, drinking water, food parcels and hygiene kits nearby. Disaster gifts do not pay for search-and-rescue teams, reconstruction or hospital bills. Those sit outside this programme. Cancer treatment and cataract surgery have their own appeals. For Flores and other Indonesia shocks, donate on the Indonesia Earthquake Appeal. For a standing three-country fund, use the Emergency Floods and Earthquake Appeal. Both buy the same three essentials: food, water and shelter. ## What is tsunami relief? When a tsunami hits the coast, families flee with nothing. Tsunami relief is emergency food, clean water, hygiene kits and shelter through local partners. A gift now means a child has drinking water and a family has somewhere dry to sleep. Our tsunami gifts are for Indonesia. A tsunami does not only take houses. It spoils wells, washes away rice stores, and leaves people sleeping in schools, mosques and on higher ground. The first things they ask for are simple: drinking water, a hot meal, a tarpaulin, a hygiene kit for the children. That is what tsunami relief pays for. Indonesia has lived with this fear for a generation. The Indian Ocean tsunami of 26 December 2004 took more than 167,000 lives in Indonesia alone. The Palu tsunami of September 2018 killed thousands more. We cannot stop the sea. We can meet families with food, clean water and something over their heads. Your gift is how a mother fills a bottle for her child after the wave has gone. ## Why does monsoon flooding keep coming back? Monsoon rains return every year. In Pakistan they burst rivers and submerge districts. Families need the same help each season: food, clean water, hygiene kits and shelter. A monsoon is predictable on the calendar and sudden on the ground. Partners who already hold kits can move on day one. Partners who must wait for a new appeal cannot. That is why a standing emergency fund is the honest way to fund flood relief. The 2022 Pakistan floods affected more than 33 million people and damaged about 1.7 million homes. Those are published disaster figures. They describe the scale of the event, not how many families World Aid Network has reached. We do not invent caseloads. We ask you to fund food, water and shelter for the next family who will need them. Give to the standing Floods Appeal if you want trustees to release help wherever a flood is declared in our three Object countries. Either way, please give. ## What will my donation provide? Suggested amounts contribute towards emergency relief; quantities and contents depend on assessed needs and local quotes. Gifts buy supplies nearby. They do not rebuild homes or pay hospital bills. These figures are typical kit costs quoted by local partners. Actual prices move with local markets after a disaster. Trustees release restricted gifts only for emergency food, safe drinking water, hygiene items that sit with water, and temporary shelter — including winter warmth where families are still displaced in the cold. Please use the table and the slider below, or the emergency relief calculator, then give on this page. A larger gift kits more families. A smaller gift still fills a bottle and a plate. ## What are hygiene kits and shelter kits? A hygiene kit is soap, sanitary items and water-purification supplies so a family can stay well when floodwater has spoiled the well. A shelter kit is tarpaulins, rope and basic materials for a dry place to sleep. Both sit inside our emergency relief Objects, not reconstruction. Dirty water spreads disease faster than hunger in the first days after a flood. That is why hygiene kits belong with water, not with a medical clinic. Partners buy them locally so the contents match what a household actually uses. Shelter kits are temporary. They are not a rebuilt house, a repaired farm or a new school. A tarpaulin on the night of the quake is the difference between a dry child and a night in the rain. Winter is a second emergency for families already displaced. Extra blankets and weatherproof sheets keep people alive in cold, mountainous parts of Pakistan. That warmth is shelter, not a heating project. ## How does my donation reach people? You donate. Trustees release funds to pre-vetted local partners in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia after an official disaster declaration. Partners buy food, water, hygiene kits and shelter nearby and deliver them. We never send cash to individuals. World Aid Network does not run overseas field offices. Deployment follows an official declaration from the relevant national agency — NDMA in Pakistan, BNPB in Indonesia, or NADMA in Malaysia. That governance protects donor intent. Standing funds mean partners already hold relationships and, where possible, pre-positioned stocks, so they are not starting from nothing when the declaration comes. Administrative costs are met from separate unrestricted funds, not from a restricted emergency gift. Once Charity Commission registration is granted, accounts will be published on the register. We release deployment reports when a fund is activated. A card gift on this page is the fastest way to put supplies on the ground. If you want the full transparency walk-through, read how your donation helps. ## How quickly will my donation help? Delivery depends on assessed needs, available funds, access and partner capacity; no response time is guaranteed. Cut roads, islands and aftershocks take longer. Speed is why we ask for money, not parcels. A container of coats from Britain arrives late and costs more than buying blankets nearby. A card gift tonight can be rice and water in a partner’s hands when the roads reopen. The first 72 hours after an earthquake decide who sleeps dry. The first days after a flood decide who drinks clean water. A regular gift is how a standing fund stays ready between headlines. ## Can I give monthly to emergency relief? Yes. A monthly donation keeps emergency food, clean water, hygiene kits and shelter funded before the next monsoon or quake. Please set up a regular gift on this page. You can also give once. Both help a family who cannot wait for a new campaign. Disasters do not wait for fundraising drives. A standing monthly gift means partners can keep kits ready — water, food, tarpaulins, hygiene supplies — so a family is not left thirsty on a hillside. If you prefer a one-off gift, that still matters. Use the form beside this page. If you want your monthly gift marked for Pakistan or for Indonesia, open those appeals and set the gift there. ## Should I send clothes or bottled water from the UK? Money is more useful, unless a partner has asked for a specific item in writing. Parcels from Britain usually arrive late, stall at customs, and cost more than buying locally. A card gift on this page is the fastest way to help after a flood, earthquake or tsunami. Local partners know what a family needs that week. A container of unused coats does not. Bottled water shipped from the UK is heavy, slow and expensive compared with purification supplies bought in the next town. If you want to help in another way, share this page with a workplace, mosque, church or friends and ask them to donate too. ## Does emergency relief rebuild houses? No. Under our charitable Objects, emergency relief is food, safe drinking water and temporary shelter for disaster-affected families. Hygiene kits sit with water. We do not fund reconstruction, livelihoods, cash grants or medical clinics from disaster gifts. This restriction is deliberate. It protects donor intent and our standing with the Charity Commission. If you want to fund a cataract operation, use Gift of Sight. If you want to fund cancer treatment, use the Cancer Emergency Appeal. Those are separate programmes, delivered by partner hospitals, not from disaster kits. That is the whole of this programme. ## Which countries does emergency relief cover? Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia only — the countries in our charitable Objects. We cannot send disaster gifts to another country. Live named appeals sit on the appeals hub. Pakistan gifts can be marked on the Pakistan Floods Appeal. Indonesia earthquake and tsunami gifts sit on the Indonesia Emergency Appeal, including the Flores shock of 15 August 2026. Malaysia is covered by the standing Floods and Earthquake Appeal when a disaster is declared there. We will not redirect an Object-restricted disaster gift outside those three countries. ## What will a donation provide? - £10: Contribution towards emergency food, water, hygiene and shelter - £25: Contribution towards emergency food, water, hygiene and shelter - £50: Contribution towards emergency food, water, hygiene and shelter - £100: Contribution towards emergency food, water, hygiene and shelter - £250: Contribution towards emergency food, water, hygiene and shelter - £500: Contribution towards emergency food, water, hygiene and shelter ## Disasters this programme is here for - Pakistan monsoon floods, 2022 — More than 33 million people affected and about 1.7 million homes damaged — published disaster figures, not World Aid Network delivery claims. - Flores, Indonesia, 15 August 2026 — Magnitude 7.7 earthquake off East Nusa Tenggara, with a tsunami warning for NTT, NTB and parts of Sulawesi. Donate via the Indonesia Emergency Appeal. - Indian Ocean tsunami, 26 December 2004 — More than 167,000 lives lost in Indonesia alone. This programme is here for the next coastal shock — food, water and shelter, not reconstruction. - Recurring monsoon, quake and winter — Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia face floods, earthquakes and cold nights for displaced families every year. A standing fund means partners do not wait for a new campaign. ## Related pages - What is emergency aid? — How emergency aid works — food, water, hygiene kits and shelter. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/emergency-aid - First Aid — How to give first aid in the UK — 999, bleeding, burns, choking and CPR. https://worldaidnetwork.org/first-aid - Humanitarian Appeal — Standing fund — food, water, hygiene kits and shelter in a humanitarian emergency. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/humanitarian-appeal - Crisis Appeal — Standing fund — food, water, hygiene kits and shelter when a crisis hits. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/crisis-appeal - Disasters Emergency Relief — Standing fund — food, water, hygiene kits and shelter after disaster. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/disasters-emergency-relief - Indonesia Emergency Appeal — Flores earthquake and tsunami warning — food, water, shelter. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/indonesia-emergency - Pakistan Floods Appeal — Monsoon flooding — food, water, hygiene kits and shelter. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/pakistan-emergency - Malaysia Floods Appeal — Northeast Monsoon flooding in Malaysia — food, water, hygiene kits and shelter. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/malaysia-emergency - Floods & Earthquake Appeal — Standing three-country disaster fund. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/emergency-floods - Hunger Crisis Appeal — Emergency food parcels after a harvest is lost. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/hunger-crisis - Clean Water Emergency Appeal — Safe drinking water after wells are spoiled. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/clean-water-emergency - Clean Water Charity — Water charity — emergency drinking water, not wells. https://worldaidnetwork.org/clean-water-charity - Flood relief guide — How to help after monsoon and flash floods. https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief/floods - Earthquake relief guide — Why the first 72 hours matter. https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief/earthquakes - Winter relief guide — Blankets and extra tarpaulins for displaced families. https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief/seasonal-winter - How your donation helps — Restricted funds, local partners, trustee release. https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief/how-your-donation-helps - How we work — Grants to local partners, not cash to individuals. https://worldaidnetwork.org/how-we-work - Emergency relief calculator — See what a gift of food, water or shelter can provide. https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief-calculator ## Frequently asked questions ### How can I donate to emergency relief from the UK? Give by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay on this page, or open a named appeal. Please do not send clothes, tins or bottled water from Britain unless a partner has asked in writing. Local partners buy food, water, hygiene kits and shelter nearby. ### What does emergency relief include? Emergency food rations, safe drinking water, hygiene kits and temporary shelter for families displaced by a natural disaster in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia. It does not include reconstruction, livelihoods programmes, cash grants or general medical care. ### How quickly do you respond after a disaster? Delivery depends on assessed needs, available funds, access and partner capacity; no response time is guaranteed. Islands and cut roads take longer. A standing fund means they do not wait for a new campaign. ### Who delivers the aid on the ground? Trusted, pre-vetted local partner organisations. World Aid Network does not run overseas field offices or send its own teams. Partners buy supplies locally and handle distribution. ### Does my donation go to Pakistan flood victims? Pakistan is one of our three Object countries. For a Pakistan-marked gift, donate to the Pakistan Floods Appeal. Restricted gifts fund food, water, hygiene kits and shelter via local partners. We cannot redirect those funds to another country. ### Is emergency relief money used for long-term rebuilding? No. Emergency relief covers food, safe drinking water and temporary shelter. Reconstruction, livelihoods and medical clinics are outside those purposes and are not funded from disaster gifts. ### Can I give monthly? Yes. A monthly donation keeps kits ready before the next monsoon or quake. You can also give a one-off gift on this page. ### Will Gift Aid apply? Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks (application 5290505). We will contact donors when that happens. ### How is emergency relief different from cancer treatment or Gift of Sight? Emergency relief is food, water and shelter after disaster. The Cancer Emergency Appeal funds treatment for all types of cancer at partner hospitals. Suggested amounts contribute towards emergency relief; quantities and contents depend on assessed needs and local quotes. Please use the appeal that matches how you want to help. ### How can I help people after an earthquake, tsunami or flood? Donate to the Humanitarian Appeal or Crisis Appeal for food, water, hygiene kits and shelter, to Disasters Emergency Relief after any disaster, or on a matching named appeal: Indonesia Emergency Appeal for shocks there, including Flores on 15 August 2026; Pakistan Floods Appeal for monsoon flooding; or the standing Floods and Earthquake Appeal for all three Object countries. ## How you can help Please donate to emergency relief at https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=emergency-relief --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Earthquake relief: how to help > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief/earthquakes > Last reviewed: 2026-08-15 ## In short Earthquakes give no warning. Survivors need emergency shelter, clean water, food and hygiene kits in the first 72 hours. Donate by card from the UK. World Aid Network funds earthquake relief through local partners in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Disaster gifts do not rebuild homes or fund medical clinics. Unlike floods or storms, earthquakes offer no warning at all. The shaking lasts seconds, but the destruction is immediate: homes collapse, water pipes break, and families are left in the open — often in freezing or extreme conditions, afraid to go back inside. In those first hours and days, speed saves lives. The most effective way to help from overseas is a financial donation to a fund that can act immediately through responders already in the region. Please donate. This guide explains why the first 72 hours matter and how your gift becomes food, water and shelter. ## At a glance - Warning given: None - Most critical window: First 72 hours - First needs: Shelter, water, food - Delivered by: Local partners on the ground ## How to help after an earthquake - Donate to an earthquake relief fund: Give to an appeal that funds an immediate response. A cash donation reaches the ground fastest and lets responders buy exactly what survivors need in the critical first hours. - Fund emergency shelter and warmth: With homes destroyed, survivors need tents, tarpaulins, blankets and warm clothing — especially if the earthquake strikes in winter or at altitude. - Fund clean water, food and hygiene kits: Help provide safe drinking water, emergency food and hygiene kits so survivors can stay well when pipes are broken and wells are spoiled. - Set up a monthly gift for rapid response: Because earthquakes strike without warning, a standing relief fund is what makes a fast response possible. A regular gift keeps that fund ready before disaster hits. - Share the appeal: Spreading a trusted appeal quickly helps mobilise more support during the narrow window when it matters most. ## Why the first 72 hours matter The period immediately after an earthquake is when lives are most at risk. Survivors may be exposed to the elements with no shelter or clean water. Cold and dehydration become deadly quickly. Delivery depends on assessed needs, funding, access and partner capacity; no response time is guaranteed. This is why a rapid response depends on funds and partners being ready in advance. Relief that arrives on day one — a tarpaulin, drinking water, a food parcel, a hygiene kit — prevents the second wave of harm that comes from exposure and dirty water. ## What World Aid Network funds after an earthquake World Aid Network's earthquake relief concentrates on the immediate survival needs of affected families. Disaster gifts do not pay for search-and-rescue, reconstruction or hospital bills: - Emergency shelter — tents, tarpaulins and basic household items - Warmth — blankets and warm clothing, vital in winter and at altitude - Clean drinking water, hygiene kits and sanitation supplies - Emergency food parcels ## How can I help after the Flores earthquake? On 15 August 2026 a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off Flores in East Nusa Tenggara. A tsunami warning followed. Please donate to the Indonesia Emergency Appeal so local partners can turn your gift into food, clean water and shelter for families on the affected islands. The Indonesia Earthquake Appeal and the Indonesia Tsunami Appeal are the same page. If you want a standing three-country fund instead, use the Emergency Floods and Earthquake Appeal. Either way, please give by card. Do not send parcels from Britain unless a partner has asked in writing. ## How rapid response works World Aid Network does not deploy its own overseas teams. All relief is delivered through trusted local partner organisations who are already present in the affected region and can mobilise within hours, buying supplies locally and reaching communities that outside responders cannot. Donations given for emergency relief are restricted to that purpose. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation governed by named trustees and applying for CIO registration. ## Key takeaways - Earthquakes strike without warning, so a ready relief fund is what makes a fast response possible. - The first 72 hours are the most critical window for saving lives. - Survivors' first needs are emergency shelter, warmth, clean water, food and hygiene kits. - A financial donation reaches the ground fastest and lets responders buy what's needed locally. - World Aid Network funds earthquake relief through trusted local partners already in the region. ## Related pages - First Aid — How to give first aid in the UK — 999, bleeding, burns, choking and CPR. https://worldaidnetwork.org/first-aid - Humanitarian Appeal — Standing fund — food, water, hygiene kits and shelter in a humanitarian emergency. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/humanitarian-appeal - Crisis Appeal — Standing fund — food, water, hygiene kits and shelter when a crisis hits. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/crisis-appeal - Disasters Emergency Relief — Standing fund — food, water, hygiene kits and shelter after disaster. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/disasters-emergency-relief - Indonesia Emergency Appeal — Flores earthquake and tsunami warning — food, water, shelter. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/indonesia-emergency - Floods & Earthquake Appeal — Standing three-country disaster fund. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/emergency-floods - Emergency relief hub — How food, water and shelter reach families. https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief - Flood relief — How to help after monsoon and flash floods. https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief/floods - How your donation helps — Restricted funds, local partners, trustee release. https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief/how-your-donation-helps - Pakistan Floods Appeal — A separate named appeal for monsoon flooding in Pakistan. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/pakistan-emergency - How we work — Grants to local partners, not cash to individuals. https://worldaidnetwork.org/how-we-work - Donate — Give by card to emergency relief. https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate ## Frequently asked questions ### How can I help after an earthquake? The fastest way to help from abroad is to donate to an earthquake relief fund that can respond through partners already on the ground. Your gift helps provide emergency shelter, warmth, clean water, food and hygiene kits in the critical first hours. Giving monthly keeps a rapid-response fund ready before the next earthquake strikes. ### What do earthquake survivors need first? In the immediate aftermath, survivors need emergency shelter (tents, tarpaulins), warmth (blankets and warm clothing, especially in winter or at altitude), clean drinking water, hygiene kits and food. Speed matters more than almost anything — needs are most acute in the first 72 hours. World Aid Network disaster gifts do not fund medical clinics. ### Why is donating money better than sending supplies after an earthquake? A financial donation reaches survivors far faster than physical goods, which face shipping delays, customs and high transport costs. Cash lets responders already in the region buy exactly what is needed, locally and immediately — which is decisive when lives depend on the first few days. ### How does World Aid Network respond to earthquakes so quickly? World Aid Network funds relief through trusted local partner organisations already present in the affected regions, rather than deploying its own teams from abroad. Because these partners can mobilise within hours and buy supplies locally, a standing relief fund can be turned into help on the ground very fast. ### Where does World Aid Network respond to earthquakes? World Aid Network's work is focused on Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. For the 15 August 2026 Flores earthquake and other Indonesia shocks, donate via the Indonesia Earthquake Appeal at /appeal/indonesia-emergency. WAN funds earthquake relief through local partners when disasters occur. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds emergency relief through trusted local partners in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Flood relief: how to help > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief/floods > Last reviewed: 2026-08-15 ## In short Floods wash away homes, crops and clean water in hours. The most useful help from the UK is a card donation: local partners buy food, drinking water, hygiene kits and shelter nearby. World Aid Network funds flood relief in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Disaster gifts do not rebuild houses. Floods are the most common natural disaster in the regions where World Aid Network works. In Pakistan, monsoon rains and glacial melt routinely burst rivers and submerge whole districts; in Indonesia, flash floods and landslides follow heavy rain. Each time, families lose their homes, their harvest and their access to clean water in a matter of hours. The instinct to send blankets, clothes or tinned food is generous — but for overseas disasters, a financial gift almost always helps more. It avoids shipping costs and customs delays, supports local markets, and lets responders buy precisely what is needed on the ground. This guide explains what flood survivors need most and how to make sure your help reaches them. ## At a glance - Most urgent needs: Clean water, food, shelter - Biggest health risk: Waterborne disease - Where: Pakistan & Indonesia - Delivered by: Trusted local partners ## How to help flood-affected families - Donate to a flood relief fund: A cash donation is the fastest and most effective way to help. It lets local responders buy exactly what families need, when they need it, without the delay and cost of shipping goods from abroad. - Fund clean water and sanitation: Contaminated water is the deadliest threat after a flood. Funding safe drinking water, water-purification supplies and sanitation prevents outbreaks of cholera and other waterborne disease. - Fund emergency food and shelter: Help provide food parcels and emergency shelter for families whose homes and crops have been destroyed, so they can survive the critical first weeks. - Give monthly so the fund is ready: Floods are predictable in season but strike suddenly. A regular monthly gift means the relief fund is already in place before the next monsoon, so help can move on day one. - Share the appeal: Sharing a trusted appeal with friends, family and colleagues multiplies the help reaching affected families. ## Why floods are so dangerous The immediate danger of drowning and destroyed homes is only the start. The deadliest threat often comes afterwards: floodwater contaminates wells and water supplies with sewage and debris, and in crowded temporary shelters, waterborne diseases such as cholera and diarrhoeal illness can spread quickly — a particular danger to young children. Flooding also wipes out food: crops rot, livestock drown, and markets close. Families who were already poor can be pushed into crisis overnight, without clean water, food, dry shelter or a way to cook. Please donate so partners can put those three essentials in their hands. ## What World Aid Network funds after a flood World Aid Network's emergency relief focuses on the essentials that keep families alive in the first days and weeks after a flood. Disaster gifts do not rebuild houses or restore farms: - Clean, safe drinking water and water-purification supplies - Hygiene kits — soap, sanitary items and purification supplies that sit with water - Emergency food parcels for displaced families - Temporary shelter kits — tarpaulins and materials for a dry place to sleep ## How can I help flood victims in Pakistan? Donate to the Pakistan Floods Appeal. A card gift lets local partners buy clean water, food, hygiene kits and shelter nearby and reach families within days — far faster than shipping goods from Britain. Please give monthly so the fund is ready before the next monsoon. The 2022 Pakistan floods affected more than 33 million people and damaged about 1.7 million homes. Those are published disaster figures, not World Aid Network caseloads. We ask you to fund food, water and shelter for the next family who will need them. ## How relief reaches families World Aid Network does not run its own overseas teams. Instead, all emergency relief is delivered through trusted local partner organisations who are already in the affected communities, understand local needs, and can buy supplies locally. This means aid arrives faster, costs less, and supports the local economy rather than competing with it. Donations given for emergency relief are restricted to that purpose. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation governed by named trustees and applying for CIO registration. ## Key takeaways - Floods are the most frequent disaster in Pakistan and Indonesia, destroying homes, crops and clean water. - A cash donation helps more than goods — it avoids shipping costs and lets responders buy what's needed locally. - The deadliest post-flood threat is contaminated water and waterborne disease. - World Aid Network funds clean water, food, shelter and sanitation through trusted local partners. - A monthly gift keeps the relief fund ready before the next monsoon strikes. ## Related pages - First Aid — How to give first aid in the UK — 999, bleeding, burns, choking and CPR. https://worldaidnetwork.org/first-aid - Humanitarian Appeal — Standing fund — food, water, hygiene kits and shelter in a humanitarian emergency. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/humanitarian-appeal - Crisis Appeal — Standing fund — food, water, hygiene kits and shelter when a crisis hits. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/crisis-appeal - Disasters Emergency Relief — Standing fund — food, water, hygiene kits and shelter after disaster. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/disasters-emergency-relief - Pakistan Floods Appeal — Mark your gift for flood-affected families in Pakistan. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/pakistan-emergency - Malaysia Floods Appeal — Mark your gift for families displaced by monsoon floods in Malaysia. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/malaysia-emergency - Floods & Earthquake Appeal — Standing three-country disaster fund. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/emergency-floods - Emergency relief hub — Food, water, hygiene kits and shelter after disaster. https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief - Earthquake relief — Why the first 72 hours after a quake matter. https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief/earthquakes - Winter relief — Blankets and extra tarpaulins when displaced families face the cold. https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief/seasonal-winter - Food aid charity — Emergency food parcels after a harvest is lost. https://worldaidnetwork.org/food-aid-charity - Clean water charity — Water charity — emergency drinking water, not wells. https://worldaidnetwork.org/clean-water-charity ## Frequently asked questions ### How can I help flood victims in Pakistan? The most effective way is to donate to a flood relief fund. A financial gift lets local responders buy exactly what families need — clean water, food, shelter — quickly and locally, without the cost and delay of shipping goods. World Aid Network funds flood relief in Pakistan through trusted local partner organisations already on the ground. You can also give monthly so the fund is ready before the next flood, and share the appeal to multiply its reach. ### What do flood survivors need most? In the first days, the priorities are clean drinking water (to prevent deadly waterborne disease), emergency food, and temporary shelter, along with basic hygiene and sanitation. Clean water is usually the single most urgent need, because floodwater contaminates wells and supplies and disease spreads fast in crowded shelters. ### Is it better to donate money or goods for a flood appeal? For an overseas flood, money is almost always more useful than goods. Cash avoids the high cost and long delays of international shipping and customs, supports local markets, and lets responders buy precisely what is needed on the ground — rather than items chosen from far away that may not match local needs. ### How do I know my flood donation actually reaches families? World Aid Network delivers all emergency relief through trusted local partner organisations already working in affected communities, and donations given for emergency relief are restricted to that purpose. WAN is a UK charitable organisation governed by named trustees and applying for CIO registration. ### Does World Aid Network respond to floods outside Pakistan? World Aid Network's work is focused on Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Flooding is a recurring emergency in both Pakistan and Indonesia, and WAN funds relief in these regions through local partner organisations when disasters strike. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds emergency relief through trusted local partners in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # How your donation helps: how to help > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief/how-your-donation-helps > Last reviewed: 2026-08-15 ## In short Your emergency donation is restricted to food, clean water, hygiene kits and shelter. Trustees release it to local partners in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia, who buy supplies nearby. World Aid Network does not send cash to individuals or run overseas teams. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks. It is fair to ask exactly what happens to a donation after you give it. Trust is everything in charity, and World Aid Network's emergency relief is built around a simple, accountable model: restricted funds, local delivery, and governance by named trustees. This page explains where your emergency gift goes, who actually delivers the aid, and how World Aid Network is held accountable — so you can give with confidence. ## At a glance - Funds restricted to: Disaster relief - Delivered by: Trusted local partners - Operating model: No own overseas teams - Governed by: Named trustees ## How your donation reaches a family - You donate to emergency relief: Your gift goes into a fund that is restricted to disaster relief — it can only be spent on emergency response, not on other purposes. - Trustees direct it to the greatest need: World Aid Network's trustees allocate the fund to the most urgent active emergency, so your gift goes where it will save the most lives. - Local partners buy supplies locally: Trusted local partner organisations already in the affected area purchase clean water, food, shelter and other essentials nearby — faster and cheaper than shipping from abroad. - Aid is delivered to affected families: Partners distribute relief directly to families in need, reaching communities that outside responders often cannot. ## Where your money goes Donations given for emergency relief are restricted — meaning they can only be spent on disaster response, not redirected to other activities. The funds pay for the essentials that keep families alive after a disaster: clean water, food, hygiene kits and temporary shelter, including winter warmth where families are still displaced. Because supplies are bought locally rather than shipped from the UK, your gift avoids international freight, customs and storage costs — so more of it reaches families, and it arrives faster. ## Who delivers the aid World Aid Network does not run its own clinics or send its own teams overseas. Instead, all emergency relief is delivered through trusted local partner organisations who are already established in the affected communities. They understand local needs, speak the language, and can act within hours of a disaster. This local-delivery model is deliberate. It is faster, more cost-effective, more culturally appropriate, and it strengthens local capacity rather than competing with it. ## How World Aid Network is governed and accountable World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration, with charity registration in progress. It is governed by a board of named trustees who are responsible for how funds are used, and partner organisations are selected and monitored against clear standards. Restricted funding, trustee oversight and partner monitoring together mean your gift is used for the purpose you intended and accounted for. ## Why local delivery means more impact The traditional image of disaster aid — shipping containers of donated goods across the world — is often far less effective than it looks. Goods chosen from afar may not match local needs, and the cost of transporting them can exceed their value. Funding local partners to buy what is needed, where it is needed, turns more of every pound into real help on the ground — and supports the local economy that families will depend on to rebuild. ## Key takeaways - Emergency donations are restricted — they can only be spent on disaster relief. - All relief is delivered through trusted local partners, not WAN's own overseas teams. - Buying supplies locally means more of your gift reaches families, faster. - World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration, governed by named trustees. - Local delivery is faster, cheaper, more appropriate and strengthens local capacity. ## Related pages - Emergency relief hub — Food, water, hygiene kits and shelter. https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief - Floods & Earthquake Appeal — Standing three-country disaster fund. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/emergency-floods - Indonesia Emergency Appeal — Flores earthquake and tsunami warning. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/indonesia-emergency - Pakistan Floods Appeal — Monsoon flooding — food, water and shelter. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/pakistan-emergency - Flood relief — How flood gifts reach families. https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief/floods - Earthquake relief — Why the first 72 hours matter. https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief/earthquakes - How we work — Grants to local partners, not cash to individuals. https://worldaidnetwork.org/how-we-work - Donate — Give by card to emergency relief. https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate ## Frequently asked questions ### What percentage of my donation reaches families? World Aid Network keeps costs low by funding local partner organisations to buy supplies locally, which avoids the international shipping, customs and storage costs that consume much of the value of goods sent from abroad. Donations given for emergency relief are restricted to that purpose, and use of funds is overseen by the charity's trustees. (World Aid Network does not publish a fixed percentage figure; funds are accounted for under trustee governance as registration is completed.) ### Who delivers World Aid Network's emergency aid? All emergency relief is delivered through trusted local partner organisations already established in the affected communities — World Aid Network does not deploy its own overseas teams. This local-delivery model is faster, more cost-effective and more culturally appropriate, and it strengthens local capacity. ### Is my emergency donation restricted to disaster relief? Yes. Donations given for emergency relief are restricted, meaning they can only be spent on disaster response, not redirected to other activities. World Aid Network's trustees direct the fund to the most urgent active emergency. ### Does World Aid Network send volunteers or teams overseas? No. World Aid Network does not run its own clinics or send its own teams abroad. All work — emergency relief and medical care alike — is delivered by trusted local partner organisations and locally-licensed professionals in the regions where WAN operates. ### Is World Aid Network a registered charity? World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration with charity registration in progress. It is governed by named trustees, and donations are managed accordingly. Gift Aid requires HMRC recognition and donor eligibility; it is not currently available. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds emergency relief through trusted local partners in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Winter relief: how to help > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief/seasonal-winter > Last reviewed: 2026-08-15 ## In short For families already displaced by floods or earthquakes, winter is a second emergency. Freezing nights put children and older people at risk in tents and damaged buildings. Please donate. World Aid Network funds blankets, extra tarpaulins and warm food through local partners, mainly in Pakistan’s northern and mountain areas. Indonesia and Malaysia are tropical: there the seasonal risk is monsoon flooding, not cold. Winter does not make headlines the way a flood or earthquake does, but for families who are already vulnerable it can be just as deadly. Those displaced by disaster — living in tents, temporary shelters or damaged homes — face the cold with almost no protection. In high-altitude and northern regions, temperatures fall well below freezing. For a young child or an older person already weakened by hardship, that cold can be fatal. The good news is that the things that protect families through winter — blankets, warm clothing, shelter and warm food — are simple and affordable. This guide explains why winter is so dangerous for displaced families and how to help. ## At a glance - The risk: Cold can be fatal - Most at risk: Children & older people - Key items: Blankets, shelter, warm food - When: Winter months ## How to help families through winter - Donate to a winter relief appeal: Give to a seasonal appeal that funds winter survival essentials. A cash gift lets partners buy warm items locally and reach families before the coldest weeks. - Fund warm blankets and clothing: Warm blankets and clothing are among the cheapest and most effective ways to protect displaced families from the cold. - Fund weatherproof shelter and extra blankets: Help families stay warm and dry with extra tarpaulins, shelter-kit materials and blankets — not house repairs. - Fund warm, nutritious food: Cold weather increases the body's energy needs. Funding warm, nutritious meals helps vulnerable families, especially children, stay healthy through winter. - Give monthly to prepare ahead: Winter arrives on the same calendar every year. A regular gift means winter relief can be ready and delivered before the temperature drops. ## Why winter is deadly for displaced families Families who have lost their homes often have no way to keep warm. Tents and damaged buildings offer little protection from freezing nights, wind and snow. Without adequate blankets, clothing or heating, the cold causes illness and, for the most vulnerable, can be fatal. Young children and older people are most at risk. Cold also worsens existing illness and makes infections more dangerous, while the extra energy needed to stay warm strains families who are already short of food. ## What a winter relief package provides World Aid Network's seasonal relief focuses on the essentials that keep families safe through the coldest months: - Warm blankets and winter clothing - Extra tarpaulins and weatherproof shelter-kit materials - Warm, nutritious food for vulnerable family members ## How World Aid Network delivers seasonal relief Seasonal relief is delivered through trusted local partner organisations who know which families are most at risk and can buy warm items locally, ahead of the coldest weeks. Because winter is predictable, preparing in advance means help arrives in time. Donations given for emergency and seasonal relief are restricted to that purpose. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation governed by named trustees and applying for CIO registration. ## Key takeaways - For displaced and poor families, winter is a life-threatening emergency, not just discomfort. - Young children and older people are most at risk from the cold. - Warm blankets, extra tarpaulins and warm food are simple, affordable ways to save lives. - Winter is predictable, so preparing relief in advance means it arrives in time. - World Aid Network funds winter essentials through trusted local partners. ## Related pages - Pakistan Floods Appeal — Winter warmth sits with shelter for displaced families in Pakistan. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/pakistan-emergency - Floods & Earthquake Appeal — Standing fund including winter survival items. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/emergency-floods - Emergency relief hub — Food, water and shelter after disaster. https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief - Flood relief — Why monsoon flooding needs a standing fund. https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief/floods - How your donation helps — Where a restricted gift goes. https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief/how-your-donation-helps - Monthly giving — Keep kits ready before the coldest weeks. https://worldaidnetwork.org/monthly-giving - Donate — Give by card from the UK. https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate ## Frequently asked questions ### How can I help families through winter? Donate to a winter relief appeal. A financial gift lets local partners buy warm blankets, clothing, shelter materials and warm food, and reach the most vulnerable families before the coldest weeks arrive. Because winter comes every year, giving monthly helps relief be ready in advance — and sharing the appeal extends its reach. ### Why is winter dangerous for displaced families? Families who have lost their homes often shelter in tents or damaged buildings with little protection from freezing temperatures, wind and snow. Without warm blankets, clothing or heating, the cold causes serious illness and can be fatal — especially for young children and older people. ### What does winter relief include? Winter relief typically provides warm blankets and clothing, extra tarpaulins and weatherproof shelter-kit materials, and warm, nutritious food. These essentials protect vulnerable family members through the coldest months. World Aid Network does not fund house repairs or heating systems from disaster gifts. ### When is the best time to donate for winter relief? Earlier is better. Because winter arrives on a predictable calendar, donating ahead of the coldest weeks allows partners to buy and pre-position warm items so they reach families in time. A regular monthly gift is an ideal way to make sure winter relief is always ready. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds emergency relief through trusted local partners in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Eye-Care Partners & Clinical Review | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/eye-care-partners > Information for ophthalmologists and hospitals: clinical review, partnership enquiries, evidence standards and professional fundraising for eye care. Quick answer Clinicians and hospitals can enquire about reviewing WAN’s eye-health information, discussing a delivery proposal or professional fundraising. Enquiries do not establish a partnership or funded activity. Named clinical credits and delivery claims require documented approval. No clinician profiles with approved content-review records are currently listed. ## Local doctors and specialist support WAN hires local doctors in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia to perform surgery and arranges for a visiting specialist to support their training and review clinical practice. Care must take place within the relevant local licensing, facility and clinical-governance arrangements. Around £200 is a cataract surgery planning estimate supplied to WAN by consultant ophthalmic surgeon Mr Mohamed Mohyudin. Actual costs depend on the patient, facility and included care; it is not a fixed price or a guaranteed result. [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin’s professional profile](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/) Specialist training supports the local team; it does not replace responsibility for assessment, informed consent, follow-up and responding to complications. Visit dates and delivery reports are published only when confirmed. [Hospital partnerships and funding checks](/partner-with-us) ## Looking for a funded delivery partnership? Hospitals and organisations can read the shared eligibility, due diligence, agreement and reporting process for eye care, cancer care and emergency relief. [Hospital and aid partnership process](/partner-with-us) · [Proses kemitraan dalam Bahasa Indonesia](/id/bermitra-dengan-kami) ## Three ways to contribute ### Review patient information Identify the guides you can review, your relevant expertise and the proposed scope. Review should cover accuracy, uncertainty, urgent advice and local applicability. ### Propose a care pathway Describe the facility, clinical capacity, assessment criteria, budget and follow-up arrangements. A proposal must be assessed before any public service commitment. ### Fundraise with colleagues Support the Gift of Sight programme as a team. Use approved contribution wording; a target is a fundraising aim, not a guaranteed number of operations. [Email a professional enquiry](mailto:info@worldaidnetwork.org?subject=Eye-care%20professional%20enquiry)[Explore fundraising](/fundraise-for-us) Include your professional role, organisation, country and proposed contribution. Please do not include patient records or identity documents. ## Clinical review that readers can check An editorial update is different from clinical sign-off. A review credit should identify the clinician, relevant qualifications, the exact page and content version reviewed, the review date and any limits to scope. Later substantive changes need a new review before the credit is applied to that version. Public references help readers check a statement; they do not establish that a source organisation endorses WAN. Funding and local availability statements require programme evidence as well as clinical review. ### No approved clinical-review profiles published yet The eye-care pages state their current review status. We will add names and specific review records after the relevant clinician has agreed to the role and publication. [Read the full editorial policy](/editorial-policy) ## What a delivery proposal needs to establish - **Clinical responsibility:** the qualified clinicians and facility responsible for assessment, treatment, consent, safeguarding and complaints. - **Practical access:** location, dates, eligibility, capacity, patient communication and any charges or coverage. - **Care continuity:** aftercare, urgent escalation, referral arrangements and responsibility for complications. - **Accountability:** an agreed budget, payment evidence and reports that separate assessments, operations and measured outcomes. - **Publication permission:** approval for organisation names, professional profiles, photographs and de-identified programme results. These are proposal criteria, not a claim that an unnamed facility has already met them. See [published activity information](/free-eye-screening-camps#camp-schedule) and [programme reporting](/our-impact). ## Support care responsibly A clinician-led fundraiser can explain why access matters and invite colleagues to contribute. Use the [Gift of Sight appeal](/appeal/gift-of-sight) and its current reporting status. Do not promise one operation per donation unless a specific, approved budget and funding arrangement support that claim. [Discuss a professional contribution](/contact) ## Questions about eye care and support Can an ophthalmologist help without running a camp? Yes, a clinician can enquire about reviewing patient information, helping assess a proposed care pathway or organising professional fundraising. Any clinical role, use of a name or publication credit needs an agreed scope and approval. Does an enquiry make a hospital a WAN partner? No. Clinical credentials, facilities, safeguarding, consent, costs, reporting and aftercare need assessment before a delivery arrangement is agreed. Public partner claims require permission and supporting records. Should I send patient information in my first message? No. Use the general contact route for your professional role, organisation, country and proposed contribution. Do not include patient names, records, photographs or identity documents. Any later clinical information exchange needs an agreed secure process. Is PERDAMI a WAN partner? No partnership or endorsement is claimed. PERDAMI is linked as an independent Indonesian source of public eye-health information. General information, not a diagnosis or funding decision. Editorial oversight: Kaiser Khan. Updated 4 October 2026; this version has not received documented clinical sign-off. [Clinical review and accountability](/eye-care-partners#clinical-review) ## How can I help someone access eye care? Understand the care available, explore its costs and see how a donation reaches a treatment partner. - [Give to eye care](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form) About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. Any amount contributes to the Gift of Sight Appeal. - [Sponsor cataract surgery](/sponsor-a-cataract-operation) Learn how to help fund an operation. - [Plan an eye-care gift](/eye-surgery-cost-calculator) Calculate your giving total without assuming a number of operations. - [Where your donation goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and accounted for. - [Sight-restoring eye surgery](/eye-surgery) Explore the eye care programme and treatment pathway. - [Getting help for vision changes](/eye-health/screening-checker) Find guidance on professional eye care and support enquiries. - [Screening locations and availability](/free-eye-screening-camps) Check published schedules and what to ask before attending. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Eye Health Guides, Symptoms & Care | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/eye-health > Explore eye conditions, recognise when to seek urgent care and understand assessment, treatment and support. Read sources and clinical review status. Quick answer Eye-health information can help you prepare for an appointment, but it cannot diagnose the cause of a vision change. WAN’s guides explain conditions, sources and review status. Sudden vision loss or sudden severe eye pain needs emergency assessment; do not wait for a screening camp or charity enquiry. ## When should you seek help? ### Sudden or severe symptoms Sudden inability to see or sudden severe eye pain needs emergency care. New flashes, a moving shadow, blurred vision or a painful red eye also need urgent medical advice. Use your local eye-care or emergency service. In the UK, follow the NHS urgent-care guidance linked below. [NHS vision-loss guidance](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vision-loss/) ### Gradual changes and routine checks Arrange an eye examination if vision changes affect reading, driving or daily activities. Bring your glasses, a medicine list and questions. If you already have a diagnosis, follow the review plan your clinician recommends. [Explore questions about seeking care](/eye-health/screening-checker) ## Explore 8 eye-condition guides Each guide links to its sources. The library includes explanations of treatment and support; not every condition is treated with surgery. - [CataractsClouding of the eye’s lens that can affect vision; assessment helps determine suitable care.Read the guide →](/eye-health/cataracts) - [Refractive errorThe most common cause of vision impairment — usually fixed by a simple pair of glasses.Read the guide →](/eye-health/refractive-error) - [GlaucomaThe 'silent thief of sight' — painless, but preventable if caught early.Read the guide →](/eye-health/glaucoma) - [Diabetic retinopathyA leading cause of sight loss in working-age adults — and largely preventable.Read the guide →](/eye-health/diabetic-retinopathy) - [TrachomaThe world's leading infectious cause of blindness — and it is preventable.Read the guide →](/eye-health/trachoma) - [Macular degeneration (AMD)The leading cause of central-vision loss in older adults — with treatable forms.Read the guide →](/eye-health/macular-degeneration) - [Childhood blindnessAround half of all childhood blindness is avoidable — and a child's whole life depends on catching it early.Read the guide →](/eye-health/childhood-blindness) - [Cataracts vs glaucomaTwo common causes of sight loss that are often confused — but one is reversible and one is not.Read the guide →](/eye-health/cataract-vs-glaucoma) ## Make the most of an appointment - Explain when the change began, whether it affects one or both eyes and how it affects daily life. - Ask what the tests show, which choices are reasonable and whether treatment is urgent. - Ask about benefits, risks, costs, alternatives and follow-up before agreeing to treatment. - Confirm whom to contact if symptoms worsen. A funding application should not delay urgent medical care. ## Care access, funding and accountability Read about [WAN’s eye-care programme](/eye-surgery), [community eye screening](/free-eye-screening-camps) and [cataract support in Indonesia](/eye-surgery/indonesia). Programme enquiries are subject to confirmation; this site does not promise a free appointment or a clinical result. For the evidence behind programme activity, visit [our reporting page](/our-impact). Clinicians can read the [review standards and participation options](/eye-care-partners#clinical-review). ## Questions about eye care and support Are these guides a diagnosis? No. Similar symptoms can have different causes. A guide or online checker cannot examine your eyes, establish a diagnosis or decide whether surgery is suitable. Have all these guides received clinical review? No blanket clinical-review claim is made. A named reviewer should only be credited for the exact content version they have signed off. Current review status is stated on each guide; public source references are not the same as a clinician’s approval. Does eye surgery reverse every kind of sight loss? No. The appropriate care depends on the condition. Some treatments aim to prevent further damage rather than recover vision already lost. A specialist should explain the realistic benefit for the individual. Can WAN arrange an urgent appointment? WAN is not an emergency eye-care service. For sudden vision loss or sudden severe eye pain, seek emergency medical assessment locally. Do not wait for a donation programme or a reply from us. ## Sources and further information - [NHS: vision changes and when to get help](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vision-loss/) - [WHO: blindness and vision impairment](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blindness-and-visual-impairment) Sources explain the subject; a link does not imply a partnership or endorsement of WAN. General information, not a diagnosis or funding decision. Editorial oversight: Kaiser Khan. Updated 4 October 2026; this version has not received documented clinical sign-off. [Clinical review and accountability](/eye-care-partners#clinical-review) ## How can I help someone access eye care? Understand the care available, explore its costs and see how a donation reaches a treatment partner. - [Give to eye care](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form) About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. Any amount contributes to the Gift of Sight Appeal. - [Sponsor cataract surgery](/sponsor-a-cataract-operation) Learn how to help fund an operation. - [Plan an eye-care gift](/eye-surgery-cost-calculator) Calculate your giving total without assuming a number of operations. - [Where your donation goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and accounted for. - [Sight-restoring eye surgery](/eye-surgery) Explore the eye care programme and treatment pathway. - [Getting help for vision changes](/eye-health/screening-checker) Find guidance on professional eye care and support enquiries. - [Clinicians and hospital enquiries](/eye-care-partners) Review standards, participation and professional introductions. - [Screening locations and availability](/free-eye-screening-camps) Check published schedules and what to ask before attending. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Cataracts vs glaucoma: symptoms, causes and treatment > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/eye-health/cataract-vs-glaucoma > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Cataracts and glaucoma are both common causes of sight loss in older adults, and they are often mixed up — but they are very different. A cataract is a clouding of the eye's lens; it causes blurry, dim vision and is reversible, because surgery to replace the lens usually restores sight. Glaucoma is damage to the optic nerve, usually from raised pressure in the eye; it tends to take side (peripheral) vision first, often with no early symptoms, and the sight it takes cannot be brought back — though treatment can stop it getting worse. The key difference: cataract surgery restores lost vision, while glaucoma treatment protects the vision you still have. Regular eye tests detect both. Editorial summary of published information. A named clinician has not signed off this version. Discuss your sight with an eye professional. Cataracts and glaucoma are two of the most common causes of sight loss, especially in older adults, and because both can blur or reduce vision they are frequently confused. Understanding how they differ matters, because the outlook and the treatment are very different — and in one case, acting early is the only way to protect sight. In short: a cataract clouds the lens and is reversible with surgery, while glaucoma damages the optic nerve and causes permanent loss that treatment can only slow. This guide sets the two side by side so the difference is clear. ## At a glance - Cataract affects: The lens - Glaucoma affects: The optic nerve - Cataract is: Reversible by surgery - Glaucoma damage is: Permanent (but slowable) ## Urgent eye symptoms In the UK, go to A&E or call 999 for sudden inability to see or sudden severe eye pain. Do not drive yourself. Seek urgent GP or NHS 111 advice for new vision changes, a dark shadow, or a red or painful eye. Elsewhere, use local urgent care. Source: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vision-loss/ ## When to see a doctor - Cataract: gradually cloudy or blurry vision, glare and haloes around lights, faded colours - Glaucoma (chronic): usually NO early symptoms — regular eye tests are the only reliable way to catch it - Glaucoma: patchy loss of side (peripheral) vision - URGENT (acute glaucoma): sudden severe eye pain, headache, nausea, redness and haloes — seek emergency eye care - The single best protection against both is a regular eye test ## Cataracts vs glaucoma: the key differences The simplest way to tell them apart is by what they affect and whether the sight loss can be reversed. Cataracts affect the eye's lens and are reversible; glaucoma affects the optic nerve and is not. ## Can you have both at the same time? Yes. Both conditions become more common with age, so it is entirely possible to have cataracts and glaucoma together. They are managed separately — cataract surgery to restore the clouded lens, and ongoing treatment to control glaucoma — and an eye specialist will plan care for both. Having one does not cause the other, although they can occasionally be linked through certain treatments or eye conditions. ## How both are detected Crucially, both cataracts and glaucoma are picked up by a routine eye test, often before they cause obvious problems. Because chronic glaucoma has no early warning signs, a regular eye examination is the single most important thing you can do to protect your sight — it can catch glaucoma early enough to prevent serious loss, and identify cataracts when surgery can restore clear vision. In many parts of the world, that simple eye test and the treatment that follows are out of reach. World Aid Network funds sight-restoring eye care through locally-licensed surgeons for people who cannot afford it. ## Key takeaways - Cataracts cloud the lens and are reversible; glaucoma damages the optic nerve and causes permanent loss. - Cataract surgery restores lost sight; glaucoma treatment protects the sight you still have. - Cataracts blur overall vision; glaucoma usually takes side vision first, often with no early symptoms. - You can have both conditions at once, and they are treated separately. - A routine eye test detects both — it is the best protection, especially for symptomless glaucoma. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the main difference between cataracts and glaucoma? A cataract is a clouding of the eye's lens that causes blurry, dim vision and is reversible — surgery to replace the lens usually restores sight. Glaucoma is damage to the optic nerve, usually from raised eye pressure, which takes side vision first and causes permanent loss that treatment can only slow. In short: cataract surgery restores vision, while glaucoma treatment protects remaining vision. ### Which is worse, cataracts or glaucoma? In terms of long-term risk, glaucoma is generally more serious because the sight it takes cannot be restored — only further loss can be slowed. Cataracts, although they can cause blindness if untreated, are usually reversible with a routine operation. This is why catching glaucoma early, through regular eye tests, is so important. ### Can cataracts turn into glaucoma? No — they are separate conditions affecting different parts of the eye (the lens versus the optic nerve), and one does not turn into the other. However, both are common with age, so many people have both at once, and in some specific situations a very advanced cataract can raise eye pressure. An eye specialist can assess and manage both. ### Can you have cataracts and glaucoma together? Yes. Because both become more common with age, having them together is common. They are managed separately — cataract surgery to restore the clouded lens, and drops, laser or surgery to control glaucoma — and your eye care team will plan treatment for both. ### How are cataracts and glaucoma diagnosed? Both are usually detected during a routine eye test, frequently before you notice symptoms. The test checks vision, eye pressure and the health of the optic nerve and lens. Because chronic glaucoma has no early symptoms, regular eye examinations are the only reliable way to catch it in time. ## How you can help Explore care access at https://worldaidnetwork.org/eye-surgery and professional involvement at https://worldaidnetwork.org/eye-care-partners. Suggested donations support the wider programme and do not guarantee a procedure or result. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight ## Sources - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cataracts/ - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/glaucoma/ - https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blindness-and-visual-impairment - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vision-loss/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Cataracts: symptoms, causes and treatment > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/eye-health/cataracts > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short A cataract is clouding of the eye’s natural lens. It can cause blurred vision, glare and difficulty with everyday activities. An eye examination can establish the cause of symptoms. Surgery replaces the cloudy lens and can improve vision, but benefits and risks depend on the individual eye. Recovery takes time, other eye conditions may limit improvement and some people still need glasses. A donation is not a treatment booking or a guarantee of restored vision. Editorial summary of published information. A named clinician has not signed off this version. Discuss your sight with an eye professional. Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world. The World Health Organization estimates that cataracts account for around 51% of global blindness — affecting approximately 65 million people. Yet cataracts are entirely curable. A 20-minute operation to remove the clouded lens and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) restores sight in the vast majority of patients. In the United Kingdom, cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed NHS operations, with around 400,000 procedures carried out each year. Outcomes are excellent — over 95% of patients achieve improved vision. In low-income countries, the same surgery that is routine in the UK remains out of reach for millions of people, leaving them unnecessarily blind. This guide answers the twenty most commonly searched questions about cataracts in the UK, drawing on NHS and WHO sources. ## At a glance - Global rank: #1 cause of blindness - Most common in: Older adults - Treatment: Lens-replacement surgery when appropriate - Surgery time: Often under an hour ## Urgent eye symptoms In the UK, go to A&E or call 999 for sudden inability to see or sudden severe eye pain. Do not drive yourself. Seek urgent GP or NHS 111 advice for new vision changes, a dark shadow, or a red or painful eye. Elsewhere, use local urgent care. Source: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vision-loss/ ## When to see a doctor - Cloudy, blurry or misty vision that is slowly getting worse - Glare or haloes around bright lights, especially when driving at night - Colours looking faded or yellowed - Difficulty seeing in dim light - Needing brighter light to read, or changing your glasses more often ## What are cataracts? A cataract is a clouding of the crystalline lens inside the eye. The lens — normally clear — sits behind the iris and pupil and focuses light onto the retina, producing sharp images. When the proteins that make up the lens begin to break down and clump together, they scatter and block light passing through the lens, causing progressive blurring, glare and eventual loss of functional vision. The most common type is age-related cataract, which affects virtually everyone to some degree over the age of 65. Other types include: congenital cataract (present at birth); secondary cataracts (caused by diabetes, steroid medication or eye disease); traumatic cataracts (following eye injury); and radiation cataracts. ## Symptoms and when to seek help Cataracts develop slowly and painlessly. Early symptoms include: blurred, cloudy or misty vision; dazzle and glare from lights, particularly when driving at night; colours appearing faded or washed out; a 'halo' effect around lights; double vision in one eye; and frequent changes in glasses prescription. People sometimes notice they can read better in dim light than bright light (because the pupil dilates, avoiding the central denser part of the cataract). The NHS advises seeing your optician if any of these symptoms affect your daily activities — driving, reading, recognising faces or watching television. Your optician can detect cataracts during a routine eye examination and will refer you to an ophthalmologist when your cataracts are affecting your quality of life sufficiently to warrant surgery. ## Cataract surgery Modern cataract surgery (phacoemulsification) is a day-case procedure performed under local anaesthetic — typically an eye drop anaesthetic, with no injection or general anaesthetic required. A small incision is made at the edge of the cornea; an ultrasound probe breaks up the cloudy lens; the fragments are removed by suction; and an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted into the natural lens capsule. The incision is usually self-sealing. The whole procedure takes approximately 15–20 minutes. NHS cataract surgery is funded when your cataract significantly affects your ability to carry out everyday activities. Most patients are treated within 18 weeks of referral, though this varies. Visual recovery is rapid — many patients notice improved vision within 24–48 hours, with full recovery over two to six weeks. ## Cataracts and global blindness Cataract blindness is almost entirely an inequality issue. The operation costs far less in lower-income countries than it does privately in the UK (about £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation), yet it remains inaccessible to the rural poor in many countries. The WHO estimates that 80% of global visual impairment is avoidable or preventable. World Aid Network funds sight-restoring eye surgery — including cataract operations — for poor patients through locally-licensed ophthalmologists. A single donation can fund the procedure that gives someone their sight back, transforming their ability to work, care for their family and live independently. ## Key takeaways - Cataracts — clouding of the crystalline lens — are the world's leading cause of blindness, affecting around 65 million people globally and accounting for 51% of all blindness. - Symptoms include blurred or cloudy vision, glare, faded colours, halos around lights and frequent prescription changes. Cataracts develop slowly and are painlessly progressive. - Cataract surgery (phacoemulsification) is a 15–20-minute day-case procedure with an excellent safety record. The NHS performs around 400,000 procedures per year with over 95% of patients achieving improved vision. - Different intraocular lens (IOL) types are available — monofocal (standard NHS), toric (for astigmatism), extended depth of focus and multifocal — the latter two reducing spectacle dependence but available only privately. - Cataract blindness is almost entirely preventable at the global level. The surgery that is routine in the UK costs far less in lower-income countries (about £200 is our planning estimate for one operation) but remains out of reach for millions of poor patients. ## Frequently asked questions ### What are cataracts? A cataract is a clouding of the crystalline lens inside the eye that causes progressive visual impairment. The lens — normally transparent — becomes opaque as proteins within it break down and clump together, scattering light and preventing a clear image from reaching the retina. Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide, affecting an estimated 65 million people, and the most common cause of correctable visual impairment in the UK. ### What are the symptoms of cataracts? Symptoms include: blurred, cloudy or misty vision (as if looking through frosted glass); increased glare and dazzle from lights — particularly car headlights at night; colours appearing faded or yellowish; halos around lights; double vision in one eye; and a frequent need to change glasses prescription. Cataracts are painless and develop gradually over months to years. Sight loss caused by a cataract is not sudden. See your optician if any symptoms interfere with daily activities. ### What causes cataracts? Age-related breakdown of proteins within the crystalline lens is the most common cause. Other causes include: long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation; smoking (significantly increases cataract risk); diabetes (causes earlier and more aggressive cataracts); long-term corticosteroid medication (systemic or eye drops); eye injury or previous eye surgery; and certain medications. Congenital cataracts can be caused by infections during pregnancy (rubella, toxoplasmosis) or metabolic disorders in newborns. ### Who is at risk of developing cataracts? Age is the main risk factor — virtually everyone will develop some degree of lens clouding by their seventies. Additional risk factors include: smoking; diabetes; prolonged sun exposure without UV-protective sunglasses; long-term steroid use; a previous eye injury or inflammation; previous eye surgery; and a family history of early cataracts. People who have undergone radiotherapy near the eye and those with myopia also have higher risk. ### How are cataracts diagnosed? Your optician can diagnose cataracts during a routine eye examination using a slit-lamp (a specialised biomicroscope that illuminates the eye). Visual acuity testing measures the impact on your sight. If cataracts are found, your optician will refer you to an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) when they are affecting your quality of life significantly enough to consider surgery. No special tests beyond a clinical eye examination are needed to diagnose a cataract. ### How are cataracts treated? The only effective treatment for cataracts is surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). No eye drops, dietary supplements or glasses can reverse or significantly slow cataract formation. In the early stages, an updated glasses prescription may help compensate for mild blurring. NHS surgery is offered when the cataract significantly affects daily activities such as driving, reading or working. ### What happens during cataract surgery? Modern cataract surgery (phacoemulsification) is a day-case procedure under local anaesthetic eye drops — no injection or general anaesthetic is needed. A tiny incision (approximately 2.2–2.8 mm) is made at the edge of the cornea. An ultrasound probe is inserted to break up (emulsify) the cloudy lens; the fragments are suctioned away; and a foldable artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is placed inside the remaining lens capsule. The incision is usually self-sealing. The procedure takes approximately 15–20 minutes. ### Are cataracts dangerous if left untreated? Cataracts are not dangerous in the early stages but will progressively worsen over time without surgery. Severely advanced cataracts (hypermature or Morgagnian cataracts) can eventually cause complications including raised eye pressure (phacolytic or phacomorphic glaucoma) and inflammation inside the eye — both of which can permanently damage the optic nerve. More practically, untreated cataracts impair safe driving, increase the risk of falls in older people and significantly reduce quality of life. ### How long does cataract surgery take? The surgical procedure itself typically takes 15–20 minutes per eye. Your overall time at the hospital or day-surgery unit will be longer — usually two to three hours — to allow for pre-operative assessment, anaesthetic preparation (eye drops to dilate the pupil and numb the eye) and post-operative monitoring. Cataracts in both eyes are almost always treated as two separate procedures several weeks apart. ### What is recovery like after cataract surgery? Most patients notice improved vision within 24–48 hours of surgery. Full visual recovery and stabilisation typically takes four to six weeks. You will be given antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to use for up to four weeks. The NHS advises: avoiding rubbing or pressing on your eye; protecting the eye with a shield at night for the first week; not swimming for four weeks; and avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activity for the first two weeks. A follow-up appointment is arranged to check progress. ### What are the risks of cataract surgery? Cataract surgery has an excellent safety record — it is one of the safest surgical procedures in the UK. Serious complications are rare. The most common significant complication is posterior capsule rupture (tear in the lens bag), occurring in approximately 1–2% of cases, which may require additional treatment. Other rare complications include endophthalmitis (serious infection inside the eye, less than 1 in 1,000), retinal detachment and persistent corneal oedema. The risk of serious sight-threatening complication is approximately 1 in 1,000. ### What types of intraocular lens are available? Standard NHS IOLs are monofocal lenses — corrected for a single focal distance (usually distance vision), meaning glasses are still needed for reading. Private options include: toric IOLs (correcting astigmatism simultaneously); extended depth of focus (EDOF) IOLs (providing a range of distances with some spectacle independence); and multifocal IOLs (designed to provide both distance and near vision without glasses, though some patients experience halos and glare). The ophthalmologist will discuss which IOL is appropriate for your lifestyle and optical needs. ### Can cataracts come back after surgery? The replaced artificial lens cannot develop a cataract. However, a common late complication is posterior capsule opacification (PCO) — sometimes called a 'secondary cataract' — which occurs when cells on the back of the lens capsule multiply and cause the capsule to cloud over. This affects approximately 20–40% of patients within five years of surgery and causes blurring similar to the original cataract. It is treated simply and effectively in clinic using a YAG laser capsulotomy — a painless, five-minute procedure requiring no incision. ### Are cataracts hereditary? Age-related cataracts are not directly inherited, but a family history of early-onset cataracts (before age 60) may slightly increase your risk. Some rare types of cataracts are strongly genetic — congenital cataracts (present at birth) are often caused by specific gene mutations and can be inherited in an autosomal dominant or recessive pattern. If you have a family history of congenital cataracts, genetic counselling may be appropriate when planning a family. ### Can cataracts be prevented? Age-related cataracts cannot be entirely prevented, but several modifiable factors can delay their onset. The NHS advises: wearing UV400-rated sunglasses in bright sunlight; stopping smoking; eating a diet rich in antioxidants (leafy greens, colourful fruits and vegetables); managing diabetes well to control blood sugar; and avoiding unnecessary steroid use. Regular eye tests (every two years) ensure cataracts are detected early and managed appropriately. ### At what point does the NHS operate on cataracts? NHS clinical guidance states that cataract surgery is appropriate when the cataract significantly impacts a patient's ability to carry out everyday activities — driving, reading, recognising faces, working or maintaining independence. There is no objective threshold based on visual acuity alone. Your ophthalmologist will assess how much your cataracts are affecting your daily life and discuss the risks and benefits of surgery. Some NHS trusts have specific referral criteria, but access should not be refused solely on the basis of driving vision thresholds. ### Can cataracts cause blindness? Yes. Untreated cataracts are the single leading cause of blindness worldwide, accounting for approximately 51% of global blindness — around 65 million people. In the UK, blindness from cataracts is rare because surgery is readily available on the NHS. Globally, cataract blindness is overwhelmingly concentrated in low- and middle-income countries where surgery is unaffordable or unavailable. The WHO estimates that 80% of global visual impairment — including cataract blindness — is avoidable. ### Do cataracts affect children? Yes. Congenital cataracts are present at birth or develop in early childhood. They are a leading cause of visual impairment in children and require urgent treatment to prevent amblyopia ('lazy eye') — the permanent loss of visual development that occurs when a child's developing brain does not receive clear images during the critical early years. Congenital cataracts are managed by paediatric ophthalmologists, and treatment — surgery plus intensive patching therapy — must begin as early as possible to maximise visual outcome. ### Are cataracts the same as macular degeneration? No. Cataracts and macular degeneration (age-related macular degeneration, AMD) are different conditions. Cataracts affect the lens — the transparent structure that focuses light — and cause overall blurring and glare. AMD affects the macula — the central part of the retina — and causes loss of central (detail) vision. A person can have both conditions simultaneously. Cataracts are treatable by surgery; AMD currently has no cure, though progression of wet AMD can be slowed with anti-VEGF injections. Having cataracts can make AMD more difficult to diagnose. ### How does cataract blindness affect people in developing countries? Globally, cataracts cause unnecessary blindness in approximately 65 million people — almost entirely in low- and middle-income countries. The operation that takes 20 minutes in the UK and is available free on the NHS costs far less in lower-income countries (about £200 is our planning estimate for one operation), yet remains inaccessible to the rural poor due to lack of specialist facilities, distance from services and out-of-pocket costs. World Aid Network funds sight-restoring cataract surgery for poor patients through locally-licensed ophthalmologists, giving people back their independence, livelihood and quality of life. ## How you can help Explore care access at https://worldaidnetwork.org/eye-surgery and professional involvement at https://worldaidnetwork.org/eye-care-partners. Suggested donations support the wider programme and do not guarantee a procedure or result. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight ## Sources - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cataracts/ - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cataract-surgery/ - https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blindness-and-visual-impairment - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vision-loss/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Childhood blindness: symptoms, causes and treatment > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/eye-health/childhood-blindness > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Childhood blindness means sight loss that begins in childhood, and it carries a special weight: a child who loses their sight has a lifetime of blindness ahead, and may also fall behind in learning and development. Worldwide, around 1.4 million children are blind, and close to half of these cases are avoidable — either preventable or treatable. The causes differ from place to place: in poorer countries they include childhood cataracts, scarring from vitamin A deficiency and measles, and infections; in wealthier ones, more cases are genetic or linked to prematurity. The most important message for parents is to act early — some childhood eye problems, like cataracts, can be treated to restore a lifetime of sight if caught in time. Editorial summary of published information. A named clinician has not signed off this version. Discuss your sight with an eye professional. Sight loss in childhood is different from sight loss later in life. A child who becomes blind faces not only a lifetime without sight, but also the risk of falling behind in learning, development and independence during the years when these are formed. Each case represents many decades of blindness ahead. There is real hope, though. The World Health Organization estimates around 1.4 million children are blind worldwide, and that close to half of childhood blindness is avoidable — meaning it could be prevented or successfully treated. The difference between a lifetime of blindness and a lifetime of sight often comes down to whether a child is seen, diagnosed and treated in time. This guide explains the main causes of childhood blindness, the warning signs for parents and carers, and why early action — particularly for treatable conditions like childhood cataract — matters so much. ## At a glance - Children blind worldwide: ~1.4 million - Avoidable: Close to half of cases - Treatable cause: Childhood cataract - What matters most: Catching it early ## Urgent eye symptoms In the UK, go to A&E or call 999 for sudden inability to see or sudden severe eye pain. Do not drive yourself. Seek urgent GP or NHS 111 advice for new vision changes, a dark shadow, or a red or painful eye. Elsewhere, use local urgent care. Source: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vision-loss/ ## When to see a doctor - A white or cloudy appearance in the pupil, or a white reflection in flash photographs - Not making eye contact, or not following faces and objects, by around 6–8 weeks of age - Eyes that wobble, wander or do not move together - A persistent squint (one eye turning) beyond the first few months - Cloudy, watery or very light-sensitive eyes - Any of these needs prompt assessment — a white pupil in particular should be checked urgently ## What causes childhood blindness The causes of childhood blindness vary a great deal depending on where a child lives. In lower-income countries, many cases are linked to poverty and are avoidable: childhood cataract, corneal scarring from vitamin A deficiency or measles, infections of the newborn's eyes, and harm from unsafe traditional eye remedies. In higher-income countries, a larger share is due to genetic conditions, problems affecting the retina or brain, and retinopathy of prematurity (eye damage in babies born very early). Retinopathy of prematurity is a growing cause in middle-income countries, as more premature babies survive but specialist eye screening has not yet caught up. Across all settings, childhood cataract stands out because it is both an important cause and a highly treatable one. ## Warning signs every parent should know Babies and young children cannot tell you their vision is poor, so parents and carers are the first line of detection. The single most important sign is a white or cloudy appearance in the pupil — including a white reflection where you would normally see 'red-eye' in flash photographs. This can be a sign of cataract or, less commonly, a serious condition such as an eye tumour, and should always be checked promptly. Other signs include a baby not making eye contact or not following faces and objects by around six to eight weeks, eyes that wobble or wander, a squint that persists beyond the first few months, and cloudy, watery or very light-sensitive eyes. None of these always means blindness, but all deserve a professional eye check — early. ## Why early treatment changes everything For some causes of childhood blindness, timing is critical. A baby's visual system is still developing, and the brain learns to see during the first years of life. If a treatable problem such as a cataract blocks clear vision during this window, the brain may never fully learn to see with that eye — even if the cataract is removed later. Treating it early gives the best chance of normal sight developing. This is why childhood cataract surgery, performed in good time and followed by the right glasses or contact lenses and follow-up, can transform a child's entire future. The same is true of treating vitamin A deficiency, vaccinating against measles, and screening premature babies for retinopathy. ## Preventing and treating childhood blindness Much childhood blindness can be stopped before it starts: vitamin A supplementation, measles immunisation, safe care of newborns' eyes, and good maternal and child health all play a part. Where sight is already threatened, early eye examination, childhood cataract surgery, and screening programmes for premature babies can save vision. World Aid Network's sight-restoring work funds eye care delivered by locally-licensed surgeons and partners for families who cannot afford it — so that an avoidable, treatable cause of childhood blindness does not rob a child of a lifetime of sight. ## Key takeaways - Around 1.4 million children are blind worldwide, and close to half of childhood blindness is avoidable. - The most important warning sign is a white or cloudy pupil (or white reflection in photos) — check it urgently. - Causes differ by region: cataract, vitamin A deficiency and infection in poorer countries; genetic and prematurity-related causes elsewhere. - Early treatment is critical — the brain learns to see in the first years of life, so treatable problems must be caught in time. - Childhood cataract surgery, vitamin A, measles vaccination and screening for premature babies all protect children's sight. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the most common treatable cause of childhood blindness? Childhood cataract is one of the most important treatable causes of blindness in children worldwide. A cataract clouds the eye's lens; in children, removing it early — followed by the right glasses or contact lenses and follow-up — gives the best chance of normal sight developing, because the visual system is still maturing. ### What does a white pupil in a child mean? A white or cloudy pupil — including a white reflection instead of the usual red-eye in flash photos — can be a sign of a childhood cataract or, less commonly, a serious condition such as retinoblastoma (an eye tumour). It should always be checked by a doctor promptly. It does not always mean something serious, but it must be assessed without delay. ### How can I tell if my baby can see properly? By around six to eight weeks, most babies make eye contact and begin to follow faces and objects. Signs to watch for include not making eye contact, eyes that wobble or wander, a persistent squint beyond the first few months, a white or cloudy pupil, and very watery or light-sensitive eyes. If you are concerned, ask for an eye check — early assessment is important. ### Is childhood blindness preventable? Often, yes. The World Health Organization estimates that close to half of childhood blindness is avoidable — preventable or treatable. Measures such as vitamin A supplementation, measles vaccination, safe newborn eye care, early childhood cataract surgery and screening premature babies for retinopathy of prematurity all prevent or treat sight loss. ### What is retinopathy of prematurity? Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is abnormal blood-vessel growth in the retina of babies born very prematurely, which can damage sight. It is a growing cause of childhood blindness in middle-income countries as more premature babies survive. It is largely preventable from causing blindness when at-risk babies are screened and treated in time. ## How you can help Explore care access at https://worldaidnetwork.org/eye-surgery and professional involvement at https://worldaidnetwork.org/eye-care-partners. Suggested donations support the wider programme and do not guarantee a procedure or result. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight ## Sources - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/childhood-cataracts/ - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/eye-tests-in-children/ - https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blindness-and-visual-impairment - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vision-loss/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Diabetic retinopathy: symptoms, causes and treatment > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/eye-health/diabetic-retinopathy > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the retina — the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye — caused by high blood sugar harming its tiny blood vessels. It is one of the leading causes of sight loss in working-age adults. Like glaucoma, it often causes no symptoms in its early, most treatable stages, which is why everyone with diabetes is offered regular eye screening. Caught early and combined with good control of blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol, most serious sight loss can be prevented. Left unchecked, it can lead to permanent blindness. Editorial summary of published information. A named clinician has not signed off this version. Discuss your sight with an eye professional. Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the blood vessels of the retina caused by the effects of chronically elevated blood glucose. It is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults in the UK and affects approximately 1.7 million people with diabetes to some degree. The condition is almost always symptom-free in its early and moderate stages — meaning people can be losing their sight without knowing it. This is why the NHS provides annual diabetic eye screening to every person with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes from the age of 12. Regular screening and good diabetes management can prevent sight loss in the vast majority of cases. This guide answers the twenty most commonly searched questions about diabetic retinopathy, drawing on NHS and WHO sources. ## At a glance - Cause: Diabetes damaging the retina - Most affects: Working-age adults - Early symptoms: Often none - Protection: Screening + blood-sugar control ## Urgent eye symptoms In the UK, go to A&E or call 999 for sudden inability to see or sudden severe eye pain. Do not drive yourself. Seek urgent GP or NHS 111 advice for new vision changes, a dark shadow, or a red or painful eye. Elsewhere, use local urgent care. Source: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vision-loss/ ## When to see a doctor - If you have diabetes, attend your eye screening even if your sight feels fine — early damage is invisible - Gradually worsening or fluctuating vision - Spots or dark strings floating in your vision (floaters) - Blurred or patchy vision - URGENT: sudden loss of vision, or a 'curtain' over your sight — seek urgent eye care ## How diabetes damages the eyes Chronically elevated blood glucose damages the walls of the small blood vessels (capillaries) supplying the retina. Damaged capillary walls become leaky, allowing blood and fluid to seep into the retina (causing diabetic macular oedema — the most common cause of diabetes-related vision loss) or becoming blocked, cutting off blood supply. In response to ischaemia (poor blood supply), the retina releases VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), stimulating the growth of abnormal new blood vessels (neovascularisation) — a hallmark of proliferative diabetic retinopathy. These abnormal vessels are fragile and grow on the surface of the retina and into the vitreous, where they can bleed (vitreous haemorrhage) and form fibrous scar tissue that pulls on the retina (tractional retinal detachment). Both complications cause sudden, severe vision loss. ## Stages of diabetic retinopathy The NHS classifies diabetic retinopathy into screening grades: R0 (no retinopathy); R1 (background retinopathy — microaneurysms, haemorrhages, hard exudates); R2 (pre-proliferative retinopathy — cotton wool spots, venous beading, intraretinal microvascular abnormalities — IRMA); R3 (proliferative retinopathy — new vessels on disc or elsewhere — high risk of vitreous haemorrhage and tractional detachment; requires urgent treatment); and M (maculopathy — any retinopathy or exudate within one disc diameter of the macula centre, or unexplained visual loss). Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR, grade R3) and diabetic macular oedema (DMO, grade M) are the two main causes of diabetes-related vision loss and require prompt specialist treatment. Many people with diabetic retinopathy have no symptoms in the R1–R2 stages — which is why annual screening is essential. ## Treatment options Diabetic macular oedema (the most common cause of vision loss in diabetes) is treated primarily with intravitreal anti-VEGF injections — ranibizumab and aflibercept are NICE-approved for NHS use. Steroid implants (dexamethasone — Ozurdex) are used in some cases. Laser photocoagulation of the macular area (focal/grid laser) can stabilise macular oedema but is less effective than anti-VEGF at improving visual acuity. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (new vessel growth) is treated with panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) — laser treatment applied to the peripheral retina to destroy areas of ischaemia and suppress VEGF production, causing regression of new vessels. For advanced PDR with vitreous haemorrhage or tractional retinal detachment, vitrectomy surgery is required. Systemic control — optimising HbA1c, blood pressure and blood lipids — is the foundation of preventing and slowing retinopathy. ## Diabetic retinopathy in the developing world The International Diabetes Federation estimates that approximately 537 million adults worldwide have diabetes, with the majority living in low- and middle-income countries — and these numbers are projected to grow substantially. Pakistan has the third highest absolute number of people with diabetes in the world; Indonesia has the fifth highest. Diabetic retinopathy affects over 103 million people globally and is the fastest-growing cause of preventable blindness across South and South-East Asia — directly striking the populations our charity serves. In high-income countries, annual eye screening, laser treatment and anti-VEGF injections keep the rate of severe diabetic retinopathy relatively low. In low-income countries, diabetes is frequently undiagnosed, retinal screening is almost entirely absent for poor patients, and anti-VEGF drugs and laser facilities are inaccessible without payment. A patient who would be picked up at background retinopathy stage in an NHS screening programme — treated, and their sight preserved — instead progresses silently to proliferative disease and irreversible blindness because they cannot afford a single specialist appointment. The tragedy is that 90% of diabetic blindness is preventable with timely screening and treatment. World Aid Network funds diabetic eye disease treatment — retinal examinations, laser photocoagulation, anti-VEGF injections and vitreoretinal surgery — for poor patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia, delivered through locally-licensed ophthalmologists in registered hospitals. Your donation reaches the patient who is losing their sight to a condition that was entirely preventable. ## Key takeaways - Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults in the UK, affecting approximately 1.7 million people with diabetes. It is almost always preventable with good diabetes management and annual screening. - Early and moderate retinopathy causes no symptoms. Sight loss can be occurring without any awareness — annual NHS diabetic eye screening is essential for everyone with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes from age 12. - The two main causes of vision loss are diabetic macular oedema (treated with anti-VEGF injections) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (treated with panretinal laser photocoagulation). - Good control of blood glucose (HbA1c), blood pressure and blood lipids significantly reduces the risk of developing and progressing retinopathy — more than any treatment can achieve once retinopathy is established. - In low-income countries, widespread diabetes and absent screening infrastructure mean many patients present with advanced, irreversible diabetic retinopathy. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is diabetic retinopathy? Diabetic retinopathy is progressive damage to the blood vessels of the retina caused by chronically elevated blood glucose in people with diabetes. Damaged retinal capillaries become leaky, blocked or proliferate abnormally, leading to retinal oedema, haemorrhage, and — in advanced disease — vitreous bleeding and tractional retinal detachment. It is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults in the UK. ### What are the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy? In the early stages (background and pre-proliferative retinopathy), diabetic retinopathy causes no symptoms at all — vision is normal despite structural damage occurring. Symptoms appear only in advanced disease: sudden visual disturbance or blurring caused by vitreous haemorrhage; a dark area or shadow in vision; floaters (blood in the vitreous); distorted or blurred central vision (diabetic macular oedema); and, rarely, sudden complete vision loss from tractional retinal detachment. The absence of symptoms in early disease makes annual screening essential. ### Does everyone with diabetes get retinopathy? Not everyone with diabetes develops sight-threatening retinopathy, but most people with longstanding diabetes develop some degree of retinal change. After 20 years of Type 1 diabetes, over 90% of patients have some retinopathy; in Type 2 diabetes, approximately 60% have some retinopathy after 20 years. The risk is directly related to the duration of diabetes, blood glucose control (HbA1c), blood pressure control and kidney function. Good control dramatically reduces but does not eliminate risk. ### How common is diabetic retinopathy in the UK? Approximately 1.7 million people in the UK have some degree of diabetic retinopathy. Of these, around 200,000 have sight-threatening retinopathy requiring active treatment. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness among people of working age in the UK — a preventable tragedy, since most vision loss from diabetes is avoidable with appropriate screening, monitoring and treatment. ### What causes diabetic retinopathy? Sustained elevated blood glucose damages the endothelial cells lining retinal capillaries, causing them to become leaky, develop microaneurysms (small balloon-like swellings) and eventually become blocked. These changes lead to retinal ischaemia (poor blood supply), which triggers VEGF release — stimulating growth of fragile abnormal new blood vessels (neovascularisation) that bleed and scar. High blood pressure and high blood lipids compound the damage. ### What are the stages of diabetic retinopathy? The NHS diabetic eye screening programme grades retinopathy as: R0 — no retinopathy; R1 — background retinopathy (microaneurysms, haemorrhages, hard exudates) — no immediate treatment needed, annual screening continues; R2 — pre-proliferative retinopathy (cotton wool spots, venous beading, IRMA) — referred to hospital ophthalmology for closer monitoring; R3 — proliferative retinopathy (new vessel growth) — urgent treatment required; M — maculopathy (changes threatening central vision) — urgent referral. R3 and M require specialist intervention. ### What is diabetic macular oedema (DMO)? Diabetic macular oedema (DMO) is swelling of the macula — the central, high-resolution area of the retina — caused by leakage of fluid from damaged retinal blood vessels. It is the most common cause of vision loss in diabetic retinopathy, causing blurred or distorted central vision. DMO can occur at any stage of retinopathy and is graded as maculopathy (M) in the NHS screening system. It is treated with anti-VEGF intravitreal injections, which are NICE-approved for NHS use. ### What is the NHS diabetic eye screening programme? The NHS Diabetic Eye Screening Programme (DESP) offers annual photographic retinal screening to all people aged 12 and over with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Retinal photographs are taken with a fundus camera (usually without dilation) and graded by trained screeners and ophthalmologists. People with R0 or R1 screening results continue annual screening; people with R2, R3 or M are referred to hospital ophthalmology. The programme has significantly reduced the number of people losing their sight to diabetic retinopathy in the UK. ### How is diabetic retinopathy treated? Treatment depends on the type and severity. Diabetic macular oedema: anti-VEGF injections (ranibizumab/aflibercept) — NICE-approved — given monthly initially then as needed; dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex) for some patients; focal laser as an adjunct. Proliferative retinopathy (R3): panretinal laser photocoagulation (PRP) — laser burns applied to the peripheral retina to suppress new vessel growth. Advanced PDR (vitreous haemorrhage, tractional detachment): vitrectomy surgery. Systemic: optimise HbA1c, blood pressure and lipids — the most important intervention of all. ### Can diabetic retinopathy be reversed? Structural changes to the retina caused by diabetic retinopathy cannot generally be reversed. However, anti-VEGF treatment for diabetic macular oedema can resolve retinal swelling and improve visual acuity significantly — and panretinal laser causes new vessel regression in proliferative retinopathy, preventing further bleeding. Good glycaemic control can slow or halt progression and, in some cases, allow early retinal changes to improve. Vision that has been permanently lost due to photoreceptor or retinal nerve fibre damage cannot be restored. ### What is panretinal photocoagulation (PRP)? Panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) is a laser treatment for proliferative diabetic retinopathy. A laser is applied to the peripheral retina in hundreds to thousands of small burns over one or two sessions. This destroys ischaemic peripheral retinal tissue, reducing its VEGF output and causing the abnormal new vessels to regress. PRP prevents vitreous haemorrhage and tractional retinal detachment. It may cause some reduction in peripheral vision, night vision and colour discrimination — a trade-off considered worthwhile to prevent proliferative disease from causing total blindness. ### What is a vitrectomy? Vitrectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the vitreous gel from inside the eye. It is used in diabetic retinopathy for: vitreous haemorrhage that has not cleared spontaneously (blood obscuring vision); tractional retinal detachment caused by fibrovascular scar tissue pulling on the retina; and combined tractional-rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. During vitrectomy, the surgeon also peels fibrovascular membranes from the retina and may apply endolaser. Vision outcomes depend on whether the macula has been involved in the detachment. ### How can I prevent diabetic retinopathy? The most important preventive measures are: optimising blood glucose control (target HbA1c <53 mmol/mol or <7% for most patients — agreed individually with your diabetes team); controlling blood pressure (target typically below 130/80 mmHg); managing blood lipids with statins as appropriate; not smoking; maintaining a healthy weight; attending annual NHS diabetic eye screening; and following up promptly if referred to hospital ophthalmology. Intensive glucose control reduces the risk of retinopathy development by approximately 76% in Type 1 diabetes (DCCT trial data). ### Can Type 2 diabetes cause diabetic retinopathy? Yes. Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes cause diabetic retinopathy. In Type 2 diabetes, retinopathy may already be present at diagnosis — because the condition often develops gradually and may have been undiagnosed for years before formal diagnosis. After 20 years of Type 2 diabetes, approximately 60% of patients have some retinopathy. Type 2 diabetes-associated retinopathy is treated with the same approach as Type 1 — screening, glucose and blood pressure control, and laser or anti-VEGF as needed. ### What is the difference between diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema? Diabetic retinopathy is the umbrella term for all retinal changes caused by diabetes — from the earliest microaneurysms to advanced proliferative disease. Diabetic macular oedema (DMO) is a specific complication in which fluid accumulates in the macula (the central retina), causing blurred or distorted central vision. DMO can occur at any stage of retinopathy — including in early background retinopathy — and does not require proliferative disease to be present. DMO is the most common cause of vision loss in diabetes and the primary indication for anti-VEGF treatment. ### What are the risk factors for diabetic retinopathy? The key risk factors for developing and progressing diabetic retinopathy are: longer duration of diabetes (the most important factor); poor blood glucose control (high HbA1c); high blood pressure; high blood lipids (particularly triglycerides); diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease); pregnancy in women with diabetes; puberty (accelerates retinopathy in Type 1); smoking; and a family history of retinopathy. Each of these is modifiable to some degree — which is why diabetic retinopathy is largely preventable. ### Is diabetic eye screening the same as a regular eye test? No. NHS diabetic eye screening and a regular optician's eye test are different. The NHS DESP focuses specifically on photographing the retina to grade diabetic retinopathy and maculopathy — it does not check glasses prescription, measure eye pressure or assess the full eye. A regular optician's eye test checks vision, eye pressure, optic disc and general eye health but is not a substitute for the DESP. People with diabetes should attend both their annual DESP appointment and regular optician eye tests. ### Can diabetic retinopathy cause total blindness? Without treatment, advanced proliferative diabetic retinopathy and untreated diabetic macular oedema can cause severe and permanent vision loss. Vitreous haemorrhage causes sudden visual obscuration; tractional retinal detachment can result in severe, irreversible vision loss if the macula is involved. However, with regular screening and appropriate treatment, the vast majority of sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy can be managed effectively and severe vision loss prevented. ### How does diabetic retinopathy affect people in developing countries? Diabetes is a rapidly growing global epidemic, with the largest increases in low- and middle-income countries. In these settings, diabetes is frequently undiagnosed; retinal photography screening programmes are largely absent; anti-VEGF drugs and laser facilities are unavailable to the rural poor; and patients commonly present with advanced, irreversible retinopathy. World Aid Network funds eye care through locally-licensed ophthalmologists, helping to provide access to sight-saving treatment for people who would otherwise have none. ## How you can help Explore care access at https://worldaidnetwork.org/eye-surgery and professional involvement at https://worldaidnetwork.org/eye-care-partners. Suggested donations support the wider programme and do not guarantee a procedure or result. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight ## Sources - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diabetic-retinopathy/ - https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blindness-and-visual-impairment - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vision-loss/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Glaucoma: symptoms, causes and treatment > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/eye-health/glaucoma > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, the cable that carries pictures from the eye to the brain. It is usually linked to a build-up of pressure inside the eye. Its danger is its silence: the most common type causes no pain and no early symptoms, quietly stealing side vision first, so many people do not notice until sight is permanently lost. The good news is that a routine eye test can detect it early, and treatment — usually simple daily eye drops — can stop it getting worse. Sight already lost cannot be recovered, which is why regular eye tests are the single best protection. Editorial summary of published information. A named clinician has not signed off this version. Discuss your sight with an eye professional. Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions in which damage to the optic nerve causes progressive, irreversible loss of vision. It is the second leading cause of blindness in the world after cataracts, affecting an estimated 80 million people globally. Around 700,000 people in the UK have glaucoma — but up to half are undiagnosed because the most common type causes no symptoms until significant, permanent vision loss has already occurred. This is why glaucoma is often called the 'silent thief of sight'. By the time most people notice their vision is affected, they have already lost a significant portion of their visual field — damage that cannot be restored. The only way to detect glaucoma early is through regular eye examinations. This guide answers the twenty most commonly searched questions about glaucoma in the UK, drawing on NHS and WHO sources. ## At a glance - Nickname: Silent thief of sight - Early symptoms: Usually none - Detected by: A routine eye test - Main treatment: Daily eye drops ## Urgent eye symptoms In the UK, go to A&E or call 999 for sudden inability to see or sudden severe eye pain. Do not drive yourself. Seek urgent GP or NHS 111 advice for new vision changes, a dark shadow, or a red or painful eye. Elsewhere, use local urgent care. Source: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vision-loss/ ## When to see a doctor - Most chronic glaucoma has NO early symptoms — the key action is regular eye tests - Patchy blind spots in your side (peripheral) vision - Blurred vision or trouble adjusting between light and dark - URGENT: sudden severe eye pain, headache, nausea, redness and haloes around lights — this can be acute glaucoma; seek emergency eye care immediately ## Types of glaucoma Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is by far the most common type, accounting for approximately 90% of cases in the UK. It develops slowly and painlessly as the drainage channels within the eye become gradually less efficient, causing intraocular pressure (IOP) to rise and optic nerve damage to accumulate over years. Peripheral vision is lost first, followed progressively by central vision if untreated. Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency in which the drainage angle of the eye suddenly closes, causing a rapid and severe rise in eye pressure. It presents with sudden, severe eye pain, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, headache and seeing haloes around lights. This requires urgent hospital treatment. Normal tension glaucoma is a variant in which optic nerve damage occurs despite intraocular pressure within the statistically normal range. Secondary glaucoma arises as a consequence of another eye condition or systemic disease. ## Diagnosis and NHS eye tests Glaucoma is detected through a comprehensive eye examination that includes: tonometry (measurement of intraocular pressure); optic disc assessment (looking for characteristic glaucomatous cupping and pallor); visual field testing (to detect areas of peripheral vision loss); and optical coherence tomography (OCT) — an imaging scan that measures the thickness of the retinal nerve fibre layer and detects early glaucomatous damage before visual field loss becomes apparent. The NHS provides free eye tests for people at increased risk of glaucoma: those aged 40 and over with a first-degree relative (parent, sibling or child) with glaucoma; anyone over 60; people of black African or Caribbean heritage aged 40 and over; and anyone referred by their optician or GP with suspected glaucoma. The NHS recommends everyone has a routine eye test at least every two years. ## Treatment options Glaucoma treatment aims to lower intraocular pressure to protect the optic nerve from further damage — it cannot restore vision already lost. First-line treatment is usually daily eye drops. The most effective and commonly used are prostaglandin analogues (latanoprost, bimatoprost, travoprost), which increase fluid drainage from the eye and are used once daily. Other drop classes include beta-blockers (timolol), carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (dorzolamide) and alpha-2 agonists (brimonidine). Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) — a 5–10 minute outpatient laser treatment to the drainage angle — is now recommended by NICE as a first-line treatment option alongside or instead of drops for newly diagnosed POAG. It reduces IOP by approximately 25–30% and lasts on average three to five years, after which it can be repeated. Surgery (trabeculectomy — creating a new drainage channel, or minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, MIGS) is used when drops and laser are insufficient. ## Glaucoma and global blindness In the UK, glaucoma is detected early through routine eye examinations and managed with affordable treatments — eye drops, laser and surgery are all available on the NHS. Blindness from glaucoma in the UK is uncommon with appropriate treatment. In low-income countries, the picture is entirely different. There is a severe shortage of ophthalmologists; tonometers and OCT equipment are absent from most district hospitals; and the cost of long-term daily eye drops is unaffordable for the rural poor. Glaucoma blindness is irreversible — unlike cataract blindness, which can be cured surgically. This makes early detection and treatment in low-resource settings even more urgent. World Aid Network funds eye care — including glaucoma screening and treatment — for poor patients through locally-licensed ophthalmologists. ## Key takeaways - Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, affecting around 80 million people globally and approximately 700,000 in the UK — with up to half undiagnosed. - Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is painless and symptom-free until advanced. Peripheral vision is lost silently over years. Regular eye tests are the only way to detect it early. - NHS free eye tests for glaucoma risk are available for those over 60, those over 40 with a first-degree relative with glaucoma, and black Africans/Caribbeans over 40. - Treatment — prostaglandin analogue eye drops and/or selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) — lowers intraocular pressure and prevents further optic nerve damage but cannot restore lost vision. - Glaucoma blindness is irreversible. In low-income countries, lack of screening and unaffordable treatment means preventable blindness from glaucoma is common. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is glaucoma? Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions in which the optic nerve — which transmits visual information from the eye to the brain — is progressively damaged, most commonly as a result of raised intraocular pressure (IOP). This damage causes irreversible loss of peripheral vision, gradually narrowing the visual field, and can lead to total blindness if untreated. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, affecting approximately 80 million people globally. ### What are the symptoms of glaucoma? Primary open-angle glaucoma — the most common type — has no symptoms in its early or middle stages. Peripheral vision is lost silently and gradually; by the time most patients notice visual changes, significant irreversible damage has already occurred. Advanced POAG causes tunnel vision and, eventually, complete blindness. Acute angle-closure glaucoma is very different — it presents suddenly with severe eye pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision and halos around lights, and is a medical emergency. ### What causes glaucoma? Most cases of glaucoma are caused by impaired drainage of aqueous humour — the fluid produced inside the eye — leading to raised intraocular pressure (IOP) that damages the optic nerve. In primary open-angle glaucoma, the trabecular meshwork drainage tissue becomes progressively less efficient with age. In acute angle-closure glaucoma, the drainage angle physically closes. In normal tension glaucoma, the mechanism of nerve damage is less clear — the optic nerve appears abnormally vulnerable even at normal IOP. ### Who is at highest risk of glaucoma? Key risk factors for primary open-angle glaucoma include: raised intraocular pressure (ocular hypertension); a first-degree relative with glaucoma (approximately 10 times higher risk); age over 60; black African or Caribbean ethnicity (higher prevalence and earlier onset); myopia (short-sightedness); diabetes; and long-term use of steroid eye drops or oral steroids. Angle-closure glaucoma is more common in people who are long-sighted (hyperopic) and in those of East Asian ethnicity. ### Is glaucoma hereditary? Yes. Having a first-degree relative (parent, sibling or child) with glaucoma increases your risk by approximately 10 times. Multiple genes have been identified that increase glaucoma susceptibility. Because of this family history risk, the NHS provides free eye tests to everyone aged 40 and over with a first-degree relative who has glaucoma. If a close family member has been diagnosed, it is important to inform your optician and ensure you have regular eye examinations. ### How is glaucoma diagnosed? Glaucoma is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination including: tonometry (IOP measurement); optic disc examination — an ophthalmologist or optometrist looks for characteristic damage to the optic disc, including cupping and pallor; visual field testing (automated perimetry) to map peripheral vision loss; and OCT (optical coherence tomography) to detect thinning of the retinal nerve fibre layer — often the earliest detectable sign of glaucomatous damage. Diagnosis is based on the combination of these tests, not on IOP alone. ### Who is entitled to a free NHS eye test for glaucoma? The NHS provides free sight tests for people at elevated glaucoma risk: anyone aged 40 or over with a first-degree relative (parent, sibling or child) who has glaucoma; all people aged 60 and over; people of black African or Caribbean heritage aged 40 and over (due to higher prevalence and earlier onset); and anyone with a suspected or confirmed glaucoma diagnosis. All optician referrals via the NHS sight test pathway are also free of charge. ### What are the types of glaucoma? The main types are: primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) — the most common type, causing slow, painless, progressive peripheral vision loss; acute primary angle-closure glaucoma — sudden closure of the drainage angle causing a rapid, severe pressure rise and a painful emergency; normal tension glaucoma — optic nerve damage despite statistically normal IOP; ocular hypertension — raised IOP without detectable optic nerve damage or vision loss (a risk factor for POAG); and secondary glaucoma — raised IOP caused by another condition such as uveitis, trauma or neovascularisation from diabetic retinopathy. ### What is acute angle-closure glaucoma and how is it treated? Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency requiring immediate hospital treatment. The iris blocks the drainage angle of the eye, causing a sudden and dramatic rise in intraocular pressure (sometimes above 50 mmHg, versus a normal of approximately 10–21 mmHg). Symptoms — severe eye pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, haloes around lights — come on suddenly and may be mistaken for migraine. Treatment begins with intensive IOP-lowering drops and intravenous acetazolamide; definitive treatment is an Nd:YAG laser iridotomy — creating a small hole in the iris to restore fluid drainage. The fellow eye is treated prophylactically. ### What is the treatment for glaucoma? Glaucoma treatment aims to lower IOP to a level at which further optic nerve damage is prevented. First-line treatment is prostaglandin analogue eye drops (latanoprost, bimatoprost or travoprost) — used once daily, they increase aqueous drainage and reduce IOP by 25–35%. Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a NICE-approved first-line alternative or addition to drops. Surgery (trabeculectomy or minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, MIGS) is used when drops and laser are insufficient. No treatment can restore vision already lost to glaucoma. ### What are glaucoma eye drops? Glaucoma eye drops lower intraocular pressure by either increasing fluid outflow from the eye or reducing its production. The most effective and commonly prescribed class is prostaglandin analogues (latanoprost, bimatoprost, travoprost) — used once daily in the evening. Other classes include: beta-blockers (timolol — used twice daily, avoid in asthma); carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (dorzolamide, brinzolamide); and alpha-2 agonists (brimonidine). Combinations are used when single drops are insufficient. Consistent daily use is essential — missing doses allows IOP to rise and nerve damage to continue. ### What is selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT)? SLT is a 5–10 minute outpatient laser procedure in which a low-energy laser is applied to the trabecular meshwork (drainage tissue) of the eye to improve aqueous outflow and reduce IOP. NICE recommends SLT as a first-line treatment option for newly diagnosed POAG alongside or instead of drops. SLT reduces IOP by approximately 25–30%, is well-tolerated and can be repeated if the effect wears off (typically after three to five years). It has no systemic side effects and carries a very low risk of complications. ### What is glaucoma surgery? Surgery is used when IOP remains uncontrolled despite drops and laser. Trabeculectomy — the most established surgical procedure — creates a new drainage channel under the upper eyelid conjunctiva (a 'bleb') to allow aqueous humour to drain out of the eye and be absorbed. It reduces IOP significantly and requires careful post-operative management. Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) encompasses newer, gentler procedures — including iStent, XEN gel stent and OMNI — which are safer but provide more modest IOP reduction. Glaucoma tube shunts (valves) are used in complex cases. ### Can glaucoma be cured? No. There is currently no cure for glaucoma. Treatment — eye drops, laser and surgery — lowers intraocular pressure and prevents or slows further optic nerve damage, but cannot restore vision already lost. With early diagnosis and good IOP control, the majority of patients with glaucoma retain useful vision throughout their lifetime. This is why regular eye tests are so important — glaucoma that is caught early can be treated before significant damage occurs. ### Will I go blind from glaucoma? With regular monitoring and adherence to treatment, blindness from glaucoma is uncommon in the UK. The goal of treatment is to lower IOP sufficiently to halt or minimise further optic nerve damage. Studies show that with good IOP control, vision remains stable in the large majority of patients over many years. However, if glaucoma is undiagnosed, treatment is inconsistent or IOP control is poor, progressive vision loss and eventual blindness can occur. This is why compliance with treatment and regular follow-up appointments are critical. ### How does glaucoma affect peripheral vision? In primary open-angle glaucoma, the nerve fibres serving peripheral (side) vision are typically damaged first. Patients lose vision from the nasal and superior peripheral fields inward — initially as small 'scotomas' (blind spots) that are often not consciously noticed. As damage progresses, the visual field narrows ('tunnel vision'). In end-stage glaucoma, only a small central island of vision may remain before total blindness. The central vision used for reading and facial recognition is preserved until late stages — which is why many patients are unaware of early glaucoma. ### What is normal tension glaucoma? Normal tension glaucoma (NTG) is a form of POAG in which typical optic nerve damage and visual field loss occur despite an intraocular pressure within the statistically normal range (10–21 mmHg). It is thought that in NTG, the optic nerve is abnormally sensitive to pressure, or that other factors such as impaired blood flow to the nerve contribute to damage. Treatment — lowering IOP below the normal range with drops, laser or surgery — is still effective at slowing NTG progression. NTG is more common in people of Japanese ethnicity. ### Is glaucoma more common in people of black African or Caribbean heritage? Yes. Primary open-angle glaucoma is significantly more prevalent in people of black African and Caribbean ancestry — approximately three to four times more common than in white Europeans — and tends to present at a younger age and progress more rapidly. For this reason, the NHS provides free eye tests for black Africans and Caribbeans from age 40 (rather than the standard 60 for general free NHS eye tests). Regular eye examinations from age 40 are particularly important for people of black African or Caribbean heritage. ### How does glaucoma affect people in developing countries? In low-income countries, glaucoma is frequently undetected until it has caused severe, irreversible vision loss or blindness. Tonometers, OCT equipment and visual field analysers are absent from most district hospitals. Long-term eye drops — the mainstay of treatment — are unaffordable and inconsistently supplied. Unlike cataract blindness, which is reversible with surgery, blindness from glaucoma cannot be undone. World Aid Network funds eye care — including glaucoma treatment — for poor patients through locally-licensed ophthalmologists. ## How you can help Explore care access at https://worldaidnetwork.org/eye-surgery and professional involvement at https://worldaidnetwork.org/eye-care-partners. Suggested donations support the wider programme and do not guarantee a procedure or result. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight ## Sources - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/glaucoma/ - https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blindness-and-visual-impairment - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vision-loss/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Macular degeneration (AMD): symptoms, causes and treatment > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/eye-health/macular-degeneration > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the macula, the small central part of the retina that gives you sharp, straight-ahead vision for reading and recognising faces. It is the leading cause of sight loss in older adults in wealthier countries. There are two types: 'dry' AMD develops slowly over years, while 'wet' AMD can damage central vision quickly but can often be treated with eye injections if caught fast. AMD does not usually cause total blindness, because it spares the outer (side) vision, but it can make everyday tasks difficult. Spotting changes early — especially straight lines appearing wavy — and getting seen quickly is vital. Editorial summary of published information. A named clinician has not signed off this version. Discuss your sight with an eye professional. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of permanent vision loss in the UK, affecting an estimated 700,000 people with late-stage disease. Millions more have early or intermediate AMD — changes in the macula that may not yet affect their sight but place them at elevated risk of sight loss over time. AMD damages the macula — the small central area of the retina responsible for the sharp, detailed vision needed to read, drive, see faces and carry out most daily tasks. Unlike glaucoma, which affects peripheral vision first, AMD strikes at the centre of sight. Peripheral vision is usually preserved. There are two forms: dry AMD (the most common, slow-progressing) and wet AMD (less common but faster-progressing, responsible for most severe AMD-related sight loss). This guide answers the twenty most commonly searched questions about AMD in the UK, drawing on NHS and WHO sources. ## At a glance - Affects: Central vision - Most common in: Adults over 50 - Two types: Dry (slow) · wet (fast) - Wet AMD: Often treatable if caught fast ## Urgent eye symptoms In the UK, go to A&E or call 999 for sudden inability to see or sudden severe eye pain. Do not drive yourself. Seek urgent GP or NHS 111 advice for new vision changes, a dark shadow, or a red or painful eye. Elsewhere, use local urgent care. Source: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vision-loss/ ## When to see a doctor - Blurred or reduced vision in the centre of what you see - Straight lines (door frames, text) appearing wavy or distorted - A blurred or blank patch in the middle of your vision - Colours seeming less bright; difficulty recognising faces - URGENT: a sudden change in central vision can mean wet AMD — seek eye care quickly, as fast treatment protects sight ## Dry AMD versus wet AMD Dry AMD accounts for approximately 85–90% of all AMD cases. It progresses slowly over years as drusen (small yellow deposits) accumulate under the retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells gradually deteriorate. Vision loss in dry AMD is usually gradual. In its most advanced form — geographic atrophy — central vision can be severely affected. There is currently no approved treatment that halts dry AMD, though AREDS2 nutritional supplements slow progression in people with intermediate dry AMD. Wet AMD (neovascular AMD) is less common but far more damaging. Abnormal new blood vessels grow beneath the retina (choroidal neovascularisation), leaking fluid and blood into the macular tissue and causing rapid, severe central vision loss — sometimes within weeks. Wet AMD requires urgent treatment with anti-VEGF injections to prevent irreversible damage. Approximately 10–15% of AMD cases are wet, but wet AMD causes the majority of AMD-related severe sight loss. ## Treatment: anti-VEGF injections for wet AMD The standard treatment for wet AMD is intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF (anti-vascular endothelial growth factor) drugs — ranibizumab (Lucentis), aflibercept (Eylea) or bevacizumab (Avastin, used off-label) — injected directly into the vitreous of the eye. These drugs block the abnormal blood vessel growth driving wet AMD. Treatment is given initially monthly, then at intervals determined by disease activity (treat-and-extend or pro re nata regimens). NICE approves ranibizumab and aflibercept for wet AMD on the NHS. For dry AMD — particularly intermediate AMD — the AREDS2 formula (vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, copper, lutein, zeaxanthin) significantly reduces the risk of progression to advanced AMD in eligible patients. This supplement is available over the counter and is recommended by ophthalmologists for patients with intermediate AMD in one or both eyes. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is sometimes used for specific subtypes of wet AMD. ## AMD and global sight loss Anti-VEGF treatment for wet AMD — which requires monthly or near-monthly injections in a hospital ophthalmology setting — is entirely unavailable to the vast majority of poor patients in low-income countries. Even in middle-income countries, the cost of anti-VEGF agents places them beyond reach without subsidisation. Dry AMD progression-slowing supplements are similarly inaccessible to the rural poor in many regions. World Aid Network funds sight-restoring eye care and surgery for poor patients through locally-licensed ophthalmologists. A donation supports access to diagnosis and treatment that would otherwise be completely out of reach. ## Key takeaways - AMD is the most common cause of sight loss in the UK, affecting central vision used for reading, driving and recognising faces. Peripheral vision is usually preserved. - Dry AMD (85–90% of cases) progresses slowly. Wet AMD (10–15%) progresses rapidly and causes the majority of severe AMD-related sight loss — it requires urgent anti-VEGF injections. - The Amsler grid is a simple home-monitoring tool. Any distortion or new blank area should prompt an urgent ophthalmology referral — wet AMD can damage sight within weeks. - AREDS2 supplements significantly slow progression from intermediate to advanced dry AMD. They are not proven to prevent AMD in people who do not yet have the condition. - Anti-VEGF treatment — the only effective wet AMD treatment — is unavailable to most poor patients in low-income countries, where AMD-related blindness is irreversible. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is age-related macular degeneration (AMD)? Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive disease affecting the macula — the central area of the retina responsible for detailed, central vision. It is the most common cause of sight loss in the UK, affecting approximately 700,000 people with late-stage disease. AMD does not usually cause total blindness because peripheral vision is typically preserved, but loss of central vision severely affects the ability to read, drive and recognise faces. ### What are the symptoms of AMD? Early AMD may produce no symptoms. As it progresses, symptoms include: a blurred or blank spot in the centre of vision (a scotoma); difficulty reading — letters appear blurred, distorted or missing; straight lines appearing wavy or bent (metamorphopsia); colours appearing less vivid; and increased difficulty in low-light conditions. In wet AMD, symptoms can develop rapidly over days to weeks. Any distortion of straight lines or a new blank area in central vision requires urgent ophthalmology assessment. ### What is the difference between dry and wet AMD? Dry AMD is the most common form (85–90% of cases), characterised by the gradual accumulation of drusen (yellow deposits) under the retina and slow deterioration of retinal pigment epithelium cells. It progresses slowly over years and has no approved treatment, though AREDS2 supplements slow progression in intermediate disease. Wet AMD (10–15% of cases) involves the growth of abnormal new blood vessels beneath the retina that leak and cause rapid, severe central vision loss — sometimes within weeks. Wet AMD requires urgent anti-VEGF injections. ### How common is AMD in the UK? AMD is the most common cause of sight loss in the UK. Approximately 700,000 people have late AMD, and millions more have earlier-stage disease. Around 200 people in the UK begin to lose their sight from AMD every day. Prevalence increases significantly with age: AMD is rare before 55 but affects approximately 30% of people over 75. With an ageing population, AMD prevalence in the UK is projected to increase substantially over the coming decades. ### What causes AMD? AMD is caused by a combination of ageing, genetic susceptibility and environmental factors. The primary cause is the gradual deterioration of the retinal pigment epithelium with age. Smoking is the most significant modifiable risk factor — it approximately doubles the risk of AMD and is associated with earlier onset and faster progression. Other risk factors include: family history of AMD (genetics account for approximately 50% of AMD risk), high blood pressure, obesity, UV exposure, diet low in antioxidants, and being female (though this may reflect longer life expectancy). ### Who is at highest risk of AMD? Risk is highest in: people over 65 (AMD is primarily an age-related disease); smokers (or ex-smokers); people with a first-degree relative with AMD (genetic risk is substantial); those with high cardiovascular risk; people with light iris colour; and those with a diet low in leafy green vegetables and oily fish. Having intermediate AMD in one eye significantly increases the risk of progression to wet AMD in either eye — regular ophthalmology monitoring is essential. ### How is AMD diagnosed? AMD is diagnosed through a dilated retinal examination, supported by optical coherence tomography (OCT) — a non-invasive imaging scan that provides cross-sectional images of the retinal layers, detecting drusen, geographic atrophy and subretinal fluid characteristic of wet AMD. Fundus photography documents the appearance of the macula. Fluorescein angiography or OCT-angiography may be used to characterise abnormal blood vessel growth in wet AMD. Diagnosis is made by a hospital ophthalmologist or through the NHS AMD service. ### What is the Amsler grid and how do I use it? The Amsler grid is a simple black grid of horizontal and vertical lines on a white background with a central dot. It is used to monitor central vision for early signs of wet AMD. Hold the grid approximately 33 cm from your face, cover one eye, and look at the central dot whilst wearing reading glasses if needed. Report immediately to your ophthalmologist if any lines appear wavy, distorted, blurred or if any area of the grid disappears. The Amsler grid is used at home as a monitoring tool for patients already diagnosed with AMD — it is not a substitute for a clinical eye examination. ### What is the treatment for wet AMD? Wet AMD is treated with intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF drugs — ranibizumab (Lucentis) or aflibercept (Eylea), both NICE-approved for the NHS — injected directly into the vitreous of the eye under local anaesthetic drops. These block vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the protein driving abnormal blood vessel growth. Treatment is initially monthly, then at intervals based on disease activity. The goal is to prevent further vision loss and, in many patients, achieve some improvement in vision. Injections are continued long-term in most patients. ### What is the treatment for dry AMD? There is currently no approved drug treatment that halts dry AMD progression. For patients with intermediate dry AMD (bilateral drusen or drusen with pigmentary changes), the AREDS2 supplement formula — containing high-dose vitamins C and E, zinc, copper, lutein and zeaxanthin — reduces the risk of progression to advanced AMD by approximately 25–30%. Stopping smoking, a healthy diet rich in leafy greens and oily fish, and regular ophthalmology monitoring are the main management strategies. Gene therapy and complement inhibition drugs are in advanced clinical trials for geographic atrophy. ### Are AREDS supplements available on the NHS? AREDS2 supplements are not routinely prescribed on the NHS but are recommended by ophthalmologists for patients with intermediate AMD and are available over the counter at pharmacies and health shops. Look for products labelled 'AREDS2 formula' containing: 500 mg vitamin C, 400 IU vitamin E, 80 mg zinc, 2 mg copper, 10 mg lutein and 2 mg zeaxanthin. Original AREDS formula contained beta-carotene, which increases lung cancer risk in smokers — the AREDS2 formula replaced beta-carotene with lutein/zeaxanthin and is recommended for all patients including smokers. ### Can AMD be prevented? AMD cannot be entirely prevented, but modifiable risk factors can be addressed. The NHS advises: stopping smoking (most important — smoking doubles AMD risk); eating a diet rich in lutein/zeaxanthin (kale, spinach, broccoli), omega-3 (oily fish) and antioxidants; maintaining a healthy weight and managing blood pressure and cardiovascular risk; wearing UV400-rated sunglasses; and having regular eye examinations, which allow early detection and monitoring. ### Can AMD cause total blindness? AMD rarely causes total blindness because it affects central vision while peripheral vision is usually preserved. However, advanced AMD — particularly bilateral geographic atrophy (late dry AMD) or untreated wet AMD — can cause severe central vision loss that makes reading, driving and face recognition impossible, profoundly affecting independence and quality of life. People with advanced AMD often retain enough peripheral vision to navigate their environment but cannot carry out detailed visual tasks. ### Can I drive with AMD? Driving with AMD is subject to DVLA regulations. You must inform the DVLA if AMD affects your ability to meet the driving visual standards (visual acuity of at least 6/12 on the Snellen chart in the better eye, and an adequate field of vision). An ophthalmologist or optician can assess whether you meet the standard. It is illegal to drive if you do not meet the DVLA visual standards. Many people with early or intermediate AMD continue to drive legally, but this must be formally assessed. ### What is geographic atrophy? Geographic atrophy (GA) is the advanced form of dry AMD, in which the retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptors of the macula progressively die and are lost, leaving areas of atrophy (tissue loss) that appear as pale patches on retinal imaging. GA causes slowly progressive, irreversible loss of central vision. In February 2024, the FDA approved the first treatment for GA — pegcetacoplan (Syfovre) and avacincaptad pegol (Izervay) — though neither is yet approved by NICE for NHS use. ### What does AMD look like on an OCT scan? An OCT (optical coherence tomography) scan provides cross-sectional images of the retinal layers. In dry AMD, OCT shows drusen (dome-shaped deposits beneath the retinal pigment epithelium), areas of RPE atrophy (geographic atrophy), and outer retinal thinning. In wet AMD, OCT shows subretinal fluid (fluid beneath the retina), intraretinal fluid, pigment epithelium detachment, and sub-RPE fluid — all signs of active choroidal neovascularisation. OCT is the key monitoring tool used at every hospital AMD appointment. ### Is AMD hereditary? Yes. Genetics account for approximately 50% of AMD risk. Having a first-degree relative (parent or sibling) with AMD significantly increases your own risk. Several genes have been identified that increase AMD susceptibility, including CFH (complement factor H), ARMS2 and HTRA1. Commercial genetic testing for AMD risk genes is available, though it is not routinely used in NHS clinical practice to guide management. A family history of AMD is an indication for earlier and more regular eye examinations. ### What is the difference between AMD and macular degeneration in younger people? AMD is age-related and occurs in people typically over 55. Macular degeneration in younger people is usually caused by inherited conditions — the most common is Stargardt disease (an autosomal recessive macular dystrophy), caused by mutations in the ABCA4 gene, causing progressive central vision loss in children and young adults. Other inherited macular dystrophies include Best disease (vitelliform macular dystrophy) and pattern dystrophies. These are managed at specialist medical retina clinics separate from the AMD service. ### What support is available for people with AMD? People with AMD in the UK can access: the Macular Society (helpline, peer support, local groups, information); RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People — equipment, benefits advice, emotional support); NHS low vision services providing magnifiers, lighting advice and rehabilitation; the Certificate of Visual Impairment (CVI) for registration as sight-impaired or severely sight-impaired, which unlocks benefits and support; and Access to Work for people of working age. ### Does AMD affect one eye or both? AMD typically affects both eyes, but may begin in one eye and progress to the other at a different rate. When one eye develops wet AMD, the risk of wet AMD developing in the fellow eye is significantly elevated — approximately 12% per year. Patients with wet AMD in one eye are given home Amsler grids and advised to monitor the other eye closely and report any new symptoms immediately. Regular bilateral OCT monitoring is performed at NHS AMD clinics. ### How does AMD affect people in developing countries? Anti-VEGF injections — the only effective treatment for wet AMD — require regular hospital visits, specialist equipment and drugs costing hundreds to thousands of pounds per treatment course. In low-income countries, these services are entirely unavailable to the vast majority of poor patients, meaning wet AMD progresses to irreversible central vision loss. World Aid Network funds eye care for poor patients through locally-licensed ophthalmologists, working to close the global inequality in access to sight-saving treatment. ## How you can help Explore care access at https://worldaidnetwork.org/eye-surgery and professional involvement at https://worldaidnetwork.org/eye-care-partners. Suggested donations support the wider programme and do not guarantee a procedure or result. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight ## Sources - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/age-related-macular-degeneration-amd/ - https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blindness-and-visual-impairment - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vision-loss/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Refractive error: symptoms, causes and treatment > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/eye-health/refractive-error > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Refractive error simply means the eye cannot focus light sharply, so vision looks blurred. It covers short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and the age-related difficulty reading up close (presbyopia). It is the most common cause of vision impairment in the world — and usually the easiest to fix, with a pair of glasses or contact lenses. Yet well over a hundred million people live with vision loss they should not have, purely because they have never had an eye test or cannot get the glasses they need. Restoring someone's vision can be as simple, and as life-changing, as the right pair of glasses. Editorial summary of published information. A named clinician has not signed off this version. Discuss your sight with an eye professional. Of all the causes of poor vision, refractive error is both the most common and the most fixable. It is not a disease of the eye so much as a mismatch — the eye is slightly the wrong shape or length to focus light precisely on the retina, so the picture comes out blurred. For most people in wealthier countries this is barely a footnote: an eye test, a prescription, a pair of glasses, and the world snaps back into focus. But globally, uncorrected refractive error is one of the largest causes of vision impairment — not because it is hard to treat, but because a basic eye test and affordable glasses are simply out of reach for so many. This guide explains the main types of refractive error, the signs to look for in adults and children, and why correcting it is one of the most cost-effective ways to restore someone's sight and independence. ## At a glance - Global rank: Most common vision problem - Main types: Short / long sight, astigmatism - Usual fix: Glasses or contact lenses - The gap: Millions lack access to a test ## Urgent eye symptoms In the UK, go to A&E or call 999 for sudden inability to see or sudden severe eye pain. Do not drive yourself. Seek urgent GP or NHS 111 advice for new vision changes, a dark shadow, or a red or painful eye. Elsewhere, use local urgent care. Source: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vision-loss/ ## When to see a doctor - Blurred vision in the distance, up close, or both - Squinting or screwing up the eyes to see clearly - Headaches or tired, aching eyes after reading or screens - A child sitting very close to the TV, holding books close, or struggling to see the board at school - Difficulty reading small print, especially from your forties onwards ## The main types of refractive error Short-sightedness (myopia) means distant objects look blurred while close-up vision is clear — a very common pattern that often begins in childhood and can progress through the teenage years. Long-sightedness (hyperopia) is the reverse: close work blurs first, and in stronger cases distance vision too. Astigmatism is caused by the front of the eye being shaped more like a rugby ball than a football, so vision is blurred or distorted at all distances. Presbyopia is the normal, age-related stiffening of the eye's lens that makes close reading harder from around the age of 40 — which is why so many people start needing reading glasses in mid-life. Many people have a combination of these. ## Symptoms and how it is diagnosed The hallmark of refractive error is blurred vision — in the distance, up close, or both — often with squinting, eye strain, headaches and tiredness after focusing. In children the signs can be easy to miss: sitting close to the television, holding books very near, struggling to read the board at school, or losing interest in detailed tasks. Diagnosis is quick and painless. An optometrist measures how the eye focuses and works out the exact lens strength needed — the prescription. A full eye examination also checks the health of the eye, which is why regular eye tests matter for everyone, not just those who already wear glasses. ## How it is corrected Most refractive error is corrected simply, with glasses or contact lenses that bend incoming light so it focuses correctly on the retina. For some adults, laser eye surgery is an option. Children who need glasses should wear them as prescribed, as good vision is important for learning and, in young children, for the eyes and brain to develop sight properly. The key point is how achievable correction is. Unlike many causes of blindness, refractive error rarely needs complex surgery or expensive drugs — it needs an eye test and a pair of glasses. That makes closing the access gap one of the most cost-effective ways to restore vision anywhere in the world. ## Why uncorrected refractive error matters globally When refractive error goes uncorrected, the effects ripple outwards: children fall behind at school, adults struggle to work or farm safely, and older people lose their independence. The World Health Organization identifies uncorrected refractive error as one of the leading causes of vision impairment globally — and one of the most readily addressed. World Aid Network's sight-restoring work focuses exactly on this kind of access gap, funding eye care delivered by locally-licensed surgeons and partners so that a fixable cause of poor vision does not go uncorrected for want of a simple eye test. ## Key takeaways - Refractive error (short sight, long sight, astigmatism, presbyopia) is the most common cause of vision impairment worldwide. - It is usually corrected simply with glasses or contact lenses — not surgery or drugs. - In children, signs include sitting close to the TV, holding books near, and trouble seeing the board at school. - Uncorrected refractive error affects well over a hundred million people, largely due to lack of access to eye tests and glasses. - Correcting it is one of the most cost-effective ways to restore sight and independence. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is refractive error? Refractive error means the eye cannot focus light sharply onto the retina, so vision is blurred. It includes short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism and the age-related reading difficulty called presbyopia. It is the most common cause of blurred vision worldwide and is usually corrected with glasses or contact lenses. ### Is short-sightedness a refractive error? Yes. Short-sightedness (myopia), where distant objects look blurred but near vision is clear, is one of the main types of refractive error. It often starts in childhood and can progress during the teenage years. It is corrected with glasses, contact lenses or, for some adults, laser surgery. ### How do I know if I need glasses? Common signs are blurred vision (far, near or both), squinting to see clearly, headaches or eye strain after reading or screen use, and difficulty reading small print. The only way to know for sure is a sight test with an optometrist, who measures the exact correction your eyes need. ### How is refractive error different from other causes of blindness? Most causes of blindness involve disease or damage to the eye — cataracts cloud the lens, glaucoma damages the optic nerve. Refractive error is simply a focusing problem and is usually corrected with glasses rather than surgery or medication, which makes it one of the easiest and most cost-effective vision problems to fix. ### Can children have refractive error? Yes, and it is common. Children may not realise their vision is blurred, so watch for sitting very close to the TV, holding books close, struggling to see the board, or rubbing the eyes. Good vision matters for learning and for normal sight development, so children who need glasses should have them and wear them as advised. ## How you can help Explore care access at https://worldaidnetwork.org/eye-surgery and professional involvement at https://worldaidnetwork.org/eye-care-partners. Suggested donations support the wider programme and do not guarantee a procedure or result. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight ## Sources - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/short-sightedness/ - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/long-sightedness/ - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/astigmatism/ - https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blindness-and-visual-impairment - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vision-loss/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Vision Changes: Eye Care Guidance | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/eye-health/screening-checker > Find out when vision changes need urgent eye care, read reliable eye health guidance and learn how to ask World Aid Network about surgery support. Eye health information # Vision changes: getting the right help Use this guide to find professional help and reliable information about eye care. Quick answer An online symptom guide cannot diagnose cataracts, glaucoma or other eye conditions, or decide whether you qualify for funded surgery. Arrange an assessment with an eye care professional for vision changes. Sudden loss of sight or sudden severe eye pain needs emergency care. Contact World Aid Network separately about programme enquiries. ## When should I seek urgent help? If you suddenly cannot see from one or both eyes, or suddenly develop severe eye pain, seek emergency medical care immediately. In the UK, go to A&E or call 999\. Elsewhere, use your local emergency service. Do not wait for a charity enquiry to be answered. Other changes, including blurred or double vision, flashes, a dark shadow, or a painful red eye, need urgent medical advice. In the UK, contact an urgent GP service or NHS 111\. Follow local medical advice if you are outside the UK. Source: [NHS guidance on vision loss](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vision-loss/), checked 19 September 2026. ## Can symptoms tell me whether I have cataracts? Symptoms can have more than one cause. An eye examination is needed to understand what is happening and discuss treatment. This page does not give a diagnosis or a probability score. Read [NHS information about cataracts](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cataracts/) or explore our [eye health guides](/eye-health). Information online does not replace an examination. ## How can I ask about funded eye surgery? Read about [sight-restoring eye surgery](/eye-surgery) and [contact the team](/contact) about current programme availability. Symptoms alone do not establish eligibility. Support requires review and depends on available funds and clinical assessment. [Ask about the eye care programme](/contact) ## How can I help someone access eye care? Understand the care available, explore its costs and see how a donation reaches a treatment partner. - [Give to eye care](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form) About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. Any amount contributes to the Gift of Sight Appeal. - [Sponsor cataract surgery](/sponsor-a-cataract-operation) Learn how to help fund an operation. - [Plan an eye-care gift](/eye-surgery-cost-calculator) Calculate your giving total without assuming a number of operations. - [Where your donation goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and accounted for. - [Sight-restoring eye surgery](/eye-surgery) Explore the eye care programme and treatment pathway. - [Clinicians and hospital enquiries](/eye-care-partners) Review standards, participation and professional introductions. - [Screening locations and availability](/free-eye-screening-camps) Check published schedules and what to ask before attending. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Trachoma: symptoms, causes and treatment > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/eye-health/trachoma > Last updated: 2026-10-04 ## In short Trachoma is an eye infection caused by bacteria, and it is the world's leading infectious cause of blindness. It spreads easily in places with limited clean water and sanitation — through contact with the eyes and nose of an infected person, and by flies. Repeated infections, often beginning in childhood, scar the inside of the eyelid until the lashes turn inwards and scrape the eye, causing intense pain and, eventually, blindness. Almost all of this suffering is preventable. The World Health Organization's SAFE strategy — Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness and Environmental improvement — can stop trachoma and is helping eliminate it country by country. Editorial summary of published information. A named clinician has not signed off this version. Discuss your sight with an eye professional. Trachoma is a chronic bacterial eye infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. It is the world's leading infectious cause of blindness and the second leading preventable cause of blindness overall, after cataracts. The World Health Organization estimates that trachoma threatens the sight of 125 million people in 44 countries, that approximately 1.9 million people are already blind or visually impaired from trachoma, and that around 8 million people have trichiasis — the late-stage complication in which in-turned eyelashes scratch the cornea, causing irreversible scarring and blindness. Trachoma is a disease of poverty. It flourishes in communities without access to clean water, adequate sanitation and proper hygiene facilities. Though it has been eliminated from most high-income countries for over a century, it persists across sub-Saharan Africa, parts of South and South-East Asia, and other endemic regions. This guide answers the twenty most commonly searched questions about trachoma, drawing on WHO and NHS sources. ## At a glance - Cause: Bacterial eye infection - Global rank: #1 infectious cause of blindness - Spread by: Contact and flies; poor sanitation - WHO response: The SAFE strategy ## Urgent eye symptoms In the UK, go to A&E or call 999 for sudden inability to see or sudden severe eye pain. Do not drive yourself. Seek urgent GP or NHS 111 advice for new vision changes, a dark shadow, or a red or painful eye. Elsewhere, use local urgent care. Source: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vision-loss/ ## When to see a doctor - Red, itchy or irritated eyes, especially in young children in affected areas - Sticky discharge from the eyes - Swollen, sore eyelids - Eyelashes that turn inwards and rub on the eye (a late, sight-threatening sign needing surgery) - Eye pain or discomfort in bright light ## How trachoma causes blindness Trachoma infection — particularly repeated reinfection in childhood — causes chronic inflammation of the inner surface of the eyelid (conjunctiva). Over time, repeated episodes of infection cause scarring of the eyelid tissue (conjunctival scarring). As scarring progresses, the eyelid contracts and turns inward (entropion), causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea with every blink — a condition called trichiasis. The constant abrasion of the eyelashes causes progressive corneal opacification (scarring), leading to visual impairment and eventually blindness. Blindness from trachoma is irreversible — the corneal scarring that develops from years of trichiasis cannot be cured by simple surgery. Prevention — through infection control and early trichiasis surgery before corneal scarring develops — is therefore critical. ## The SAFE strategy The WHO advocates the SAFE strategy for trachoma elimination: Surgery (for trichiasis — to correct in-turned eyelashes before corneal scarring occurs); Antibiotics (mass drug administration of azithromycin to endemic communities to reduce the burden of infection); Facial cleanliness (promoting face-washing, particularly in children, to disrupt transmission); and Environmental improvement (clean water supply, latrine construction and environmental hygiene to address the root causes of trachoma transmission). Azithromycin — donated by Pfizer through the International Trachoma Initiative — is distributed annually or bi-annually as mass drug administration (MDA) to entire endemic communities, regardless of whether individuals appear infected. A single oral dose eliminates active Chlamydia trachomatis infection and has driven dramatic reductions in trachoma prevalence in many countries. ## Trichiasis surgery Trichiasis surgery is a simple outpatient procedure that rotates the eyelid margin outward, correcting the in-turned position and preventing the lashes from abrading the cornea. It takes approximately 15 minutes under local anaesthetic and is performed by trained ophthalmic nurses or surgeons. It does not restore vision already lost to corneal scarring, but prevents further damage from occurring. Post-operative recurrence of trichiasis is a known problem and careful surgical technique and follow-up are important. The WHO target is to perform trichiasis surgery for all people who need it by 2030. This requires training sufficient surgical providers and reaching the most remote, underserved communities where trichiasis prevalence is highest. ## Trachoma and World Aid Network Trachoma is endemic in regions that include Indonesia and parts of South-East Asia — areas within World Aid Network's operational geography. WAN's first registered Charitable Object covers sight-restoring eye surgery for poor patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Supporting trichiasis surgery, cataract operations and access to eye care directly aligns with this Object and prevents unnecessary blindness in communities that have no access to public eye services. A donation to World Aid Network directly funds the eye surgery and care that prevents and cures avoidable blindness — giving people back the ability to work, care for their families and live independently. ## Key takeaways - Trachoma is the world's leading infectious cause of blindness — caused by repeated Chlamydia trachomatis eye infections in communities without clean water and sanitation. - Around 1.9 million people are already blind or visually impaired from trachoma; approximately 8 million people have trichiasis (in-turned eyelashes) that will cause blindness without treatment. - The WHO's SAFE strategy (Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, Environmental improvement) is successfully eliminating trachoma — but progress is uneven and the most remote communities remain at high risk. - Mass azithromycin treatment (donated through the International Trachoma Initiative) reduces the community burden of infection. Trichiasis surgery — a simple 15-minute procedure — prevents blindness in individuals with in-turned eyelashes. - Trachoma blindness is entirely preventable. It is a disease of poverty — absent from wealthy countries for over a century but persisting wherever communities lack clean water and basic sanitation. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is trachoma? Trachoma is a chronic, contagious bacterial eye infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. Repeated infection causes cumulative scarring of the inner eyelid, eventually causing the eyelid to turn inward (entropion) and the eyelashes to scratch the cornea (trichiasis) — leading to irreversible corneal scarring and blindness. The WHO identifies trachoma as the world's leading infectious cause of blindness, affecting 125 million people in 44 endemic countries. ### What causes trachoma? Trachoma is caused by infection with the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis — specifically serotypes A, B, Ba and C, which are adapted to infect the eye. Infection causes acute and then chronic inflammation of the conjunctiva (the lining of the eyelid). Repeated reinfection — especially during childhood — is necessary for the scarring sequence that ultimately leads to trichiasis and blindness. A single infection that resolves without reinfection is unlikely to cause permanent damage. ### How does trachoma spread? Trachoma spreads through direct or indirect contact with ocular or nasal secretions from an infected person. Children — who have the highest rates of active infection — are the primary reservoir of Chlamydia trachomatis in endemic communities. Transmission occurs through: direct eye-to-eye or eye-to-hand-to-eye contact; sharing of towels, cloths or handkerchiefs; and flies (Musca sorbens) that feed on ocular and nasal secretions and transfer bacteria between people. This is why facial cleanliness — particularly face-washing in children — is central to the SAFE strategy. ### What are the symptoms of trachoma? In early stages, trachoma causes: redness of the eyes (conjunctivitis); watering or discharge; photophobia (sensitivity to light); and eyelid swelling. In active disease, small, pale follicles appear on the inner surface of the upper eyelid — a characteristic appearance visible on examination. With repeated reinfection over years, conjunctival scarring develops. Late-stage trachoma (trichiasis) causes constant eye pain as in-turned lashes scratch the cornea — described as extremely painful, like having grit permanently in the eye. ### What is trichiasis? Trichiasis is the late, sight-threatening complication of trachoma in which scarring of the inner eyelid causes it to turn inward (entropion), bringing the eyelashes into contact with the cornea. With every blink — approximately 10,000 times per day — the lashes abrade the corneal surface, causing progressive corneal ulceration, opacification and, ultimately, blindness. Approximately 8 million people worldwide have trichiasis. Trichiasis surgery — a 15-minute outpatient procedure — can prevent this blindness if performed before significant corneal scarring has occurred. ### How is trachoma diagnosed? Trachoma is diagnosed clinically by trained eye health workers using the WHO simplified grading system, which identifies five grades: Trachomatous Inflammation–Follicular (TF); Trachomatous Inflammation–Intense (TI); Trachomatous Scarring (TS); Trachomatous Trichiasis (TT); and Corneal Opacity (CO). This grading is performed with a 2.5× loupe and a torch — equipment that does not require electricity or laboratory facilities, making community-level assessment feasible in remote settings. Laboratory confirmation (PCR or culture) is used in research and surveillance. ### How many people are affected by trachoma? According to the WHO: 125 million people live in areas endemic for trachoma; 1.9 million people are blind or visually impaired from trachoma; and approximately 8 million people have trichiasis requiring surgery to prevent blindness. Children aged 1–9 years have the highest rates of active infection. Women are disproportionately affected by trichiasis — two to three times more than men — thought to be due to their closer contact with infected young children during caregiving. ### Which countries are affected by trachoma? Trachoma remains endemic in 44 countries, primarily across sub-Saharan Africa (where the highest burden is found), parts of South and South-East Asia, the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Pacific Islands. In South-East Asia, Indonesia has historically had endemic trachoma in certain provinces. Globally, the highest-burden countries include Ethiopia, South Sudan, Niger, Mali, Nigeria, Chad, Sudan and Tanzania. Many countries have successfully eliminated trachoma as a public health problem following sustained SAFE implementation. ### What is the SAFE strategy for trachoma? The WHO's SAFE strategy is a comprehensive approach to trachoma elimination: S — Surgery for trichiasis (correcting in-turned eyelashes before corneal scarring becomes irreversible); A — Antibiotics (mass azithromycin administration to endemic communities to reduce the burden of active Chlamydia infection); F — Facial cleanliness (promoting regular face-washing in children to reduce person-to-person transmission); E — Environmental improvement (construction of latrines, provision of clean water and household environmental hygiene measures). All four components must be implemented together for durable elimination. ### How is trachoma treated with antibiotics? Mass drug administration (MDA) of azithromycin — a single oral dose — is used to reduce the community prevalence of active Chlamydia trachomatis infection in endemic districts. Azithromycin (brand name Zithromax) is donated by Pfizer through the International Trachoma Initiative (ITI) and distributed to all eligible community members regardless of infection status. MDA is conducted annually or bi-annually in districts with TF prevalence above 10% in children aged 1–9. Tetracycline eye ointment is an alternative where azithromycin is unavailable. ### What is trichiasis surgery? Trichiasis surgery is a simple, outpatient surgical procedure that corrects the in-turned eyelid margin to prevent lashes from abrading the cornea. The most widely used technique is the Bilamellar Tarsal Rotation (BLTR) procedure: a full-thickness incision is made through the eyelid parallel to the lid margin; the outer portion is rotated outward and sutured, everting the eyelid margin and repositioning the lashes away from the eye. The procedure takes approximately 15 minutes under local anaesthetic and can be performed by trained ophthalmic nurses in community settings. ### Can trachoma be cured? Active trachoma infection — the inflammatory stage — can be cured with azithromycin. Trichiasis (in-turned eyelashes) can be corrected with surgery, preventing further corneal damage. However, corneal scarring that has already occurred cannot be reversed by any of these interventions — sight lost to corneal opacification cannot be restored without a corneal transplant, which is largely unavailable in endemic settings. This is why prevention and early treatment — before corneal scarring develops — are so critical. ### Can trachoma be prevented? Yes. Trachoma is entirely preventable at the individual and community level. The SAFE strategy addresses both personal and environmental risk: face-washing in children (particularly cleaning the face and eyes) disrupts person-to-person transmission; clean water access enables hygiene practices; latrine construction reduces fly breeding (Musca sorbens breeds in human faeces); and antibiotic MDA reduces community infection levels. Many countries have successfully eliminated trachoma through sustained SAFE implementation — demonstrating that elimination is achievable. ### Is trachoma linked to poverty? Trachoma is one of the classic 'diseases of poverty'. It thrives wherever communities lack: access to clean water (for face-washing); adequate sanitation (latrines — absence of which creates fly breeding grounds); and basic primary health care for early treatment of infections. Trachoma was eliminated from the United Kingdom and other high-income countries over a century ago, not through antibiotics or specific trachoma programmes, but through improvements in water supply, sanitation and living standards. Poverty is not just a risk factor for trachoma — it is its primary cause. ### Does trachoma affect children more than adults? Yes. Active trachoma infection — characterised by conjunctival inflammation and follicles — is most prevalent in children aged 1–9 years, who are the primary reservoir of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in endemic communities. Children become repeatedly reinfected throughout childhood, accumulating the conjunctival scarring that leads to trichiasis in adulthood. Adults — particularly adult women who have the most contact with infected children — bear the burden of trichiasis and trachomatous blindness. Blindness typically develops in middle age after decades of repeated infection. ### Why are women more affected by trichiasis than men? Women develop trichiasis and trachomatous blindness at approximately two to three times the rate of men in most endemic communities. This is attributed to their greater exposure to Chlamydia trachomatis through close caregiving contact with young children — who carry the highest levels of active infection. Repeated reinfection through this caregiving role accelerates conjunctival scarring in women relative to men in the same community. Targeted trichiasis surgery outreach to women is an important priority in national trachoma elimination programmes. ### What is the WHO target for trachoma elimination? The WHO has set targets for trachoma elimination as a public health problem: TF prevalence in children aged 1–9 years below 5% in all districts; trichiasis prevalence (unknown to the health system) below 0.2% in adults; and functional district-level capacity to manage incident trichiasis cases. As of recent WHO reports, 11 countries have been validated as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem. The WHO aims to achieve global elimination, with the goal of 'GET2030' — global elimination of trachoma by 2030. ### Is trachoma found in the UK? Trachoma was common in the UK during the nineteenth century, particularly among poor urban communities in industrial cities. It was eliminated through improvements in water supply, sanitation and living standards long before antibiotic treatment became available — demonstrating that environmental and hygiene improvements are central to elimination. Today, trachoma in the UK is extremely rare and occurs only as imported cases in people who have lived in or visited endemic regions. It is not considered an endemic disease in the UK. ### Can trachoma come back after treatment? Yes. Mass azithromycin treatment reduces the community burden of active infection but does not provide lasting immunity against reinfection. Communities in endemic areas are susceptible to reinfection from surrounding villages or districts, making repeated annual MDA necessary until community prevalence falls below the elimination threshold. Post-treatment surveillance is essential to detect resurgence. Trichiasis surgery is also associated with recurrence in approximately 20–40% of operated eyes at five years — an ongoing challenge in trachoma programmes. ### How does World Aid Network help people affected by trachoma and other eye diseases? World Aid Network's first registered Charitable Object covers sight-restoring eye surgery for poor patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia — countries within or adjacent to trachoma-endemic regions. WAN funds cataract operations, trichiasis surgery and eye care through locally-licensed ophthalmologists and registered hospitals, working with trusted local partner organisations that have deep community reach. A donation to World Aid Network directly funds the surgery and care that prevents and cures avoidable blindness — giving people back their independence, livelihood and quality of life. ## How you can help Explore care access at https://worldaidnetwork.org/eye-surgery and professional involvement at https://worldaidnetwork.org/eye-care-partners. Suggested donations support the wider programme and do not guarantee a procedure or result. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight ## Sources - https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/trachoma - https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blindness-and-visual-impairment - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vision-loss/ --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Cataract & Eye Care Donation Calculator | WAN > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/eye-surgery-cost-calculator > Use our eye care donation calculator to plan a one-off or monthly gift. Understand cataract cost estimates and support the Gift of Sight Appeal at WAN. Use this calculator to plan a contribution towards eye care. Around £200 is an illustrative cataract planning estimate on this site, not a current hospital quote or a guaranteed operation. Clinical needs, local costs and follow-up requirements vary. Your giving total is separate from the results confirmed in programme reports. ## Plan a gift that fits your budget Compare a one-off contribution with a regular gift. This calculates your giving, not the number of people treated or supplies delivered. Your planned giving £200.00 One contribution of £200.00. Monthly totals assume 12 successful payments at the same amount. You can manage your regular gift through [Manage giving](/manage-giving). No payment is taken by this planner. [Continue to secure donation](/donate?amount=200&cause=eye-surgery#donate-form) Your entries stay in this browser until you choose to continue to the donation form. Gift Aid is not included in these totals. ## What can a contribution support? - [Eye care](/appeal/gift-of-sight) Contributions towards clinically recommended care, including cataract surgery and follow-up. - [Cancer treatment](/appeal/cancer-emergency) Contributions towards the wider cancer fund; individual needs and treatment costs vary. - [Emergency relief](/emergency-relief) Contributions towards assessed needs for food, water, hygiene supplies and shelter. ## How do we distinguish plans from results? An amount on a donation form is not a completed activity. Costs depend on provider quotes, clinical needs, location and supplies. Outcome totals should come from approved delivery records. A suggested gift does not guarantee a particular patient, procedure, kit or delivery time. [Read the funding policy](/where-your-money-goes) · [Check published impact and reporting](/our-impact) ## Before continuing Check the selected programme and frequency at checkout. For a country-specific emergency, use its [named appeal](/appeal). Gift Aid is not currently available at WAN; future claims depend on HMRC recognition, eligible gifts and valid declarations. Read our [Gift Aid guide](/gift-aid) for details. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Eye Surgery & Cataract Care Support | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/eye-surgery > Support eye assessment, cataract care and follow-up. Explore country programmes, screening information, funding limits and the latest reporting status. Quick answer World Aid Network’s eye-care programme covers Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Gifts can contribute towards clinically recommended care through local providers, subject to assessment, capacity and funding. Suggested amounts do not guarantee a procedure or result. Check current programme availability and published evidence before relying on a service claim. ## Explore care and support by country [IndonesiaAssessment questions, support enquiries, donation scope and public reporting.View the country guide →](/eye-surgery/indonesia)[PakistanAssessment questions, support enquiries, donation scope and public reporting.View the country guide →](/eye-surgery/pakistan)[MalaysiaAssessment questions, support enquiries, donation scope and public reporting.View the country guide →](/eye-surgery/malaysia) ## Local doctors and specialist support WAN hires local doctors in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia to perform surgery and arranges for a visiting specialist to support their training and review clinical practice. Care must take place within the relevant local licensing, facility and clinical-governance arrangements. Around £200 is a cataract surgery planning estimate supplied to WAN by consultant ophthalmic surgeon Mr Mohamed Mohyudin. Actual costs depend on the patient, facility and included care; it is not a fixed price or a guaranteed result. [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin’s professional profile](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/) Specialist training supports the local team; it does not replace responsibility for assessment, informed consent, follow-up and responding to complications. Visit dates and delivery reports are published only when confirmed. [Hospital partnerships and funding checks](/partner-with-us) ## A closer look at eye care Two clinicians wearing surgical gowns, caps and masks work at a surgical microscope. A six-second silent excerpt, cropped to keep the patient outside the frame. 6 seconds · No sound Loops until paused [Explore the Gift of Sight appeal →](/appeal/gift-of-sight) [Programme reporting →](/appeal/gift-of-sight#programme-evidence) [Watch the eye-care film (MP4)](/media/eye-care/eye-care-theatre-v1.mp4). Footage supplied to World Aid Network. Project dates, funding and outcomes are reported separately when verified. [Open video →](/media/eye-care/eye-care-theatre-v1.mp4) ## From an eye concern to follow-up care These are questions to work through with a care provider. They do not describe a confirmed WAN appointment or an entitlement to free treatment. 1. STEP 1 ### Get an eye assessment A local eye-care professional can investigate vision changes. Community screening may identify a need for referral, but it is not a diagnosis or an operation booking. 2. STEP 2 ### Discuss suitable care Ask about the diagnosis, treatment choices, likely benefits, risks and alternatives. A qualified clinician decides whether surgery is appropriate. 3. STEP 3 ### Confirm access and funding Ask the provider about costs, local coverage and any assistance. WAN enquiries do not guarantee eligibility, a treatment date or funding. Availability must be confirmed. 4. STEP 4 ### Agree treatment and aftercare Before treatment, confirm consent, the facility, arrangements for getting home, follow-up and an urgent contact. The treating team gives personal instructions. 5. STEP 5 ### Record what happened Funding, treatment delivered and vision outcomes are different measures. Public programme reporting should explain the period, evidence and any gaps in follow-up. ## Choose the information you need [Understand an eye conditionFind guides on symptoms, assessment and care, with sources and review status.](/eye-health)[Check screening and camp availabilityLearn what screening can establish and what to confirm before travelling.](/free-eye-screening-camps)[Understand treatment costsCompare care routes and prepare questions about a patient-specific quote.](/cataract-surgery-cost)[Contribute towards cataract careChoose a gift and understand its funding limits.](/sponsor-a-cataract-operation) ## What is currently reported? Separate money received, payments to partners, treatment delivered and the results of follow-up. One does not automatically establish the next. ## What your support is for Support cataract surgery and other sight-preserving care for patients who cannot afford treatment. Programme Eye surgery Countries covered Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia Organiser [World Aid Network](/about) Public reporting First report not yet published Contributions towards eye assessment, clinically recommended treatment and follow-up through local clinical partners. Treatment and eligibility depend on clinical assessment and available funding. **Planning estimate.** Around £200 is the site's planning estimate for a cataract operation. Actual hospital quotes and patient needs vary. This is not a published audited cost or a guarantee that a particular gift funds a complete operation. ### How we will report on this appeal We publish an appeal’s figures only after they are reconciled and checked. The first report will appear here with its reporting period, money received, payments to partners and what was delivered. A missing figure means it has not been published yet. [How donations are used](/where-your-money-goes) [Read appeal updates](#campaign-updates) ## What are the latest appeal updates? [How we report](/our-impact) No verified delivery updates published yet Dated reports will appear here after review. Each published update will distinguish money received, payments to delivery partners and the care or relief reported. Photographs of people require permission to publish. [Ask about this appeal](/contact?subject=Update%20request%3A%20Gift%20of%20Sight%20Appeal) ## Help improve access to eye care About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation; any amount helps. Read the [Gift of Sight appeal](/appeal/gift-of-sight), choose an affordable contribution or [explore professional involvement](/eye-care-partners). Do not send patient records with an initial enquiry. [Give to eye care](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight¤cy=GBP#donate-form) ## Questions about eye care and support What does World Aid Network’s eye-care programme support? The programme is intended to help people who face barriers to assessment, clinically recommended eye treatment and follow-up in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Availability depends on local clinical assessment, delivery capacity and funding. Can a donation guarantee an operation or restored vision? No. Contributions support care, but costs and clinical needs vary. Money received is not evidence that a procedure has happened. Treatment can have benefits and risks; it cannot promise permanent clear vision. Where can I see confirmed activities and results? The screening-camp page lists approved schedules when available. Appeal updates distinguish receipts, transfers and reported delivery. No verified camp dates or approved delivery reports have been published yet. ## Sources and further information - [WHO: blindness and vision impairment](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blindness-and-visual-impairment) - [NHS: cataract surgery](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cataract-surgery/) Sources explain the subject; a link does not imply a partnership or endorsement of WAN. General information, not a diagnosis or funding decision. Editorial oversight: Kaiser Khan. Updated 4 October 2026; this version has not received documented clinical sign-off. [Clinical review and accountability](/eye-care-partners#clinical-review) ## How can I help someone access eye care? Understand the care available, explore its costs and see how a donation reaches a treatment partner. - [Give to eye care](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form) About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. Any amount contributes to the Gift of Sight Appeal. - [Sponsor cataract surgery](/sponsor-a-cataract-operation) Learn how to help fund an operation. - [Plan an eye-care gift](/eye-surgery-cost-calculator) Calculate your giving total without assuming a number of operations. - [Where your donation goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and accounted for. - [Getting help for vision changes](/eye-health/screening-checker) Find guidance on professional eye care and support enquiries. - [Clinicians and hospital enquiries](/eye-care-partners) Review standards, participation and professional introductions. - [Screening locations and availability](/free-eye-screening-camps) Check published schedules and what to ask before attending. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Cataract Surgery in Indonesia | Care & Support | WAN > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/eye-surgery/indonesia > Explore cataract assessment and eye-care support in Indonesia. Check programme availability, funding limits, aftercare and published evidence. Quick answer WAN’s eye-care programme includes Indonesia. Donations can contribute towards assessment, clinically recommended treatment and follow-up. No verified clinic schedule or country-specific delivery report is published here yet. Contact us about availability; funding and treatment depend on assessment, capacity and available resources. ## Looking for help with an eye problem? Start with an eye assessment through a local clinic or hospital. Ask what services are available, whether a referral is needed and which costs may be covered. Do not assume that a charity information page confirms a free appointment. ### When to seek urgent care Sudden loss of vision or sudden severe eye pain needs emergency assessment. New flashes, a shadow across your vision or a painful red eye also need urgent medical advice. Use local emergency or eye-care services; do not wait for a camp or a reply from WAN. [Read the NHS explanation of urgent symptoms](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vision-loss/) ## Local doctors and specialist support WAN hires local doctors in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia to perform surgery and arranges for a visiting specialist to support their training and review clinical practice. Care must take place within the relevant local licensing, facility and clinical-governance arrangements. Around £200 is a cataract surgery planning estimate supplied to WAN by consultant ophthalmic surgeon Mr Mohamed Mohyudin. Actual costs depend on the patient, facility and included care; it is not a fixed price or a guaranteed result. [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin’s professional profile](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/) Specialist training supports the local team; it does not replace responsibility for assessment, informed consent, follow-up and responding to complications. Visit dates and delivery reports are published only when confirmed. [Hospital partnerships and funding checks](/partner-with-us) ## From an eye concern to follow-up care These are questions to work through with a care provider. They do not describe a confirmed WAN appointment or an entitlement to free treatment. 1. STEP 1 ### Get an eye assessment A local eye-care professional can investigate vision changes. Community screening may identify a need for referral, but it is not a diagnosis or an operation booking. 2. STEP 2 ### Discuss suitable care Ask about the diagnosis, treatment choices, likely benefits, risks and alternatives. A qualified clinician decides whether surgery is appropriate. 3. STEP 3 ### Confirm access and funding Ask the provider about costs, local coverage and any assistance. WAN enquiries do not guarantee eligibility, a treatment date or funding. Availability must be confirmed. 4. STEP 4 ### Agree treatment and aftercare Before treatment, confirm consent, the facility, arrangements for getting home, follow-up and an urgent contact. The treating team gives personal instructions. 5. STEP 5 ### Record what happened Funding, treatment delivered and vision outcomes are different measures. Public programme reporting should explain the period, evidence and any gaps in follow-up. ## Finding cataract information in Indonesia PERDAMI, Indonesia’s ophthalmology association, publishes Indonesian-language cataract information. Its guide explains assessment, referral and follow-up. You can use it to prepare questions for a local care provider. Ask about the facility, the treating clinician, language support, travel and a follow-up contact. Advice about access to local health coverage should come from the provider or the relevant public service. [Read PERDAMI’s cataract guide](https://perdami.or.id/web/public%5Feducation/detail/katarak-kenali-periksa-dan-pulihkan-penglihatan/51). PERDAMI is an independent source; WAN is not claiming membership, endorsement or a delivery partnership. ## Locations and confirmed schedules ### No verified camp dates published yet This page is not an invitation to attend a venue or a confirmed appointment. Before travelling, check the organiser, location, eligibility, booking arrangements and any charges. Do not delay urgent care while waiting for a camp. [Ask about programme availability](/contact) ## What a gift can support Contributions can support the wider care pathway, including assessment, clinically recommended treatment and follow-up. A gift is not an order for a medical procedure. [Compare how cataract costs are described](/cataract-surgery-cost) and [read the funding policy](/where-your-money-goes) before choosing an amount. [Give £25](/donate?amount=25¤cy=GBP&cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form)[Give £50](/donate?amount=50¤cy=GBP&cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form)[Give £100](/donate?amount=100¤cy=GBP&cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form)[Give £200](/donate?amount=200¤cy=GBP&cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form) These links support the Gift of Sight programme across Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. They do not restrict a donation to Indonesia. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks. ## Programme evidence and reporting The panel below describes the wider Gift of Sight appeal. Programme-wide totals must not be read as results for Indonesia. A country report needs its own reporting period, identified delivery partner and supporting records. ## What your support is for Support cataract surgery and other sight-preserving care for patients who cannot afford treatment. Programme Eye surgery Countries covered Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia Organiser [World Aid Network](/about) Public reporting First report not yet published Contributions towards eye assessment, clinically recommended treatment and follow-up through local clinical partners. Treatment and eligibility depend on clinical assessment and available funding. **Planning estimate.** Around £200 is the site's planning estimate for a cataract operation. Actual hospital quotes and patient needs vary. This is not a published audited cost or a guarantee that a particular gift funds a complete operation. ### How we will report on this appeal We publish an appeal’s figures only after they are reconciled and checked. The first report will appear here with its reporting period, money received, payments to partners and what was delivered. A missing figure means it has not been published yet. [How donations are used](/where-your-money-goes) [Read appeal updates](#country-updates) ## What are the latest appeal updates? [How we report](/our-impact) No verified delivery updates published yet Dated reports will appear here after review. Each published update will distinguish money received, payments to delivery partners and the care or relief reported. Photographs of people require permission to publish. [Ask about this appeal](/contact?subject=Update%20request%3A%20Gift%20of%20Sight%20Appeal) ## For clinicians and hospitals Clinical review, carefully assessed delivery proposals and professional fundraising can help improve access. An introduction is the beginning of assessment, not approval of a partnership. [Explore working with WAN](/eye-care-partners) ## Questions about eye care and support Can I book free cataract surgery in Indonesia here? No. This is programme information and a donation route, not a booking service. Contact a local eye-care provider about assessment. Ask WAN about current programme availability; an enquiry does not establish eligibility or a funded place. How much does cataract surgery in Indonesia cost? Around £200 is a cataract surgery planning estimate supplied to WAN by consultant ophthalmic surgeon Mr Mohamed Mohyudin. Actual costs depend on the patient, facility and included care; it is not a fixed price or a guaranteed result. Will a donation be used only in this country? The linked checkout supports the Gift of Sight eye-care programme across Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. A country page does not itself restrict a gift to that country. Contact WAN before giving if a country-specific restriction matters to you. Does cataract surgery guarantee permanent clear vision? No. Surgery can improve vision, but the result depends on the eye’s health and other conditions. Complications and later changes can occur. A treating ophthalmologist should explain the likely benefits and risks for the individual. Is Gift Aid available? Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks. ## Sources and further information - [NHS: cataract surgery, assessment and recovery](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cataract-surgery/) - [WHO: blindness and vision impairment](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blindness-and-visual-impairment) - [PERDAMI: Indonesian cataract information, 26 August 2026](https://perdami.or.id/web/public%5Feducation/detail/katarak-kenali-periksa-dan-pulihkan-penglihatan/51) Sources explain the subject; a link does not imply a partnership or endorsement of WAN. General information, not a diagnosis or funding decision. Editorial oversight: Kaiser Khan. Updated 4 October 2026; this version has not received documented clinical sign-off. [Clinical review and accountability](/eye-care-partners#clinical-review) ## How can I help someone access eye care? Understand the care available, explore its costs and see how a donation reaches a treatment partner. - [Give to eye care](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form) About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. Any amount contributes to the Gift of Sight Appeal. - [Sponsor cataract surgery](/sponsor-a-cataract-operation) Learn how to help fund an operation. - [Plan an eye-care gift](/eye-surgery-cost-calculator) Calculate your giving total without assuming a number of operations. - [Where your donation goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and accounted for. - [Sight-restoring eye surgery](/eye-surgery) Explore the eye care programme and treatment pathway. - [Getting help for vision changes](/eye-health/screening-checker) Find guidance on professional eye care and support enquiries. - [Clinicians and hospital enquiries](/eye-care-partners) Review standards, participation and professional introductions. - [Screening locations and availability](/free-eye-screening-camps) Check published schedules and what to ask before attending. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Cataract Surgery in Malaysia | Care & Support | WAN > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/eye-surgery/malaysia > Explore cataract assessment and eye-care support in Malaysia. Check programme availability, funding limits, aftercare and published evidence. Quick answer WAN’s eye-care programme includes Malaysia. Donations can contribute towards assessment, clinically recommended treatment and follow-up. No verified clinic schedule or country-specific delivery report is published here yet. Contact us about availability; funding and treatment depend on assessment, capacity and available resources. ## Looking for help with an eye problem? Start with an eye assessment through a local clinic or hospital. Ask what services are available, whether a referral is needed and which costs may be covered. Do not assume that a charity information page confirms a free appointment. ### When to seek urgent care Sudden loss of vision or sudden severe eye pain needs emergency assessment. New flashes, a shadow across your vision or a painful red eye also need urgent medical advice. Use local emergency or eye-care services; do not wait for a camp or a reply from WAN. [Read the NHS explanation of urgent symptoms](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vision-loss/) ## Local doctors and specialist support WAN hires local doctors in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia to perform surgery and arranges for a visiting specialist to support their training and review clinical practice. Care must take place within the relevant local licensing, facility and clinical-governance arrangements. Around £200 is a cataract surgery planning estimate supplied to WAN by consultant ophthalmic surgeon Mr Mohamed Mohyudin. Actual costs depend on the patient, facility and included care; it is not a fixed price or a guaranteed result. [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin’s professional profile](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/) Specialist training supports the local team; it does not replace responsibility for assessment, informed consent, follow-up and responding to complications. Visit dates and delivery reports are published only when confirmed. [Hospital partnerships and funding checks](/partner-with-us) ## From an eye concern to follow-up care These are questions to work through with a care provider. They do not describe a confirmed WAN appointment or an entitlement to free treatment. 1. STEP 1 ### Get an eye assessment A local eye-care professional can investigate vision changes. Community screening may identify a need for referral, but it is not a diagnosis or an operation booking. 2. STEP 2 ### Discuss suitable care Ask about the diagnosis, treatment choices, likely benefits, risks and alternatives. A qualified clinician decides whether surgery is appropriate. 3. STEP 3 ### Confirm access and funding Ask the provider about costs, local coverage and any assistance. WAN enquiries do not guarantee eligibility, a treatment date or funding. Availability must be confirmed. 4. STEP 4 ### Agree treatment and aftercare Before treatment, confirm consent, the facility, arrangements for getting home, follow-up and an urgent contact. The treating team gives personal instructions. 5. STEP 5 ### Record what happened Funding, treatment delivered and vision outcomes are different measures. Public programme reporting should explain the period, evidence and any gaps in follow-up. ## Questions for a care provider in Malaysia - Which eye examinations are needed before a treatment decision? - Which expenses are included, and what support or local coverage can be checked? - Who should be contacted if symptoms change before or after an appointment? - Are travel, an interpreter or help from a family member needed? ## Locations and confirmed schedules ### No verified camp dates published yet This page is not an invitation to attend a venue or a confirmed appointment. Before travelling, check the organiser, location, eligibility, booking arrangements and any charges. Do not delay urgent care while waiting for a camp. [Ask about programme availability](/contact) ## What a gift can support Contributions can support the wider care pathway, including assessment, clinically recommended treatment and follow-up. A gift is not an order for a medical procedure. [Compare how cataract costs are described](/cataract-surgery-cost) and [read the funding policy](/where-your-money-goes) before choosing an amount. [Give £25](/donate?amount=25¤cy=GBP&cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form)[Give £50](/donate?amount=50¤cy=GBP&cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form)[Give £100](/donate?amount=100¤cy=GBP&cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form)[Give £200](/donate?amount=200¤cy=GBP&cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form) These links support the Gift of Sight programme across Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. They do not restrict a donation to Malaysia. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks. ## Programme evidence and reporting The panel below describes the wider Gift of Sight appeal. Programme-wide totals must not be read as results for Malaysia. A country report needs its own reporting period, identified delivery partner and supporting records. ## What your support is for Support cataract surgery and other sight-preserving care for patients who cannot afford treatment. Programme Eye surgery Countries covered Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia Organiser [World Aid Network](/about) Public reporting First report not yet published Contributions towards eye assessment, clinically recommended treatment and follow-up through local clinical partners. Treatment and eligibility depend on clinical assessment and available funding. **Planning estimate.** Around £200 is the site's planning estimate for a cataract operation. Actual hospital quotes and patient needs vary. This is not a published audited cost or a guarantee that a particular gift funds a complete operation. ### How we will report on this appeal We publish an appeal’s figures only after they are reconciled and checked. The first report will appear here with its reporting period, money received, payments to partners and what was delivered. A missing figure means it has not been published yet. [How donations are used](/where-your-money-goes) [Read appeal updates](#country-updates) ## What are the latest appeal updates? [How we report](/our-impact) No verified delivery updates published yet Dated reports will appear here after review. Each published update will distinguish money received, payments to delivery partners and the care or relief reported. Photographs of people require permission to publish. [Ask about this appeal](/contact?subject=Update%20request%3A%20Gift%20of%20Sight%20Appeal) ## For clinicians and hospitals Clinical review, carefully assessed delivery proposals and professional fundraising can help improve access. An introduction is the beginning of assessment, not approval of a partnership. [Explore working with WAN](/eye-care-partners) ## Questions about eye care and support Can I book free cataract surgery in Malaysia here? No. This is programme information and a donation route, not a booking service. Contact a local eye-care provider about assessment. Ask WAN about current programme availability; an enquiry does not establish eligibility or a funded place. How much does cataract surgery in Malaysia cost? Around £200 is a cataract surgery planning estimate supplied to WAN by consultant ophthalmic surgeon Mr Mohamed Mohyudin. Actual costs depend on the patient, facility and included care; it is not a fixed price or a guaranteed result. Will a donation be used only in this country? The linked checkout supports the Gift of Sight eye-care programme across Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. A country page does not itself restrict a gift to that country. Contact WAN before giving if a country-specific restriction matters to you. Does cataract surgery guarantee permanent clear vision? No. Surgery can improve vision, but the result depends on the eye’s health and other conditions. Complications and later changes can occur. A treating ophthalmologist should explain the likely benefits and risks for the individual. Is Gift Aid available? Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks. ## Sources and further information - [NHS: cataract surgery, assessment and recovery](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cataract-surgery/) - [WHO: blindness and vision impairment](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blindness-and-visual-impairment) Sources explain the subject; a link does not imply a partnership or endorsement of WAN. General information, not a diagnosis or funding decision. Editorial oversight: Kaiser Khan. Updated 4 October 2026; this version has not received documented clinical sign-off. [Clinical review and accountability](/eye-care-partners#clinical-review) ## How can I help someone access eye care? Understand the care available, explore its costs and see how a donation reaches a treatment partner. - [Give to eye care](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form) About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. Any amount contributes to the Gift of Sight Appeal. - [Sponsor cataract surgery](/sponsor-a-cataract-operation) Learn how to help fund an operation. - [Plan an eye-care gift](/eye-surgery-cost-calculator) Calculate your giving total without assuming a number of operations. - [Where your donation goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and accounted for. - [Sight-restoring eye surgery](/eye-surgery) Explore the eye care programme and treatment pathway. - [Getting help for vision changes](/eye-health/screening-checker) Find guidance on professional eye care and support enquiries. - [Clinicians and hospital enquiries](/eye-care-partners) Review standards, participation and professional introductions. - [Screening locations and availability](/free-eye-screening-camps) Check published schedules and what to ask before attending. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Cataract Surgery in Pakistan | Care & Support | WAN > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/eye-surgery/pakistan > Explore cataract assessment and eye-care support in Pakistan. Check programme availability, funding limits, aftercare and published evidence. Quick answer WAN’s eye-care programme includes Pakistan. Donations can contribute towards assessment, clinically recommended treatment and follow-up. No verified clinic schedule or country-specific delivery report is published here yet. Contact us about availability; funding and treatment depend on assessment, capacity and available resources. ## Looking for help with an eye problem? Start with an eye assessment through a local clinic or hospital. Ask what services are available, whether a referral is needed and which costs may be covered. Do not assume that a charity information page confirms a free appointment. ### When to seek urgent care Sudden loss of vision or sudden severe eye pain needs emergency assessment. New flashes, a shadow across your vision or a painful red eye also need urgent medical advice. Use local emergency or eye-care services; do not wait for a camp or a reply from WAN. [Read the NHS explanation of urgent symptoms](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vision-loss/) ## Local doctors and specialist support WAN hires local doctors in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia to perform surgery and arranges for a visiting specialist to support their training and review clinical practice. Care must take place within the relevant local licensing, facility and clinical-governance arrangements. Around £200 is a cataract surgery planning estimate supplied to WAN by consultant ophthalmic surgeon Mr Mohamed Mohyudin. Actual costs depend on the patient, facility and included care; it is not a fixed price or a guaranteed result. [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin’s professional profile](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/) Specialist training supports the local team; it does not replace responsibility for assessment, informed consent, follow-up and responding to complications. Visit dates and delivery reports are published only when confirmed. [Hospital partnerships and funding checks](/partner-with-us) ## From an eye concern to follow-up care These are questions to work through with a care provider. They do not describe a confirmed WAN appointment or an entitlement to free treatment. 1. STEP 1 ### Get an eye assessment A local eye-care professional can investigate vision changes. Community screening may identify a need for referral, but it is not a diagnosis or an operation booking. 2. STEP 2 ### Discuss suitable care Ask about the diagnosis, treatment choices, likely benefits, risks and alternatives. A qualified clinician decides whether surgery is appropriate. 3. STEP 3 ### Confirm access and funding Ask the provider about costs, local coverage and any assistance. WAN enquiries do not guarantee eligibility, a treatment date or funding. Availability must be confirmed. 4. STEP 4 ### Agree treatment and aftercare Before treatment, confirm consent, the facility, arrangements for getting home, follow-up and an urgent contact. The treating team gives personal instructions. 5. STEP 5 ### Record what happened Funding, treatment delivered and vision outcomes are different measures. Public programme reporting should explain the period, evidence and any gaps in follow-up. ## Questions for a care provider in Pakistan - Which eye examinations are needed before a treatment decision? - Which expenses are included, and what support or local coverage can be checked? - Who should be contacted if symptoms change before or after an appointment? - Are travel, an interpreter or help from a family member needed? ## Locations and confirmed schedules ### No verified camp dates published yet This page is not an invitation to attend a venue or a confirmed appointment. Before travelling, check the organiser, location, eligibility, booking arrangements and any charges. Do not delay urgent care while waiting for a camp. [Ask about programme availability](/contact) ## What a gift can support Contributions can support the wider care pathway, including assessment, clinically recommended treatment and follow-up. A gift is not an order for a medical procedure. [Compare how cataract costs are described](/cataract-surgery-cost) and [read the funding policy](/where-your-money-goes) before choosing an amount. [Give £25](/donate?amount=25¤cy=GBP&cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form)[Give £50](/donate?amount=50¤cy=GBP&cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form)[Give £100](/donate?amount=100¤cy=GBP&cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form)[Give £200](/donate?amount=200¤cy=GBP&cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form) These links support the Gift of Sight programme across Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. They do not restrict a donation to Pakistan. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks. ## Programme evidence and reporting The panel below describes the wider Gift of Sight appeal. Programme-wide totals must not be read as results for Pakistan. A country report needs its own reporting period, identified delivery partner and supporting records. ## What your support is for Support cataract surgery and other sight-preserving care for patients who cannot afford treatment. Programme Eye surgery Countries covered Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia Organiser [World Aid Network](/about) Public reporting First report not yet published Contributions towards eye assessment, clinically recommended treatment and follow-up through local clinical partners. Treatment and eligibility depend on clinical assessment and available funding. **Planning estimate.** Around £200 is the site's planning estimate for a cataract operation. Actual hospital quotes and patient needs vary. This is not a published audited cost or a guarantee that a particular gift funds a complete operation. ### How we will report on this appeal We publish an appeal’s figures only after they are reconciled and checked. The first report will appear here with its reporting period, money received, payments to partners and what was delivered. A missing figure means it has not been published yet. [How donations are used](/where-your-money-goes) [Read appeal updates](#country-updates) ## What are the latest appeal updates? [How we report](/our-impact) No verified delivery updates published yet Dated reports will appear here after review. Each published update will distinguish money received, payments to delivery partners and the care or relief reported. Photographs of people require permission to publish. [Ask about this appeal](/contact?subject=Update%20request%3A%20Gift%20of%20Sight%20Appeal) ## For clinicians and hospitals Clinical review, carefully assessed delivery proposals and professional fundraising can help improve access. An introduction is the beginning of assessment, not approval of a partnership. [Explore working with WAN](/eye-care-partners) ## Questions about eye care and support Can I book free cataract surgery in Pakistan here? No. This is programme information and a donation route, not a booking service. Contact a local eye-care provider about assessment. Ask WAN about current programme availability; an enquiry does not establish eligibility or a funded place. How much does cataract surgery in Pakistan cost? Around £200 is a cataract surgery planning estimate supplied to WAN by consultant ophthalmic surgeon Mr Mohamed Mohyudin. Actual costs depend on the patient, facility and included care; it is not a fixed price or a guaranteed result. Will a donation be used only in this country? The linked checkout supports the Gift of Sight eye-care programme across Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. A country page does not itself restrict a gift to that country. Contact WAN before giving if a country-specific restriction matters to you. Does cataract surgery guarantee permanent clear vision? No. Surgery can improve vision, but the result depends on the eye’s health and other conditions. Complications and later changes can occur. A treating ophthalmologist should explain the likely benefits and risks for the individual. Is Gift Aid available? Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks. ## Sources and further information - [NHS: cataract surgery, assessment and recovery](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cataract-surgery/) - [WHO: blindness and vision impairment](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blindness-and-visual-impairment) Sources explain the subject; a link does not imply a partnership or endorsement of WAN. General information, not a diagnosis or funding decision. Editorial oversight: Kaiser Khan. Updated 4 October 2026; this version has not received documented clinical sign-off. [Clinical review and accountability](/eye-care-partners#clinical-review) ## How can I help someone access eye care? Understand the care available, explore its costs and see how a donation reaches a treatment partner. - [Give to eye care](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form) About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. Any amount contributes to the Gift of Sight Appeal. - [Sponsor cataract surgery](/sponsor-a-cataract-operation) Learn how to help fund an operation. - [Plan an eye-care gift](/eye-surgery-cost-calculator) Calculate your giving total without assuming a number of operations. - [Where your donation goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and accounted for. - [Sight-restoring eye surgery](/eye-surgery) Explore the eye care programme and treatment pathway. - [Getting help for vision changes](/eye-health/screening-checker) Find guidance on professional eye care and support enquiries. - [Clinicians and hospital enquiries](/eye-care-partners) Review standards, participation and professional introductions. - [Screening locations and availability](/free-eye-screening-camps) Check published schedules and what to ask before attending. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # First Aid > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/first-aid > Last reviewed: 2026-08-22 ## In short First aid is the help you give before professional help arrives. In the UK, call 999 if life is at risk. Check for danger, get a response, open the airway and look for normal breathing. This page is a free written guide. It is not a first aid course. What to do when someone is hurt — before an ambulance arrives. This is a free written First Aid guide for the UK. It is not a course and not a fundraising appeal. Call 999 if life is at risk. ## At a glance - 999: Call for a life-threatening emergency (NHS) - 111: Call NHS 111 if you need urgent help and it is not 999 - 4 in 10: UK adults who feel confident helping in a first aid emergency (British Red Cross) - 20 min: Cool a burn under running water (NHS) ## How to give first aid in an emergency Check for danger, get a response, call 999, open the airway and look for normal breathing. Start CPR if the person is not breathing normally. - Check for danger: Look after your own safety first. Do not approach if the scene is unsafe. Call 999 and wait if you are not sure. - Check for a response: Speak loudly and tap the collarbones. If there is no response, shout for help. - Call 999: Use speakerphone if you are alone. Tell the handler where you are and what you can see. Stay on the line. - Open the airway: Tilt the head back and lift the chin. Do not put your fingers in the mouth. - Check breathing: Look, listen and feel for normal breathing for up to ten seconds. Occasional gasps are not normal breathing. - Start CPR if needed: If they are not breathing normally, start chest compressions. Use an AED as soon as one arrives and follow the voice prompts. ## What is first aid? First aid is the immediate help you give when someone is ill or injured, before a paramedic or doctor takes over. It can be as simple as calling 999, applying pressure to a wound, or starting CPR. You do not need a certificate to help. Stay safe, get help early, and follow the call handler. Most first aid is not dramatic. It is noticing that someone has collapsed, making the area safe, and staying with them until help arrives. The 999 handler can talk you through the next step. That is first aid too. This page is a written guide for people in the United Kingdom. It is not a first aid course, an app, or an accredited qualification. World Aid Network does not train first aiders. For a course or workshop, use the British Red Cross, St John Ambulance or another recognised trainer. ## What should I do first in an emergency? Protect yourself, then the person. Check for danger, then for a response. If they do not respond, shout for help and call 999. Open the airway and look for normal breathing for up to ten seconds. If they are not breathing normally, start CPR and send someone for a defibrillator. Trainers often teach this as DRSABC: Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, CPR. The order matters. You cannot help if you become a second casualty. If the scene is not safe, stay back and call 999. Use speakerphone so you can keep your hands free. The handler will ask where you are. Give a road name, a postcode, a shop, or a landmark. If you are not sure, they can often locate a mobile call. - Danger — look for traffic, electricity, fire, water, or an aggressive dog - Response — speak and tap; do not shake a baby - Send for help — call 999; send someone for an AED if one is nearby - Airway — head tilt and chin lift; do not sweep the mouth blindly - Breathing — look, listen and feel for up to ten seconds - CPR — start if breathing is absent or not normal ## When should I call 999? Call 999 if you think someone’s life is at risk. That includes being unresponsive, not breathing normally, choking badly, bleeding heavily, a suspected stroke or heart attack, a seizure that will not stop, or a severe allergic reaction. If you are not sure, call NHS 111. Calling 999 does not always mean an ambulance is sent. NHS 111 can tell you whether you need 999, A&E, a same-day GP slot, or self-care. For a child under five, call 111 if you need advice and it is not obviously life-threatening. Stay on the line. Call again if the person’s condition changes or if you have to move. Lock pets away if you can. Collect medicines and GP details if it is safe to do so. Turn lights on so the crew can find you. ## How do I help someone who is bleeding? Apply firm, direct pressure with a clean cloth or dressing and keep it there. Call 999 for heavy bleeding. If something is stuck in the wound, leave it in and press around it, not on it. If blood soaks through, add another layer. Do not peel the first dressing off. Sit or lie the person down if you can. Raise the injured part only if it does not cause more pain and there is no suspected break. Wear gloves if you have them. Wash your hands after. Do not use a tourniquet unless you have been trained to do so. The 999 handler can tell you what to do next. Keep talking to the person so you know if they become drowsy or unresponsive. ## How do I treat a burn? Cool the burn under cool running water for twenty minutes. Remove rings, watches and tight clothing if they will come off easily. Cover loosely with cling film or a clean plastic bag. Do not use ice, butter, toothpaste or cream. Call 999 for large, chemical or electrical burns, or if the face, hands, feet or genitals are involved. Cooling takes the heat out of the skin and reduces damage. Twenty minutes is longer than most people think. Use cool tap water, not ice, which can freeze the tissue. Keep the rest of the person warm so they do not get cold while you cool the burn. Chemical burns need the chemical removed first — brush off dry powder, then rinse. Electrical burns can hide deeper injury. Call 999. For a baby or a burn bigger than the person’s hand, get urgent medical help. ## How do I help someone who is choking? If they can cough, encourage them to keep coughing. If they cannot cough, speak or breathe, give up to five sharp back blows between the shoulder blades. If that fails, give up to five abdominal thrusts. Call 999. Keep alternating until the blockage clears or they become unresponsive, then start CPR. Do not put your fingers in their mouth to fish for the object. You can push it further down. Stand slightly to the side for back blows. For abdominal thrusts, stand behind, make a fist above the navel, and pull inwards and upwards. Babies are different. Do not give abdominal thrusts to an infant. Call 999. The handler will talk you through back blows and chest thrusts with the baby face down, then face up, along your forearm. If they become unresponsive, start CPR for a baby as the handler directs. ## How do I give CPR? If an adult is unresponsive and not breathing normally, call 999 and start chest compressions. Push hard and fast in the centre of the chest, five to six centimetres deep, at 100 to 120 times a minute. If you can, give 30 compressions then two rescue breaths. Hands-only CPR is still useful if you cannot give breaths. Kneel beside them. Place the heel of one hand on the centre of the chest, the other hand on top, and interlock the fingers. Keep your arms straight. Let the chest come back up between compressions. Continue until help takes over, they start breathing normally, or you are too exhausted to go on. Send someone for a public defibrillator (AED). Switch it on and follow the voice prompts. Do not stop compressions for longer than you must. The 999 handler can count with you. For children and babies the technique changes — stay on the line and they will talk you through it. ## What is the recovery position? Use the recovery position if someone is unresponsive but breathing normally. It keeps the airway open and lets vomit drain. Roll them onto their side, tilt the head back, and bend the top leg. Call 999. Stay with them and check breathing often. Do not use it if you suspect a spinal injury unless you must leave them. Kneel beside them. Place the arm nearest you at a right angle. Bring the far arm across the chest and hold the back of that hand against the cheek. Bend the far knee, then roll them towards you. Tilt the head to keep the airway open. If they stop breathing normally, roll them onto their back and start CPR. Tell the 999 handler what you have done. ## What should be in a first aid kit? A home first aid kit is dressings, plasters, disposable gloves, a triangular bandage, scissors, tweezers, a foil blanket and a face shield for rescue breaths. Keep cling film for burns. Check dates. This is not a hospital. Call 999 for anything that looks life-threatening rather than rummaging for the perfect item. You can give useful first aid with almost nothing: your hands for pressure, a clean t-shirt as a pad, a phone on speaker. A kit just makes that easier. Store it where everyone in the house can find it, not locked in a shed. World Aid Network does not sell first aid kits. After a disaster overseas, local partners may buy dressings, soap and clean water for families who have lost their homes. That sits on our emergency relief pages. It is not this guide, and it is not a UK first aid kit posted from Britain. ## Where can I learn first aid in the UK? Book a course or a free workshop with a recognised trainer. The British Red Cross teaches first aid and has a free first aid app. St John Ambulance and St Andrew’s First Aid also train the public. This page cannot replace practice on a manikin or feedback from an instructor. World Aid Network does not run first aid courses. A short written guide helps you remember the order: danger, response, 999, airway, breathing, CPR. It will not make you an accredited first aider. If you want a certificate for work, you need a paid, assessed course. British Red Cross first aid: https://www.redcross.org.uk/first-aid. St John Ambulance: https://www.sja.org.uk. NHS 999 and 111 remain the right numbers in an emergency, whether or not you have trained. ## Is this the British Red Cross first aid page? No. The British Red Cross teaches first aid skills, runs workshops and has a first aid app. This is World Aid Network’s free written First Aid guide. We do not accredit a qualification. Use the Red Cross for a UK course. Use this page as a reminder of what to do. Both jobs matter. One organisation trains millions of people and sells kits. We publish this guide so someone searching for First Aid can see the first steps in British English, then we send them to 999, NHS 111, and a proper trainer. We do not pretend to be the Red Cross. ## Do you run a first aid course? No. World Aid Network does not run first aid courses, workshops or a first aid app. This page is general information, not a qualification. Wrong first aid can cause harm, which is why we tell you to follow the 999 handler. For skills you can practise, book a recognised UK trainer such as the British Red Cross. We will not guess at timings you should only learn with an instructor standing over a manikin. If the 999 handler’s instructions differ from this page, follow the handler. They can see the incident in real time. We cannot. ## Is First Aid one of your emergency appeals? No. First Aid on this site is a skills guide, not a fundraising appeal. World Aid Network’s disaster gifts fund food, clean water, hygiene kits and temporary shelter in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Those sit on the emergency relief and appeals pages. Do not look here to donate to a first aid fund. There isn’t one. If you searched for First Aid because someone in front of you needs help, stay on this page and call 999 if life is at risk. If you searched because you want to fund disaster relief overseas, open emergency relief or a named appeal. Those are different jobs. ## Frequently asked questions ### How do I give first aid? Check for danger, check for a response, call 999, open the airway and look for normal breathing. Start CPR if they are not breathing normally. Follow the 999 handler. ### When should I call 999? Call 999 if you think life is at risk — unresponsive, not breathing normally, choking badly, heavy bleeding, suspected stroke or heart attack. If you are unsure, call NHS 111. ### How do I help someone who is choking? If they can cough, let them cough. If not, give up to five back blows, then up to five abdominal thrusts. Call 999. Do not use abdominal thrusts on a baby. ### How do I give CPR? Call 999. Push hard and fast in the centre of the chest, 100 to 120 times a minute, five to six centimetres deep for an adult. Use an AED if one is there. Hands-only CPR is still useful. ### How do I treat a burn? Cool under running water for twenty minutes. Cover loosely with cling film. Do not use ice, butter or cream. Call 999 for large, chemical or electrical burns. ### Is this a British Red Cross first aid course? No. This is a free written guide from World Aid Network. For UK courses, workshops and the first aid app, use https://www.redcross.org.uk/first-aid. ### Do you run a first aid course? No. World Aid Network does not train first aiders. Book the British Red Cross, St John Ambulance or another recognised trainer. ### Can I donate to a First Aid fund here? No. This page is not an appeal. Disaster gifts for food, water, hygiene kits and shelter are on https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief. ### What should I put in a first aid kit? Dressings, plasters, gloves, a triangular bandage, scissors, a foil blanket and cling film for burns. A phone and the willingness to call 999 matter more than a perfect kit. ### Should I put the person in the recovery position? Yes if they are unresponsive but breathing normally. Roll them onto their side and tilt the head. Call 999. Start CPR if breathing stops. ## How you can help This page is not a First Aid fund. For UK courses use https://www.redcross.org.uk/first-aid. For disaster gifts overseas see https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief. ## Sources - NHS — When to call 999: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care-services/when-to-call-999/ - Resuscitation Council UK — 2025 First Aid Guidelines: https://www.resus.org.uk/professional-library/2025-resuscitation-guidelines/first-aid-guidelines - British Red Cross first aid (courses, workshops, app): https://www.redcross.org.uk/first-aid - St John Ambulance: https://www.sja.org.uk --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Food Aid Charity | Emergency Food Parcels | WAN > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/food-aid-charity > Our food aid charity funds emergency parcels for disaster-hit and hunger-crisis families across three countries, via local partners. See how it works. # Food Aid Charity — Emergency Nutrition When Families Have Nothing When disaster destroys homes and livelihoods overnight, hunger follows within days. Your gift funds emergency food parcels assembled locally and delivered to families who have nothing left to eat. [ Fund food aid now ](/appeal/hunger-crisis) [ Monthly giving ](/monthly-giving) ✓ Needs-led local delivery✓ Trusted local partners✓ 100% restricted to relief How does emergency relief work? World Aid Network funds emergency food parcels — flour, pulses, oil and essentials — for families displaced or destitute after floods, earthquakes and hunger crises in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. All aid is procured and distributed locally by pre-vetted partner organisations. This is emergency nutrition within our Objects, not long-term food programmes. Food aid charities address one of the most immediate human needs after any crisis. World Aid Network's Hunger Crisis and emergency appeals fund non-perishable nutrition parcels designed for displaced families without cooking facilities or income. All food aid is procured and distributed by pre-vetted local partner organisations who understand community needs, dietary requirements and last-mile access challenges in remote flood zones. ## Your donation at work Gifts fund patient care and emergency relief in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. £20 Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary £50 Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary £100 Contribution towards the selected programme; actual costs and outcomes vary £500 Bulk emergency food deployment to a disaster-hit community ## Frequently asked questions What food aid does World Aid Network provide? High-nutrition emergency food parcels — flour, pulses, cooking oil, tinned goods and essentials — distributed to families displaced or made destitute by floods, earthquakes or seasonal hunger crises in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. How is food aid different from long-term hunger programmes? We fund emergency rations in the days and weeks after a declared disaster or acute hunger crisis — not agricultural development or livelihoods programmes, which fall outside our charitable Objects. Can I give monthly to keep food stocks ready? Yes. Monthly gifts to our standing emergency fund ensure food parcels are pre-positioned before the next monsoon or earthquake season. See our Monthly Giving page for details. ### Related pages [Hunger Crisis Appeal](/appeal/hunger-crisis)[Clean water charity](/clean-water-charity)[What is emergency aid?](/blog/emergency-aid)[Pakistan Floods Appeal](/appeal/pakistan-emergency)[Emergency relief overview](/emergency-relief)[Flood relief guide](/emergency-relief/floods)[Monthly giving](/monthly-giving) Hunger crisis — families need food now ## Feed families who have lost everything When disaster destroys homes and livelihoods, hunger follows within days. Your gift funds nutrition parcels delivered to families with nothing left to eat. [ Fund food aid now ](/appeal/hunger-crisis) [ Monthly giving ](/monthly-giving) £50 provides a full nutrition parcel for a displaced household. ## How can I help families affected by a disaster? Explore food, water and broader relief needs, then choose the kind of support that fits your intentions. - [Donate to emergency relief](/donate?cause=emergency-relief#donate-form) Gifts contribute towards food, water, hygiene supplies and shelter after disasters. - [Monthly charity donations](/monthly-giving) Consider regular support for ongoing programme needs. - [Emergency disaster relief](/emergency-relief) Understand the relief programme and its priorities. - [Clean water donations](/clean-water-charity) Explore support for access to safe water. - [Aid organisation partnerships](/partner-with-us) Explore delivery proposals, safeguarding and reporting. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Free Eye Screening Camps | Dates & Guidance | WAN > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/free-eye-screening-camps > Understand community eye screening, check confirmed camp availability and learn what to ask about eligibility, referrals, costs and follow-up. Quick answer An eye screening camp can identify people who need a fuller eye examination. It does not guarantee a diagnosis, surgery or financial assistance. No verified WAN camp dates are currently published. Confirm eligibility, booking, tests and any costs with the organiser, and seek urgent care promptly for sudden vision loss or severe eye pain. ## Locations and confirmed schedules ### No verified camp dates published yet This page is not an invitation to attend a venue or a confirmed appointment. Before travelling, check the organiser, location, eligibility, booking arrangements and any charges. Do not delay urgent care while waiting for a camp. [Ask about programme availability](/contact) ## Before you attend: a practical checklist ### Check the event Confirm the organiser, facility, exact address, date, opening hours and whether the announcement is still current. ### Check access Ask about appointments, referrals, age restrictions, language support, mobility access and whether a companion can attend. ### Check costs and scope Confirm which tests are offered, whether the screening itself is free and whether later assessment, medicines or treatment involve separate costs. ### Check the next step Ask how results will be explained, who arranges a referral and how to contact the clinical team if symptoms change. ## From an eye concern to follow-up care These are questions to work through with a care provider. They do not describe a confirmed WAN appointment or an entitlement to free treatment. 1. STEP 1 ### Get an eye assessment A local eye-care professional can investigate vision changes. Community screening may identify a need for referral, but it is not a diagnosis or an operation booking. 2. STEP 2 ### Discuss suitable care Ask about the diagnosis, treatment choices, likely benefits, risks and alternatives. A qualified clinician decides whether surgery is appropriate. 3. STEP 3 ### Confirm access and funding Ask the provider about costs, local coverage and any assistance. WAN enquiries do not guarantee eligibility, a treatment date or funding. Availability must be confirmed. 4. STEP 4 ### Agree treatment and aftercare Before treatment, confirm consent, the facility, arrangements for getting home, follow-up and an urgent contact. The treating team gives personal instructions. 5. STEP 5 ### Record what happened Funding, treatment delivered and vision outcomes are different measures. Public programme reporting should explain the period, evidence and any gaps in follow-up. ## What a useful activity report should show A dated report should name the organiser and facility, describe the service offered and distinguish people screened, people referred and treatment completed. Where outcomes are reported, it should explain follow-up, the measure used and any missing information. A planned event or payment is not proof of care delivered. [Read WAN’s reporting status](/our-impact)[Public programme records (JSON)](/eye-care-programmes.json) ## Help make appropriate care accessible Donors can [support the wider eye-care programme](/appeal/gift-of-sight). Clinicians and facilities can [ask about clinical review or a delivery proposal](/eye-care-partners). Confirm an agreed scope and budget before describing a gift as funding a named camp. [Contribute to eye care](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight¤cy=GBP#donate-form) ## Questions about eye care and support Can I attend a free eye screening camp without booking? Requirements vary by organiser. Check the confirmed venue, dates, eligible age groups, booking or referral requirements, available tests and charges. No verified WAN camp dates are currently published on this page. Does screening mean I will receive free surgery? No. Screening may lead to further assessment. A clinician determines what treatment is appropriate, while any financial assistance is a separate decision. A screening result is not a funded treatment place. What should I bring? Ask the organiser first. Glasses, a medicine list and relevant appointment information may help. Do not send identity documents or medical records through an initial general enquiry. Does a camp also provide breast screening? Do not assume that it does. Services must be confirmed in each organiser’s announcement. New breast symptoms need appropriate medical assessment rather than waiting for an eye-screening event. How much does it cost to support a camp? A budget depends on location, staffing, equipment, referrals and follow-up. Suggested donation amounts are not verified per-person costs or a promise to deliver a particular number of assessments. ## Sources and further information - [WHO: vision and eye screening implementation handbook](https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240082458) - [PERDAMI: cataract information and community screening pathway](https://perdami.or.id/web/public%5Feducation/detail/katarak-kenali-periksa-dan-pulihkan-penglihatan/51) - [NHS: when vision changes need urgent help](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vision-loss/) Sources explain the subject; a link does not imply a partnership or endorsement of WAN. General information, not a diagnosis or funding decision. Editorial oversight: Kaiser Khan. Updated 4 October 2026; this version has not received documented clinical sign-off. [Clinical review and accountability](/eye-care-partners#clinical-review) ## How can I help someone access eye care? Understand the care available, explore its costs and see how a donation reaches a treatment partner. - [Give to eye care](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form) About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. Any amount contributes to the Gift of Sight Appeal. - [Sponsor cataract surgery](/sponsor-a-cataract-operation) Learn how to help fund an operation. - [Plan an eye-care gift](/eye-surgery-cost-calculator) Calculate your giving total without assuming a number of operations. - [Where your donation goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and accounted for. - [Sight-restoring eye surgery](/eye-surgery) Explore the eye care programme and treatment pathway. - [Getting help for vision changes](/eye-health/screening-checker) Find guidance on professional eye care and support enquiries. - [Clinicians and hospital enquiries](/eye-care-partners) Review standards, participation and professional introductions. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Fundraise for Us | School & Community Fundraising | WAN > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/fundraise-for-us > Start a staff-approved World Aid Network fundraiser for your school, community or workplace. Support eye surgery, cancer treatment or emergency relief. # Fundraise for World Aid Network — Bring Your Community Together A sponsored walk, a bake sale, a non-uniform day — community fundraising turns goodwill into cataract operations, cancer treatment and emergency relief with a clear target everyone can understand. [ Start a fundraising page ](/fundraise/start) [ Download the fundraising pack ](/fundraising-pack) ✓ CIO registration application in progress✓ Gifts fund patient care and reliefGift Aid not currently available What does World Aid Network do? Schools, faith groups, workplaces and community groups can request a staff-approved fundraising page for World Aid Network. Choose an event, programme and realistic target. Donations support eye surgery, cancer treatment or emergency relief in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia; suggested amounts are contributions, not guarantees of a completed activity. Choose a target that suits your group and explain the programme clearly. Around £200 is the site’s planning estimate for cataract surgery, but hospital quotes and clinical needs vary. Do not promise a fixed number of operations or families helped by dividing your target by an estimate. [Download the employer and community fundraising pack](/fundraising-pack) for appeal posters, a fillable event poster, editable invitations and sponsor records. Read our charity fundraising ideas guide for twelve practical formats, then [request your fundraising page](/fundraise/start). Approved pages will be listed on the [community fundraisers page](/fundraisers). ## Your donation at work Gifts fund patient care and emergency relief in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. £200 Contribution towards eye care — around the planning estimate for cataract surgery £500 A shared target for a school or community event; choose the programme you support £1,000 A contribution towards your chosen programme, with no assumed beneficiary count £2,000 A larger community contribution; agree any special restrictions in advance ## Frequently asked questions Can my school or church fundraise for World Aid Network? Yes. Schools, churches, mosques, community groups and workplaces can run sponsored events, non-uniform days, bake sales or challenge fundraisers. Download our free fundraising pack and request a staff-approved page. Gift Aid is not currently available. What can we fundraise for? Choose eye surgery, cancer treatment or emergency relief, and a fundraising target your group can work towards. Around £200 is a planning estimate for cataract surgery, not a guaranteed price or outcome. Your fundraising page needs staff approval before publication. Do you provide materials for fundraisers? Download the fundraising pack for posters, editable messages, event planning and private record sheets. Request approval for your fundraising page. Use only published, verified figures; do not claim a named patient outcome or matching offer without approval. ### Related pages [Free employer and community fundraising pack](/fundraising-pack)[Fundraising ideas guide](/charity-fundraising-ideas)[Movember 2026](/blog/movember-prostate-cancer-developing-world)[Corporate partnerships](/corporate-partnerships)[Sponsor a cataract operation](/sponsor-a-cataract-operation)[Ways to donate](/ways-to-donate) ## Start your community fundraiser Request your fundraising page. The team reviews it before it goes live. [ Start a fundraising page ](/fundraise/start) [ Download the fundraising pack ](/fundraising-pack) Around £200 is a planning estimate; actual clinical costs and outcomes vary. ## Make an informed donation Check what the organisation offers, understand the conditions and choose a way to give that suits you. - [Compare ways to donate](/ways-to-donate) Card giving, monthly gifts and other routes, with current availability. - [Gift Aid eligibility explained](/gift-aid) Understand donor conditions and the current status at WAN. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and how estimates differ from results. - [Check our registration status](/about/registration-status) Distinguish the application reference from a registered charity number. - [Practical donor resources](/donor-resources) Find answers, useful tools and giving options. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Start a Fundraiser | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/fundraise/start > Request a World Aid Network fundraising page for your birthday, team, school or challenge. Support eye surgery, cancer treatment or emergency relief. [← Fundraising with World Aid Network](/fundraise-for-us) # Start a fundraiser Turn a birthday, a walk or a team challenge into support for eye surgery, cancer treatment or emergency relief. Quick answer Request a page for a birthday, sponsored event, school or workplace team. Choose eye surgery, cancer treatment or emergency relief, set a realistic target and describe your plan. Staff review the public story before publishing your link. Donations then go through World Aid Network, not to the organiser. - **Tell us your plan.** Choose a programme and a realistic fundraising target. - **We review your page.** Your request stays private until the team approves its public content. - **Share your approved link.** Donations go through World Aid Network's secure checkout. A target is a fundraising goal, not a guarantee of a particular patient's treatment. Programme costs vary. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Community Fundraisers | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/fundraisers > Explore approved community fundraisers supporting World Aid Network's eye surgery, cancer treatment and emergency relief programmes, or start your own. # Community fundraisers Community fundraisers help bring people together around a programme they care about. Every page is reviewed before publication, and donations go directly to World Aid Network. [Start a fundraiser](/fundraise/start) Quick answer Community fundraisers bring friends, colleagues and families together for eye surgery, cancer treatment or emergency relief. Every page needs staff approval before publication. Organisers share their own campaign link and updates, while donations go through World Aid Network. Financial targets are goals; treatment outcomes require separate verified reports. ## How can I start a fundraiser? Approved community pages will appear here. You can request a page for a birthday, sponsored event, school or workplace team, and download the [fundraising pack](/fundraising-pack) to plan it. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Free Employer & Community Fundraising Pack | WAN > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/fundraising-pack > Download WAN’s free fundraising pack: appeal posters, event planner, editable emails, sponsorship records and employer matching guidance for fundraisers. Quick answer Download free World Aid Network fundraising materials for workplaces, schools, faith groups and community events. The pack includes an organiser guide, three appeal posters, a fillable event poster, editable Word messages and private record sheets. Choose a programme and request a staff-approved fundraising page before launching your campaign. YOUR TOOLKIT ## What can I download? Choose a single resource or take the complete set. PDF pages are A4 with space around the edges for office printing. The Word file is editable and also uses A4 pages. 01 ZIP · all materials ### Complete fundraising pack Everything in one download: print materials, editable messages and three social graphics. [Download all materials →](/downloads/fundraising/WAN-employer-community-fundraising-pack.zip) 02 PDF · 12 A4 pages ### Organiser guide Workplace and community plans, accurate appeal wording, event checks, matching guidance and record sheets. [Download organiser guide →](/downloads/fundraising/WAN-fundraising-guide.pdf) 03 PDF · 3 A4 pages ### Three appeal posters Gift of Sight, cancer care and emergency relief. Each has a QR code to the official appeal information. [Download three appeal posters →](/downloads/fundraising/WAN-appeal-posters.pdf) 04 Fillable PDF · 1 A4 page ### Personalise your event poster Add your event, date, venue, chosen appeal, approved fundraising link and organiser details. [Download event poster →](/downloads/fundraising/WAN-event-poster.pdf) 05 Editable Word · 8 pages ### Messages and record sheets Launch emails, community invitations, matching requests, social captions, thank-you wording and private records. [Download Word templates →](/downloads/fundraising/WAN-editable-fundraising-templates.docx) Share a 1080 × 1350 social graphic: [Gift of Sight](/downloads/fundraising/WAN-social-gift-of-sight.png), [cancer care](/downloads/fundraising/WAN-social-cancer-care.png) or [emergency relief](/downloads/fundraising/WAN-social-emergency-relief.png). Add your approved fundraising link to the caption. For the fillable poster, download it, open it in a PDF reader, enter your details and save a copy. Keep sponsor records private. Print files are suitable for office use; ask your commercial printer about any bleed or colour requirements. FROM IDEA TO EVENT ## How do we start a fundraiser? 1. 01 ### Choose your cause Select eye surgery, cancer care or a current emergency appeal. Agree any country, project or patient restriction with WAN before announcing it. 2. 02 ### Request your fundraising page Tell us the organiser, activity, dates, target and programme. Pages are reviewed by staff before publication. Check the approved link before sharing. 3. 03 ### Prepare and promote Choose an accessible activity, budget for costs and check permissions. Adapt the templates and give people a clear, voluntary way to take part. 4. 04 ### Reconcile and thank Record money received, costs, transfers and unpaid pledges separately. Report the financial result; share care or relief outcomes only when verified. [Request a fundraising page](/fundraise/start) CHOOSE A PURPOSE ## Which appeal can our team support? ### Gift of Sight Your contribution supports the eye-surgery programme. Local doctors provide care, with visiting specialist support for training and clinical review. [Read the gift of sight information](/appeal/gift-of-sight) ### Cancer care Your contribution supports access to clinically recommended cancer care through local providers. Individual treatment plans and costs vary. [Read the cancer care information](/appeal/cancer-emergency) ### Emergency relief Choose a current emergency appeal and read its purpose before donating. Relief plans depend on local needs, access and available funding. [Read the emergency relief information](/appeal) Around £200 is a cataract-surgery planning estimate supplied to WAN by Mr Mohamed Mohyudin. Costs depend on assessment, the provider and the care required. It is not a fixed price or a guarantee of a completed operation or result. A fundraising target is a financial goal; it is not a count of completed operations or people helped. [Read how donations are used](/where-your-money-goes). READY TO ADAPT ## What should we say in our invitations? These drafts are also in the Word file. Replace every bracketed field, check the appeal purpose and link, and agree any matching or special restrictions before publishing. The matching example does not announce a live offer. Workplace launch email Subject or instruction: Join our fundraiser for World Aid Network Hello everyone, Our team is organising \[ACTIVITY\] on \[DATE\] to raise funds in aid of World Aid Network for \[APPROVED PROGRAMME OR APPEAL\]. Our fundraising target is £\[TARGET\]. \[ONE SENTENCE EXPLAINING WHY THIS CAUSE MATTERS TO OUR TEAM.\] Taking part and donating are voluntary. You can support the fundraiser at \[APPROVED FUNDRAISING PAGE\]. Please check the page for the appeal purpose and any event costs. Contact \[ORGANISER CONTACT\] about accessibility or joining in another way. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration. Gift Aid is not currently available. Thank you, \[ORGANISER NAME AND TEAM\] Community invitation Subject or instruction: You are invited to our World Aid Network fundraiser We are bringing \[GROUP OR COMMUNITY\] together for \[ACTIVITY\] at \[VENUE\] on \[DATE AND TIME\], in aid of World Aid Network. We are raising funds for \[APPROVED PROGRAMME OR APPEAL\], with a target of £\[TARGET\]. \[STATE WHETHER ENTRY IS FREE, HAS A FIXED PRICE OR HAS A VOLUNTARY SUGGESTED DONATION.\] \[STATE ANY DISCLOSED EVENT COSTS.\] Support the appeal or find out more: \[APPROVED FUNDRAISING PAGE\]. To discuss access needs, contact \[ORGANISER CONTACT\]. Taking part and donating are voluntary. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration. Gift Aid is not currently available. Employer matching request Subject or instruction: Request to match our World Aid Network fundraiser Hello \[EMPLOYER CONTACT\], Our team plans to raise £\[TARGET\] for \[APPROVED PROGRAMME OR APPEAL\] through \[ACTIVITY\] on \[DATE\]. Would \[COMPANY\] consider matching eligible donations? Before we advertise any offer, please confirm in writing: the legal sponsor name; the amount matched per eligible pound; eligible gifts and exclusions; start and end dates with time zone; the maximum total contribution; how gifts will be verified; and when and how the match will be paid. World Aid Network is applying for CIO registration. Gift Aid is not currently available, and this request does not establish eligibility for corporation tax relief or payroll giving. Please complete your own recipient and tax checks. We will ask WAN to approve the campaign wording and use of names or logos before launch. Thank you, \[ORGANISER NAME AND CONTACT\] Matching announcement after agreement Subject or instruction: Publish only after the sponsor and WAN approve the terms \[LEGAL SPONSOR NAME\] will contribute £\[MATCH AMOUNT\] for every £1 of eligible donations to \[APPROVED FUNDRAISER URL\] received between \[START DATE AND TIME ZONE\] and \[END DATE AND TIME ZONE\], up to a total sponsor contribution of £\[CAP\]. Eligible gifts: \[ELIGIBILITY AND EXCLUSIONS\]. The sponsor will pay its contribution by \[PAYMENT DATE\] using the agreed payment route. Full terms and the remaining availability of the offer: \[TERMS LOCATION\]. Stop promoting the offer when it closes or the cap is reached. Do not describe an unconfirmed or unpaid pledge as money already received. Social caption Subject or instruction: Add your approved fundraising link We are organising \[ACTIVITY\] on \[DATE\] in aid of World Aid Network, supporting \[APPROVED PROGRAMME OR APPEAL\]. Our target is £\[TARGET\]. If you would like to take part or donate, visit \[APPROVED FUNDRAISING PAGE\]. Taking part and donating are voluntary. WAN is applying for CIO registration. Gift Aid is not currently available. \[ADD ANY MATERIAL EVENT COSTS OR CONDITIONS SHOWN ON YOUR FUNDRAISING PAGE.\] Thank you and financial update Subject or instruction: Thank you for supporting our fundraiser Thank you to everyone who supported \[ACTIVITY\] in aid of World Aid Network. As at \[DATE\], we recorded £\[RECEIVED\] in donations received. Approved event costs were £\[COSTS\] and £\[TRANSFERRED\] was transferred to WAN on \[DATE\]. Donations paid directly through the approved page are reported separately to avoid double counting. \[IF APPLICABLE: Employer matching of £\[AMOUNT\] is still pledged and is not included in received funds.\] This is a fundraising update. It does not by itself confirm the number of treatments completed or people assisted. Programme reporting will be shared when verified and approved for publication. Thank you, \[ORGANISER NAME\] WORKPLACE FUNDRAISING ## How can employers take part? A team walk, skills session or coffee morning gives colleagues a shared activity. Include remote colleagues and offer a non-physical way to join. Employer support can include a venue, agreed volunteering time or a financial contribution. For matching, record the sponsor’s legal name, amount matched per pound, eligible gifts, dates and time zone, total cap, verification process and payment date. Keep unpaid pledges separate from received money. [Discuss a corporate partnership](/corporate-partnerships) COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING ## What should organisers check? Name an organiser, plan access and first aid, check venue permission and insurance, and disclose event costs. Check the rules for collections, raffles, food or other regulated activities before promoting them. Use “in aid of World Aid Network” for an independent fundraiser. Do not imply WAN runs or insures it unless agreed. Keep participation voluntary and use identifiable people in images or stories only with informed permission. [Explore practical fundraising ideas](/charity-fundraising-ideas) ## How should we handle funds and updates? Prefer your approved fundraising page so gifts reach WAN directly. For offline donations, agree the collection method and payment reference first, use secure custody and keep receipts. Where possible, two people should count cash and sign the record. Do not send cash by post or publish sponsor sheets. Separate donations received, approved costs, amounts transferred, direct online gifts and matching still pledged. Avoid counting a cash donation again when it is paid into an online page. Your thank-you update can report funds; treatment or relief outcomes need verified programme records. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks. [Check current registration status](/about/registration-status) and [read our privacy information](/privacy-policy). ## Frequently asked questions Is this fundraising pack free? Yes. You can download the guide, appeal posters, fillable event poster and editable Word templates without creating an account. Can I use the posters for my workplace or community event? Yes. The appeal posters are ready to print. Use the fillable event poster for your own activity, complete every field and agree campaign details with WAN. The supplied QR codes lead to public appeal pages and do not attribute donations to your individual fundraiser. Does £200 guarantee a cataract operation? Around £200 is a cataract-surgery planning estimate supplied to WAN by Mr Mohamed Mohyudin. Costs depend on assessment, the provider and the care required. It is not a fixed price or a guarantee of a completed operation or result. Can my employer match donations? An employer can discuss a matching commitment. Do not advertise it until the sponsor, rate, eligible gifts, dates, total cap and payment terms are agreed in writing and the wording is approved. Can supporters claim Gift Aid? Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks. Check the current registration and tax-recognition information before using older fundraising materials. What if I collect money offline? Agree the collection process and payment reference with WAN first. Keep receipts, arrange secure custody and record transfers. Do not double count a cash donation when it is later paid into an online page. PLAN YOUR NEXT STEP ## Tell us what you have in mind Share the group, activity, dates, target and programme you want to support. We can then review your page and campaign wording. [Contact World Aid Network](/contact) ## Recommending this pack to your readers? Find a short resource description, organisation facts and logos in our [media and resource centre](/media-resources). Link to this page so employers and community organisers can choose the current materials and read the guidance. ## Sources and responsible use - [Fundraising Regulator Code of Fundraising Practice](https://www.fundraisingregulator.org.uk/code) - [Fundraising Regulator events guidance](https://www.fundraisingregulator.org.uk/code/standards-which-apply-specific-fundraising-methods/events) - [Charity Commission fundraising guidance CC20](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/charity-fundraising-a-guide-to-trustee-duties-cc20/charities-and-fundraising) - [Local collection licences](https://www.gov.uk/find-licences/street-collection-licence) - [Gambling Commission fundraising and lotteries](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/public-and-players/fundraising-and-lotteries) Guidance checked 4 October 2026\. Charity Commission guidance cited here applies to England and Wales. Check local requirements for your event. These resources support planning; they do not provide event permission, insurance, a funding commitment or a compliance certification. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # UK Gift Aid & Tax Relief Calculator — WAN > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/gift-aid-calculator > Explore a general Gift Aid and tax-relief illustration. Check donor eligibility and why Gift Aid is not currently available for WAN donations. # UK Gift Aid & Tax Relief Calculator Find out how much HMRC adds to an eligible donation (+25%) and calculate your personal tax relief reclaim if you pay higher or additional rate UK income tax. Quick answer Gift Aid adds 25p per pound from HMRC for UK taxpayers. This calculator shows the charity top-up and any higher-rate reclaim via Self Assessment. Card donations are open now; Gift Aid is not currently available; HMRC recognition and eligibility checks are required. ## How does the UK Gift Aid tax calculator work? Enter your proposed donation amount and select your UK Income Tax bracket. Donation Amount (£GBP): Your Highest UK Income Tax Bracket: Basic Rate Taxpayer (20%) Higher Rate Taxpayer (40%) Additional Rate Taxpayer (45%) Note on Higher & Additional Rate Reclaims: Higher (40%) and additional (45%) rate taxpayers can reclaim the difference between their tax rate and basic rate (20%) on the gross donation via Self Assessment or by contacting HMRC. General illustration: value to an eligible charity £125.00 Your £100.00 gift + £25.00 Gift Aid top-up, where Gift Aid applies. Direct Gift from You: £100.00 HMRC Gift Aid Top-Up (+25%): +£25.00 Your Personal Tax Relief Reclaim: £0.00 Effective Net Cost to You: £100.00 This is a general illustration for eligible donations to an HMRC-recognised charity. It does not apply to gifts to World Aid Network today. Tax rates and eligibility vary, including in Scotland; check HMRC guidance or ask a tax adviser. ## Can you add Gift Aid to a gift to World Aid Network today? Not yet. If you give **£100.00** today, World Aid Network receives **£100.00**. Gift Aid and tax relief do not apply while our CIO registration application (5290505) is pending. [ Donate £100.00 by card ](/donate?amount=100¤cy=GBP#donate-form) Enter an amount between £1 and £100,000 to give by card. ## Make an informed donation Check what the organisation offers, understand the conditions and choose a way to give that suits you. - [Compare ways to donate](/ways-to-donate) Card giving, monthly gifts and other routes, with current availability. - [Gift Aid eligibility explained](/gift-aid) Understand donor conditions and the current status at WAN. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and how estimates differ from results. - [Check our registration status](/about/registration-status) Distinguish the application reference from a registered charity number. - [Practical donor resources](/donor-resources) Find answers, useful tools and giving options. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Gift Aid: Eligibility & WAN’s Current Status | WAN > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/gift-aid > Understand Gift Aid eligibility, HMRC recognition and donor declarations. Gift Aid is not currently available on World Aid Network donations. Gift Aid allows an HMRC-recognised charity to reclaim 25p for each eligible £1 donation when the donor meets the tax and declaration conditions. Gift Aid is not currently available at World Aid Network. Charity Commission registration and HMRC recognition are separate; donating now does not guarantee a later claim. ## Gift Aid at World Aid Network Card donations are open, but Gift Aid is not currently available. There is no Gift Aid declaration to submit in the donation form. We do not promise that a donation made now will qualify retrospectively. Our [registration status page](/about/registration-status) distinguishes the application reference from a registered charity number. ## How the 25% uplift works These examples illustrate the general scheme for eligible gifts to an HMRC-recognised charity. They do not show an uplift currently available at WAN. __General Gift Aid examples__ | Donation | Gift Aid | Total received | | -------- | -------- | -------------- | | £20 | £5 | £25 | | £50 | £12.5 | £62.5 | | £100 | £25 | £125 | [Explore the general Gift Aid calculator](/gift-aid-calculator) ## Before signing a declaration 1. Confirm that the recipient has HMRC recognition and the gift qualifies. 2. Check that it is your own gift and that you have paid sufficient qualifying UK tax. 3. Read the declaration, provide the required details and keep your records. 4. Tell the charity if your tax circumstances or eligibility change. ## Common Gift Aid questions Can WAN claim Gift Aid on my donation now? No. WAN does not add or claim Gift Aid at checkout. We will publish any change in availability after the required recognition and eligibility checks are complete. What tax must I have paid? You must have paid enough UK Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax in the relevant tax year to cover Gift Aid claimed by all the charities you support. Council Tax and VAT do not count. Check HMRC guidance if you are unsure. Can a donor living abroad qualify? Residence alone does not decide eligibility. The donor must meet the UK tax and declaration conditions and the donation must qualify. Ask HMRC or a tax adviser about your circumstances. Can a company donation use an individual Gift Aid declaration? No. Company donations follow separate Corporation Tax rules. A personal Gift Aid declaration must not be used for company money or someone else’s gift. Does every payment qualify? No. Purchases and lottery or raffle tickets are not ordinary Gift Aid donations. Benefits received in return for a gift can also affect eligibility. Payroll Giving has separate tax relief rules. Can higher-rate taxpayers claim further relief? For an eligible donation, a donor may be able to reclaim the difference between their tax rate and the basic rate on the gross gift. Rates and circumstances vary. Follow current HMRC guidance or obtain tax advice. ## Sources and further guidance - [HMRC: claiming Gift Aid as a charity](https://www.gov.uk/claim-gift-aid) - [HMRC: Gift Aid and donor tax conditions](https://www.gov.uk/donating-to-charity/gift-aid) - [HMRC: company donations to charity](https://www.gov.uk/tax-limited-company-gives-to-charity) Updated 4 October 2026\. General information, not personalised tax advice. [Editorial policy](/editorial-policy) · [Report a correction](/corrections). ## Donate with the current conditions clear Choose a programme and give an amount that suits you. Gift Aid will not be added to your donation. [Continue to donate](/donate) ## Make an informed donation Check what the organisation offers, understand the conditions and choose a way to give that suits you. - [Compare ways to donate](/ways-to-donate) Card giving, monthly gifts and other routes, with current availability. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and how estimates differ from results. - [Check our registration status](/about/registration-status) Distinguish the application reference from a registered charity number. - [Practical donor resources](/donor-resources) Find answers, useful tools and giving options. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Donate in USD | US, Canada & Worldwide | WAN > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/give > Give in US dollars from the US, Canada or anywhere. A suggested $300 gift supports cataract care. Not a 501(c)(3); generally not tax-deductible. # Donate in US dollars Fund cataract surgery, cancer treatment and emergency relief for families in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. A suggested $300 gift contributes towards one cataract operation; actual quotes and outcomes vary. [Give in US dollars](#donate-form) ## How do you give now and pay in USD? Your card is charged in US dollars. You can switch currency on the form if needed. Can I give from the US, Canada or elsewhere? US, Canadian and other international donors can give in US dollars here: a suggested $300 gift contributes towards one cataract operation at a partner hospital in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia (actual quotes and outcomes vary). World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation, not a US 501(c)(3) and not a registered Canadian charity, so gifts are generally not tax-deductible in those countries. [ Give $60 Contributes towards surgical consumables for cataract care ](/give?amount=60&cause=eye-surgery¤cy=USD#donate-form)[ Give $190 Contributes towards cancer diagnostics such as blood tests, imaging and biopsy ](/give?amount=190&cause=cancer-treatment¤cy=USD#donate-form)[ Give $60 Contributes towards clean water and hygiene essentials for displaced families ](/give?amount=60&cause=emergency-relief¤cy=USD#donate-form) ## Can donors in the US or Canada give in dollars? ### Can I donate from the US or Canada? Yes — we accept USD through secure Stripe checkout: card, Apple Pay or Google Pay where your device supports it. Your card is charged in US dollars. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Canadian donors can also give in pounds at /donate. ### Is my donation tax-deductible in the US or Canada? Generally no. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration, not a US 501(c)(3) and not a registered Canadian charity, so donors normally cannot claim a US federal income-tax deduction or a CRA charitable tax credit. If tax relief matters to you, consult a local tax adviser before giving. Some US donors use a Donor Advised Fund whose sponsor is a US 501(c)(3). We will publish any future fiscal-sponsorship arrangement on this page. ### How quickly does my donation reach those in need? Stripe processes your payment straight away. Trustees then pay partner hospitals and trusted local relief partners against assessed needs — never cash to individuals. Timing depends on need, access and available funds. See how we work at /how-we-work. ### How do I know the money reaches the patient? Treatment is delivered by clinicians registered with PMDC (Pakistan), KKI (Indonesia) or MMC (Malaysia) at partner hospitals, and funds are paid to the hospital, not to individuals. We will publish annual accounts; once registered, they will also be filed with the Charity Commission. We do not run overseas teams. World Aid Network A UK charitable organisation applying to register as a CIO (Charity Commission application 5290505). Governed by named trustees under a written constitution. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # How Far Your Donation Goes: Costs & Evidence | WAN > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/how-far-your-donation-goes > Understand donation examples, actual programme costs and reported results. Check how a gift supports eye care, cancer treatment or emergency relief. Giving with clear expectations # How far does your donation go? Understand the difference between a suggested gift, a programme cost and a result supported by evidence. Quick answer A donation’s value depends on actual programme costs and the care or relief delivered. Suggested amounts help donors choose a gift, but cannot establish how many people were helped. At WAN, read the appeal purpose, allocation terms and published reporting separately from planning examples. A donation receipt confirms a gift, not a clinical outcome. ## Three numbers that should stay separate 1. **A fundraising example.** An amount used to explain a gift or help set a target. It is not a patient-specific quote. 2. **An actual cost.** What a hospital or relief partner charges for an agreed service or delivery. Dates, currency, included services and supporting records matter. 3. **A delivered result.** Care completed or supplies delivered in a stated period, supported by appropriate records and review. Money raised cannot be divided by an example price and published as a count of operations or families helped. Read the [current impact reporting status](/our-impact) for what is available. ## What your chosen fund supports ### [Eye care](/appeal/gift-of-sight) Contributions towards clinically recommended assessment, treatment and follow-up. Patient needs, hospital quotes and funding determine care. ### [Cancer treatment](/appeal/cancer-emergency) Contributions to the wider cancer fund. The diagnosis and treatment plan determine which tests, medicines or procedures may be needed. ### [Emergency relief](/emergency-relief) Contributions towards food, safe water, hygiene and temporary shelter. Access, local costs and assessed needs determine what can be delivered. ## Questions to ask before giving - Is this a contribution to a fund, or a specific agreed restriction? - Which costs are included, and are the figures estimates or actual invoices? - Does an outcome report state its period, method and supporting evidence? - What happens if the appeal raises more than needed or cannot deliver the original activity? - Are payment processing, delivery and administration costs explained? The [fund allocation guide](/where-your-money-goes) and [how we work](/how-we-work) explain WAN’s approach. Contact us before imposing conditions the published appeal does not cover. ## Plan what you can afford A £10 monthly gift totals £120 over twelve payments; a £25 monthly gift totals £300\. These are giving totals, not counts of treatment. Choose an amount that suits your circumstances and check cancellation arrangements. [Use the donation planner](/donation-impact)[Make a donation](/donate) Gift Aid is currently unavailable at WAN. Check [eligibility and status](/gift-aid) before assuming a tax top-up. ## Questions about donation value Does a £200 gift mean one operation is completed? No. The £200 example is a planning estimate. A completed procedure needs separate clinical and financial evidence; the cost varies by patient, hospital and included services. Can a small donation help? Yes. Smaller gifts contribute to a programme alongside other funding. The amount does not purchase a specific item or reserve treatment for a named patient. Are all donations restricted? Allocation follows the programme or appeal selected and its published terms. Contact WAN before giving if you require a narrower restriction, so the organisation can confirm whether it can accept it. Are verified programme totals available? Check the impact page for the current reporting status. An unpublished total is not evidence of zero activity and must not be replaced by an estimate of completed work. Updated 4 October 2026\. [Editorial policy](/editorial-policy) · [Report a correction](/corrections) ## Make an informed donation Check what the organisation offers, understand the conditions and choose a way to give that suits you. - [Compare ways to donate](/ways-to-donate) Card giving, monthly gifts and other routes, with current availability. - [Gift Aid eligibility explained](/gift-aid) Understand donor conditions and the current status at WAN. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and how estimates differ from results. - [Check our registration status](/about/registration-status) Distinguish the application reference from a registered charity number. - [Practical donor resources](/donor-resources) Find answers, useful tools and giving options. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # How We Work | Our Approach to Aid | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/how-we-work > Learn how WAN supports care and relief in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia, with local doctors, specialist training, partner checks and reporting. # How World Aid Network Delivers Aid We fund sight-restoring eye surgery, cancer treatment and emergency disaster relief through locally-licensed surgeons and trusted partner organisations in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia — with locally hired doctors and visiting specialist support for eye care. Read the programme and funding policies to understand allocations and reporting. Quick answer World Aid Network aims to fund medical care and emergency relief through local partners. Its intended process includes assessing needs, checking partners, trustee approval, and paying providers directly. Around £200 is a planning estimate for cataract surgery, not a fixed quote or guaranteed outcome. Verified financial and delivery reports will be published when approved. ## Why does the local-partner model work? Sending overseas volunteers is expensive, slow, and can displace local expertise. Our model is different: we identify, vet and fund professionals already doing the work in-country, cutting delivery costs and ensuring sustainable capacity. ### Partner hospitals Accredited hospitals with nationally-registered clinical teams. We fund specific patient lists — not open budgets. ### Licensed surgeons Ophthalmologists and oncologists registered with PMDC (Pakistan), KKI (Indonesia) or MMC (Malaysia) — the local equivalent of GMC registration. ### Relief organisations Established local humanitarian organisations with verified logistics, prior operational records, and community trust in disaster-affected areas. ## What are our three programmes? ### Eye surgery — sight restoration We fund cataract operations, glaucoma treatment and other sight-restoring procedures for patients who cannot afford care. Around £200 is a planning estimate for cataract surgery; actual costs and clinical outcomes vary. Partner surgeons are PMDC/KKI/MMC-registered ophthalmologists working in established eye hospitals. [See eye surgery programme →](/eye-surgery) ### Cancer treatment — funding care for patients who cannot afford it We fund chemotherapy, tumour-removal surgery, radiotherapy and associated cancer care for poor patients at accredited oncology centres. Funding is approved against a named patient list with clinical justification, and we receive post-treatment outcome reports. [See cancer programme →](/cancer) ### Emergency disaster relief Emergency funding is intended for eligible assessed needs in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia, subject to trustee allocation, available funds, access and local partner capacity. Relief covers emergency food, clean water, temporary shelter and seasonal support. [See emergency relief →](/emergency-relief) ## How is funding intended to reach partners? 1. 1 Donation received Card donations use Stripe checkout. Payment records, refunds and fees need reconciliation before a public fundraising total can be reported. 2. 2 Trustees review & approve disbursement The intended process is for trustees to review partner requests, budgets and supporting records before approving an allocation. No fixed approval or disbursement time is guaranteed. 3. 3 Funds transferred to partner Approved funds are transferred by bank transfer to the partner organisation, with a funding agreement specifying patient outcomes, reporting obligations and permitted use. 4. 4 Partner delivers care or relief The partner hospital or relief organisation delivers the funded care or aid, under their own professional and regulatory obligations. 5. 5 Post-delivery reporting Completed activities require partner treatment or distribution evidence. Public updates should be anonymised, dated and approved; no verified programme totals are published yet. ## Frequently asked questions Does World Aid Network run its own hospitals? WAN works through local facilities and organisations. For eye surgery, WAN hires local doctors in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia and arranges visiting specialist support for training and review. Local clinical teams remain responsible for patient care and follow-up. Who performs the eye surgery and cancer treatment? All clinical care is delivered by locally-licensed professionals: ophthalmologists registered with PMDC (Pakistan), KKI (Indonesia) or MMC (Malaysia), and oncologists at accredited partner hospitals. This is the local equivalent of GMC registration in the UK. How does World Aid Network select its partner organisations? Partners must hold active national medical council registration, demonstrate verifiable patient records, and provide pre- and post-treatment reporting. Emergency relief partners must show prior operational track record in the affected region. How quickly can my donation reach someone in need? There is no guaranteed response or treatment time. Timing depends on available funds, trustee allocation, clinical assessment, local access and partner capacity. A completed donation is not confirmation that care or a relief distribution has taken place. How is my donation protected? World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration, governed by named trustees. Funds are disbursed to partners against specific patient lists or verified relief reports — not as open grants. ## Where can you read more about each programme? Eye surgery, cancer treatment and emergency relief are separate programmes. These pages explain what a gift funds and how partners deliver it. [ Humanitarian Appeal Standing fund — food, water, hygiene kits and shelter. ](/appeal/humanitarian-appeal)[ Crisis Appeal Standing fund when a crisis hits — food, water and shelter. ](/appeal/crisis-appeal)[ Disasters Emergency Relief Standing fund — food, water, hygiene kits and shelter. ](/appeal/disasters-emergency-relief)[ Emergency relief Food, water, hygiene kits and shelter after disaster. ](/emergency-relief)[ Indonesia Emergency Appeal Indonesia emergency relief and sourced event context. ](/appeal/indonesia-emergency)[ Pakistan Floods Appeal Monsoon flooding — food, water, shelter. ](/appeal/pakistan-emergency)[ How your donation helps Restricted funds, local partners, trustee release. ](/emergency-relief/how-your-donation-helps)[ Eye surgery Cataract operations at partner hospitals. ](/eye-surgery)[ Cancer treatment Funding for patients who cannot pay. ](/cancer)[ Emergency appeals Live named appeals to donate now. ](/appeal)[ Donate Give by card to a cause. ](/donate) ## Ready to make a difference? Your gift contributes to the programme you choose: eye surgery, cancer treatment or emergency relief for families in crisis. [Donate Now](/donate) Applying to register as a CIO (application 5290505) · Secure payment via Stripe ## Propose a delivery partnership Hospitals and aid organisations can read the eligibility, due diligence, funding agreement and reporting process before getting in touch. [Partner with World Aid Network](/partner-with-us) · [Bahasa Indonesia](/id/bermitra-dengan-kami) --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Donasi Bantuan Darurat Indonesia | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/id/bantuan-darurat-indonesia > Dukung pangan, air minum aman, kebersihan, dan tempat berlindung bagi keluarga terdampak bencana di Indonesia. Baca tujuan donasi dan status pelaporan. [Read in English](https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/indonesia-emergency) World Aid Network · Indonesia # Bantuan darurat untuk keluarga di Indonesia Dukung kebutuhan pangan, air minum aman, kebersihan, dan tempat berlindung sementara bagi keluarga terdampak bencana. Kenali tujuan program dan status pelaporannya sebelum berdonasi. [Pilih jumlah donasi](/donate?cause=emergency-relief&appeal=indonesia-emergency#donate-form)[Lihat status pelaporan](#status-pelaporan) Formulir dan checkout menggunakan bahasa Inggris. Periksa mata uang sebelum membayar. ## Apa yang didukung oleh donasi Anda? Donasi mendukung bantuan darurat berupa pangan, air minum aman, perlengkapan kebersihan, dan tempat berlindung sementara bagi keluarga terdampak bencana di Indonesia. Jumlah barang, lokasi, dan waktu penyaluran bergantung pada kebutuhan yang dinilai, dana yang tersedia, serta kemampuan mitra pelaksana di lapangan. Nominal donasi tidak menjamin jumlah penerima tertentu. Penyelenggara World Aid Network Wilayah program Indonesia Fokus bantuan Pangan, air minum, kebersihan, dan tempat berlindung Transparansi ## Apakah laporan terverifikasi sudah dipublikasikan? Belum ada laporan keuangan atau penyaluran untuk penggalangan dana ini yang dipublikasikan setelah proses verifikasi. Angka yang belum tersedia bukan berarti nol. Dana diterima, pembayaran kepada mitra, dan bantuan yang benar-benar disalurkan akan dilaporkan secara terpisah dengan bukti pendukung. Kami belum memublikasikan target yang disetujui, total dana yang telah direkonsiliasi, nama mitra beserta laporan pelaksanaannya, atau jumlah penerima bantuan untuk penggalangan dana ini. Informasi tersebut memerlukan dokumen pendukung dan persetujuan sebelum dipublikasikan. [Our impact and reporting standards (English)](/our-impact) ## Apa yang terjadi di Flores pada 15 Agustus 2026? BMKG melaporkan gempa Mw 7,7 di utara Flores pada 15 Agustus 2026\. Laporan berikutnya mencatat pengamatan tsunami dan berakhirnya peringatan pada pagi hari yang sama. Informasi bertanggal ini bukan peringatan yang masih berlaku dan bukan bukti penyaluran bantuan World Aid Network. - [Analisis gempa Flores — BMKG, 21 Agustus 2026](https://www.bmkg.go.id/artikel/model-kinematika-sumber-gempa-bumi-flores-2026-mw-77-dan-kompleksitas-rangkaian-gempa-bumi-di-sesar-naik-flores) - [Pengamatan tsunami dan berakhirnya peringatan — BMKG, 17 Agustus 2026](https://www.bmkg.go.id/berita/utama/bmkg-1624-gempa-bumi-susulan-pasca-tsunami-flores-masih-terjadi-masyarakat-diimbau-tetap-tenang-dan-waspada) Untuk informasi bahaya terkini, ikuti kanal resmi BMKG dan petunjuk pemerintah setempat. ## Bagaimana bantuan direncanakan? Model program World Aid Network adalah mendanai bantuan melalui mitra lokal. Penilaian kebutuhan, pemeriksaan mitra, persetujuan pengurus, dan dana yang tersedia menentukan kegiatan yang dapat berjalan. Pembelian lokal tetap memerlukan penilaian ketersediaan barang serta akses yang aman. Tidak ada jaminan bantuan tiba dalam jumlah jam atau hari tertentu. Pembayaran donasi yang berhasil juga tidak berarti bantuan sudah disalurkan. Program ini tidak mencakup pembangunan kembali rumah, pemberian uang tunai kepada individu, atau perawatan rumah sakit. Operasi mata dan pengobatan kanker memiliki program tersendiri. ## Bagaimana cara berdonasi? 1. Buka formulir donasi dan pastikan Indonesia Emergency Appeal tetap dipilih. 2. Tentukan jumlah serta mata uang. Pilih One-off gift untuk satu kali atau Give monthly untuk donasi bulanan. 3. Isi informasi yang diminta, lalu periksa kembali pilihan Anda sebelum menyelesaikan pembayaran. 4. Simpan konfirmasi pembayaran dan kunjungi halaman penggalangan dana untuk pembaruan yang telah disetujui. QRIS, transfer bank Indonesia, dan rupiah belum tersedia dalam alur ini. Kelayakan keringanan pajak tidak dijamin hanya karena program mendukung Indonesia. ## Apa saja pertanyaan yang sering diajukan? Untuk apa donasi saya digunakan? Donasi mendukung bantuan darurat berupa pangan, air minum aman, perlengkapan kebersihan, dan tempat berlindung sementara bagi keluarga terdampak bencana di Indonesia. Jumlah barang, lokasi, dan waktu penyaluran bergantung pada kebutuhan yang dinilai, dana yang tersedia, serta kemampuan mitra pelaksana di lapangan. Nominal donasi tidak menjamin jumlah penerima tertentu. Apakah sudah ada laporan penyaluran yang terverifikasi? Belum ada laporan keuangan atau penyaluran untuk penggalangan dana ini yang dipublikasikan setelah proses verifikasi. Angka yang belum tersedia bukan berarti nol. Dana diterima, pembayaran kepada mitra, dan bantuan yang benar-benar disalurkan akan dilaporkan secara terpisah dengan bukti pendukung. Apakah tersedia pembayaran melalui QRIS atau transfer bank Indonesia? QRIS, transfer bank Indonesia, dan pembayaran dalam rupiah belum ditawarkan melalui alur pembayaran ini. Pilih hanya metode dan mata uang yang tersedia saat checkout. Formulir donasi dan halaman pembayaran menggunakan bahasa Inggris; bank Anda mungkin mengenakan biaya konversi mata uang. Bisakah saya berdonasi setiap bulan? Bisa. Pilih Give monthly pada formulir, lalu periksa jumlah, mata uang, dan jadwal donasi sebelum menyelesaikan pembayaran. Untuk donasi satu kali, pilih One-off gift. Donasi bulanan mendukung program secara berkala dan tidak menjamin tanggal penyaluran tertentu. Apakah donasi menjamin bantuan untuk satu keluarga tertentu? Tidak. Nominal yang disarankan merupakan kontribusi untuk program, bukan harga tetap untuk sejumlah barang atau penerima tertentu. Jika Anda ingin menetapkan batasan khusus pada penggunaan donasi, hubungi World Aid Network untuk menyepakati ketentuannya sebelum berdonasi. ## Bagaimana Anda dapat mendukung bantuan darurat di Indonesia? Pilih kontribusi sesuai kemampuan Anda. Untuk batasan penggunaan dana tertentu, hubungi kami sebelum berdonasi agar ketentuannya dapat dikonfirmasi. [Lanjut ke formulir donasi](/donate?cause=emergency-relief&appeal=indonesia-emergency#donate-form)[Hubungi kami](/contact) --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Bantuan Operasi Katarak di Indonesia | Informasi WAN > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/id/bantuan-operasi-katarak > Pahami pemeriksaan mata, bantuan biaya katarak, ketersediaan program dan tindak lanjut di Indonesia. Baca batasan donasi dan status laporan WAN. Jawaban singkat Program perawatan mata WAN mencakup Indonesia. Donasi dapat mendukung pemeriksaan, perawatan yang direkomendasikan secara klinis, dan tindak lanjut. Belum ada jadwal kegiatan terverifikasi atau laporan hasil khusus Indonesia yang dipublikasikan di sini. Bantuan bergantung pada penilaian, kapasitas layanan, dan dana yang tersedia; tidak ada jaminan operasi atau hasil tertentu. ## Dokter lokal dan dukungan spesialis WAN mempekerjakan dokter lokal di Pakistan, Indonesia dan Malaysia untuk melakukan operasi serta mengatur kunjungan seorang spesialis untuk mendukung pelatihan dan meninjau praktik klinis. Pelayanan harus sesuai perizinan, kewenangan fasilitas dan tata kelola klinis setempat. Sekitar £200 adalah perkiraan perencanaan biaya operasi katarak yang diberikan kepada WAN oleh konsultan dokter spesialis mata Mr Mohamed Mohyudin. Biaya aktual bergantung pada pasien, fasilitas dan cakupan layanan; angka ini bukan tarif tetap atau jaminan hasil. [Profil profesional Mr Mohamed Mohyudin (Inggris)](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/) Pelatihan spesialis tidak menggantikan tanggung jawab tim setempat atas penilaian, persetujuan tindakan dan tindak lanjut. Jadwal kunjungan dan laporan hanya dipublikasikan setelah dikonfirmasi. [Proses kemitraan rumah sakit dan pendanaan](/id/bermitra-dengan-kami) ## Mencari bantuan untuk gangguan penglihatan Mulailah dengan pemeriksaan melalui fasilitas kesehatan atau layanan mata setempat. Tanyakan persyaratan rujukan, biaya, pilihan pembiayaan, dan layanan yang tersedia. Informasi di situs amal bukan konfirmasi janji temu gratis. ### Kapan perlu segera mencari pertolongan? Jika penglihatan tiba-tiba hilang atau nyeri mata berat muncul mendadak, segera cari pertolongan medis darurat setempat. Kilatan cahaya baru, bayangan seperti tirai, atau mata merah yang nyeri juga perlu saran medis segera. Jangan menunggu kegiatan skrining atau balasan WAN. [Penjelasan gejala mendesak dari NHS (bahasa Inggris)](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vision-loss/) ## Dari pemeriksaan sampai tindak lanjut 1. **Pemeriksaan mata:** tenaga kesehatan menilai keluhan dan menentukan kebutuhan pemeriksaan lanjutan. Skrining bukan diagnosis atau pemesanan operasi. 2. **Pilihan perawatan:** diskusikan diagnosis, manfaat, risiko, alternatif, dan apakah tindakan perlu segera dilakukan. 3. **Akses dan biaya:** konfirmasikan fasilitas, biaya yang termasuk, kemungkinan bantuan atau jaminan kesehatan, serta ketersediaan layanan. 4. **Persetujuan dan perawatan:** pastikan Anda memahami rencana tindakan dan petunjuk dari tim yang merawat. 5. **Kontrol lanjutan:** tanyakan jadwal kontrol, pendamping, perjalanan pulang, dan kontak bila muncul masalah. Dana yang dibayarkan bukan bukti hasil penglihatan. ## Informasi katarak dari PERDAMI PERDAMI menyediakan informasi berbahasa Indonesia untuk memahami katarak dan alur pelayanan. Gunakan panduan tersebut untuk menyiapkan pertanyaan kepada tenaga kesehatan. Rekomendasi bagi seorang pasien tetap memerlukan pemeriksaan. [Baca panduan katarak PERDAMI](https://perdami.or.id/web/public%5Feducation/detail/katarak-kenali-periksa-dan-pulihkan-penglihatan/51) Tautan ini merupakan sumber independen; bukan pernyataan afiliasi, dukungan, atau kerja sama pelaksanaan program. ## Lokasi dan jadwal yang telah dikonfirmasi ### Belum ada jadwal terverifikasi yang dipublikasikan Halaman ini bukan undangan untuk datang langsung atau konfirmasi janji temu. Tanyakan kepada penyelenggara tentang lokasi, pendaftaran, biaya, dan layanan sebelum bepergian. Jangan menunda pemeriksaan yang mendesak sambil menunggu kegiatan. [Tanyakan ketersediaan kegiatan (bahasa Inggris)](/contact) ## Apa yang didukung oleh donasi? Donasi berkontribusi pada jalur perawatan mata sesuai kebutuhan klinis, kapasitas, dan pendanaan. Donasi tidak membeli prosedur medis atau menjamin jumlah pasien yang ditangani. Biaya yang sebenarnya harus dikonfirmasi dalam rencana perawatan. [Dukung perawatan mata](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight¤cy=GBP#donate-form) Formulir donasi menggunakan bahasa Inggris. Tautan ini memilih pound sterling (GBP); pilih hanya mata uang dan metode yang tersedia saat checkout. QRIS dan rupiah belum tersedia dalam alur ini. Program Gift of Sight mencakup Pakistan, Indonesia, dan Malaysia; donasi dari halaman ini tidak otomatis dibatasi untuk Indonesia. Gift Aid belum tersedia. ## Status laporan dan kerja sama Belum ada laporan pelaksanaan terverifikasi khusus Indonesia yang dipublikasikan pada halaman ini. Hal ini tidak berarti jumlah kegiatan adalah nol. Laporan yang disetujui perlu menjelaskan periode, mitra pelaksana, penggunaan dana, layanan yang diberikan, dan keterbatasan data tindak lanjut. [Status pelaporan (bahasa Inggris)](/our-impact)[Kemitraan dokter dan rumah sakit](/id/bermitra-dengan-kami)[Hubungi WAN](/contact) Jangan mengirim nama pasien, rekam medis, foto, atau dokumen identitas melalui pertanyaan umum pertama. ## Pertanyaan yang sering diajukan Apakah saya bisa mendaftar operasi katarak gratis di sini? Tidak. Halaman ini menjelaskan informasi program dan cara berdonasi, bukan layanan pemesanan. Pemeriksaan, kelayakan bantuan, pendanaan, dan jadwal harus dikonfirmasi dengan penyedia layanan. Menghubungi WAN tidak menjamin tempat atau bantuan biaya. Apakah donasi £200 menjamin satu operasi? Tidak. Sekitar £200 merupakan perkiraan biaya operasi katarak yang diberikan kepada WAN oleh Mr Mohamed Mohyudin, bukan tarif pasti untuk seorang pasien atau jaminan tindakan. Biaya bergantung pada pemeriksaan, kebutuhan klinis, fasilitas, dan perawatan lanjutan. Apakah PERDAMI merupakan mitra WAN? Tidak ada klaim kemitraan atau dukungan PERDAMI terhadap WAN. Tautan PERDAMI disediakan sebagai sumber informasi kesehatan mata yang independen. Apakah donasi hanya digunakan di Indonesia? Tautan donasi pada halaman ini mendukung program Gift of Sight yang mencakup Pakistan, Indonesia, dan Malaysia. Halaman negara tidak membatasi penggunaan donasi hanya untuk negara tersebut. Hubungi WAN sebelum berdonasi jika pembatasan penggunaan dana penting bagi Anda. ## Sumber informasi - [PERDAMI: informasi katarak, 26 Agustus 2026](https://perdami.or.id/web/public%5Feducation/detail/katarak-kenali-periksa-dan-pulihkan-penglihatan/51) - [WHO: kebutaan dan gangguan penglihatan (bahasa Inggris)](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blindness-and-visual-impairment) - [NHS: operasi katarak (bahasa Inggris)](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cataract-surgery/) Tautan sumber tidak berarti afiliasi atau dukungan terhadap WAN. Informasi umum, bukan diagnosis atau penilaian kelayakan bantuan. Penyunting: Kaiser Khan. Diperbarui 4 Oktober 2026; versi ini belum mendapat persetujuan peninjauan klinis. [Kebijakan peninjauan klinis (bahasa Inggris)](/eye-care-partners#clinical-review) --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Bermitra dengan WAN | Rumah Sakit & Organisasi Bantuan > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/id/bermitra-dengan-kami > Rumah sakit dan organisasi bantuan di Indonesia, Pakistan dan Malaysia: pahami persyaratan kemitraan, pemeriksaan, perjanjian, pendanaan dan pelaporan. Jawaban singkat WAN menerima pertanyaan awal tentang kemitraan pelaksana untuk kesehatan mata, layanan kanker dan bantuan darurat. Pendanaan dipertimbangkan setelah pemeriksaan legalitas, kapasitas, perlindungan penerima manfaat dan usulan kegiatan, lalu persetujuan perjanjian tertulis. Mengirim pertanyaan, menyelesaikan pemeriksaan atau menandatangani MoU tidak menjamin pendanaan. ## Siapa yang dapat menghubungi kami? ### Rumah sakit mata dan tenaga medis Usulkan pemeriksaan, layanan katarak, rujukan dan tindak lanjut bagi orang yang menghadapi hambatan akses. Tenaga medis perorangan perlu menyebutkan fasilitas berizin dan badan hukum yang bertanggung jawab. [Informasi profesional kesehatan mata (Inggris)](/eye-care-partners) ### Rumah sakit dan tim layanan kanker Jelaskan alur diagnosis atau pengobatan, pengawasan klinis, kriteria penerima dan kesinambungan layanan. Usulan perlu mencakup rencana pengobatan dan tindak lanjut yang realistis. [Program layanan kanker (Inggris)](/appeal/cancer-emergency) ### Organisasi bantuan darurat Jelaskan kebutuhan masyarakat, koordinasi setempat, penyaluran bantuan, perlindungan penerima manfaat serta cara menyampaikan masukan atau keluhan. [Program bantuan darurat (Inggris)](/emergency-relief) ## Tahapan pertimbangan pendanaan 1. 01 ### Perkenalkan organisasi Anda Kirim pertanyaan singkat tanpa informasi rahasia. Jelaskan negara, program, kebutuhan dan rencana kegiatan. WAN terlebih dahulu mempertimbangkan kesesuaian dengan program dan kapasitas yang tersedia. 2. 02 ### Verifikasi kelayakan dan penilaian risiko Sebelum keputusan pendanaan, siapkan bukti pendaftaran pemerintah atau dasar hukum sebagai badan publik, izin yang diperlukan, tata kelola dan kemampuan pelaksanaan. Pemeriksaan tambahan disesuaikan dengan risiko. 3. 03 ### Sepakati usulan dan anggaran Susun rencana, kriteria penerima, rincian biaya, jadwal dan ukuran pelaporan bersama. Jelaskan pendanaan lain, kemungkinan tumpang tindih dan tanggung jawab kedua pihak. 4. 04 ### Persetujuan dan perjanjian tertulis Pendanaan memerlukan persetujuan pihak berwenang dan perjanjian pendanaan yang ditandatangani. MoU dapat menjelaskan kerja sama; ketentuan pendanaan juga harus mengatur tanggung jawab dan persyaratan yang dapat diberlakukan. 5. 05 ### Verifikasi rekening dan otorisasi transfer Dana hanya dapat dicairkan setelah persetujuan, perjanjian dan pemeriksaan yang diperlukan selesai. Gunakan rekening organisasi yang telah diverifikasi, jadwal pembayaran dan tahapan yang disepakati serta otorisasi terdokumentasi. 6. 06 ### Pelaporan, peninjauan dan penutupan Cocokkan pengeluaran dan pelaksanaan dengan rencana. Tinjau masalah, perubahan dan tindak lanjut sebelum pembayaran berikutnya. Perjanjian mengatur sisa dana, penghentian sementara dan penutupan. ## Pendaftaran adalah langkah awal WAN mencari organisasi pelaksana yang sah dan terdaftar pada instansi pemerintah terkait serta memiliki izin untuk kegiatannya. Rumah sakit harus dapat menunjukkan izin fasilitas dan izin profesional yang masih berlaku. Rumah sakit pemerintah perlu menjelaskan dasar kewenangan dan pihak yang dapat membuat perjanjian. Spesialis yang berkunjung juga memerlukan izin setempat, ruang lingkup yang disepakati, perlindungan tanggung jawab profesional dan pengaturan perlindungan penerima manfaat. Persyaratan berbeda di Indonesia, Pakistan dan Malaysia. Bukti harus diperiksa sesuai aturan negara dan daerah, termasuk izin menerima dana luar negeri apabila diwajibkan. Pendaftaran tidak menggantikan kompetensi klinis atau operasional. - Dokter dapat memperkenalkan usulan melalui institusi berizin; jalur ini bukan permohonan hibah ke rekening pribadi. - Gunakan nama badan hukum dan kontak yang berwenang. Jelaskan organisasi terkait, subkontraktor dan potensi konflik kepentingan. - Organisasi yang masih menunggu pendaftaran dapat menanyakan persyaratan, tetapi belum dapat menyatakan siap menerima pendanaan. ## Apa yang diperiksa dalam uji kelayakan? Pemeriksaan disesuaikan dengan skala, lokasi dan risiko kegiatan. Keputusan dan masalah yang belum terselesaikan perlu dicatat. Dokumen diminta melalui saluran yang disepakati setelah kontak awal. - Identitas hukum, pimpinan, kewenangan penandatangan, referensi, sanksi dan pembatasan hukum yang relevan. - Pengalaman, staf, kapasitas, tata kelola klinis apabila relevan dan rencana pelaksanaan yang realistis. - Perlindungan penerima manfaat, pencegahan eksploitasi dan kekerasan, jalur pengaduan aman, persetujuan dan kerahasiaan. - Laporan keuangan, pengendalian dana, pengadaan, pencegahan penipuan, rekening organisasi dan bukti pengeluaran. - Risiko setempat, kesinambungan layanan dan pengawasan organisasi lain yang ikut melaksanakan. ## Apa yang perlu diatur dalam MoU dan perjanjian pendanaan? Sepakati ruang lingkup dan para pihak sebelum penandatanganan. Judul “MoU” saja tidak menentukan kekuatan mengikat dokumen. Perjanjian perlu diperiksa sesuai keadaan dan ditandatangani oleh pihak yang berwenang. - Tujuan, lokasi, penerima manfaat, tanggung jawab, jadwal dan keluaran yang disepakati. - Anggaran, mata uang, biaya yang diperbolehkan, syarat pembayaran, pelaporan dan bukti pendukung. - Perlindungan penerima manfaat, data pribadi, kerahasiaan, pelaporan insiden dan penggunaan nama atau gambar. - Perubahan, akses catatan, pemantauan, sengketa, penangguhan, pengakhiran serta dana tersisa atau yang disalahgunakan. ## Apa yang perlu transparan bagi donor dan masyarakat? Pelaporan perlu membedakan dana yang ditransfer, kegiatan yang terlaksana dan hasil yang didukung bukti. Pembaruan publik menjelaskan periode laporan dan keterbatasan tanpa membuka identitas pasien, anak atau orang yang berisiko. Penerima bantuan perlu memiliki cara aman untuk bertanya atau mengadu. Bantuan harus sesuai kebutuhan dan menghormati martabat; persetujuan publikasi harus terpisah dari akses layanan. Jangan kirim rekam medis, salinan identitas, rincian rekening atau berkas kasus rahasia dalam pertanyaan awal. Tidak ada biaya atau kewajiban berdonasi untuk mengajukan pertanyaan kemitraan. ## Status WAN dan batasan undangan ini WAN adalah organisasi amal di Inggris yang sedang mengajukan pendaftaran CIO. Referensi permohonan 5290505 bukan nomor pendaftaran badan amal. [Periksa status pendaftaran (Inggris)](/about/registration-status) Halaman ini menjelaskan proses pertimbangan usulan. Ini bukan pemberian hibah terbuka, skema akreditasi atau janji bahwa setiap organisasi yang memenuhi syarat akan menerima dana. Sebelum penandatanganan atau transfer, pihak yang bertanggung jawab harus memastikan badan hukum yang mengikat perjanjian, kewenangan, persyaratan dan ketersediaan dana. Nama CIO yang diusulkan tidak boleh dianggap sebagai badan hukum yang sudah terdaftar. ## Kirim perkenalan singkat Gunakan Bahasa Indonesia atau bahasa Inggris. Sertakan informasi berikut dalam email ke info@worldaidnetwork.org. Kirim tautan publik terlebih dahulu; cara berbagi dokumen pendukung disepakati kemudian. 1. Nama badan hukum, situs web dan negara/kota organisasi 2. Nama Anda, jabatan dan alamat email resmi 3. Program: kesehatan mata, layanan kanker atau bantuan darurat 4. Instansi/nomor pendaftaran, izin terkait atau tautan publik 5. Kebutuhan, kegiatan, perkiraan anggaran/mata uang dan jadwal 6. Pengalaman serta pengaturan perlindungan dan pelaporan [Buka email pertanyaan](mailto:info@worldaidnetwork.org?subject=Pertanyaan%20kemitraan%20pelaksana&body=Nama%20badan%20hukum%2C%20situs%20web%20dan%20negara%2Fkota%20organisasi%3A%0A%0ANama%20Anda%2C%20jabatan%20dan%20alamat%20email%20resmi%3A%0A%0AProgram%3A%20kesehatan%20mata%2C%20layanan%20kanker%20atau%20bantuan%20darurat%3A%0A%0AInstansi%2Fnomor%20pendaftaran%2C%20izin%20terkait%20atau%20tautan%20publik%3A%0A%0AKebutuhan%2C%20kegiatan%2C%20perkiraan%20anggaran%2Fmata%20uang%20dan%20jadwal%3A%0A%0APengalaman%20serta%20pengaturan%20perlindungan%20dan%20pelaporan%3A%0A%0A)[Unduh daftar informasi awal](/downloads/partnership-enquiry-id.txt) Jika aplikasi email tidak terbuka, salin alamat email atau gunakan formulir kontak kami. [info@worldaidnetwork.org](mailto:info@worldaidnetwork.org) · [Formulir kontak (Inggris)](/contact) Jangan kirim rekam medis, salinan identitas, rincian rekening atau berkas kasus rahasia dalam pertanyaan awal. Tidak ada biaya atau kewajiban berdonasi untuk mengajukan pertanyaan kemitraan. ## Pertanyaan tentang kemitraan Apakah pendaftaran pemerintah cukup untuk menerima dana? Tidak. Pendaftaran dan izin terkait merupakan persyaratan awal. Kegiatan, kapasitas, perlindungan, pengendalian keuangan dan risiko juga dinilai. Pendanaan memerlukan persetujuan, sumber daya dan ketentuan tertulis. Apakah dokter perorangan dapat menghubungi WAN? Dokter dapat mengirim pertanyaan awal atau mengusulkan peninjauan klinis. Usulan pelaksanaan yang memerlukan dana harus menyebutkan fasilitas berizin, badan hukum yang bertanggung jawab dan penandatangan berwenang. Apakah dana langsung ditransfer setelah MoU ditandatangani? Tidak otomatis. MoU kerja sama saja bukan persetujuan pendanaan. Transfer bergantung pada anggaran yang disetujui, perjanjian pendanaan yang sesuai, verifikasi rekening organisasi dan persyaratan perjanjian. Bolehkah organisasi Indonesia menggunakan Bahasa Indonesia? Ya. Versi Bahasa Indonesia menjelaskan proses yang sama. Pertanyaan awal dapat disampaikan dalam Bahasa Indonesia atau bahasa Inggris. Apakah ada biaya atau kewajiban berdonasi? Tidak ada biaya atau kewajiban berdonasi untuk mengajukan pertanyaan kemitraan. Laporkan permintaan biaya pendaftaran melalui halaman kontak WAN. ## Mencari jalur lain? - [Donasi dan sponsor perusahaan (Inggris)](/corporate-partnerships) - [Informasi bantuan kesehatan mata](/id/bantuan-operasi-katarak) - [Pertanyaan bantuan kanker (Inggris)](/cancer/eligibility-checker) - [Kebijakan dan pengaduan (Inggris)](/our-policies) - [Kebijakan privasi (Inggris)](/privacy-policy) ## Panduan yang menjadi rujukan - [Charity Commission: safeguarding and protecting people (Inggris)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/safeguarding-and-protecting-people-for-charities-and-trustees) - [Charity Commission: working internationally (Inggris)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/charities-how-to-manage-risks-when-working-internationally) - [GOV.UK: charity structures and CIO registration (Inggris)](https://www.gov.uk/setting-up-charity/structures) - [Charity Commission: due diligence and monitoring (Inggris)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/charities-due-diligence-monitoring-and-verifying-the-end-use-of-charitable-funds/chapter-2-due-diligence-monitoring-and-end-use-of-funds) - [Charity Commission: know your partner (Inggris)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/charities-due-diligence-monitoring-and-verifying-the-end-use-of-charitable-funds/chapter-2-tool-8-know-your-partner-key-issues-to-think-about) - [Charity Commission: partnership agreement checklist (Inggris)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/charities-due-diligence-monitoring-and-verifying-the-end-use-of-charitable-funds/chapter-2-tool-10-outline-partnership-agreement) - [Core Humanitarian Standard: quality and accountability (Inggris)](https://www.corehumanitarianstandard.org/the-standard) - [UNICEF: distinct routes for programme and funding partners (Inggris)](https://www.unicef.org/partnerships/civil-society) Panduan Charity Commission yang dirujuk berlaku di Inggris dan Wales. Rujukan ini membantu menyusun pendekatan, bukan sertifikasi WAN, pengganti pemeriksaan aturan setempat atau bukti dukungan dan afiliasi. Diperbarui 4 Oktober 2026 --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # In Memory Giving | Donate in Memory of a Loved One > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/in-memory-giving > Give in memory of a loved one today by card. Add their name on our donation form and we record the dedication with your gift to eye care, cancer or relief. # In memory giving: honour a life by helping others When someone we love dies, an in-memory gift lets their kindness live on — turning grief into lasting help for families facing illness and disaster. [ Give in memory ](/donate?cause=general&dedication=memory#donate-form) [ Ask about a funeral collection ](/contact?subject=in-memory) ✓ CIO registration application in progress✓ Gifts fund patient care and reliefGift Aid not currently available What is in-memory giving? An in-memory donation is a gift made in memory of someone who has died. You can give in memory today by card: choose a cause and amount on our donation form, choose the in-memory option and add their name, and we record the dedication with your gift. For a funeral collection, email info@worldaidnetwork.org. Many people choose a cause that reflects what mattered to their loved one. Funding sight-restoring surgery, cancer treatment or emergency relief in someone's name is a quiet, powerful way to keep their memory alive while helping another family. You can give in memory today. Choose a cause and amount on our donation form, choose the in-memory option and add their name. We record the dedication with your gift. For a tribute card or a funeral collection, email [info@worldaidnetwork.org](mailto:info@worldaidnetwork.org) and we will help. We do not run tribute fund pages yet. If family and friends want to raise money together, you can [request a community fundraising page](/fundraise/start) in their memory; every page is reviewed before it goes live. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration. Gift Aid is not currently available. ## How can you give in memory today? Every gift turns loss into lasting help for someone else [ One-off Give once in their name today, to the cause you choose. Give in memory → ](/donate?cause=general&dedication=memory#donate-form)[ Funeral Ask mourners to give instead of flowers, and email us so we can mark every gift together. Ask about a funeral collection → ](/contact?subject=in-memory)[ Group Collect from family or colleagues and give together as one gift on behalf of your group. Give as a group → ](/donate?cause=general&dedication=memory#donate-form) Gift Aid Not currently available. It needs charity registration and HMRC recognition first. ## Frequently asked questions What is an in-memory donation? An in-memory (or memorial) donation is a gift to charity made in memory of someone who has died. It is a meaningful way to honour a loved one's life, and many people choose a cause that meant something to the person — for example the kind of treatment they received or believed in. How do I make an in-memory gift to World Aid Network? Use our donation form: choose a cause and amount, then choose the in-memory option and add their name. We record the dedication with your gift. For a tribute card, funeral collection or group gift, email info@worldaidnetwork.org and we will help. Can I collect donations at a funeral instead of flowers? Yes. Many families ask for charity donations in lieu of funeral flowers. Mourners can give online with the in-memory option on our donation form. Email info@worldaidnetwork.org with the name and date so we can mark the gifts together. Can I set up a tribute fund? We do not run tribute fund pages yet. You can give in their memory on dates that matter, or request a community fundraising page in their memory. Every fundraising page is reviewed before it goes live. Are in-memory donations eligible for Gift Aid? Not at World Aid Network at present. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration; Gift Aid needs registration and HMRC recognition first, and we will not claim it on gifts made now. ### Related pages [Sadaqah Jariyah](/sadaqah-jariyah)[Charity virtual gifts](/charity-virtual-gifts)[Leave a gift in your will](/legacy-giving)[Start a fundraising page](/fundraise/start)[Ways to donate](/ways-to-donate) ## Remember a loved one by helping another family An in-memory gift carries a loved one's compassion forward, funding treatment and relief for families who need it most. Gift Aid is not currently available. [ Give in memory ](/donate?cause=general&dedication=memory#donate-form) [ Ask about a funeral collection ](/contact?subject=in-memory) ## Make an informed donation Check what the organisation offers, understand the conditions and choose a way to give that suits you. - [Compare ways to donate](/ways-to-donate) Card giving, monthly gifts and other routes, with current availability. - [Gift Aid eligibility explained](/gift-aid) Understand donor conditions and the current status at WAN. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and how estimates differ from results. - [Check our registration status](/about/registration-status) Distinguish the application reference from a registered charity number. - [Practical donor resources](/donor-resources) Find answers, useful tools and giving options. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # World Aid Network | Eye Surgery, Cancer & Disaster Relief > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/ > Donate to fund cataract surgery, cancer treatment and emergency food, water and shelter in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Give once or monthly by card. ![](/images/appeal-gift-of-sight-real.webp) # Help restore sight, treat cancer and bring relief after disasters Your gift helps pay for cataract operations, cancer treatment and emergency food, water and shelter for families in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia, through local partners. Choose a donation Helps trustees fund the most urgent need, from cataract operations to emergency food and water [ Donate £50 ](/donate?cause=general&amount=50&frequency=one-off¤cy=GBP#donate-form) Secure card checkout by Stripe · Apple Pay and Google Pay Applying to register as a CIO · Gift Aid not available · Cancel monthly gifts any time [ Featured appeal: Malaysia Floods Appeal — the Northeast Monsoon brings the heaviest rain to Malaysia’s east coast from November to January → ](/appeal/malaysia-emergency)[ Featured appeal: Gift of Sight — around £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation → ](/appeal/gift-of-sight) [See where your gift goes → ](/where-your-money-goes) ## What can your donation pay for? Choose a cause, or give where it is needed most. Every gift goes through vetted local partners in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. [ ![](/images/appeal-gift-of-sight-real.webp) Sight-restoring eye surgery ](/appeal/gift-of-sight) Cataract operations and other sight-restoring surgery for patients who cannot afford them. £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. [Donate to eye surgery](/donate?cause=eye-surgery#donate-form) [How eye surgery is funded →](/eye-surgery) [ ![](/images/appeal-blood-cancer-real.webp) Cancer treatment ](/appeal/cancer-emergency) Treatment for patients who cannot afford care, delivered by locally licensed oncologists at accredited partner hospitals. [Donate to cancer treatment](/donate?cause=cancer-treatment#donate-form) [How cancer treatment is funded →](/cancer) [ ![](/images/appeal-pakistan.webp) Emergency Disaster Fund ](/appeal/disasters-emergency-relief) A standing fund for emergency food, clean water and temporary shelter. Trustees send it where need is greatest as soon as needs are assessed. [Donate to the fund](/donate?cause=emergency-relief#donate-form) [How emergency relief works →](/emergency-relief) [See all appeals →](/appeal) ## How can giving monthly change lives all year round? A regular gift lets local partners plan ahead: surgery lists booked in advance, treatment that continues, and relief funds ready before the next disaster. - £17 a month adds up to about £204 a year, close to our £200 planning estimate for one cataract operation - Change or cancel any time, online - Choose whether to receive programme news [Set up a monthly gift ](/donate?amount=17&frequency=monthly¤cy=GBP#donate-form) [Manage or cancel a monthly gift](/manage-giving) Gift Aid is not available yet. [ £10 a month Contributes towards eye assessments before cataract surgery Give £10 a month → ](/donate?amount=10&frequency=monthly¤cy=GBP#donate-form)[ £17 a month About £204 a year, close to our £200 planning estimate for one cataract operation Give £17 a month → ](/donate?amount=17&frequency=monthly¤cy=GBP#donate-form)[ £25 a month Contributes towards supportive medicines for cancer patients Give £25 a month → ](/donate?amount=25&frequency=monthly¤cy=GBP#donate-form)[ £50 a month £600 a year to help trustees plan surgery lists and relief stocks ahead Give £50 a month → ](/donate?amount=50&frequency=monthly¤cy=GBP#donate-form) ## A closer look at eye care Two clinicians wearing surgical gowns, caps and masks work at a surgical microscope. A six-second silent excerpt, cropped to keep the patient outside the frame. 6 seconds · No sound Loops until paused [Explore the Gift of Sight appeal →](/appeal/gift-of-sight) [Programme reporting →](/appeal/gift-of-sight#programme-evidence) [Watch the eye-care film (MP4)](/media/eye-care/eye-care-theatre-v1.mp4). Footage supplied to World Aid Network. Project dates, funding and outcomes are reported separately when verified. [Open video →](/media/eye-care/eye-care-theatre-v1.mp4) ## How is your gift protected? - ### No cash to individuals Gifts are paid by regulated bank transfer to vetted partner hospitals and relief partners. - ### Licensed clinicians Treatment is delivered by clinicians registered with PMDC, KKI or MMC. - ### Registration in progress We have applied to register as a CIO (application 5290505). We are not yet a registered charity. - ### Secure checkout Card details are handled by Stripe. We never see or store your card number. Quick answer World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying to register as a CIO. Donations help pay for cataract operations, cancer treatment and emergency food, water and shelter for families in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia who cannot afford them. £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. Give by card, once or monthly. Gift Aid is not available. ## Frequently asked questions What does World Aid Network do? World Aid Network funds sight-restoring eye surgery, cancer treatment and emergency disaster relief for poor and disaster-affected families in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Care is delivered by locally licensed clinicians at partner hospitals — the charity does not run clinics. How do I donate to World Aid Network? Give by card at worldaidnetwork.org/donate, once or monthly. Other methods — crypto, legacy and payroll — are listed at worldaidnetwork.org/ways-to-donate. Gift Aid is not currently available. Suggested amounts are planning examples, not guaranteed outcomes. Is World Aid Network a registered charity? Not yet. It is a UK charitable organisation that has applied to register as a CIO (application 5290505), so there is no registered charity number. It is registered with the ICO (ZC156579). See worldaidnetwork.org/about/registration-status. How much does a cataract operation cost? Around £200 is a planning estimate used on this site, not a guaranteed price or an audited cost per operation. The final amount depends on the hospital quote, the patient’s clinical needs and what is included. Smaller gifts contribute towards the programme; estimates are not reported as completed treatment. Where does World Aid Network work? Programmes are limited to Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Clinical care is partner-delivered by PMDC-, KKI- or MMC-registered clinicians. Emergency relief Objects are food, clean water and temporary shelter — not reconstruction. ## Which cause will you support today? Choose a cause and give once or monthly. Secure checkout by Stripe. [Eye surgery](/donate?cause=eye-surgery#donate-form) [Cancer treatment](/donate?cause=cancer-treatment#donate-form) [Emergency Disaster Fund](/donate?cause=emergency-relief#donate-form) [Give monthly →](/donate?frequency=monthly¤cy=GBP#donate-form) --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Legacy Giving > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/legacy-giving > Last reviewed: 2026-08-24 ## In short Legacy giving means leaving a gift in your will to charity. Ask a solicitor to add a residuary, pecuniary or specific legacy to World Aid Network. We are a UK charitable organisation with a CIO registration application in progress (application 5290505). Qualifying charity gifts are exempt from inheritance tax. Email info@worldaidnetwork.org in confidence. Leave a gift in your will — after the people you love are provided for — so eye surgery, cancer treatment and emergency relief can continue. Talk in confidence: https://worldaidnetwork.org/contact or info@worldaidnetwork.org. Free will writing: https://worldaidnetwork.org/legacy-giving/free-will-writing. Online will (England and Wales example): https://swiftwill.co.uk/. Card donations (not a will gift): https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate. ## At a glance - £4.5bn: Left to UK charities in wills in 2024 (Smee & Ford / Legacy Futures — sector figure, not WAN income) - 40% → 36%: Inheritance Tax reduced rate if 10% or more of the net estate goes to qualifying charities - £200: Our planning estimate for one cataract operation; actual costs vary - No minimum: Any pecuniary, residuary or specific gift is welcome — provide for your family first ## How to leave a gift in your will to World Aid Network Ask a solicitor to add a residuary, pecuniary or specific legacy naming World Aid Network. Provide for your family first. Optional: tell us in confidence. - Provide for the people you love: Decide who should inherit first. A charitable gift sits after that, not instead of it. - Choose the type of legacy: Pick a residuary percentage, a pecuniary cash sum, a specific asset, or a mix. - Instruct a solicitor: Give them our legal name, address (International House, 51 Borough High Street, London SE1 1NB), and Charity Commission application 5290505. Use the suggested wording on this page as a starting point. - Optional: tell us in confidence: Email info@worldaidnetwork.org. There is no obligation. We will send the charity number when it is granted so the clause can be updated. ## Suggested will wording I give [the sum of £X / X percent of my residuary estate] to World Aid Network, a charitable organisation applying to register as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation in England and Wales (Charity Commission application 5290505), of International House, 51 Borough High Street, London SE1 1NB, for its general charitable purposes absolutely. My executors may add the registered charity number when it is granted. ## What is legacy giving? Legacy giving is leaving a gift in your will to a charity. It is also called a charitable bequest, a charitable legacy, a gift in a will, or gifts in wills. The gift takes effect after you die. It costs nothing during your lifetime. There is no minimum amount. A will already names who you love. A legacy clause is simply one more instruction: after those people are provided for, a share, a sum, or a named asset goes to a cause you believe in. You can change that instruction at any time while you have testamentary capacity. UK charities received about £4.5 billion in gifts in wills in 2024, according to the Legacy Giving Report from Smee & Ford and Legacy Futures. That is a published sector figure, not World Aid Network income. We have not invented a WAN caseload of estates received. This page is World Aid Network’s gifts-in-wills guide. For how to write a will step by step, read our UK will-writing guide. For free will-writing schemes, use the free will writing page. For a gift made by others after someone has died, use in-memory giving. ## Why leave a gift in your will to charity? A gift in your will can fund work that a weekly donation cannot stretch to — a run of cataract operations, cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay, or emergency food, water and shelter when the next flood or quake hits. Provide for your family first. Then, if you wish, leave a lasting gift. World Aid Network funds partner hospitals and local relief partners in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. A legacy is restricted to our charitable Objects: sight-restoring eye surgery, cancer treatment, and emergency food, clean water and temporary shelter. We do not send cash to individuals. We do not rebuild cities from disaster gifts. Unlike a card donation, a will gift is not paid now. Your home, savings and pension stay yours. The clause is only an instruction for later. That is why many people find it the gentlest way to give a larger amount than they could spare today. You do not need a large estate. A modest pecuniary legacy, or a small residuary percentage, still becomes real help. Please talk to a solicitor so the people you love are looked after first. ## What types of charitable legacy can I leave? The three usual gifts in wills are a residuary legacy (a share of what remains), a pecuniary legacy (a fixed cash sum), and a specific legacy (a named item or asset). Residuary gifts are usually the most valuable to charities. You can combine types in one will. A residuary legacy is a percentage of the residue — everything left after debts, inheritance tax, funeral and legal costs, and your other gifts. If the estate grows, the gift grows. If it shrinks, the gift shrinks with it, which is often fairer to the family than a large frozen cash sum. A pecuniary legacy is a number: £500, £2,000, £10,000. It is easy to understand. Over a long life its buying power can fall, so some people review the figure when they update the will. A specific legacy is a particular asset. Listed shares left in a will are not the same as donating shares during your lifetime — donate shares covers the lifetime route. A house can be left to charity; a solicitor should advise on how that sits with anyone who lives there. Some wills also use a reversionary or life-interest gift: a spouse or partner has the use of property or income for life, then the capital passes to charity. That needs specialist drafting. This page is general information, not legal advice. - Residuary legacy — a percentage of what remains; usually the most useful to a charity - Pecuniary legacy — a fixed cash sum, simple to write - Specific legacy — named shares, property or an item - Reversionary / life interest — family first for life, then charity; solicitor essential ## How do I leave a gift in my will to World Aid Network? Provide for the people you love first. Then ask a solicitor or licensed will-writer to add a clause naming World Aid Network, with our London address. Choose residuary, pecuniary or specific. Email info@worldaidnetwork.org if you would like us to know — there is no obligation. Our legal name is World Aid Network. We are a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration. Our address is International House, 51 Borough High Street, London SE1 1NB. Charity Commission application 5290505. We do not yet have a registered charity number. When registration is granted we will publish it on our registration status page and send it to anyone who has told us they are considering a gift. Use a solicitor who knows wills in the country where you live. England and Wales require your signature in the presence of two independent adult witnesses who are not beneficiaries and not married to a beneficiary. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different formalities. If you already have a will, a short codicil can add a charitable gift without rewriting the whole document. Substantial changes are often cleaner as a new will. Marriage in England and Wales usually revokes a previous will. - Decide what the people you love should receive first - Choose residuary, pecuniary, specific — or a mix - Ask a solicitor to use our legal name and address - Optional: tell us in confidence at info@worldaidnetwork.org - When we have a charity number, ask your solicitor to add it ## What wording should I use in my will? Give this suggested clause to your solicitor. It is a starting point, not a DIY will. Do not write that World Aid Network is a registered charity until a charity number is granted. Executors can add the number later. Unrestricted wording — “for its general charitable purposes” — lets trustees send the gift where it is most needed when it arrives, still inside our Objects. If you want the gift marked for eye surgery, cancer treatment, or emergency relief only, say so in the clause. We will honour a clear restriction. A solicitor may also add a fallback if, at the date of death, we were not a qualifying charity for Inheritance Tax. That is a technical point. It is why we ask you not to copy a clause from a website into a homemade will. ## Does a gift in my will reduce inheritance tax? Gifts to qualifying UK charities are exempt from Inheritance Tax. They come off the taxable estate before tax is worked out. World Aid Network will be a qualifying charity once Charity Commission registration is granted. Until then, ask a solicitor how to draft the clause. The standard Inheritance Tax rate is 40% on the value of an estate above the nil-rate band, which is £325,000. An extra residence nil-rate band of £175,000 can apply when a home passes to direct descendants. These are HMRC figures; they can change, and they do not replace advice on your estate. Because a qualifying charitable gift is exempt, the tax calculation ignores that slice of the estate. That is different from Gift Aid, which is a lifetime income-tax relief on donations you make while you are alive. Gift Aid does not apply to a gift in a will. This is general information, not tax advice. A solicitor or independent financial adviser can model your estate, including pensions that often pass outside the will. ## What is the 10% Inheritance Tax charity rule? If you leave 10% or more of the net estate — HMRC’s baseline amount — to qualifying charities, the Inheritance Tax rate on the rest can fall from 40% to 36%. Whether that helps your family depends on the size and shape of the estate. Ask a solicitor to run the numbers. The reduced rate is a statutory incentive, not a World Aid Network scheme. It only applies to gifts that qualify as charitable for Inheritance Tax. That is another reason to wait for our charity number before locking a large residuary percentage, or to have the solicitor write a clause that can take the number when it exists. For some estates the 4-point drop means the people you love and the charity can both be better off than a will with no charitable gift. For others, a smaller pecuniary legacy is the better fit. We will not pretend there is one right percentage. ## Can I restrict my legacy to eye surgery, cancer or emergency relief? Yes. You can mark a gift for the Gift of Sight Appeal, the Cancer Emergency Appeal, or emergency relief — food, water, hygiene kits and shelter. An unrestricted gift is often more useful, because trustees can meet the greatest need when the estate is paid. If you restrict to eye surgery, about £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation; actual costs vary. If you restrict to cancer treatment, the gift funds imaging, surgery or chemotherapy for patients who cannot pay — all types of cancer, not research, not NHS care. If you restrict to emergency relief, the gift is food, clean water and temporary shelter in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia, not reconstruction or cash. A restriction must still sit inside our Objects. We cannot accept a will gift for work we do not do. If you are unsure, leave the gift unrestricted or email us before you instruct the solicitor. ## What could a legacy gift to World Aid Network fund? About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation; actual costs vary. Larger gifts contribute more to care; an operation count cannot be inferred from the amount. Larger residuary gifts can fund a surgical list, cancer treatment, or emergency kits after a flood or earthquake. Suggested amounts do not establish the number of patients helped. A will gift is paid years later, so we describe what those amounts fund at today’s partner prices. Trustees will apply the money, when it arrives, to the same Objects. We will not invent how many estates we have already received. If you would rather give something now, card donations are open. That is a lifetime gift, not a legacy. You can do both: a donation today, and a clause in your will for later. ## Do I need a solicitor to leave a charitable bequest? You are not legally required to use a solicitor, but a professionally drawn will is far less likely to fail. A homemade error can invalidate a gift or the whole will. A codicil can add World Aid Network to a will you already have. Instructing a solicitor is strongly recommended if you own a home, have children from more than one relationship, own assets abroad, or want Inheritance Tax planning. The Law Society’s find-a-solicitor tool can help you find a wills and probate specialist. Online will services and free will writing schemes can produce a valid will if they are correctly signed and witnessed. One paid online option for a straightforward England and Wales estate is SwiftWill (https://swiftwill.co.uk/). It is not a World Aid Network product. There is never any obligation to leave a charity gift when you use a free service. Our free will writing page explains how those schemes work. A DIY template from the internet is the riskiest route. Witnesses who are beneficiaries, a missing revocation clause, or unclear residue wording are common ways a charitable gift is lost. ## Should I tell World Aid Network about a gift in my will? You do not have to tell us. If you would like to, email info@worldaidnetwork.org in confidence. It helps us say thank you and to send you the charity number when it is granted. Telling us does not lock the gift; you can change your will at any time. We will not put you on a public list. We will not visit you unless you ask. After you die, your executor is the person who deals with the estate, obtains probate, and pays gifts in the will — including any gift to us. If you would like a conversation first, use the contact page or write to us at our London address. There is no obligation and no minimum pledge. ## How is a gift in a will different from in-memory giving or a donation today? A legacy is your instruction, in your will, for after you die. An in-memory gift is given by other people after someone has died. A card donation is money you give now. Gift Aid can apply to eligible lifetime gifts after HMRC recognition and eligibility checks; it does not apply to gifts in wills. Many families do both: a will gift from the person themselves, and later in-memory donations from friends. They are not substitutes. If you want to honour someone who has already died, use in-memory giving. If you want to give from income this month, use ways to donate. Lifetime tax relief — Gift Aid, payroll giving, donate shares — sits on those pages. This page is only about testamentary gifts and Inheritance Tax on death. ## Is legacy giving the same as free will writing? No. Free will writing is a way to make or update a will at no charge. Legacy giving is the charitable gift inside a will. You can use a free scheme and leave nothing to charity. You can pay a solicitor and still leave a gift to World Aid Network. We keep those topics on separate URLs so searchers are not sent to the wrong page. If you need a will written, start with free will writing. If you already have a will and want the clause and the tax rules, you are on the right page. ## What happens until Charity Commission registration is granted? World Aid Network is a charitable organisation applying for CIO registration. Registration is in progress (application 5290505). We cannot give a registered charity number today. Card donations are already open. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks. Gifts in wills should use our legal name and address, then add the number. Inheritance Tax exemption for charity gifts normally depends on the organisation being a qualifying charity at the date of death. A solicitor can draft a clause that names us now and takes the charity number when it exists, and can add a fallback if needed. When registration is granted we will update this page, the registration status page, and anyone who has written to us. We will never invent a charity number. ## Types of charitable legacy - Residuary legacy (Share of what is left): A percentage of whatever remains after debts, tax, costs and other gifts. This is usually the most useful gift to a charity because it keeps pace with the size of the estate. Example: I give 10% of my residuary estate to World Aid Network absolutely for its general charitable purposes. - Pecuniary legacy (Fixed cash sum): A named amount of money. Simple to write. Its real value can fall with inflation if many years pass before the will takes effect. Example: I give the sum of £2,000 to World Aid Network absolutely. - Specific legacy (Named item or asset): A particular asset — listed shares, a property, or a named item — left to the charity. Lifetime share gifts are a different route; see donate shares. Example: I give my 500 shares in [Company] to World Aid Network absolutely. ## What could a legacy fund? - £200: Contribution towards cataract assessment, treatment and follow-up - £400: Contribution towards eye care; actual costs and outcomes vary - £1,000: Contribution towards eye care; actual costs and outcomes vary - £2,000: Contribution towards eye care; actual costs and outcomes vary - £5,000: A major contribution towards cataract care; actual costs and outcomes vary - £10,000: A major contribution towards emergency food, water, hygiene kits and shelter ## Related pages - Free will writing — How no-obligation will schemes work. https://worldaidnetwork.org/legacy-giving/free-will-writing - UK will-writing guide — Seven steps, executors and witnessing. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/making-a-will-legacy-giving-uk-guide - SwiftWill — Paid online will for England and Wales. Not a WAN product. https://worldaidnetwork.orghttps://swiftwill.co.uk/ - In-memory giving — Gifts other people make after a death. https://worldaidnetwork.org/in-memory-giving - Gift Aid — Not currently available, and never applies to gifts in wills. https://worldaidnetwork.org/gift-aid - Tax-efficient giving — Lifetime income tax, payroll and shares. https://worldaidnetwork.org/tax-efficient-giving - Donate shares — Give listed shares during your lifetime. https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate-shares - Ways to donate — Card, monthly, payroll, crypto and more. https://worldaidnetwork.org/ways-to-donate - Registration status — Charity Commission application 5290505. https://worldaidnetwork.org/about/registration-status - Gift of Sight Appeal — A £200 gift contributes towards cataract care. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/gift-of-sight - Cancer Emergency Appeal — Treatment for patients who cannot pay. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency - Emergency relief — Food, water and shelter after disaster. https://worldaidnetwork.org/emergency-relief - Contact us — Talk about a will gift in confidence. https://worldaidnetwork.org/contact?subject=legacy ## Frequently asked questions ### What is a gift in a will? A gift in a will — also called legacy giving, a charitable bequest or gifts in wills — is an instruction that a charity receives money or an asset after you die. It costs nothing during your lifetime. ### What is a residuary legacy? A residuary legacy is a share or percentage of whatever remains in your estate after debts, tax, costs and other gifts. It usually keeps pace with the estate and is often the most useful gift to a charity. ### What is a pecuniary legacy? A pecuniary legacy is a fixed cash sum written into the will, for example £2,000 to World Aid Network. It is simple, but inflation can reduce its real value over time. ### What is a specific legacy? A specific legacy is a named item or asset — listed shares, a property, or an object — left to a person or a charity. Lifetime share giving is a different, tax-efficient route described on our donate shares page. ### Can I leave money to charity in my will if my estate is small? Yes. There is no minimum gift. A small pecuniary sum or a small residuary percentage is welcome. Provide for your family first. ### Do I need a solicitor? Not legally, but it is strongly recommended for anything that is not simple. A professionally drawn will is less likely to be challenged or to contain an error that loses the gift. A codicil can add a charity to an existing will. One paid online option for a straightforward England and Wales estate is SwiftWill (https://swiftwill.co.uk/). ### What wording should I use for World Aid Network? Give your solicitor this starting point: “I give [the sum of £X / X percent of my residuary estate] to World Aid Network, a charitable organisation applying to register as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation in England and Wales (Charity Commission application 5290505), of International House, 51 Borough High Street, London SE1 1NB, for its general charitable purposes absolutely. My executors may add the registered charity number when it is granted.” Do not describe us as a registered charity until a number is granted. ### Is a charitable legacy exempt from Inheritance Tax? Gifts to qualifying UK charities are IHT-exempt. The rate on the rest of the estate can fall from 40% to 36% if 10% or more of the net estate goes to qualifying charities. World Aid Network’s registration is in progress (application 5290505). ### Does Gift Aid apply to a gift in my will? No. Gift Aid is a lifetime relief on donations you make while you are alive. It does not apply to testamentary gifts. Gift Aid on WAN donations is not currently available; HMRC recognition and eligibility checks are required. ### Can I change my mind? Yes. You can change or revoke your will at any time while you have testamentary capacity. Telling us about a planned gift does not lock it in. ### Can I leave my house or shares to World Aid Network? Yes, as a specific legacy, with solicitor advice — especially if someone lives in the house. Listed shares can also be given during your lifetime; that route is on the donate shares page. ### How is this different from in-memory giving? A legacy is your own will. In-memory giving is a donation other people make after someone has died, including funeral collections. ### How is this different from free will writing? Free will writing is a way to make a will, often at no charge. Legacy giving is the charitable gift inside a will. There is never an obligation to leave a charity gift when you use a free will service. ### Can I leave a gift before you have a charity number? You can name World Aid Network with our legal name, address and application 5290505. Ask a solicitor to add the registered number when it is granted, and to consider a fallback for Inheritance Tax. Email info@worldaidnetwork.org and we will write when the number exists. ### Who deals with the gift after I die? Your executor. They obtain probate, pay debts and tax, and distribute the estate, including any gift to World Aid Network. Choose someone you trust; they can instruct a solicitor to help. ### Does this page give legal advice? No. It is general information about gifts in wills to World Aid Network. Use a solicitor for your circumstances. Rules differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland. ## How you can help Email info@worldaidnetwork.org in confidence, or write via https://worldaidnetwork.org/contact. This is general information, not legal advice. --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health. --- # Free Will Writing | Charity Will Service UK | WAN > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/legacy-giving/free-will-writing > How free UK will-writing schemes work. No obligation to leave a charity gift. Use a solicitor for World Aid Network will wording on our legacy page. # Free will writing — protect your loved ones, leave a legacy Writing a will is one of the most important things you can do for the people you love — and free will-writing services make it easy. If you choose, you can also leave a lasting gift to charity. [ Get the suggested will wording ](/legacy-giving#will-wording) [ Ask us about a gift in your will ](/contact?subject=legacy) ✓ CIO registration application in progress✓ Gifts fund patient care and reliefGift Aid not currently available Is there a free will writing service? Yes — several established UK schemes let adults write or update a will free of charge, including dedicated will-writing weeks. There is never any obligation to leave a charitable gift. Paid online wills such as SwiftWill are separate. Gifts to qualifying charities in a will are free of Inheritance Tax. Many UK adults put off writing a will. Yet without one, the law — not you — decides who inherits. Free will-writing schemes remove the cost barrier, letting you write or update a valid will at no charge, often during dedicated will-writing weeks. Paid online wills are a different product: [SwiftWill](https://swiftwill.co.uk/) publishes a one-time fee for a straightforward England and Wales will. You still print it and sign it with two independent adult witnesses. World Aid Network does not sell wills and does not rank firms. While your will is open, many people choose to leave a **gift in their will** to a cause they care about. Charitable gifts are exempt from Inheritance Tax, and leaving 10% or more of your net estate to charity can reduce the Inheritance Tax rate on the rest of your estate from 40% to 36% — benefiting both your chosen cause and your loved ones. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application 5290505). You can name us in a will now using our legal name and address; ask the solicitor or will writer to add the registered number when it is granted. Suggested wording is on the [legacy giving](/legacy-giving) page. There is never any obligation to leave a charitable gift. ## Why write your will with a legacy in mind Protect your family — and, if you wish, leave a lasting gift Free Established free-will schemes exist; World Aid Network is not a scheme partner 0% IHT Gifts to qualifying charities in a will are exempt from Inheritance Tax 40% → 36% Leaving 10%+ of your estate to charity can cut the IHT rate on the rest Any size Leave a fixed sum, a share of your estate, or what's left over ## Frequently asked questions Is there a free will writing service for charity gifts? Yes. Several established schemes let UK adults write or update a will free of charge — including dedicated will-writing weeks. There is never any obligation to leave a gift to charity when you use them. Paid online wills such as SwiftWill are a different product: they charge a fee and are not a free solicitor-week scheme. Why should I write a will? A will makes sure your wishes are carried out and your loved ones are provided for. If you die without one, the law decides who inherits — which may not reflect your wishes. Writing a will also lets you, if you choose, leave a gift to causes you care about, and can help reduce Inheritance Tax. Are charity gifts in a will tax-free? Gifts in your will to qualifying charities are exempt from Inheritance Tax. World Aid Network is applying for charity registration, so ask your solicitor to confirm its status when you make or update your will. What is more, if you leave at least 10% of your net estate to charity, the Inheritance Tax rate on the rest of your estate can be reduced from 40% to 36% — so a charitable legacy can also benefit the people you leave behind. What is the difference between a will gift and an in-memory donation? A gift in your will (a legacy) is arranged now but takes effect after you die, and can be a fixed sum, a percentage of your estate, or a specific item. An in-memory donation is given by others in memory of someone who has already died. Both are meaningful ways to support a cause; they simply happen at different times. Can I leave a gift to World Aid Network in my will? Yes. Use World Aid Network’s full legal name, London address and Charity Commission application 5290505\. Suggested wording is on our legacy giving page. Ask your solicitor or will writer to add the registered number when it is granted. Is SwiftWill a free will scheme? No. SwiftWill (https://swiftwill.co.uk/) is a paid online will for England and Wales. You still print the document and sign it with two independent adult witnesses. World Aid Network does not sell wills and is not a SwiftWill product. ### Related pages [Legacy giving overview](/legacy-giving)[UK will-writing guide](/blog/making-a-will-legacy-giving-uk-guide)[SwiftWill (online will)](https://swiftwill.co.uk/)[In memory giving](/in-memory-giving)[Gift Aid](/gift-aid)[Ways to donate](/ways-to-donate) ## Write your will — and leave the world a little kinder A will protects the people you love. And if you choose, a gift in your will can fund sight-restoring surgery, cancer treatment and disaster relief for generations to come. [ Get the suggested will wording ](/legacy-giving#will-wording) [ Ask us about a gift in your will ](/contact?subject=legacy) There is never any obligation to leave a charitable gift when using a free will service. ## Make an informed donation Check what the organisation offers, understand the conditions and choose a way to give that suits you. - [Compare ways to donate](/ways-to-donate) Card giving, monthly gifts and other routes, with current availability. - [Gift Aid eligibility explained](/gift-aid) Understand donor conditions and the current status at WAN. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and how estimates differ from results. - [Check our registration status](/about/registration-status) Distinguish the application reference from a registered charity number. - [Practical donor resources](/donor-resources) Find answers, useful tools and giving options. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Match Funding | Double Your Donation | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/match-funding > Employer matching can increase a charity gift. Check scheme eligibility, matching limits and WAN’s current status before requesting a match. # Match funding — make your donation go twice as far Match funding is the easiest way to double your impact — a second party matches your gift, so the charity receives twice as much at no extra cost to you. [ Give now, then ask your employer ](/donate#donate-form) [ All ways to donate ](/ways-to-donate) ✓ CIO registration application in progress✓ Gifts fund patient care and reliefGift Aid not currently available What is match funding? Match funding is when a second party — often your employer or a match-fund partner — matches donations, usually pound for pound, up to a set total. So when you give £20, the charity can receive £40\. Many employer schemes only match gifts to registered charities, and World Aid Network does not currently run a match-funded appeal. The most common form is **employer matching**: many companies match the donations their staff make, often pound for pound. A surprising number of employees never use it, simply because they do not know it exists — so it is always worth asking your HR team. The other form is a **match-funded appeal**, where a company or major donor pledges to match public donations during a set window, up to a limit. Giving during that window means every pound is doubled until the matching pot is used up. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration. Card donations are open, but many employer schemes only match gifts to registered charities, so check your scheme's rules first. We do not currently run a match-funded appeal. ## How match funding doubles your gift A second party matches what you give £20 → £40 Pound-for-pound matching doubles what the charity receives Employer Many workplaces match staff donations — ask yours Appeals Give during a match-funded appeal to double your gift £0 extra Doubling your impact costs you nothing more ## Frequently asked questions What is match funding? Match funding (or matched giving) is when a second party — often an employer or a match-fund partner — agrees to match donations, usually pound for pound, up to a set total. So when you give £20, the charity receives £40\. It is one of the simplest ways to double the impact of a donation at no extra cost to you. What is employer donation matching? Many employers run a matched-giving scheme that matches the charitable donations their staff make — often pound for pound. If your employer offers this, you simply submit your donation through their scheme and they add an equal amount. It is a quick way to double your gift, and many people do not realise their workplace offers it. How do match-funded appeals work? In a match-funded appeal, a company, major donor or fund pledges a pot of money to match public donations during a set period, up to a limit. Every pound given during the appeal is doubled until the matching pot runs out — so giving during a match window makes your donation go twice as far. How do I get my donation matched? Two main routes: ask your employer whether they run a donation-matching scheme and give through it, or give during a match-funded appeal when a partner is doubling donations. Many employer schemes only match gifts to registered charities, so check your scheme's rules first. Does World Aid Network offer match funding? Card donations are open. Many employer schemes only match gifts to registered charities, so check your scheme's rules first. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration. We do not currently run a match-funded appeal. ### Related pages [Corporate partnerships](/corporate-partnerships)[Payroll giving](/payroll-giving)[Gift Aid](/gift-aid)[Ways to donate](/ways-to-donate) ## Can your employer match a gift to World Aid Network? Give by card today, then ask your employer whether their scheme can match it. Many schemes only match gifts to registered charities, so check the rules first. [ Give now, then ask your employer ](/donate#donate-form) [ All ways to donate ](/ways-to-donate) ## Make an informed donation Check what the organisation offers, understand the conditions and choose a way to give that suits you. - [Compare ways to donate](/ways-to-donate) Card giving, monthly gifts and other routes, with current availability. - [Gift Aid eligibility explained](/gift-aid) Understand donor conditions and the current status at WAN. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and how estimates differ from results. - [Check our registration status](/about/registration-status) Distinguish the application reference from a registered charity number. - [Practical donor resources](/donor-resources) Find answers, useful tools and giving options. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Media & Fundraising Resources | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/media-resources > Find WAN organisation facts, logos, fundraising materials, reporting sources and media contacts. Resources for journalists, employers and community groups. ## What is available here? Find World Aid Network’s organisation facts, free fundraising resources, logos, programme-reporting links and media contact details. Check the current registration and reporting status before publishing. For an interview, image permission or a professional enquiry, email info@worldaidnetwork.org with your topic and deadline. SOMETHING USEFUL TO SHARE ## Resources with a practical purpose ![World Aid Network fundraising guide and matching appeal posters](/images/fundraising/pack-preview.webp) For employers, schools and community organisers ### Employer & community fundraising pack A coordinated set of planning guidance, print posters, editable messages and private record sheets. Free, with no sign-up. [Explore the fundraising pack →](/fundraising-pack) For journalists, researchers and donors ### Programme reporting & evidence Check the distinction between donations received, payments to partners and verified care or relief delivered. See what is available now. [Check the reporting status →](/our-impact) For hospitals, clinicians and aid organisations ### Hospital & delivery partnerships Read the eligibility, due diligence, written agreement and reporting process for proposed work in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. [Read the partnership process →](/partner-with-us) For Indonesian organisations, our [panduan kemitraan dalam Bahasa Indonesia](/id/bermitra-dengan-kami) explains the partnership process. Eye-care professionals can also read the [clinical review and eye-care partnership information](/eye-care-partners). CHECK BEFORE YOU PUBLISH ## The organisation at a glance Use the linked source for context and the latest status. An application reference is not a registered charity number. [Download the facts as text](/downloads/WAN-media-facts.txt) [Structured facts and resource index (JSON)](/data/media-resources.json) Organisation World Aid Network [Read the source for organisation](/about) Current status a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration [Read the source for current status](/about/registration-status) Programmes Eye surgery, cancer treatment and emergency relief [Read the source for programmes](/projects) Countries Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia [Read the source for countries](/our-impact#programme-updates) Reporting Read the publication status and available evidence for each appeal [Read the source for reporting](/our-impact) Gift Aid Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks. [Read the source for gift aid](/about/registration-status) READY TO REFERENCE ## Short descriptions for your publication You can quote or adapt these descriptions accurately. Reference the specific resource your readers need, and check its current status before publishing. ### About World Aid Network World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration. It supports access to eye surgery, cancer treatment and emergency relief in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia through local providers and delivery partners. Read the relevant appeal for its purpose and current reporting status. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks. [Organisation background](/about) ### About the fundraising pack World Aid Network offers a free employer and community fundraising pack with a 12-page organiser guide, appeal posters, a fillable event poster, editable Word messages and record sheets, and social graphics. Downloads are available without an account. Independent events should be described as “in aid of World Aid Network”. [Link readers to the pack](/fundraising-pack) ### A cost estimate is not an outcome Around £200 is a cataract-surgery planning estimate supplied to WAN by Mr Mohamed Mohyudin. Costs depend on assessment, the provider and the care required. It is not a fixed price or a guarantee of a completed operation or result. Before citing delivery figures, read [our programme reporting](/our-impact). Donations received, transfers to partners and care delivered are separate measures. The [eye-care film](/appeal/gift-of-sight#eye-care-film) illustrates a clinical setting; it does not establish who funded a procedure or its outcome. IDENTIFY THE ORGANISATION CLEARLY ## Logos and responsible use ![World Aid Network full-colour logo](/brand/wan-lockup.svg) ### Logo for a light background [Download colour SVG](/brand/wan-lockup.svg) ![World Aid Network white logo on navy](/brand/wan-lockup-knockout.svg) ### Logo for a dark background [Download white SVG](/brand/wan-lockup-knockout.svg) Use the logo to identify WAN accurately and retain its proportions. Do not imply an endorsement, an approved partnership or registration status that has not been confirmed. Photography, patient stories and clinical footage need a separate permission check. [Ask about image and story permissions](#contact). A reference link helps readers find the source, but is not a condition of access to these resources, funding or partnership. Editorial coverage should remain independent. ## Questions about sharing our work Where can I find information for an article about World Aid Network? Find World Aid Network’s organisation facts, free fundraising resources, logos, programme-reporting links and media contact details. Check the current registration and reporting status before publishing. For an interview, image permission or a professional enquiry, email info@worldaidnetwork.org with your topic and deadline. Can I recommend the fundraising pack to my readers? Yes. The pack is free to download without an account. Its guide, posters and editable templates help employers and community organisers plan a fundraiser. The fundraising-pack page is the best link for readers because it explains the materials and their use. Does the website publish verified programme totals? Read the current programme-reporting page and the individual appeal. Only cite totals that have a published reporting period, evidence and limitations. An unavailable total is not zero, and a donation amount does not establish completed operations or people helped. May I reuse a photograph, patient story or surgery video? Contact WAN before reproducing photographs, patient stories, clinical footage or material credited to another owner. These need a specific rights and consent check. The logo downloads and short descriptions do not grant permission for those materials. LET’S GET THE DETAILS RIGHT ## Media and professional enquiries Include your publication or organisation, topic, questions, deadline with time zone, and any image or interview request. We can check what evidence and permissions are available. Please do not send patient records or donor details in an initial enquiry. [Email the WAN team](mailto:info@worldaidnetwork.org?subject=Media%20enquiry%20-%20World%20Aid%20Network)[Use the contact form](/contact) To report an error, use our [corrections process](/corrections). Read our [editorial policy](/editorial-policy) and [how donations are used](/where-your-money-goes). Updated 6 October 2026. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # How Funding Works | Method | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/method/funding > How World Aid Network funds partner hospitals and local relief partners: named-patient lists, verified reports and a strict no-cash policy. # How funding works Named-patient lists, partner hospitals and a strict no-cash policy. Quick answer World Aid Network releases funds to accredited partner hospitals and vetted local relief partners against trustee-approved named patient lists or verified relief reports — never as cash to individuals. Clinical care is delivered by PMDC-, KKI- or MMC-registered clinicians at partner hospitals, not by WAN overseas teams. ## What is the funding pathway? Trustees approve partners and release funds against specific patient lists for eye surgery and cancer treatment, or against verified emergency relief reports for food, clean water and temporary shelter. Partners must hold appropriate national registrations and provide pre- and post-delivery reporting. ## Who should skip this page? Readers looking for cash transfers to individuals, reconstruction projects outside our emergency Objects, or treatment outside Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia will not find those pathways here — they are outside our charitable remit. ## Related pages - [How we work](/how-we-work) - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) - [Editorial policy](/editorial-policy) - [Open data](/open-data) ## What questions do donors ask about funding? ### Does World Aid Network send cash to patients? No. Funds are paid directly to accredited partner hospitals and vetted local partners against approved lists or reports — never as cash to individuals. ### Who performs the surgery or treatment? Locally licensed clinicians registered with PMDC (Pakistan), KKI (Indonesia) or MMC (Malaysia) at partner hospitals. World Aid Network does not run its own clinics. ### When do online card donations open? Online card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay donations are live via Stripe. Donors can give securely in GBP (£), USD ($), or EUR (€). --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Monthly Giving | Monthly Charity Donation UK | WAN > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/monthly-giving > Give monthly to fund eye surgery, cancer treatment and disaster relief all year. Choose a cause and amount; cancel future payments at any time. # Give monthly: steady support for eye surgery, cancer care and disaster relief A monthly gift lets partner hospitals and relief partners plan ahead: surgery lists planned in advance, emergency supplies funded before the next flood, and support for cancer patients part-way through treatment. [ Start monthly giving ](/donate?frequency=monthly¤cy=GBP#donate-form) [ Give £17 a month ](/donate?amount=17&frequency=monthly¤cy=GBP#donate-form) ✓ CIO registration application in progress✓ Gifts fund patient care and reliefGift Aid not currently available What does World Aid Network do? Monthly donations let World Aid Network schedule surgical sessions, maintain emergency stocks and fund continuity of cancer treatment year-round. Choose eye surgery, cancer care or emergency relief — or give unrestricted and let trustees direct your gift to the greatest need across our programmes in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Disasters strike without warning. Cancer does not wait for a fundraising campaign. Regular donations help us plan ahead and respond as partner capacity and verified needs allow. Already give monthly? [Manage your gift securely](/manage-giving) or [contact our team](/contact) for assistance. You can read approved reports on the relevant appeal page. Choose eye surgery, cancer care or emergency relief — or give unrestricted and let trustees direct your gift where the need is greatest that month. Cancel future payments at any time; contact us to change the amount. ## What could a monthly gift support? Choose an amount to open the secure form with it selected. Every amount is a contribution, not a guaranteed outcome. [ £5/mo Contributes towards supportive medicines for cancer patients Give £5 a month → ](/donate?amount=5&frequency=monthly¤cy=GBP#donate-form)[ £10/mo Contributes towards eye assessments before cataract surgery Give £10 a month → ](/donate?amount=10&frequency=monthly¤cy=GBP#donate-form)[ £17/mo Around £200 a year, our planning estimate for one cataract operation; actual costs vary Give £17 a month → ](/donate?amount=17&frequency=monthly¤cy=GBP#donate-form)[ £25/mo £300 a year towards the programme you choose Give £25 a month → ](/donate?amount=25&frequency=monthly¤cy=GBP#donate-form)[ £50/mo Contributes towards emergency food and clean water after disasters Give £50 a month → ](/donate?amount=50&frequency=monthly¤cy=GBP#donate-form) ## Frequently asked questions When will my monthly donation be charged? Stripe shows the amount, currency and recurring schedule before you confirm. The first payment is taken at checkout; the same amount then renews each month until cancelled. Review the next payment date in your Stripe giving account. How do I change or cancel a monthly gift? Open Manage Giving and complete Stripe email verification to see the available account options. For help changing an amount, cancelling or updating an email address, contact info@worldaidnetwork.org. Cancel before the next payment date to stop future renewals; cancellation does not automatically refund earlier gifts. Where can I find receipts and programme updates? Check the email address used at checkout for your Stripe receipt. If a receipt is missing, contact our team. Approved programme reports are published on appeal pages and Our Impact. Email programme news is optional and separate from essential payment communications. Why is monthly giving valuable for a humanitarian charity? Regular gifts let trustees plan surgical sessions, keep emergency stocks ready and support cancer patients part-way through treatment. One-off appeals matter, but monthly gifts help programmes continue between crises. Can I choose which programme my monthly gift supports? Yes. You can direct your monthly gift toward eye surgery, cancer treatment or emergency relief when you donate. Unrestricted monthly gifts give trustees flexibility to fund the greatest need. Is monthly giving Gift Aid eligible? Gift Aid is currently unavailable. It will only be offered after the required registration and HMRC recognition are confirmed, with an eligible donor declaration. How much should I give monthly? Choose an amount you can afford, from £1 per month. For context, £17 per month totals £204 over a year, close to our approximate £200 planning estimate for a cataract operation. Actual costs and treatment decisions vary; a gift is a contribution, not a guaranteed outcome. ### Related pages [Manage your monthly gift](/manage-giving)[Approved programme reports](/our-impact)[Ways to donate](/ways-to-donate)[Emergency relief](/emergency-relief)[Floods & Earthquake Appeal](/appeal/emergency-floods)[Charity virtual gifts](/charity-virtual-gifts)[Fundraise for us](/fundraise-for-us)[Sponsor a cataract operation](/sponsor-a-cataract-operation) ## Start giving every month Choose a sustainable monthly amount and help us plan support for eye care, cancer treatment or emergency relief. [ Start monthly giving ](/donate?frequency=monthly¤cy=GBP#donate-form) [ Give £17 a month ](/donate?amount=17&frequency=monthly¤cy=GBP#donate-form) Monthly gifts renew until cancelled. Cancel future payments at any time; contact us to change the amount. Gift Aid is currently unavailable. ## Make an informed donation Check what the organisation offers, understand the conditions and choose a way to give that suits you. - [Compare ways to donate](/ways-to-donate) Card giving, monthly gifts and other routes, with current availability. - [Gift Aid eligibility explained](/gift-aid) Understand donor conditions and the current status at WAN. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and how estimates differ from results. - [Check our registration status](/about/registration-status) Distinguish the application reference from a registered charity number. - [Practical donor resources](/donor-resources) Find answers, useful tools and giving options. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Open Data & Reporting Status | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/open-data > Download World Aid Network programme reference files and reporting-status data. Understand planning estimates, unavailable totals and publication limits. # Open Data Hub Frictionless Data Package · CC-BY 4.0 · Programme references & reporting status Quick answer World Aid Network publishes programme reference files and reporting-status data. Cost examples are planning estimates, not audited spending. Impact totals remain unavailable until approved partner reports are published; null means unavailable, not zero. The downloadable data package describes the files and their limits. ## What Open Knowledge datasets are available for download? The files below use a Frictionless Data Package manifest and are published under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC-BY 4.0). Reuse must preserve each file’s status and limitations. Reference values are not independent verification of World Aid Network’s financial or clinical performance. [datapackage.json](/data/datapackage.json) JSON (OKF Manifest) Complete Frictionless Data Package manifest specifying schemas, field types, licensing (CC-BY 4.0), and resource paths. [ Download ](/data/datapackage.json) [unit-costs.csv](/data/unit-costs.csv) CSV (UTF-8) Planning estimates for eye care and emergency relief; not verified current quotes or guarantees of a completed activity. [ Download ](/data/unit-costs.csv) [cataract-surgical-standards.csv](/data/cataract-surgical-standards.csv) CSV (UTF-8) Reference fields for clinical licensing, eye assessment and follow-up. This file is not evidence of a named partner’s accreditation or completed surgery. [ Download ](/data/cataract-surgical-standards.csv) [emergency-response-matrices.csv](/data/emergency-response-matrices.csv) CSV (UTF-8) Reference planning fields for food, water and shelter. These values are not evidence of quantities actually delivered. [ Download ](/data/emergency-response-matrices.csv) [impact.json](/data/impact.json) JSON Publication status and nullable programme totals. Null means unavailable, not zero; no approved totals are currently published. [ Download ](/data/impact.json) ## Why unavailable totals are shown as null We have not published approved programme totals. A null value means the information is unavailable; it must not be converted to zero or described as an audited outcome. The updated field records review of the publication status. A future dataAsOf field will identify the date covered by an approved report. Planning estimates and donations received must not be converted into beneficiary counts. Machine surfaces: Also referenced in [llms.txt](/llms.txt), [api-catalog](/.well-known/api-catalog), and [auth.md](/auth.md). ## Is AI training and citation allowed? Yes. Search, answer-engine use and model training on this site are permitted. The TDM Reservation Protocol file at [/.well-known/tdmrep.json](/.well-known/tdmrep.json) sets `tdm-reservation` to `0` (training is not reserved). robots.txt Content-Signal is `search=yes, ai-input=yes, ai-train=yes` for every listed crawler. Cite worldaidnetwork.org and the page URL. Do not invent a Charity Commission number or Gift Aid eligibility without HMRC recognition and eligible donation records. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Our Impact & Appeal Updates | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/our-impact > Read World Aid Network's reporting status for donation receipts, partner payments and verified eye surgery, cancer treatment and emergency relief outcomes. # How we report funding and results Donations received, payments to partners and care delivered answer different questions. Here is how to read our programme reports and what is currently available. ## What impact has been verified? Verified programme totals and delivery reports are not yet published here. An unavailable total does not mean zero activity. We separate money received, payments to partners and completed care or relief, and publish figures only with an approved reporting period and supporting evidence. The [public reporting-status data](/data/impact.json) uses `null` for unavailable totals. It is not an audited statement of outcomes. ## How does a donation become delivered aid? 1. ### Money received Confirmed, settled donations for the stated reporting period. Net receipts deduct refunds, chargebacks and payment processing fees. A pledge or an unfinished checkout is not money received. 2. ### Partner paid Payments supported by transfer records and an identified delivery partner. Transferring funds does not itself show that an operation or a relief distribution has happened. 3. ### Delivery reported Care or relief supported by reviewed partner records. Reports explain the period, activity counted and limitations, including incomplete follow-up or possible repeat recipients. Planning estimates help explain an appeal. They are never a substitute for counted delivery: £200 donated does not automatically become “one operation completed” in our reporting. ## Where can you find programme updates? The three programmes cover Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Named partners, approved financial reports and verified delivery updates will appear in the relevant appeal when available for publication. __Publication status of programme figures__ | Programme | Money received | Partner payments | Delivery reports | | ---------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | | [Gift of Sight Appeal](/appeal/gift-of-sight) | Not yet published | Not yet published | Not yet published | | [Cancer Emergency Appeal](/appeal/cancer-emergency) | Not yet published | Not yet published | Not yet published | | [Emergency Floods & Earthquake Appeal](/appeal/emergency-floods) | Not yet published | Not yet published | Not yet published | "Not yet published" means a figure has not been reconciled and approved for publication. It does not mean zero. Each figure will appear here, and on the appeal page, with its reporting period. ### What is in place now? Two unrelated trustees authorise every payment, overseas funds move only by regulated bank transfer, and grants are released in stages after receipts are reviewed. [How your gift is protected](/where-your-money-goes) [Donate to eye surgery](/donate?cause=eye-surgery#donate-form) [Donate to cancer treatment](/donate?cause=cancer-treatment#donate-form) [Donate to disaster relief](/donate?cause=emergency-relief#donate-form) ## What should an impact report tell you? ### Eye surgery Country and hospital, operations completed, period covered, follow-up available and how clinical outcomes were assessed. Procedures and unique patients should be counted separately. ### Cancer treatment Treatments funded and delivered, the period covered and whether a course was completed or remains ongoing. Funding a treatment is not evidence of recovery or survival. ### Emergency relief Where and when distributions took place, what was delivered, how households were counted and how repeat recipients were handled. Reported reach should not be presented as lives saved. ## What else should you know about our impact? What impact has World Aid Network reported? Verified programme totals and delivery reports are not yet published here. An unavailable total does not mean zero activity. We separate money received, payments to partners and completed care or relief, and publish figures only with an approved reporting period and supporting evidence. Does a donation total show how many people have been helped? No. A donation is a financial receipt; a transfer is a payment to a delivery partner. Completed operations, treatment and relief distributions require separate partner evidence. We do not convert donations into claimed patient outcomes using an estimated unit cost. Will patient names or donor details be public? Public reporting should use anonymised, aggregate information. Patient records and donor contact details are not public evidence. A photograph or personal story requires specific permission to publish before it can appear in an appeal update. [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) [Ask for programme information](/contact) [Our publication standards](/editorial-policy) --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Our Policies | Governance & Transparency | WAN > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/our-policies > Read our policies: fourteen documents covering governance, safeguarding, financial controls and complaints. See how we are run and held to account. # Our Policies World Aid Network publishes its full policy suite openly. Below you can download each policy document as a PDF. These policies govern how we protect beneficiaries, manage public money, treat volunteers and trustees, and ensure accountability in everything we do. Quick answer World Aid Network publishes its full policy suite openly — fourteen documents covering governance, financial controls, safeguarding and legal compliance — each downloadable as a PDF on this page. The charity is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration, governed by named trustees under a written constitution. ## What do our policies commit us to? - Every payment needs authorisation by two unrelated trustees through secure online banking (Financial Controls Policy). - Money reaches overseas partners only by regulated SWIFT/IBAN bank transfer, under a strict no-cash policy for international transfers (Financial Controls Policy). - Grants go only to accredited medical institutions or registered organisations that pass due diligence, including sanctions and safeguarding checks (Grant-Making Policy). - Large grants are paid in stages, and each later stage is released only after the board has reviewed evidence and financial receipts (Grant-Making Policy). - Safeguarding concerns raised in a complaint go straight to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (Complaints and Safeguarding policies). ## Can I get a refund if I donate by mistake? - **Mistakes:** if you paid twice, entered the wrong amount or did not mean to give, email [info@worldaidnetwork.org](mailto:info@worldaidnetwork.org) within 30 days of the payment and we will refund the payment made in error to the card you used. - **Monthly gifts:** you can cancel future payments at any time from [Manage your giving](/manage-giving). If a payment is taken after you asked us to cancel, we will refund it. - **Other requests:** donations are held for charitable purposes, so other refund requests are considered case by case by the trustees. Please include the date, the amount and the email address you used. Never send card details by email. ## How do I make a complaint? - **Step 1, informal:** email [info@worldaidnetwork.org](mailto:info@worldaidnetwork.org). We aim to resolve issues quickly at this stage. - **Step 2, formal:** if it is not resolved, write to the Chair of Trustees at the same address or by post to our registered office. We acknowledge formal complaints within 5 working days and respond in full within 14 working days. - **Step 3, board review:** if you remain dissatisfied, ask for a board review. The full board gives a final written decision within 21 working days. Please tell us what happened, when, who was involved and what you would like us to do. If a serious regulatory concern remains after our final response, you can contact the [Charity Commission](https://www.gov.uk/complain-about-charity), the [Fundraising Regulator](https://www.fundraisingregulator.org.uk/) (fundraising matters) or the [Information Commissioner's Office](https://ico.org.uk/) (data protection). Full details are in the [Complaints Policy](/downloads/WAN%5FComplaints%5FPolicy.pdf). The trustees adopted these policies for World Aid Network’s application to register as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (application 5290505), so each PDF is headed “World Aid Network (CIO)”. That heading names the legal form we have applied for. World Aid Network is not yet a registered charity; see our [registration status](/about/registration-status). Governance [ Safeguarding Policy Our commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals — including beneficiaries, volunteers and staff — from harm. Covers reporting obligations, designated safeguarding leads and escalation procedures. PDF download ](/downloads/WAN%5FSafeguarding%5FPolicy.pdf)[ Complaints Policy How to raise a concern or complaint about World Aid Network — including timescales for response and escalation to the Charity Commission where appropriate. PDF download ](/downloads/WAN%5FComplaints%5FPolicy.pdf)[ Conflicts of Interest Policy Procedures for identifying, declaring and managing conflicts of interest among trustees, staff and volunteers — in line with Charity Commission guidance. PDF download ](/downloads/WAN%5FConflict%5Fof%5FInterest%5FPolicy.pdf)[ Risk Management Policy How trustees identify, assess, monitor and respond to strategic, operational, financial and reputational risks — including the charity's risk register framework. PDF download ](/downloads/WAN%5FRisk%5FManagement%5FPolicy.pdf)[ Whistleblowing Policy Protection and reporting channels for anyone who wishes to raise a concern about misconduct, fraud or other wrongdoing within World Aid Network — including external escalation routes. PDF download ](/downloads/WAN%5FWhistleblowing%5FPolicy.pdf)[ Trustee Code of Conduct The standards of behaviour expected of World Aid Network trustees — covering fiduciary duty, confidentiality, declaration of interests and attendance at meetings. PDF download ](/downloads/WAN%5FTrustee%5FCode%5Fof%5FConduct.pdf) Finance [ Financial Controls Policy Internal financial controls governing authorisation of payments, bank signatories, expense claims, procurement and the no-cash overseas disbursement model. PDF download ](/downloads/WAN%5FFinancial%5FControls%5FPolicy.pdf)[ Grant-Making Policy The criteria and process by which World Aid Network evaluates, approves and monitors grants to partner hospitals and organisations — including the milestone-release model and outcome reporting requirements. PDF download ](/downloads/WAN%5FGrant%5FMaking%5FPolicy.pdf) Legal [ Data Protection Policy Our obligations and procedures under UK GDPR — covering donor data, beneficiary information, retention periods and data subject rights. PDF download ](/downloads/WAN%5FData%5FProtection%5FPolicy.pdf)[ Anti-Bribery Policy World Aid Network's zero-tolerance approach to bribery and corruption — covering staff, trustees, volunteers and partner organisations. PDF download ](/downloads/WAN%5FAnti%5FBribery%5FPolicy.pdf) People [ Equality Policy Our commitment to equality, diversity and non-discrimination in all activities — including beneficiary selection, volunteer recruitment and trustee appointments. PDF download ](/downloads/WAN%5FEquality%5FPolicy.pdf)[ Bullying and Harassment Policy Procedures for preventing and addressing bullying and harassment — covering trustees, staff, volunteers and third-party interactions. PDF download ](/downloads/WAN%5FBullying%5FHarassment%5FPolicy.pdf)[ Volunteering Policy Rights, responsibilities and expectations for volunteers — covering recruitment, induction, reimbursement of expenses and conduct. PDF download ](/downloads/WAN%5FVolunteering%5FPolicy.pdf) Communications [ Social Media Policy Guidelines for trustees and volunteers on appropriate use of social media — including what may and may not be shared on behalf of the charity. PDF download ](/downloads/WAN%5FSocial%5FMedia%5FPolicy.pdf) Constitutional Documents [ World Aid Network Constitution (CIO Foundation Model) The constitution World Aid Network submitted with its application to register as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation — including its charitable objects, trustee powers, membership and dissolution provisions. Foundation CIO model constitution. PDF download · 27 pages ](/downloads/World%5FAid%5FNetwork%5FConstitution.pdf) ## Questions about our governance? If you have a question about any of our policies, or wish to make a complaint, please contact us. We aim to acknowledge all queries within five working days. [Contact us](/contact) [Email us](mailto:info@worldaidnetwork.org) ### Related pages [About World Aid Network](/about)[How we work](/how-we-work)[Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes)[Contact](/contact) --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Partner With WAN | Hospital & Aid Funding Enquiries > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/partner-with-us > Hospitals and aid organisations in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia: explore partnership enquiries, eligibility, funding checks, agreements and reporting. Quick answer WAN welcomes initial delivery-partnership enquiries in eye care, cancer care and emergency relief. Funding is considered after checks on legal status, capacity, safeguards and the proposed work, followed by an approved written agreement. An enquiry, completed checks or an MoU alone does not guarantee funding. ## Who can enquire? ### Eye hospitals and clinicians Propose assessment, cataract care, referral and follow-up for people facing barriers to care. Individual clinicians should identify the licensed facility and legal organisation responsible for delivery. [Eye-care professional enquiries](/eye-care-partners) ### Cancer hospitals and care teams Describe the available diagnostic or treatment pathway, clinical oversight, eligibility and continuity of care. Any proposed support must have a realistic plan for treatment and follow-up. [Cancer treatment programme](/appeal/cancer-emergency) ### Emergency aid organisations Describe the community need, local coordination, distribution arrangements, safeguarding and how people can give feedback or raise concerns. [Emergency relief programme](/emergency-relief) ## How funding is considered 1. 01 ### Introduce your organisation Send a short, non-confidential enquiry. Explain the country, programme, unmet need and proposed work. WAN first considers whether it fits the programme and available capacity. 2. 02 ### Verify eligibility and assess risk Before any funding decision, provide evidence of government registration or lawful public-body status, required licences, governance and delivery capability. Additional checks depend on the programme and risk. 3. 03 ### Agree the proposal and budget Develop a specific plan, eligibility criteria, itemised costs, timeframe and reporting measures together. Identify other funding, possible duplication and responsibilities on both sides. 4. 04 ### Approve and sign written terms Any award requires approval by authorised decision-makers and a signed funding agreement. An MoU may describe cooperation; the funding terms must also set out enforceable responsibilities and conditions. 5. 05 ### Verify the account and authorise transfers Funds can be released only after approval, agreement and required checks. Use a verified organisational account and agreed payment schedule, with proportionate milestones and documented authorisation. 6. 06 ### Report, review and close the project Reconcile spending and delivery against the agreed plan. Review concerns, changes and follow-up before further payments. The agreement governs unused funds, suspension and closure. ## Registration is the starting point WAN seeks delivery organisations that are legally established with the relevant government authority and hold the permissions needed for their activities. Hospitals must be able to evidence facility permissions and the relevant professionals’ current licences. Public hospitals should explain their statutory authority and who can enter an agreement. Visiting specialists also need the relevant local permissions, agreed scope, appropriate indemnity and safeguarding arrangements. Requirements differ between Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Evidence must be checked against the applicable country and local rules, including permission to receive overseas funding where required. Registration is not a substitute for clinical or operational competence. - Doctors may introduce a proposal through a licensed institution; this route is not a request for grants to a personal bank account. - Use the organisation’s legal name and an authorised contact. Explain related organisations, subcontractors and potential conflicts of interest. - An organisation awaiting registration can ask about requirements, but should not present itself as funding-ready. ## What is considered during due diligence? Checks should be proportionate to the size, location and risk of the work, with decisions and unresolved issues recorded. Documents are requested through an agreed channel after initial contact. - Legal identity, leadership, signatory authority, references and relevant sanctions or other legal restrictions. - Programme experience, staffing, capacity, clinical governance where relevant and realistic delivery plans. - Safeguarding, protection from exploitation and abuse, safe complaints routes, consent and confidentiality. - Accounts, financial controls, procurement, fraud prevention, organisational banking and the ability to evidence expenditure. - Local risk, continuity arrangements and oversight of any other organisation involved in delivery. ## What should the MoU and funding agreement cover? Agree the scope and legal parties before signing. The title “MoU” does not itself determine whether a document is binding. The appropriate agreement should be checked for the circumstances and signed by people with authority on both sides. - Purpose, location, beneficiaries, responsibilities, dates and agreed outputs. - Budget, currency, eligible costs, payment conditions, reporting and supporting records. - Safeguarding, data protection, confidentiality, incident reporting and use of names or images. - Changes, access to records, monitoring, disputes, suspension, termination and unused or misapplied funds. ## What should be transparent to donors and communities? Agree reporting that distinguishes money transferred, activity delivered and outcomes evidenced. Public updates should describe the reporting period and limitations without exposing patients, children or other people at risk. People receiving support should have a safe way to ask questions or complain. Assistance should respond to need and respect dignity; consent to publicity must be separate from access to care. Do not send patient records, identity-document copies, account details or confidential case files with an initial enquiry. No charge or donation is required to make a partnership enquiry. ## WAN’s status and the limits of this invitation World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration. Application reference 5290505 is not a charity registration number. [Check the current registration status](/about/registration-status) This page describes the route for considering proposals. It is not an open grant award, an accreditation scheme or a promise that every eligible organisation will receive funding. Before signing or transferring funds, the responsible decision-makers must confirm the legal contracting party, authority, applicable requirements and available funds. The proposed CIO name must not be treated as an already registered legal entity. ## Send a short introduction Use English or Bahasa Indonesia. Include the information below in an email to info@worldaidnetwork.org. Please send public links first; agree how to share supporting documents later. 1. Organisation’s legal name, website and country/city 2. Your name, role and official contact email 3. Programme: eye care, cancer care or emergency relief 4. Registration authority/reference and relevant licence details or public links 5. The need, proposed activities, approximate budget/currency and timeframe 6. Delivery experience and safeguarding/reporting arrangements [Open an enquiry email](mailto:info@worldaidnetwork.org?subject=Delivery%20partnership%20enquiry&body=Organisation%E2%80%99s%20legal%20name%2C%20website%20and%20country%2Fcity%3A%0A%0AYour%20name%2C%20role%20and%20official%20contact%20email%3A%0A%0AProgramme%3A%20eye%20care%2C%20cancer%20care%20or%20emergency%20relief%3A%0A%0ARegistration%20authority%2Freference%20and%20relevant%20licence%20details%20or%20public%20links%3A%0A%0AThe%20need%2C%20proposed%20activities%2C%20approximate%20budget%2Fcurrency%20and%20timeframe%3A%0A%0ADelivery%20experience%20and%20safeguarding%2Freporting%20arrangements%3A%0A%0A)[Download the enquiry checklist](/downloads/partnership-enquiry-en.txt) If an email application does not open, copy the address or use our contact form. [info@worldaidnetwork.org](mailto:info@worldaidnetwork.org) · [Use the contact form](/contact) Do not send patient records, identity-document copies, account details or confidential case files with an initial enquiry. No charge or donation is required to make a partnership enquiry. ## Partnership questions Is government registration enough to receive funding? No. Registration and relevant licences are starting requirements. The proposed work, capacity, safeguards, financial controls and risks also need assessment. Funding requires approval, available resources and written terms. Can an individual doctor apply? A clinician can make an initial enquiry or propose clinical review. A funded delivery proposal should identify the licensed facility, responsible legal organisation and authorised signatory. Will funds be transferred after signing an MoU? Not automatically. A signed cooperation MoU alone is not a funding approval. Transfers depend on an approved budget, suitable funding terms, verified organisational banking and the conditions in the agreement. Can Indonesian organisations enquire in Bahasa Indonesia? Yes. The Bahasa Indonesia version explains the same process. Please use either English or Bahasa Indonesia for the initial enquiry. Do applicants pay a fee or need to donate? No charge or donation is required to make a partnership enquiry. Please report any request for an application fee through WAN’s contact page. ## Looking for a different route? - [Corporate giving and sponsorship](/corporate-partnerships) - [Patient eye-care information](/eye-health#find-help) - [Cancer support enquiries](/cancer/eligibility-checker) - [Policies and complaints](/our-policies) - [Privacy policy](/privacy-policy) ## Guidance informing this process - [Charity Commission: safeguarding and protecting people](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/safeguarding-and-protecting-people-for-charities-and-trustees) - [Charity Commission: working internationally](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/charities-how-to-manage-risks-when-working-internationally) - [GOV.UK: charity structures and CIO registration](https://www.gov.uk/setting-up-charity/structures) - [Charity Commission: due diligence and monitoring](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/charities-due-diligence-monitoring-and-verifying-the-end-use-of-charitable-funds/chapter-2-due-diligence-monitoring-and-end-use-of-funds) - [Charity Commission: know your partner](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/charities-due-diligence-monitoring-and-verifying-the-end-use-of-charitable-funds/chapter-2-tool-8-know-your-partner-key-issues-to-think-about) - [Charity Commission: partnership agreement checklist](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/charities-due-diligence-monitoring-and-verifying-the-end-use-of-charitable-funds/chapter-2-tool-10-outline-partnership-agreement) - [Core Humanitarian Standard: quality and accountability](https://www.corehumanitarianstandard.org/the-standard) - [UNICEF: distinct routes for programme and funding partners](https://www.unicef.org/partnerships/civil-society) The Charity Commission guidance cited applies to England and Wales. These references inform the approach; they do not certify WAN, replace country-specific checks or imply endorsement or affiliation. Updated 4 October 2026 --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Payroll Giving UK | Give As You Earn | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/payroll-giving > Payroll giving lets you donate straight from your salary before tax, so a £10 gift costs a basic-rate taxpayer £8. Learn how Give As You Earn works. # Payroll Giving — give straight from your salary, before tax Payroll Giving is a tax-efficient way to give regularly to a recognised charity — your donation leaves your pay before tax, so it costs you less. It is not yet available for World Aid Network, which is still applying for CIO registration. [ Give monthly by card instead ](/donate?frequency=monthly¤cy=GBP#donate-form) [ All ways to donate ](/ways-to-donate) ✓ CIO registration application in progress✓ Gifts fund patient care and reliefGift Aid not currently available What is Payroll Giving? Payroll Giving (Give As You Earn) lets you donate to charity directly from your salary before tax is deducted. Because the gift comes from your gross pay, you get tax relief automatically — so a £10 gift costs a basic-rate taxpayer £8 and a higher-rate taxpayer £6\. It is set up through your employer's payroll and is not yet available for World Aid Network. Because the gift is taken from your gross salary, the tax relief is automatic and given at your highest rate. There is nothing to claim back, and the charity does not need to reclaim anything — your full pre-tax gift goes straight to good causes. Many employers also **match** their employees' Payroll Giving, which can double the value of every donation. If your workplace runs a scheme, signing up takes only a few minutes; if it does not, you can ask your HR or payroll team to set one up through an approved Payroll Giving agency. World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration, so Payroll Giving is not yet available for gifts to us. You can [give monthly by card](/donate?frequency=monthly¤cy=GBP#donate-form) today instead. ## What Payroll Giving costs you The tax you would have paid goes to charity instead £10 Costs a basic-rate (20%) taxpayer £8 after relief, when given to a recognised charity £10 Costs a higher-rate (40%) taxpayer £6 after relief, when given to a recognised charity £25 A regular monthly workplace gift, given automatically each payday Match Many employers match employee Payroll Giving to registered charities ## Frequently asked questions What is Payroll Giving (Give As You Earn)? Payroll Giving — also called Give As You Earn (GAYE) — lets you donate to charity straight from your salary before tax is deducted. Because the gift comes out of your gross (pre-tax) pay, you automatically get tax relief at your highest rate, so your chosen charity receives more at a lower cost to you. It is set up through your employer's payroll. How does Payroll Giving save tax? Your donation is taken from your pay before income tax. So a £10 monthly gift costs a basic-rate (20%) taxpayer just £8, and a higher-rate (40%) taxpayer just £6 — because the tax you would have paid goes to the charity instead. The relief is given automatically; there is no need to claim it back like with Gift Aid. How do I set up Payroll Giving? Your employer must run a Payroll Giving scheme (many do). You complete a simple form telling them how much to give and to which charity, and the donation is deducted from each payslip and passed on through an approved Payroll Giving agency. If your employer does not yet offer a scheme, you can ask them to set one up. Is Payroll Giving better than Gift Aid? They work differently. With Gift Aid the charity reclaims the basic-rate tax on your donation; with Payroll Giving the relief is given at source at your highest rate, which is especially valuable for higher-rate taxpayers and requires no separate claim. Some donors use Gift Aid for one-off gifts and Payroll Giving for regular workplace giving. Can I give to World Aid Network through Payroll Giving? World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration. Payroll Giving and the associated tax relief apply to recognised charities, so this will be available once registration is complete. In the meantime, you can give monthly by card at worldaidnetwork.org/donate; Gift Aid and tax relief do not apply. ### Related pages [Gift Aid](/gift-aid)[Monthly giving](/monthly-giving)[Corporate partnerships](/corporate-partnerships)[Match funding](/match-funding) ## How can you give regularly to World Aid Network today? Payroll Giving is not yet available for World Aid Network. You can set up a monthly card gift instead and cancel future payments at any time. Gift Aid and tax relief do not apply. [ Give monthly by card instead ](/donate?frequency=monthly¤cy=GBP#donate-form) [ All ways to donate ](/ways-to-donate) ## Make an informed donation Check what the organisation offers, understand the conditions and choose a way to give that suits you. - [Compare ways to donate](/ways-to-donate) Card giving, monthly gifts and other routes, with current availability. - [Gift Aid eligibility explained](/gift-aid) Understand donor conditions and the current status at WAN. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and how estimates differ from results. - [Check our registration status](/about/registration-status) Distinguish the application reference from a registered charity number. - [Practical donor resources](/donor-resources) Find answers, useful tools and giving options. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Preventable Blindness | Causes, Care & Support | WAN > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/preventable-blindness > Understand preventable blindness, cataracts and sight-preserving care. Explore assessment, referral, treatment and ways to support access to eye care. Quick answer Some vision impairment can be prevented or treated, but not all sight loss is reversible. Cataract care, refractive correction and treatment to preserve remaining vision have different goals. An eye-care professional should assess symptoms and explain realistic options. Donations can support access without guaranteeing a clinical outcome. ## Different conditions need different care [CataractsAssessment can determine whether replacing a cloudy lens is appropriate. Other eye conditions and possible complications may affect the result.](/eye-health/cataracts)[Refractive errorAn eye examination can identify whether glasses or another suitable correction may improve focus.](/eye-health/refractive-error)[GlaucomaTreatment aims to limit further damage. It does not generally recover vision already lost.](/eye-health/glaucoma)[Diabetic eye diseaseScreening, diabetes care and specialist assessment play different roles; follow the plan recommended by your care team.](/eye-health/diabetic-retinopathy) ## Support the pathway, not just a procedure Assessment, referral, transport, treatment and follow-up can all affect access. A low advertised procedure cost does not explain everything a patient needs. Ask what the programme covers and what happens if further care is required. [Explore the eye-care pathway](/eye-surgery#care-pathway) ## Know when to seek help For sudden loss of vision or sudden severe eye pain, seek emergency medical assessment locally. Do not wait for a camp. For other vision changes, arrange appropriate eye-care advice. [Find guidance on seeking eye care](/eye-health#find-help) ## How can a donor assess progress? Check whether a report measures funding, access to care, treatment completed or clinical outcomes. Read its reporting period and limitations. Counts should not be created by dividing donations by a suggested operation cost. [Read programme reporting](/our-impact)[Support the Gift of Sight appeal](/appeal/gift-of-sight)[Professional involvement](/eye-care-partners) ## Questions about eye care and support Does preventable blindness mean all sight loss can be reversed? No. Prevention, preserving remaining sight and restoring vision are different aims. Some damage is permanent. The cause of vision loss and an individual examination determine the appropriate options. Is lack of money the only barrier to eye care? No. Distance, transport, service capacity, information, disability access and continuity of care can also affect access. A useful programme considers the whole pathway, not only a procedure’s price. ## Sources and further information - [WHO: blindness and vision impairment](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blindness-and-visual-impairment) - [NHS: vision loss](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vision-loss/) Sources explain the subject; a link does not imply a partnership or endorsement of WAN. General information, not a diagnosis or funding decision. Editorial oversight: Kaiser Khan. Updated 4 October 2026; this version has not received documented clinical sign-off. [Clinical review and accountability](/eye-care-partners#clinical-review) ## How can I help someone access eye care? Understand the care available, explore its costs and see how a donation reaches a treatment partner. - [Give to eye care](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form) About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. Any amount contributes to the Gift of Sight Appeal. - [Sponsor cataract surgery](/sponsor-a-cataract-operation) Learn how to help fund an operation. - [Plan an eye-care gift](/eye-surgery-cost-calculator) Calculate your giving total without assuming a number of operations. - [Where your donation goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and accounted for. - [Sight-restoring eye surgery](/eye-surgery) Explore the eye care programme and treatment pathway. - [Getting help for vision changes](/eye-health/screening-checker) Find guidance on professional eye care and support enquiries. - [Clinicians and hospital enquiries](/eye-care-partners) Review standards, participation and professional introductions. - [Screening locations and availability](/free-eye-screening-camps) Check published schedules and what to ask before attending. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Our Projects | Eye Care, Cancer Treatment & Relief | WAN > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/projects > Projects fund sight-restoring eye surgery, cancer diagnosis and treatment, and disaster relief in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. See what each delivers. # Our Projects Every project sits inside our two charitable Objects and is delivered in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia — restoring sight, funding cancer treatment and getting food, water and shelter to families displaced by disaster. Quick answer World Aid Network funds three programmes for families who cannot afford care: sight-restoring eye surgery (£200 contributes towards cataract care), cancer treatment, and emergency disaster relief. All treatment is delivered by locally-licensed clinicians in registered partner hospitals across Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. ![Sight-Restoring Eye Surgery](/images/appeal-gift-of-sight-real.webp) ### Sight-Restoring Eye Surgery Funding cataract operations and other sight-restoring eye surgery for poor communities in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia — restoring vision and independence to people who would otherwise live blind. [Donate now ](/appeal/gift-of-sight) [Learn more ](/eye-surgery) ![Cancer Treatment](/images/appeal-blood-cancer-real.webp) ### Cancer Treatment Funding cancer treatment of all types for patients who cannot afford care in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia, delivered by locally-licensed oncologists at accredited partner hospitals. [Donate now ](/appeal/cancer-emergency) [Learn more ](/cancer) ![Clean Water in Emergencies](/images/appeal-clean-water-real.webp) ### Clean Water in Emergencies Safe drinking water, water purification and hygiene essentials for families after floods and earthquakes in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia — delivered through trusted local partners. [Donate now ](/appeal/clean-water-emergency) [Learn more ](/clean-water-charity) ![Pakistan Flood Relief](/images/appeal-pakistan.webp) ### Pakistan Flood Relief Emergency food, clean drinking water and shelter for families displaced by monsoon flooding in Pakistan — deployed through trusted local partners as soon as the NDMA declares a disaster. [Donate now ](/appeal/pakistan-emergency) [Learn more ](/emergency-relief/floods) ![Indonesia Earthquake & Tsunami Appeal](/images/appeal-indonesia-emergency.webp) ### Indonesia Earthquake & Tsunami Appeal Donate after the 15 August 2026 Flores earthquake to fund emergency food, clean water and temporary shelter for affected families in Indonesia. [Donate now ](/appeal/indonesia-emergency) [Learn more ](/emergency-relief/earthquakes) ![Winter Warmth for Displaced Families](/images/appeal-winter.webp) ### Winter Warmth for Displaced Families Seasonal relief — blankets, warm clothing and hot food — for families displaced by disaster in Pakistan's northern and mountain areas, where winter nights fall below freezing. [Donate now ](/appeal/pakistan-emergency) [Learn more ](/emergency-relief/seasonal-winter) ## Not sure which project to support? Donate to our Emergency Disaster Fund and our trustees will direct your gift to the most urgent disaster-affected community in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia. [Give to Emergency Disaster Fund ](/donate?cause=emergency-relief#donate-form) --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Sadaqah Eye Surgery | Fund Sight as Sadaqah Jariyah | WAN > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/sadaqah-eye-surgery > Sponsor cataract surgery as Sadaqah or Sadaqah Jariyah. Around £200 is our estimate for one operation in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia. Give by card. # Sponsor Eye Surgery as Sadaqah — Help Fund Sight-Saving Care Voluntary giving can contribute towards assessment, clinically recommended cataract care and follow-up. Suggested amounts do not guarantee an operation or result. Religious eligibility should be discussed with a qualified adviser. [Give £200 towards eye care ](/sponsor-a-cataract-operation?type=sadaqah#donate-form) [Gift of Sight appeal ](/appeal/gift-of-sight) ✓ Amounts contribute towards care; costs vary ✓ Licensed local surgeons — PMDC, KKI, MMC ✓ Paid to hospitals, never as cash Quick answer Many donors sponsor a cataract operation with World Aid Network as Sadaqah or Sadaqah Jariyah, to support access to appropriate eye care. A £200 gift contributes towards cataract care — in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia. World Aid Network is a secular UK charity and does not issue Shariah rulings; please consult a qualified scholar about Zakat. ## What is the difference between Sadaqah and Zakat? Two forms of giving in Islam, often mentioned together. Here is the honest, simple distinction — and where eye surgery fits. ### Sadaqah (voluntary giving) Sadaqah is any voluntary act of charity — given at any time, in any amount, to any good cause. **Sadaqah Jariyah** is ongoing charity whose benefit continues after it is given: the classic examples are a well, a school, or knowledge that keeps helping people. A sight-restoring operation fits naturally: the benefit of restored sight continues for years afterwards — in work, study and independence. Many donors choose to give their Sadaqah as a [£200 cataract sponsorship](/sponsor-a-cataract-operation) for exactly this reason. ### Zakat (obligatory giving) Zakat is the obligatory annual almsgiving — one of the five pillars of Islam — due on qualifying wealth above the nisab threshold. It has specific rules about calculation, timing and who is eligible to receive it. Whether a particular sponsored operation qualifies as a valid Zakat payment depends on scholarly interpretation — including how ownership of the funds transfers to eligible recipients. That is a question for a qualified scholar, not for a charity's marketing page. ## What is our honest position on Zakat? Some UK charities market cataract surgery as Zakat-eligible, backed by their own Shariah advisors. World Aid Network takes a different approach: we are a secular UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration, we warmly welcome Muslim donors, and we serve poor patients — but **we do not claim a verified Zakat product and we do not issue Shariah rulings**. If you wish to allocate obligatory Zakat, please consult a qualified Islamic scholar or your local imam first. If you are giving voluntary Sadaqah, you can contribute towards clinically recommended cataract care — with funds paid directly to partner hospitals, never as cash to individuals. [Sponsor as Sadaqah — £200](/sponsor-a-cataract-operation?type=sadaqah#donate-form) [Other ways to give](/ways-to-donate) ## Why donors choose eye surgery for Sadaqah ### Lasting, measurable change Cataract surgery can improve vision, but the individual result depends on the eye and other conditions. Follow-up and supporting records are needed to establish outcomes. ### A contribution towards clinically recommended care Your gift contributes to the eye care programme. Around £200 is a planning estimate supplied by Mr Mohamed Mohyudin, not a fixed price or guaranteed operation. ### Dignity through local clinicians Surgery is performed by ophthalmologists registered with the national medical council — PMDC in Pakistan, KKI in Indonesia, MMC in Malaysia. Locally hired doctors receive visiting specialist support for training and review. ### What a Sadaqah contribution can support A care plan may include assessment, the procedure, lens, medicines and follow-up. The clinical plan and agreed budget establish what is funded and whether other costs need support. A suggested gift is not a complete treatment package or a promise of no further costs. [Full cost breakdown](/cataract-surgery-cost) [How far your donation goes](/how-far-your-donation-goes) [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) ## Frequently asked questions What is the difference between Sadaqah and Zakat? Zakat is the obligatory annual almsgiving — one of the five pillars of Islam — due on qualifying wealth above the nisab threshold, with rules about who may receive it. Sadaqah is any voluntary act of charity, given at any time, in any amount. Sadaqah Jariyah describes ongoing charity whose benefit continues after it is given, such as funding something that keeps helping people. Can I sponsor cataract surgery as Sadaqah? Many donors treat a sponsored cataract operation as Sadaqah or Sadaqah Jariyah because the restored sight continues to benefit the patient — helping them work, study and live independently. World Aid Network is not a faith-branded charity and does not issue a formal Shariah board ruling. Donors should confirm religious status with a qualified scholar or local imam. A £200 gift contributes towards cataract care. Is sponsoring a cataract operation Zakat-eligible? Some UK charities market cataract surgery as Zakat-eligible with their own Shariah advisors. World Aid Network welcomes Muslim donors and serves poor patients, but does not claim a verified Zakat product. Eligibility depends on scholarly interpretation. Please consult a qualified Islamic scholar before allocating obligatory Zakat. Voluntary Sadaqah can still fund a £200 sponsorship. Who performs the surgery, and where? All surgery is performed by ophthalmologists registered with the national medical council of the operating country — PMDC in Pakistan, KKI in Indonesia, or MMC in Malaysia — at registered partner hospitals. WAN hires local doctors and arranges a visiting specialist to support training and review of clinical practice. Local teams remain responsible for care and follow-up. When can I give, and how is my money handled? Card donations are open now at worldaidnetwork.org/donate (application reference 5290505). Gift Aid is not yet claimable. World Aid Network operates a strict no-cash policy: funds are paid directly to partner hospitals against trustee-approved named patient lists, with delivery and outcomes requiring separate supporting records. ### Related pages [Give Zakat](/zakat-calculator)[Sadaqah Jariyah guide](/sadaqah-jariyah)[Muslim charity & Christian charity](/blog/charity-for-humanity-beyond-faith-labels)[Zakat Calculator UK](https://zakat-calculator.org.uk/zakat-calculator)[Sponsor a cataract operation](/sponsor-a-cataract-operation)[Gift of Sight appeal](/appeal/gift-of-sight)[Eye surgery programme](/eye-surgery)[Eye surgery in Pakistan](/eye-surgery/pakistan)[Preventable blindness](/preventable-blindness)[Cataract surgery cost](/cataract-surgery-cost) ## How can you give Sadaqah that restores sight? A gift contributes towards the wider eye-care programme. Check current funding terms and published evidence; a suggested amount does not establish that treatment has been delivered. [Give £200 towards eye care](/sponsor-a-cataract-operation?type=sadaqah#donate-form) Card donations are open. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks. ## How can I help someone access eye care? Understand the care available, explore its costs and see how a donation reaches a treatment partner. - [Give to eye care](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form) About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. Any amount contributes to the Gift of Sight Appeal. - [Sponsor cataract surgery](/sponsor-a-cataract-operation) Learn how to help fund an operation. - [Plan an eye-care gift](/eye-surgery-cost-calculator) Calculate your giving total without assuming a number of operations. - [Where your donation goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and accounted for. - [Sight-restoring eye surgery](/eye-surgery) Explore the eye care programme and treatment pathway. - [Getting help for vision changes](/eye-health/screening-checker) Find guidance on professional eye care and support enquiries. - [Clinicians and hospital enquiries](/eye-care-partners) Review standards, participation and professional introductions. - [Screening locations and availability](/free-eye-screening-camps) Check published schedules and what to ask before attending. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Sadaqah Jariyah UK Charity Guide | Ongoing Medical Aid > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/sadaqah-jariyah > Ultimate guide to Sadaqah Jariyah in the UK. Learn how ongoing charity works in Islam and how sight restoration and medical care qualify as ongoing reward. # Sadaqah Jariyah UK Charity Guide Learn how ongoing charity works in Islam, why sight-restoring surgeries qualify as continuous benefit, and how to donate on behalf of loved ones. Quick answer Sadaqah Jariyah is ongoing charity in Islam whose benefit continues after the gift, including after the donor has died. World Aid Network supports sight-restoring cataract surgery and cancer treatment for poor patients in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation; actual costs vary. ## What is Sadaqah Jariyah and how does it differ from Zakat and Sadaqah Nafl? In Islamic jurisprudence, charity is divided into obligatory giving (Zakat) and voluntary giving (Sadaqah). Voluntary charity is further divided into short-term assistance (Sadaqah Nafl) and continuous ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah). The word _Jariyah_ means "flowing" or "running" — referring to a charitable act whose beneficial impact continues to flow long after the gift is given. | Charity Category | Status & Obligation | Duration of Benefit | Example Project | | ---------------- | ---------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Sadaqah Jariyah | Voluntary (Highly Recommended) | Long-term / Perpetual (Years or Decades) | Sight-restoring cataract surgery (about £200, planning estimate) | | Zakat | Obligatory (2.5% of annual wealth) | Immediate Relief / Poverty Alleviation | Ask a qualified scholar — we do not certify Zakat eligibility ([our Zakat guidance](/zakat-calculator)) | | Sadaqah Nafl | Voluntary (General Giving) | Immediate / One-off | Emergency meal pack distribution | ## Why is restoring sight through cataract surgery considered a premier Sadaqah Jariyah? Cataract blindness in developing regions such as Pakistan, Indonesia, and Malaysia robs poor individuals of their livelihood, independence, and ability to perform daily spiritual duties. Cataract surgery replaces the cloudy lens with an artificial lens. Suitability, costs, recovery and results vary; the treating specialist advises the patient. Because the recipient regains clear vision for the remainder of their lifetime (often 20 to 40 years), every prayer recited, every book read, every walk taken independently, and every day worked to support their family creates a continuous chain of reward for the donor. £200 Planning estimate for one operation Supplied by consultant ophthalmic surgeon Mr Mohamed Mohyudin; actual costs vary £400 A larger contribution Towards eye care; we do not promise a number of operations £1,000 A substantial contribution Towards eye care at partner hospitals; actual costs and outcomes vary ## Can you give Sadaqah Jariyah on behalf of deceased parents or loved ones? Yes. Giving continuous charity on behalf of deceased parents, grandparents, or family members is a established tradition in Islam. When a person passes away, their deeds come to an end except for three: continuous charity (Sadaqah Jariyah), beneficial knowledge left behind, or a righteous child who prays for them. You can give in the name of a deceased relative. Choose the in-memory option on our donation form and add their name, and we record the dedication with your gift. Gifts go to treatment at partner hospitals; we do not promise a specific patient or a number of operations. [Give on behalf of a loved one ](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&type=sadaqah&dedication=memory#donate-form) ## How can you give Sadaqah Jariyah through World Aid Network? Give by card on our secure form. Your Sadaqah intention is carried to the form and recorded with your gift. Eye-care gifts fund cataract surgery for assessed patients at partner hospitals in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. About £200 is our planning estimate for one operation; any amount helps. [Give £200 towards cataract care ](/sponsor-a-cataract-operation?type=sadaqah#donate-form) [Give on behalf of a loved one ](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&type=sadaqah&dedication=memory#donate-form) World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration. Gift Aid is not currently available. ## What are the most frequently asked questions about Sadaqah Jariyah? ### Can Zakat money be used for Sadaqah Jariyah? Zakat has specific rules, including transfer of ownership (tamlik) to eligible recipients. Many scholars discuss paying for medical care for a poor patient who cannot afford it as a possible use of Zakat, but World Aid Network is a secular charity and does not certify that any gift meets Zakat rules. Please ask a qualified scholar before allocating Zakat. Voluntary Sadaqah can fund the same cataract operation or cancer treatment. ### How do I know my Sadaqah Jariyah donation is used properly? Eye-care gifts fund cataract surgery delivered by PMDC-, KKI- or MMC-registered clinical teams at partner hospitals in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. About £200 is our planning estimate for one operation, supplied by consultant ophthalmic surgeon Mr Mohamed Mohyudin; actual costs vary. Approved programme reports are published on [our impact page](/our-impact). ### Which countries do your Sadaqah Jariyah projects operate in? All medical and surgical interventions take place strictly in Pakistan, Indonesia, and Malaysia where local hospital partners provide free operations to low-income patients. ### Does Gift Aid apply to Sadaqah Jariyah given to World Aid Network? Not currently. Gift Aid needs charity registration and HMRC recognition first, and we will not claim it on gifts made now. ### Is there a minimum amount for Sadaqah Jariyah? No. Any amount contributed toward a continuous charity project generates reward proportional to your intention and the lasting benefit created. ## How can I help someone access eye care? Understand the care available, explore its costs and see how a donation reaches a treatment partner. - [Give to eye care](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form) About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. Any amount contributes to the Gift of Sight Appeal. - [Sponsor cataract surgery](/sponsor-a-cataract-operation) Learn how to help fund an operation. - [Plan an eye-care gift](/eye-surgery-cost-calculator) Calculate your giving total without assuming a number of operations. - [Where your donation goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and accounted for. - [Sight-restoring eye surgery](/eye-surgery) Explore the eye care programme and treatment pathway. - [Getting help for vision changes](/eye-health/screening-checker) Find guidance on professional eye care and support enquiries. - [Clinicians and hospital enquiries](/eye-care-partners) Review standards, participation and professional introductions. - [Screening locations and availability](/free-eye-screening-camps) Check published schedules and what to ask before attending. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Sponsor Cataract Surgery | Give Towards Eye Care | WAN > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/sponsor-a-cataract-operation > Help pay for cataract surgery for people who cannot afford it. About £200 is our planning estimate for one operation. Give once or monthly. [Eye surgery programme](/eye-surgery) # Sponsor cataract surgery Cataracts can make reading, working and getting about difficult. Your gift helps pay for cataract surgery for people in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia who cannot afford it, carried out by local doctors. [Sponsor cataract surgery](#donate-form) ![Eye care programme in a clinical setting](/images/appeal-gift-of-sight-real.webp) Quick answer Your gift helps pay for cataract surgery for someone in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia who cannot afford it. Local doctors carry out the operation, with assessment beforehand and follow-up afterwards. About £200 is our surgeon-supplied planning estimate for one operation; you can give less, more, or monthly. ## What does a gift support? Cataract care can involve an eye assessment, measurements for an artificial lens, an operation, medicines and follow-up. The treating team decides what a patient needs. Funding must reflect the hospital quote and the services it includes. Read the [cataract guide](/eye-health/cataracts) for general information and the [cataract surgery cost guide](/cataract-surgery-cost) for questions to ask about a quote. ## Where does the £200 figure come from? About £200 is the planning estimate for one cataract operation supplied to us by consultant ophthalmic surgeon [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/). Real costs vary with the patient, the hospital and the follow-up needed, so your gift goes into the eye-care programme rather than paying for one named patient. A £400 gift is a larger contribution; it does not guarantee two operations. The estimate is separate from UK private clinic prices. [How estimates and actual costs differ](/where-your-money-goes#estimates) · [How local doctors and specialist training support the programme](/appeal/gift-of-sight#local-doctors) ## From funding to follow-up 1. **Assess need.** A qualified local clinician assesses the patient and recommends suitable care. 2. **Agree funding.** Funding decisions consider need, a hospital quote and available programme funds. 3. **Deliver and document care.** Clinical teams obtain consent and provide treatment and follow-up. Read [how funding works](/how-we-work) and the [current reporting status](/our-impact). WAN does not provide NHS treatment or individual medical advice through this website. ## Give in a way that suits you [Give £50](?amount=50#donate-form)[Give £200](?amount=200#donate-form)[Give £1,000](?amount=1000#donate-form) A regular contribution can help with planning. Use the [eye care donation planner](/eye-surgery-cost-calculator) to compare your giving total, or read about [giving in memory](/in-memory-giving) and [monthly donations](/monthly-giving). ## Support the Gift of Sight Appeal Choose an amount you are comfortable giving. The suggested amount is a contribution towards the programme. Gift Aid is not currently available. Check [registration status](/about/registration-status) and [Gift Aid eligibility](/gift-aid). ## Questions about sponsoring eye care How much does it cost to sponsor a cataract operation? The amount depends on a patient-specific hospital quote, the operation, lens, tests and follow-up. Around £200 is a planning estimate supplied to WAN by Mr Mohamed Mohyudin. It is not an audited average, a fixed package price or a guarantee that a gift pays for one complete operation. Can I give less than £200? Yes. Gifts of any accepted amount contribute towards the eye care programme. Smaller gifts are combined with other funding according to clinical need; they do not purchase a particular item or reserve a named patient. Can I sponsor several operations or give monthly? You can give a larger amount or choose a recurring gift. A £17 monthly gift adds up to £204 over twelve payments. The number of patients helped cannot be calculated by dividing donations by a planning estimate; it depends on actual costs and completed care. Can I choose a country or patient? The programme focuses on Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Contact WAN before donating if you need a particular restriction so its terms can be agreed. Patient selection remains based on clinical and financial need. Personal medical records are not shared with donors. Is sight restoration guaranteed? No. Surgery is intended to improve vision, but results depend on the eye condition, other health factors and complications. Assessment, informed consent and follow-up belong with the treating clinical team. Is Gift Aid available? Gift Aid is not currently available for WAN donations. Charity Commission registration alone does not make a gift eligible: HMRC recognition and the donor and donation conditions are also required. Where can I check evidence that donations were used? Read the funding and impact pages for the reporting status. Programme plans, money received and completed care are different measures. Ask for the reporting period and supporting evidence before relying on a claimed number of operations. Content updated 4 October 2026\. General information; no guarantee of a clinical result. [Editorial policy](/editorial-policy) · [Report an error](/corrections) ## How can I help someone access eye care? Understand the care available, explore its costs and see how a donation reaches a treatment partner. - [Give to eye care](/donate?cause=eye-surgery&appeal=gift-of-sight#donate-form) About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation. Any amount contributes to the Gift of Sight Appeal. - [Plan an eye-care gift](/eye-surgery-cost-calculator) Calculate your giving total without assuming a number of operations. - [Where your donation goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and accounted for. - [Sight-restoring eye surgery](/eye-surgery) Explore the eye care programme and treatment pathway. - [Getting help for vision changes](/eye-health/screening-checker) Find guidance on professional eye care and support enquiries. - [Clinicians and hospital enquiries](/eye-care-partners) Review standards, participation and professional introductions. - [Screening locations and availability](/free-eye-screening-camps) Check published schedules and what to ask before attending. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Tax-Efficient Giving UK | Self Assessment Relief Guide > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/tax-efficient-giving > Ultimate guide to tax-efficient giving in the UK. Learn how 40% and 45% taxpayers reclaim tax relief via Self Assessment while boosting Gift Aid. # Tax-Efficient Giving UK Ultimate Guide Learn how higher-rate (40%) and additional-rate (45%) taxpayers can claim back personal tax relief while maximising donation impact. Quick answer Tax-efficient giving in the UK allows higher-rate (40%) and additional-rate (45%) taxpayers to reclaim personal tax relief while charities claim a 25% Gift Aid top-up from HMRC. Other tax-efficient donation methods include share giving, legacy will bequests, and payroll giving. Gifts to World Aid Network do not currently qualify, because it is not yet a registered charity recognised by HMRC. ## Do gifts to World Aid Network qualify? Not today. Gift Aid and the higher-rate relief described below apply only to donations to charities that HMRC recognises. World Aid Network has applied to register as a CIO (Charity Commission application 5290505) and is not yet registered or recognised by HMRC, so a donation to us carries no Gift Aid and no tax relief. This guide explains how the rules work for gifts to eligible charities. Source: [GOV.UK, Tax relief when you donate to a charity](https://www.gov.uk/donating-to-charity) (checked 22 October 2026). [Our registration status](/about/registration-status). ## What is tax-efficient giving in the UK and how does the tax relief calculation work? Under the UK tax system, charitable donations made by individuals are treated as paid net of basic rate tax (20%). When you donate to a UK registered charity using Gift Aid, the charity reclaims basic rate tax (25p for every £1 given) directly from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). If you pay Income Tax above the basic rate — specifically at the 40% higher rate or 45% additional rate — you are entitled to claim back the difference between your marginal rate of tax and the basic rate on the gross value of your donation. | Taxpayer Bracket | Net Cash Donation | Charity Receives (with +25% Gift Aid) | Personal Tax Relief Reclaimed | True Net Cost to Donor | | --------------------- | ----------------- | ------------------------------------- | ----------------------------- | ---------------------- | | Basic Rate (20%) | £1,000 | £1,250 | £0 | £1,000 | | Higher Rate (40%) | £1,000 | £1,250 | £250 (20%) | £750 | | Additional Rate (45%) | £1,000 | £1,250 | £312.50 (25%) | £687.50 | ## How do 40% and 45% taxpayers reclaim higher-rate tax relief on SA100 tax returns? To reclaim your personal tax relief, you can report your total Gift Aid donations on your annual Self Assessment tax return (Form SA100, Box 1 on page TR 4). Alternatively, if you pay tax via PAYE and do not complete Self Assessment, you can ask HMRC to adjust your PAYE tax code by contacting them or submitting Form P810\. ### Step-by-Step Claim Process for Higher Rate Donors: 1. **Keep Donation Receipts**: Maintain a record of net amounts paid and charity Gift Aid declarations. 2. **Calculate Gross Gift**: Multiply your net donation total by 1.25 (e.g. £1,000 net = £1,250 gross). 3. **Enter on SA100**: Enter the total net amount in Box 1 ("Gift Aid payments made in the tax year"). 4. **HMRC Adjustment**: HMRC expands your basic rate tax band by £1,250, resulting in a £250 tax reduction or refund. ## Which tax-efficient donation methods yield the highest tax savings in the UK? [ 1\. Gift Aid Declarations Increases basic donation values by 25% while unlocking higher-rate personal tax relief. Use Gift Aid Calculator → ](/gift-aid-calculator) [ 2\. Share & Equity Giving Donate qualifying UK shares to pay 0% Capital Gains Tax while deducting full market value from Income Tax. Explore Share Giving → ](/donate-shares) [ 3\. Payroll Giving (GAYE) Donate straight from your pre-tax salary. Basic, higher, and additional rate tax relief is applied instantly. Explore Payroll Giving → ](/payroll-giving) [ 4\. Inheritance Tax (IHT) Will Gifts Leaving 10%+ of your net estate to charity cuts your overall Inheritance Tax rate from 40% down to 36%. Explore Legacy Giving → ](/legacy-giving) ## What are the most frequently asked questions about tax-efficient giving in the UK? ### Can I backdate Gift Aid tax relief claims? Yes. You can claim higher-rate tax relief on Gift Aid donations made in the previous 4 tax years by amending past Self Assessment tax returns or contacting HMRC. ### What happens if I pay less tax than the Gift Aid claimed? To sign a Gift Aid declaration, you must pay an amount of UK Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax at least equal to the Gift Aid claimed on all your donations in that tax year. If you pay less tax, you are responsible for paying the difference back to HMRC. ### How does corporate tax relief work for UK companies? UK limited companies pay donations net of tax and deduct the full donation value as an allowable business expense from total profits before Corporation Tax (cutting Corporation Tax bills by 19% to 25%). ## Make an informed donation Check what the organisation offers, understand the conditions and choose a way to give that suits you. - [Compare ways to donate](/ways-to-donate) Card giving, monthly gifts and other routes, with current availability. - [Gift Aid eligibility explained](/gift-aid) Understand donor conditions and the current status at WAN. - [Where your money goes](/where-your-money-goes) Read how funds are allocated and how estimates differ from results. - [Check our registration status](/about/registration-status) Distinguish the application reference from a registered charity number. - [Practical donor resources](/donor-resources) Find answers, useful tools and giving options. --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Ways to Donate | Card, Monthly, Crypto & More | WAN > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/ways-to-donate > Give by card, monthly, as a virtual or in-memory gift, Zakat or Sadaqah, crypto or a will gift. Card checkout is open; Gift Aid is not available yet. # Ways to Give to World Aid Network Supporters can give to World Aid Network by card, monthly gift, virtual gift, in-memory gift, Zakat or Sadaqah, cryptocurrency, fundraising, corporate partnership or a gift in a will. Card checkout is open now. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks. Gifts fund eye surgery, cancer treatment or relief in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Quick answer Supporters can give to World Aid Network by card, monthly gift, virtual gift, in-memory gift, Zakat or Sadaqah, cryptocurrency, fundraising, corporate partnership or a gift in a will. Card checkout is open now. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks. Gifts fund eye surgery, cancer treatment or relief in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. ## Which ways to give are open today? ### One-off donation Give any amount by Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay or Google Pay. About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation; actual costs vary. Gift Aid is not currently available. [ Donate now ](/donate#donate-form) ### Monthly giving A regular monthly gift lets us plan ahead with partner hospitals and relief partners. Cancel future payments at any time; contact us to change the amount. [ Give monthly ](/donate?frequency=monthly¤cy=GBP#donate-form) [ How monthly giving works ](/monthly-giving) ### Charity virtual gifts Dedicate a cataract operation, Medical Kit or emergency relief gift in someone's name, as a Christmas, birthday or in-memory present. [ Give a virtual gift ](/charity-virtual-gifts) ### In memory giving Give in memory of someone you love. Choose the in-memory option on the form and add their name, and we record the dedication with your gift. [ Give in memory ](/donate?cause=general&dedication=memory#donate-form) [ Funeral collections and tributes ](/in-memory-giving) ### Zakat and Sadaqah Give by card and state your intention as Sadaqah or Zakat. We record the intention you state; we do not certify that a gift meets Zakat rules, so please ask a qualified scholar. [ Give Zakat or Sadaqah ](/zakat-calculator) [ Sadaqah eye surgery guide ](/sadaqah-eye-surgery) ### Cryptocurrency World Aid Network accepts Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT on Ethereum mainnet, Solana and BNB. We convert every gift to sterling on receipt. Gift Aid and tax relief do not apply while registration is in progress; seek independent advice. [ Donate crypto ](/crypto-giving) ### Fundraise for us Schools, faith groups and community groups can run sponsored events with a clear target. Every fundraising page is reviewed before it goes live. [ Start fundraising ](/fundraise-for-us) ### Corporate partnerships Companies can fund a defined programme, run staff fundraising or sponsor a surgical session, with agreed reporting. [ Partner with us ](/corporate-partnerships) ### Leave a gift in your will A legacy gift, however large or small, can support eye surgery, cancer care and relief for years to come. Provide for your family first and speak to a solicitor. Our registration is in progress. [ Read the legacy guide ](/legacy-giving) ### How to make a will Seven steps to a valid will in England and Wales: executors, two witnesses, intestacy and probate fees. One paid online option is SwiftWill. General information, not legal advice. [ UK will-writing guide ](/blog/making-a-will-legacy-giving-uk-guide) ### Charity lotteries World Aid Network does not run a charity lottery, raffle or sweepstake. A ticket is gambling, not a donation. The guide explains society lottery rules and how to give by card instead. [ Read the guide ](/charity-lottery) ## Which ways to give open after registration? These depend on charity registration or HMRC recognition, so they are not available yet. The ways above work today. - [Gift Aid](/gift-aid): Not currently available. It needs charity registration and HMRC recognition first, and we will not claim it on gifts made now. - [Payroll giving](/payroll-giving): Give As You Earn needs a recognised charity. You can give monthly by card in the meantime. - [Gifts of shares](/donate-shares): Share-gift tax reliefs need a recognised charity. To talk about a larger gift now, contact us. - [Employer match funding](/match-funding): Many employer schemes only match gifts to registered charities. We do not run a match-funded appeal. ## Frequently asked questions What is the easiest way to donate to World Aid Network? The fastest way is a card donation at worldaidnetwork.org/donate (Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay and Google Pay). You can also give cryptocurrency at worldaidnetwork.org/crypto-giving, or explore monthly giving and legacy options on this page. Can I set up a monthly donation? Yes. Choose 'monthly' on the donation form at worldaidnetwork.org/donate. Regular gifts help trustees plan surgical sessions and maintain emergency stocks. Cancel future payments at any time; contact us to change the amount. Gift Aid is not currently available; it needs HMRC recognition and eligible donations. What currencies do you accept? World Aid Network accepts GBP (£), USD ($) and EUR (€) via Stripe at worldaidnetwork.org/donate. Search and location route US donors to the dollar page at worldaidnetwork.org/give. Does World Aid Network accept cryptocurrency? Yes. World Aid Network accepts Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT on Ethereum mainnet, Solana and BNB. Start at worldaidnetwork.org/crypto-giving, then open the wallet page for the coin you are sending. Can I donate in memory of someone? Yes. On the donation form, choose the in-memory option and add their name; we record the dedication with your gift. For a funeral collection or tribute card, email info@worldaidnetwork.org. More at worldaidnetwork.org/in-memory-giving. Can I give Zakat or Sadaqah? Yes. Give by card at worldaidnetwork.org/zakat-calculator and state your intention as Sadaqah or Zakat. We record the intention you state. World Aid Network does not certify that a gift meets Zakat rules, so please ask a qualified scholar. How do I cancel a monthly donation? Cancel via worldaidnetwork.org/manage-giving or by emailing info@worldaidnetwork.org. Giving as Sadaqah? See our honest guide to [Sadaqah eye surgery](/sadaqah-eye-surgery). Giving Zakat? Calculate what you owe on the [Zakat Calculator UK](https://zakat-calculator.org.uk/zakat-calculator), then read how a gift reaches a patient at [Give Zakat](/zakat-calculator). ## Ready to give? Card donations are open; Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks. Explore crypto, monthly giving and legacy options above, or give by card now. [Donate now](/donate#donate-form) --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Where Your Donation Goes | World Aid Network > Source: https://worldaidnetwork.org/where-your-money-goes > Understand World Aid Network's donation purposes, costs, planning estimates and reporting for eye surgery, cancer treatment and emergency relief. # Where your money goes Choose the programme you want to support. Understand the difference between an appeal's purpose, an estimated cost and a verified result. ## What does your donation support? Your gift goes to the programme you choose: eye surgery, cancer treatment or emergency relief in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia. The trustees' financial controls policy requires two unrelated trustees to authorise every payment and sends overseas funds only by regulated bank transfer, never as cash to individuals. Large grants are released in stages after receipts are reviewed. ## How is your gift protected? These controls come from policies adopted by the Board of Trustees on 30 April 2026, and from our donation terms. Each links to its source. - ### Funds stay within our purposes All funds must be used solely for the charitable purposes set out in our constitution. Under our donation terms, a gift to a chosen programme is restricted to that programme. [Financial controls policy](/downloads/WAN%5FFinancial%5FControls%5FPolicy.pdf) - ### Two trustees authorise every payment All payments require dual authorisation by two unrelated trustees through secure online banking. [Financial controls policy](/downloads/WAN%5FFinancial%5FControls%5FPolicy.pdf) - ### Regulated bank transfers only Overseas partners are paid only through regulated SWIFT/IBAN banking channels, under a strict no-cash policy for international transfers. [Financial controls policy](/downloads/WAN%5FFinancial%5FControls%5FPolicy.pdf) - ### Partners are checked first Grants go only to accredited medical institutions or registered organisations, after due diligence that includes sanctions screening and safeguarding checks. [Grant-making policy](/downloads/WAN%5FGrant%5FMaking%5FPolicy.pdf) - ### Grants are released in stages Later instalments are released only after the board has reviewed evidence of activity and financial receipts from the previous stage. [Grant-making policy](/downloads/WAN%5FGrant%5FMaking%5FPolicy.pdf) - ### You can complain and be answered Formal complaints are acknowledged within 5 working days and answered within 14 working days. [How to complain](/our-policies#complaints) ## Which programmes can you support? ### Eye surgery Contributions towards assessment, clinically recommended sight-restoring or sight-preserving treatment and follow-up through local clinical partners. [Read the appeal and reporting status](/appeal/gift-of-sight) ### Cancer treatment Contributions towards clinically recommended diagnosis and treatment for patients who cannot afford care. Needs and costs differ by diagnosis and hospital. [Read the appeal and reporting status](/appeal/cancer-emergency) ### Emergency relief Emergency food, safe water, hygiene supplies and temporary shelter for disaster-affected families. Delivery depends on assessed need, access and partner capacity. [Read the appeal and reporting status](/appeal/emergency-floods) Programme countries are Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. World Aid Network's stated delivery model is to fund care through local hospitals and relief through local partners, rather than operate its own hospitals or distribute cash to individuals. Named partner reports will be linked when approved for publication. ## How are donation costs explained? We have not published a verified spending ratio showing that every donation reaches programme delivery without deductions. Running and delivering charitable work can involve payment fees, safeguarding, reporting, transfers and administration. An unconditional “100% donation” claim needs records showing exactly which costs are covered, for which period and by which funds. Until those records are available, we describe the purpose of an appeal and distinguish gross donations, net receipts and partner payments. Any separately funded costs need to be supported by the financial report for the same period. [Ask for information about costs](/contact). ## What does a suggested donation amount mean? Around £200 is the site's planning estimate for a cataract operation. It helps explain the type of work a donation supports; it is not a published audited unit cost, a fixed hospital price or a guaranteed outcome. Actual costs vary with clinical needs, local quotes, exchange rates and the services included. The same principle applies to cancer treatment and relief packages. A small gift contributes to the selected programme. An example amount does not guarantee a specified number of chemotherapy sessions, people reached or days of food. We report completed activities from reviewed delivery evidence, rather than dividing donations by an estimate. ## What happens if an appeal raises more or less than its target? A public target will be shown only when an approved budget and the conditions for that appeal are ready to publish. The conditions should explain the intended purpose and what happens if it raises more or less than required, or the planned activity cannot go ahead. No campaign-specific surplus or shortfall decision is published here yet. We do not treat an exceeded target as automatic permission to divert a restricted gift. For a tightly restricted donation or a large pledge, [contact us to confirm the terms before giving](/contact). ## How can you check an appeal before donating? 1. Read the programme purpose and countries covered. 2. Check whether a figure is a planning estimate, money received, partner payment or completed activity. 3. Look for the reporting period, named partner and supporting public evidence. 4. Read dated updates and any stated limits or changes to the plan. Our [impact and appeal updates page](/our-impact) shows the current publication status. World Aid Network's charity registration is in progress; do not interpret this page as evidence of completed Charity Commission registration. ## What else should you know before donating? Where does my donation to World Aid Network go? Your gift goes to the programme you choose: eye surgery, cancer treatment or emergency relief in Pakistan, Indonesia or Malaysia. The trustees' financial controls policy requires two unrelated trustees to authorise every payment and sends overseas funds only by regulated bank transfer, never as cash to individuals. Large grants are released in stages after receipts are reviewed. Does 100% of my donation reach a patient or family? We have not published evidence establishing a universal 100% donation-to-programme ratio. Payment processing, delivery and running a charity can involve costs. An appeal's purpose does not by itself prove that all costs are funded separately. Read the available financial reports or ask us for the basis of a specific cost claim before relying on it. Does £200 guarantee a complete cataract operation? Around £200 is a planning estimate used on this site, not a guaranteed price or an audited cost per operation. The final amount depends on the hospital quote, the patient’s clinical needs and what is included. Smaller gifts contribute towards the programme; estimates are not reported as completed treatment. What happens if an appeal raises too much or too little? A funding target describes a plan, not a promise of a particular outcome. Raising less may affect the scale or timing of work; raising more does not automatically authorise spending on another purpose. Ask us about the conditions for a specific restricted gift, including shortfall, surplus or an activity that cannot proceed, before donating. No campaign-specific surplus or shortfall decision is published here yet. Can I choose the programme my donation supports? The donation form lets you select an appeal or programme. If you need a restriction beyond that description, contact World Aid Network before giving so the terms can be confirmed. Choosing a particular donation amount does not reserve a named patient, operation or delivery. [Donate](/donate#donate-form)[Explore the appeals](/appeal)[Ask about your gift](/contact) --- World Aid Network is a UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration (application reference 5290505, not a registered charity number; ICO ZC156579). Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and donor eligibility. --- # Give Zakat > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/zakat-calculator > Last reviewed: 2026-08-15 ## In short World Aid Network welcomes Zakat-intention gifts for poor patients who cannot pay for cataract surgery or cancer treatment in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Work out what you owe on zakat-calculator.org.uk, then give by card here and state your intention. We record it but do not certify Zakat eligibility; ask a qualified scholar. Work out what you owe on the Zakat Calculator UK, then fund cataract surgery or cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay. Calculate what you owe: https://zakat-calculator.org.uk/zakat-calculator Today’s Nisab: https://zakat-calculator.org.uk/zakat-nisab-2026 Pay Zakat: https://zakat-calculator.org.uk/donate World Aid Network is secular and does not issue a Shariah ruling. Ask a qualified scholar. ## At a glance - 2.5%: Usual Zakat rate on net zakatable wealth after one lunar year above the Nisab - £200: Our planning estimate for one cataract operation; actual costs vary - 3 countries: Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia — our charitable Objects - No cash: Hospital-direct payment for named patients who cannot pay — never cash to individuals ## How to calculate Zakat and give through World Aid Network Work out 2.5% against live Nisab on the Zakat Calculator UK, then give a Zakat-intention gift for cataract surgery or cancer treatment. Consult a scholar. World Aid Network does not issue a Shariah ruling. - Open the Zakat Calculator UK: Go to https://zakat-calculator.org.uk/zakat-calculator. That tool uses live gold and silver prices. - Enter what you own and what you owe: Include cash, metals, shares, ISAs, crypto, accessible pension and business stock. Subtract short-term debts due this year. - Check today’s Nisab: If net wealth is at or above the live Nisab and one lunar year has passed, the usual rate is 2.5% of that net amount. - Give with the intention of Zakat: Give by card at https://worldaidnetwork.org/zakat-calculator and choose Zakat as your intention, or pay on https://zakat-calculator.org.uk/donate. About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation; actual costs vary. - Ask a scholar if you need a ruling: World Aid Network is secular and does not certify Zakat eligibility. A qualified scholar should decide disputed cases. ## What is Zakat? Zakat is the obligatory annual almsgiving in Islam — one of the five pillars. The usual rate is 2.5% of net zakatable wealth held for one lunar year above the Nisab. World Aid Network is secular. We describe the duty; we do not issue a ruling. Sadaqah is voluntary charity, given at any time, in any amount. Zakat is a duty with rules about who may receive it. If you want the religious status of a gift confirmed, ask a qualified scholar or your local imam. This page is not a fatwa. The eight categories of recipient are set out in the Qur’an (9:60). World Aid Network’s medical programmes serve people who cannot pay for treatment. Whether that meets the category you intend is for you and a scholar to decide. ## Can I give Zakat to World Aid Network? Yes, you can mark a gift as Zakat-intention. We welcome Muslim donors. We fund cataract surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay, at partner hospitals in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. We do not claim a verified Zakat product or a Shariah board ruling. Some UK charities sell a “Zakat-eligible” label with their own advisors. We will not do that. Eligibility depends on scholarly interpretation, the patient’s poverty, and how funds are paid. We pay partner hospitals against named patient lists. We never send cash to individuals. If you need a personal ruling — a complex business, a disputed school of thought, or a gift that is not medical care for the poor — skip this page and speak to a scholar. Use the Zakat Calculator UK for the arithmetic, then give where your scholar is satisfied. ## How do I calculate how much Zakat I owe? Add what you own, subtract debts due this year, check the live Nisab, then pay 2.5% if a lunar year has passed. Do that on the Zakat Calculator UK, which uses live gold and silver prices. This World Aid Network page does not calculate your liability. Most cash-only tools miss gold by weight, shares, ISAs, crypto, accessible pension and business stock. The full Zakat calculator on zakat-calculator.org.uk covers those, minus short-term debts, against today’s silver or gold Nisab. That site is operated for World Aid Network’s Zakat giving. Calculate there. Then either pay on that donate page, or give by card here and choose Zakat as your intention on the form. Either way, treatment is paid to partner hospitals, not as cash. - What you own — cash, gold, silver, ISAs, shares, crypto, business stock, accessible pension, at today’s value - What you owe — short-term debts due this year, not the full mortgage - Check today’s Nisab — if net wealth is at or above it, Zakat is usually due on the whole net amount - Pay 2.5% with the intention of Zakat ## What is the Nisab threshold? The Nisab is the minimum wealth at which Zakat becomes due. It is set as a weight of gold or silver, so the sterling figure moves with the metal price. Do not copy a pound amount from this page. Use today’s Nisab on zakat-calculator.org.uk. The silver weight commonly used is 612.36 grams. The gold weight commonly used is 87.48 grams. Many scholars prefer the silver Nisab because it brings more people into the duty. Schools differ. We will not pick one for you. A figure published in a blog last year is already out of date. Live metal prices are why the dedicated calculator exists. ## What can a Zakat-intention gift to World Aid Network fund? £200 is a planning example, not a verified partner quote. Cancer gifts fund imaging, surgery or chemotherapy for patients who cannot pay — all types of cancer, not research, not NHS care. The same pounds cannot be counted twice. If you restrict the gift to eye surgery, it pays the surgeon, intraocular lens, consumables, anaesthesia and follow-up at a partner hospital. If you restrict it to cancer, it pays treatment costs for a named patient. Unrestricted gifts are allocated inside our Objects. WAN supports care through local facilities, hires local doctors for eye surgery and arranges visiting specialist support for training and review. Clinical roles require the relevant local permissions. ## Is cataract surgery a valid use of Zakat? Many scholars treat medical care for a poor person who cannot pay as a valid use of Zakat. World Aid Network does not issue that ruling. Ask a qualified scholar. A £200 sponsorship still works as voluntary Sadaqah if you prefer not to use obligatory Zakat. Cataracts are a leading cause of preventable blindness. The operation is short. The benefit — being able to see, work and move independently — continues. That is why many donors also give the same gift as Sadaqah Jariyah. Those are different intentions. Pick one with advice if you are unsure. The dedicated Zakat site has its own eye-surgery cause page. This site’s encyclopaedia is the eye surgery programme and the Gift of Sight Appeal. Typical cost here is £200, not a lower figure used elsewhere. ## Can Zakat fund cancer treatment? The same honesty applies. Funding treatment for a patient who cannot pay is widely discussed as Zakat-eligible medical care. We do not certify it. The Cancer Emergency Appeal funds all types of cancer overseas, not research. In Pakistan that includes partner hospitals in cities such as Karachi and Islamabad. We pay the hospital. We do not hand money to the family. If your scholar is satisfied that the patient is among those who may receive Zakat, this is how the pounds move. ## How does a Zakat gift reach a patient? You give. Trustees release a restricted amount to a partner hospital. The hospital treats a named patient who cannot pay. We do not send cash. Gift Aid is not currently available. HMRC recognition and donation eligibility are separate from the registration application. The dedicated Zakat site explains how Zakat can be recorded on a segregated ledger there. On worldaidnetwork.org, card checkout is already open. If you pay here, choose Zakat as your intention on the form and we record it with your gift, or use the Zakat donate page on zakat-calculator.org.uk. Emergency relief on this site — food, water, hygiene kits and shelter — is a separate programme. Do not assume disaster kits are Zakat-eligible. Ask a scholar. This page is about medical care for people who cannot pay. ## How is Zakat different from Sadaqah? Zakat is obligatory and has rules. Sadaqah is voluntary. Sadaqah Jariyah is ongoing charity whose benefit continues. A cataract operation is often given as Sadaqah Jariyah. Use the Sadaqah eye surgery page if that is your intention. You can calculate Zakat on the Zakat Calculator UK and still give a separate Sadaqah gift here. They are not the same pot unless you decide they are. ## Does Gift Aid apply to a Zakat donation? Gift Aid is a UK tax relief on eligible donations by UK taxpayers. It is not a Shariah concept. Gift Aid is not currently available on WAN gifts; HMRC recognition and donor eligibility are required. Ask a scholar if you have a religious question about mixing tax relief with Zakat. Until registration, do not assume a 25% top-up. Any future eligibility will be explained on our Gift Aid page. The registration status page carries the live legal position. ## How is this page different from the Zakat Calculator UK? zakat-calculator.org.uk is the live calculator: Nisab, gold by weight, shares, crypto, pension and pay-Zakat checkout. This page is the World Aid Network explainer: what a Zakat-intention gift can fund, how we pay hospitals, and the scholar disclaimer. Use the full Zakat calculator to get the number. Use this page to understand the programmes. Use Sadaqah eye surgery if you are giving voluntarily rather than as obligatory Zakat. Do not treat the two sites as two different liabilities. ## Which countries does a Zakat gift cover? Our Objects are Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia only. Partner hospitals there treat named patients. We do not fund NHS care in Britain and we do not run clinics. Pakistan programmes include partner hospitals in Karachi and Islamabad, among others. Indonesia and Malaysia use locally registered clinicians in the same hospital-direct model. Country detail sits on the eye surgery and cancer pages, and on the dedicated site’s where-we-work section. ## What could a gift fund? - £200 — eye surgery: Contribution towards cataract care; or cancer: Contribution towards cancer care; costs vary - £400 — eye surgery: A larger contribution towards eye care; or cancer: A larger contribution towards cancer treatment - £1,000 — eye surgery: A substantial contribution towards eye care; we do not promise a number of operations; or cancer: A substantial contribution towards cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay - £2,000 — eye surgery: A major contribution towards eye-care lists at partner hospitals; or cancer: A major contribution towards treatment for named patients who cannot pay ## Related pages - Zakat Calculator UK — Live Nisab, gold by weight, shares, crypto and pension. https://zakat-calculator.org.uk/zakat-calculator - Today’s Nisab — Sterling threshold from live gold and silver prices. https://zakat-calculator.org.uk/zakat-nisab-2026 - Pay Zakat — Checkout on the dedicated Zakat site. https://zakat-calculator.org.uk/donate - 100% Zakat policy — How the dedicated site records Zakat ledgers. https://zakat-calculator.org.uk/100-percent-policy - Sadaqah eye surgery — Voluntary £200 cataract gift — not a Zakat ruling. https://worldaidnetwork.org/sadaqah-eye-surgery - Muslim charity & Christian charity — WAN is secular. Muslim donors are welcome. No Shariah ruling. https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/charity-for-humanity-beyond-faith-labels - Sadaqah Jariyah — Ongoing charity whose benefit continues. https://worldaidnetwork.org/sadaqah-jariyah - Gift of Sight Appeal — A £200 gift contributes towards cataract care. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/gift-of-sight - Cancer Emergency Appeal — Treatment for patients who cannot pay. https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency - Eye surgery in Pakistan — Partner hospitals, including Karachi and Islamabad. https://worldaidnetwork.org/eye-surgery/pakistan - How we work — Grants to hospitals, not cash to individuals. https://worldaidnetwork.org/how-we-work - Registration status — Charity Commission application 5290505. https://worldaidnetwork.org/about/registration-status - Give by card on this site — State Sadaqah or Zakat on the form; we record the intention you state. https://worldaidnetwork.org#hub-donation ## Frequently asked questions ### Is World Aid Network a Muslim charity? No. It is a secular UK charitable organisation applying for CIO registration. Muslim donors are welcome. We do not issue a Shariah ruling. The full answer is at https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/charity-for-humanity-beyond-faith-labels. ### Can I give Zakat to World Aid Network? Yes, you can mark a gift as Zakat-intention. We fund cataract surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay, via partner hospitals. We do not issue a Shariah ruling. Ask a qualified scholar. ### How do I calculate my Zakat? Use the Zakat Calculator UK at https://zakat-calculator.org.uk/zakat-calculator. Add assets, subtract short-term debts, compare with today’s Nisab, then pay 2.5% if a lunar year has passed. This page does not calculate your liability. ### What is the Nisab in 2026? It is a weight of silver or gold, so the pound figure changes with the metal price. Use https://zakat-calculator.org.uk/zakat-nisab-2026 for today’s amount. Do not rely on a copied sterling figure. ### How much Zakat do I pay? The usual rate is 2.5% of net zakatable wealth above the Nisab after one lunar year. £1,000 of qualifying wealth is £25 of Zakat. Get the exact figure from the live calculator. ### Is cataract surgery Zakat-eligible? Many scholars accept medical care for a poor person who cannot pay. World Aid Network does not certify that. £200 is a suggested contribution towards eye care, not a verified quote. Voluntary Sadaqah can fund the same surgery. ### Can Zakat fund cancer treatment? The Cancer Emergency Appeal funds treatment for patients who cannot pay — all types of cancer, not research. Ask a scholar whether that meets Zakat rules in your case. ### Does 100% of Zakat reach patients? On this site, restricted medical gifts are paid to partner hospitals for named patients, never as cash to individuals. The dedicated Zakat site sets out how it records Zakat on a segregated ledger. Gift Aid is not currently available; HMRC recognition and eligibility checks are required. ### Does Gift Aid apply? Gift Aid is a UK tax relief. It is not currently available at WAN; HMRC recognition and eligibility checks are required. Ask a scholar about mixing tax relief with Zakat. ### What is the difference between Zakat and Sadaqah? Zakat is obligatory and rule-bound. Sadaqah is voluntary. Sadaqah Jariyah is ongoing charity. See the Sadaqah eye surgery page if you are giving a £200 cataract gift voluntarily. ### Where does the money go? Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia only. Partner hospitals, locally licensed clinicians, named patients. We do not run clinics and we do not fund NHS care. ### Should I use this calculator or zakat-calculator.org.uk? Use zakat-calculator.org.uk to work out what you owe. Use this page to see what a Zakat-intention gift funds at World Aid Network and to read the scholar disclaimer. ## How you can help Calculate Zakat at https://zakat-calculator.org.uk/zakat-calculator or give by card at https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health.