Top Cancer Charities Across Europe & the US Supporting the Fight Against Cancer

Global Impact of Cancer

Cancer is one of the scariest diseases that can affect anyone. It affects families and friends on every continent every year and changes their lives. Cancer is more than a disease; it affects mental health, takes a toll on savings, and changes all future plans forever.

As a part of society, supporting cancer charities is one of the most significant things you can do to make a real difference. These organizations do groundbreaking research, provide critical patient support, fund cancer-related services, and spread vital awareness.

This blog will explore all the leading charities for cancer working in Europe and the United States, along with their missions and work, so you can make informed decisions about where your support can truly help the people who are battling cancer on a daily basis.

Start a new cancer fundraiser by yourself and support the charities close to your heart.

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Leading Cancer Charities in the United Kingdom

Here are the best cancer charities to donate to that are committed to transforming lives through research, support services, and community outreach.

1. Cancer Research UK:

Cancer Research UK is one of the world-renowned cancer charities in the UK, supporting research that can not only detect and treat cancer but also prevent it. The organization supports scientists, projects, clinical trials, and facilities. 

They also offer extensive evidence-based information for patients via their website and nurse helpline, as well as iconic events like Race for Life and Stand Up To Cancer, which provide ways for people to get involved with these efforts.

2. Macmillan Cancer Support:

Macmillan Cancer Support focuses primarily on the person facing cancer, aiming to do whatever it takes to provide medical, emotional, practical, and financial support. As a leading charity for cancer, it providesThey provide direct assistance to millions every year by funding specialist nurses and doctors within the NHS, as well as services such as their helpline, online community forum, benefits advice service, and cancer support centers. 

Their World’s Biggest Coffee Morning event serves as an annual major fundraising effort, as well as offering volunteering challenges and opportunities.

3. Marie Curie:

Marie Curie Cancer Charity provides essential care and support to critical patients, particularly those with cancer, including their caregivers. They are known for providing hospice care along with emotional support. The organization supports nursing care, hospice services, information resources, and research into better end-of-life care. Their Great Daffodil Appeal each March is a key fundraising event in the UK.

4. Breast Cancer Now:

Breast Cancer Now is one of the UK’s leading breast cancer research charities, funding More than one-third of all publicly funded research into this disease. Their mission is to diagnose everyone with breast cancer and support them to live well by 2050 through improved screening, treatments, and understanding.

Their work has resulted in improved screening methods, as well as events like Wear It Pink, to encourage participation from these services and encourage involvement.

Find our full guide on breast cancer fundraising and treatment support here.

5. Tenovus Cancer Care:

Primarily serving Wales but offering UK-wide support services, Tenovus Cancer Care brings treatment, support, and research closer to local communities. They are the front runner in mobile support units offering chemotherapy and counselling. 

Their funds support these units, specialist nurses, psychological services, research grants, and financial aid for patients. Unique initiatives like their Sing with Us choirs promote wellbeing, and events like the Dragon Boat Festival foster community involvement.

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Leading Cancer Charities in the United States

1. American Cancer Society (ACS):

The American Cancer Society (ACS) is one of the popular names that works to free the world from cancer through research, advocacy, prevention, and extensive patient support. 

They’ve got a 24/7 helpline you can call any time, a free ride service called Road To Recovery that takes you to treatment, and Hope Lodge, where you can stay for free right near a treatment center. Every year, their big Relay For Life events rally neighborhoods all across the country to come together and support the cause.

2. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital:

When it comes to children’s healthcare, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is one of the most popular names that comes to mind. The hospital does some of the best research that helps parents to pay for their kids’ treatment, travel, place to stay, or meals. 

In fact, they are internationally recognized for being the first to conduct research and treat childhood cancer, and since their founding, their work has helped increase survival rates from 20% to 80%. Additionally, they also organize events such as the St. Jude Walk/Run and Radiothons to receive further support.

3. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute:

The Harvard Medical School-affiliated Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a global leader in the treatment and study of cancer in adults and children, renowned for developing new therapies and personalized medicine. 

In addition to offering comprehensive care, they also offer strong programs for survival, community education, and patient and family support. The Pan-Mass Challenge bike-a-thon and the Jimmy Fund Walk are two of their Jimmy Fund events that significantly increase fundraising.

4. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS):

Focusing specifically on blood cancers, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world’s largest nonprofit in this field. Their goal is to defeat leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma, meanwhile making life better for patients every day. 

LLS pays for cutting-edge research and kicks in with stuff that really matters: Info specialists, monetary help for doctor bills and travel, plus peer support and great patient guides.

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Best Cancer Charities in Europe

1. Deutsche Krebshilfe (German Cancer Aid), Germany: 

As Germany’s largest non-governmental organization, they focus on national prevention campaigns, funding innovative research projects across Germany, and providing direct financial aid to cancer patients in need. They are a major driver of cancer awareness and scientific progress nationally.

2. KWF Kankerbestrijding (Dutch Cancer Society), Netherlands: 

The organization is known for its unique public health initiatives, particularly prevention (such as anti-smoking campaigns, sun safety, etc.). They not only advocate for healthy public policy but also fund meaningful scientific research.

3. Ligue contre le cancer (League Against Cancer), France: 

In France, the Ligue contre le cancer aims to drive community-based actions focusing on cancer prevention, supporting local patients via transportation, financial aid, and emotional support. Apart from all these, they also take care of cancer funding research and advocating for patient rights. Their strength lies in grassroots support.

4. Fondazione AIRC per la Ricerca sul Cancro (AIRC Foundation for Cancer Research), Italy: 

Italy’s primary private funder of cancer research. Awards grants to top scientists and research institutions nationwide. Runs major public awareness campaigns (like the “I Giorni della Ricerca”) to inform the public and raise funds for discovery.

5. Swedish Cancer Society (Cancerfonden), Sweden: 

The Swedish Cancer Society is Sweden’s biggest backer of cancer research. They fund lots of different studies about all kinds of cancer and also spend a good amount of money on nationwide projects that teach the public how to prevent cancer, catch it early, and make sure everyone gets good care, no matter where they live.

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How to Choose a Cancer Charity to Support?

Even with a list of charities, it is difficult to choose which foundation can help you make a real difference to cancer-related causes around the globe. So, here are the key factors to consider before choosing an organization to support:

• Trust with Transparency & Accountability: 

Focus on charities that openly share financial information. Good cancer charities always give clarity about how they use the donations. Also, read reviews and testimonials to check the legitimacy of the charities before you make a move.

• Look for Impact: 

Examine for specifics on research results, the number of patients served, or the prevention programs run.

• Match with Your Values: 

As questions like, Can you relate to their mission? What type of cancer do you want to support – children, women? Can you help families locally? End-of-life care? Choose a cause close to your heart.

• Not Only Money: 

Sometimes, money is not enough. Think from your heart about how you can help. Regular contributions provide vital, predictable income. Volunteering your time and skills is invaluable. Spreading awareness through social media or conversations also makes a difference.

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Start Taking Action Through Crowdfunding

There is a reason why crowdfunding is one of the new ways to care for important causes that need attention. Crowdfunding is easy, convenient, and with the right platform, reliable. As one of the leading crowdfunding platforms in Europe, WhyDonate is not only limited to its home country, but also to more than 100 countries globally. 

WhyDonate is super simple and totally safe for starting a personal campaign for any cancer charity you care about. The site gives you easy-to-use tools, keeps your payments secure, and best of all, doesn’t charge any platform fees on the donations. That way, almost all the money you bring in goes straight to the charity you’ve picked.

Find cancer charities to donate to or start a new cancer fundraiser.

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Every Contribution Counts

Whether it’s a global foundation or a local organization, supporting cancer charities can create an unimaginable impact.

Don’t underestimate the impact of supporting local charities. They may be small, but they can be the real support no one else can, being the sole bridge between the struggle and the solution.

The fight against cancer needs all of us. Take the knowledge you’ve gained here:

1. Research: Visit the websites of the charities mentioned
2. Choose: Select one or more cancer charity organizations whose mission and impact resonate deeply with you.
3. Act: Make a Donation, fundraise, volunteer, or spread awareness.

When you help these organizations, you are directly impacting a future with more survivors, better healthcare, and, in the end, real cures. Remember, you can be the hope one needs to live their life. New treatments and cures can be developed through research, and that is how real differences are made. Imagine saving a life or even being a small part of it.

Already have a charity to support? Find effective and easy cancer fundraising ideas to support your campaign.