Royal London has announced a £1.2 million charity partnership with Cancer Research UK to tackle cancer inequalities, including the funding of research into hard-to-treat cancers and initiatives to improve the pathway to early diagnosis. It will also support programs that increase cancer awareness in communities.
As part of the UK’s largest mutual life and pensions firm’s initiatives, Royal London will focus on its existing social impact and charitable giving to help people cope with life shocks and support those in financial crisis. This new partnership with Cancer Research UK broadens the firm’s strategy further and is aiming to prevent these life shocks with early diagnosis and prevention.
A study from 2015 found that one in two in the UK will develop cancer at some point in their lifetime. Cancer inequalities, which exist because of socioeconomic status, education, gender, ethnicity, age, and even where one lives, can impact health and cancer outcomes. Last year alone, 65% of Royal London’s cover for critical illness claims were related to cancer.
Royal London group chief executive Barry O’Dwyer said that this partnership with Cancer Research UK will help save lives and improve cancer outcomes for all.
“Aligned with our purpose, our partnership will focus on increasing awareness, funding research into hard-to-treat cancers, and helping to reduce cancer inequalities, which have a significant impact on the outcome for those affected, for this and future generations,” O’Dwyer said.
Elsewhere in the firm, a recent report revealed that Royal London will only be open to a merger if it was approached, with O’Dwyer being quoted as saying: “There are no forced marriages in this sector – it would have to be a marriage of consent.”
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