Published: 26 September

The AMRC has today published a spotlight report showcasing the key role that medical research charities play in preventing ill health.

Read the report

Prevention is about stopping disease before it starts, and if it does occur, slowing or halting its progression. It spans a wide range of initiatives – from identifying risk factors to developing tools that detect disease early and interventions that reduce the burden of long-term conditions.

Prevention is critical:

• In 2023, more than one in five deaths in England were considered avoidable.
• Around 70% of cardiovascular disease, 40% of cancers and 40% of dementia are preventable.
• Obesity-related conditions cost the UK economy £35 billion each year in healthcare and lost productivity.
• Many prevention interventions are cost-effective, helping reduce pressure on services in the long term.

Charities fund essential research across all areas of prevention. Their work also includes policy and campaigning, as well as education initiatives that raise awareness and support healthier lives.

To deliver this spotlight, AMRC conducted interviews, workshops and a survey with over 80 responses from our member charities. It highlights the breadth and impact of charity-led innovation in prevention, with case studies from our member charities highlighting how they are helping reshape the future of healthcare.