Is Beating Cancer Within a Generation Possible? - Michelle Mitchell OBE CE Cancer Research UK

Can we really beat cancer within a generation? Cancer Research UK's Michelle Mitchell believes so—and in this deeply personal and practical episode, she explains why we're in a genuine "golden age of cancer research" with survival rates doubling in the last 50 years.From her roots as the first in her family to attend university in 1980s Merseyside, Michelle shares how witnessing injustice and lost opportunity shaped her belief in the power of people to create change. Today, she leads one of the UK's most trusted charities with a clear mission: just get stuff done.What keeps her grounded? Time spent with cancer patients in their final days who choose to advocate for research that will help others—a profound reminder of human goodness that drives the urgency behind breakthrough innovations in AI, personalized medicine, and early detection.But this isn't just about scientific advances. Michelle reveals stark realities about cancer inequalities—how people in deprived areas face later diagnosis and poorer outcomes—and why this is fundamentally a social justice issue requiring targeted action.Key insights include:-Why 40% of cancers are preventable (and exactly how)-The critical difference early diagnosis makes (10% vs 90% survival rates)-How the HPV vaccine achieved a 90% reduction in cervical cancer-Why bowel cancer rates are rising alarmingly among young people globally-Practical steps every listener can take todayWhether you're interested in health, leadership, or social change, this conversation offers both hope and concrete action. Michelle's three-part call to action is simple: take care of yourself, seek help when something feels wrong, and find a way to contribute to the fight.#beatingcancer #cancerresearchuk #fundraising #aiincancer #leadership #hope #generationgoal #socialjustice #earlydiagnosis #prevention