UCARE (Urology Cancer Research and Education) was founded by David Cranston MB ChB, DPhil, FRCS (Eng) FRCS (Ed) a Professor in Surgery and Consultant Urological Surgeon and Andrew Protheroe MB BS FRCP PhD an Associate Professor in Medical Oncology.

The Professors were alarmed by the legacy of under-funded research into urological cancers in comparison to some other cancer types and came to the conclusion that the only way to alleviate this problem was to develop a new charity.

Research and education

In September 2007 UCARE was registered with the Charity Commission, our remit to support research into the causes, prevention and treatment of urological cancers and to promote the development of new technologies to improve diagnosis and treatment for cancer patients.

Emphasis is also made to educate the public about greater awareness of these cancers and support those with the disease and their families. Urological cancers, those of the kidney, bladder, prostate and testes are frequently diagnosed and account for 1 in 3 of all cancers in men and 1 in 5 of all cancers in men and women. 50,000 urological cancers are diagnosed every year in the UK, and in any year, across the country, they cause 18,000 deaths. Yet they still have a low public profile, resulting in symptoms not being recognised, not being taken seriously or simply going unreported because of embarrassment or fear, we are trying to challenge this perilous understanding.

UCARE today

We are a relatively small charity, with two part time staff; we are experienced and established enough to be able to make a difference in the fight against urological cancer, but small enough to be able to ensure that we are personally involved with all of the day to day running of the charity.

Donations do not simply get swallowed up, we ensure they are used for the projects the donor is interested in, we ensure that supporters are valued as part of our team and that we are available to personally help with any fundraising projects.

We have a wealth of supporters, Trustees and Ambassadors who all believe passionately in UCARE and what we are trying to achieve.