British Cancer Council (BCC)

This organization was established in 1968 by leading workers in cancer research, treatment and control, to improve communication between those branches of cancer work, between the professions and the general public. The DHSS, MRC and other official UK bodies were appointed observers. The aim of the Council was educational and to bring cancer work in the UK into a closer relationship with the International Union Against Cancer (IUAC), for which British support had declined very seriously in the recent years. (See H.1/5-9). The BCC registered as a charitable body, with objects 'to promote education on the subject of cancer, its prevention, treatment and after-care'. Its fund-raising was restricted to paying a national subscription to the IUAC and to staffing and equipping an office as a centre for the processing and distribution of knowledge of all aspects of cancer. Both the Campaign and the ICRF initially saw no point in the BCC, and decided not to participate as founding members. They then delayed joining, hoping that the Council would alter the wording of its constitution (notably to change 'education' to 'information'), clarify its objectives, and gain Ministerial support. However, the Charity Commissioners stated that such a word change would be unacceptable and illegal, since the promotion of information was only regarded as a charitable objective if the intention was strictly educational. Once the Council was formally constituted the Campaign agreed to join (end of 1969).

See also Section Q on Cancer Education

1967-1975

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Archives and Manuscripts online catalogue