Michelle Mitchell is in the news after Buckingham Palace’s update on cancer treatment. She’s CEO of Cancer Research UK, with a background leading major charities.
The UK has passed the Tobacco and Vapes Act, introducing a rolling age ban that will permanently stop anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 from legally buying tobacco. The law has also expanded powers to restrict vaping advertising, flavours, packaging, displays and sales to under‑18s; royal assent is imminent (May 2026).
Cancer Research UK reports over 403,000 annual cancer diagnoses in the UK, driven by an ageing population. Waiting times are high and early diagnosis has not improved, while the government’s National Cancer Plan aims to accelerate care and screening. TheIndependent notes the link between obesity and rising incidence across several cancers, including bowel cancer, with calls for stronger public health action.