In Leeds alone, around 27,000 people are currently living with or beyond cancer, with more than 4,100 new diagnoses each year1.
The city has the highest cancer incidence rate in Yorkshire, reflecting its population size, ageing demographics and need for local healthcare.
Across the UK, one in two people will be diagnosed with cancer, and around half of all cancer patients are expected to require radiotherapy as part of their treatment2. Yet access remains a challenge, with many patients travelling long distances for daily appointments. National data shows that more than one in five people live over 45 minutes’ drive from a radiotherapy centre, rising significantly for those relying on public transport2.
Leeds is a major regional health hub, supporting patients from across Yorkshire, where someone is diagnosed with cancer every 17 minutes3. While survival outcomes continue to improve, with around 60% of cancers now diagnosed at an early stage nationally – demand for timely, accessible treatment remains high4.
The proposed Icon Cancer Centre would form part of a wider health offering at AMT Headingley Stadium, integrating cancer care alongside existing community health, wellbeing and sporting initiatives already delivered at the site.
Icon Group CEO, Mark Middleton OAM said the proposal aligns with Icon’s mission to deliver world‑class cancer care through strong, locally grounded partnerships.
“At Icon, our purpose is to improve access to lifesaving cancer care and to do so in a way that genuinely supports people and communities,” Mark said.
“Being part of a health consideration at AMT Headingley allows us to embed cancer care within a broader ecosystem of health, wellbeing and community support – not as a standalone service, but as part of the fabric of Leeds. This also complements Icon’s strong track-record of being an integral part of communities and forming long-term regional partnerships to enable greater access to world-class care.”
Pictured L-R: Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Felix Kumi-Ampofo, Sue Ward, Dr Penny Kechagioglou, Fiona Bolam, Paul Caddick, Dame Linda Pollard, Mark Middleton, Aldo Rolfo, Rob Oates
Icon confirmed the centre will house the most advanced radiotherapy technology available – the first-of-its-kind to be implemented in the north of England and only the second in the UK, with the other at Icon Cancer Centre in London.
Icon is working closely with a number of local partners as plans progress, including AMT Headingley Stadium, Leeds Rhinos and Headingley Cricket, Leeds City Council, and community leaders with deep local insight.
To support its engagement in Leeds and across the UK, Icon has appointed Dame Linda Pollard as Strategic Advisor. Dame Linda brings extensive experience and knowledge in the city’s health landscape, having previously served as Chair of Leeds Hospitals NHS Trust.
“Having been a healthcare decision-maker in Leeds for many years, I know how strong and proud this community is and how important access to timely cancer care is for local people,” Dame Linda Pollard said.
“I’m personally very excited to be part of this announcement. Developments like this, when they are grounded in partnership and shaped by local understanding, can make a real difference for patients and families.
“I’m pleased to be supporting Icon and Leeds Rhinos who both show a genuine commitment to improving healthcare for the people of Leeds.”
Paul Caddick MBE, Chairman of Caddick Group and owner of Leeds Rhinos and AMT Headingley Stadium, said the new health initiative builds on the organisation’s longstanding commitment to community wellbeing.
“AMT Headingley has always been about more than sport. Through the Leeds Rhinos Foundation and our wider work, we already support physical and mental health, inclusion and community resilience across Leeds,” Paul said.
“Creating a space for health initiatives that includes cancer care is a natural extension of that commitment and reflects what this site means to the community.”
Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council supports the proposal.
“As a global top three HealthTech hub leading the Government’s flagship health mission, Leeds offers one of the UK’s most interconnected ecosystems,” Councillor Lewis said.
“We really welcome the proposals from Icon Group and know their expertise and innovation will strengthen the sector in the city.”
The announcement coincides with a senior visit to Leeds, where Icon Group leadership and consortium partners across Leeds and AMT Headingley Stadium formally signed an agreement to progress the proposed health initiative.
Further details about the proposed centre will be shared as planning and engagement continue.
References
1 Leeds Cancer Programme. Transforming Cancer Care Together.
2 Radiotherapy UK (2024) – Equity of Access to Cancer Treatment. National analysis of radiotherapy need, access and travel times across the UK.
3 Yorkshire Cancer Research – The White Rose cancer Report. Regional cancer burden and incidence across Yorkshire.
4 NHS Digital. National Disease Registration Service (NDRS): Cancer incidence, prevalence and stage at diagnosis data for England.
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