The merger of the two charities, which are both dedicated to supporting people affected by cancer, is expected to take place within six weeks. 

Jamie Dundas, chair of Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “We are truly delighted to have agreed this merger.  Macmillan Cancer

Support's ambition is to be able to offer the fullest possible support to everyone affected by cancer.  High quality information is a critical element of this and Cancerbackup's expertise in this field is in a class of its own.   

“Macmillan is committed to maintaining and expanding Cancerbackup's excellent work, and I am confident that together we will be able to do much more to help people with cancer.” 

Dr Maurice Slevin, chair of Cancerbackup, who on completion of the merger will join the expanded board of Macmillan Cancer Support, said: ”The combined strength of Cancerbackup's information and Macmillan's comprehensive services, and the fact that it is a household name, will vastly improve the delivery of cancer information.  Together we are creating the opportunity to ensure that everyone in the UK affected by cancer will receive the highest quality information at the time they want and in the way that they want.   

“I am also confident that our expert staff will continue to provide high quality information to reduce the fear and uncertainty of living with cancer.”