Tenovus Cancer Care was established in 1943 by ten businessmen (hence the 'ten of us'). Those men were D.R. Edwards, C. Harris, G. Brinn, C.E. Rolfe, D. Curitz, G.T. Addis, T.J.E. Price, H. Thomas, H.E. Gosling and T. Curitz.

Initially, the charity funded a range of local projects in health and social field. In 1964, Tenovus Cancer Care embarked on a project that was to influence their work over the next 40 years. D.R. Edwards, the founder Chairman of the group of ten, cut the first sod on the site of the Tenovus Institute for Cancer Research in Cardiff. Since then, Tenovus Cancer Care has concentrated its efforts on cancer, and Tenovus Cancer Care scientists have been recognised for their pioneering work.

Tenovus Cancer Care remains the biggest Wales-based funder of cancer research and has developed a range of services to support cancer patients directly, including a free Support Line, benefits advice, two Mobile Cancer Support Units and 'Sing with Us' choirs across the country. In 2018, the charity celebrated its 75th anniversary.