You may have seen the story splashed all over the news this week about the rising number of older people predicted to be living with cancer in 30 years time. Our research shows that the number will triple from 1.3 million in 2010 to a staggering 4.1 million in 2040.
This is incredibly worrying because we know that older people with cancer are not getting the best treatment for their cancer. And if that is happening now, the future looks stark.
We hear from patients, their friends, family and clinicians who say that some older people are not getting offered the right treatment (e.g. chemotherapy) due to age-based assumptions made about how well they will cope.
These assumptions mean that potentially lifesaving treatment is not even considered in the same way it is for a younger person.
There are also issues with access. Transport difficulties and lack of support with caring responsibilities can result in people not being able to get to treatment.
This is why we are campaigning for treatment and care based on physical fitness rather than age and for older people to be given the practical help they need so they don’t miss out on treatment and get the right support at home.
Read more about our Age Old Excuse campaign and sign up to campaign with us to make sure that older people get the care they need and deserve.
