Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
Or call 0345 90 80 161
08 December 2014 11:08
Older cancer patients are less likely to have surgery, according to a study
New research has shown that younger cancer patients are more likely to have surgery for their disease than older sufferers.
Patients below the age of 55 were found to be more likely to have an operation for 19 types of cancer than older people, the Cancer Research UK report found.
Surgery rates for kidney cancer patients over the age of 85 stood at only one in 10. This compared to almost three-quarters (73%) of people under the age of 55 and 36% of patients aged between 75 and 84.
The data - which was compiled in conjunction with the National Cancer Intelligence Network - painted a similar picture for bowel, breast and lung cancers.
Of the three biggest killers, bowel cancer offered the largest proportion of over-85s receiving surgery at 39%. This was still less than the two-thirds of people younger than 55 getting similar treatment.
The report stated that more than three-quarters (76%) of breast cancer patients aged younger than 55 had surgical procedures. The rate for over-85s was given as 26%.
Those who have had successful surgery may well decide at some point to take a holiday, or to visit family overseas. They can arrange specialist travel insurance for cancer patients.
What Cancer Research UK says
Cancer Research UK said the research gave further background to the "age bias" from which it says older cancer patients can suffer.
The charity's head of statistics, Nick Ormiston-Smith, said past studies had suggested older sufferers could be overlooked for surgery due to their age.
He called for changes to be made to the situation and emphasised the need for earlier diagnoses. If that could be achieved, he said, greater numbers of patients could be suitable for surgery and other treatments.
Returning to the current situation, Mr Ormiston-Smith said it was "wrong" if older cancer patients were not being offered the option of surgery.
07 June 2019
Get hitched without a hitch! Here are our top tips on how to choose your perfect wedding location abroad, covering everything from food to legalities.
[more...]
03 June 2019
Want to get into surfing but not sure where to go? Here's where you should be heading to get the best beginner waves around the world.
Heading to the showpiece event of women's football in France this summer? Here's everything you need to know about England's venues for France 2019.
Get more out of your smartphone when you go travelling by downloading these travel apps and make your trip easier at the touch of a button.
24 May 2019
Heading to the football in Baku but don't know what else to do? Explore the hip and trendy crossroad of Europe and the Middle East and experience the fast-growing phenomenon, Azerbaijan.
Two of London's top football teams head east in search of silverware on May 29. If you're heading to Baku for the final, here's our guide on what you need to know before you go...
17 May 2019
There's more to Monaco than the Grand Prix. Discover the magic of the Mediterranean principality with our guide to what you must see in Monaco.
15 May 2019
Are you heading to one of Europe's best music festivals this summer? Then make sure you read our top ten tips before you leave...
What makes the Monaco Grand Prix so special? From a royal guestlist to a challenging circuit, we take a look at why the Monte Carlo Formula 1 race is so prestigious...
Get inspired for a summer of music, travel and adventure with our guide to some of the best music festivals around Europe.
07 May 2019
Thinking of visiting Spain? There are some excellent reasons to explore the country this spring and summer, from football finals to eating snails - so don't miss out!
Want to learn a new language without the hassle of going to classes? Check out our guide to the best free apps on the market and get yourself holiday-ready in no time.