Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
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.
19 February 2019
Hundreds of passengers have had their travel plans cancelled following the collapse of airline flybmi.
[more...]
16 February 2019
Holidaymakers were left fuming after a "lack of clarity" over Brexit led a Romanian airline to cancel flights from Liverpool's John Lennon Airport.
15 February 2019
British Airways celebrated Valentine's Day with a special flight where all members of the cabin crew were couples who work for the airline.
14 February 2019
The "concerning" level of stigma surrounding the human papilloma virus (HPV) could be putting some women off going for vital check-ups, campaigners are warning.
13 February 2019
Older people living with depression should be given better access to community activities and therapy instead of being prescribed antidepressants, researchers have urged.
12 February 2019
The Government has been criticised for failing to act on warnings about the link between processed meats and cancer, by the scientist who co-authored the original advice.
09 February 2019
A grandfather who has battled three types of cancer is cycling from Twickenham to Tokyo in time for the Rugby World Cup - all in aid of charity.
08 February 2019
Lovers of traditional fish and chips are embracing a more health-conscious version of their favourite food, a new study suggests.
07 February 2019
Two thirds of UK adults don't know they're able to lower their risk of developing dementia, new research has shown.
06 February 2019
More than 600 people a day are quitting their jobs to care for relatives, a charity has warned.
05 February 2019
Millennials in the US face an increasing risk of developing an obesity-related cancer, a new study has revealed.
02 February 2019
More than 100 people sought refuge at a pub high on Bodmin Moor overnight after heavy snowfall hit the A30, leading many stranded motorists to abandon their cars.