The Macmillan’s Age Old Excuse Campaign is highlighting and fighting age discrimination in cancer treatment, and calling on others to take action, now.
Regardless of age, everyone should get the treatment that’s right for them, says the cancer support charity.
The figures tell a different story.
The UK has some of the worst cancer survival rates in Europe for older people. And the reason could be that the over 70s aren’t offered the right treatment.
Macmillan’s Age Old Excuse Campaign has drawn together older people’s cancer experiences, and has worked with health professionals on the issue.
Take a look at the movie, to see what oldies can get up to, and join in the campaign, which is calling for older people to be treated on their fitness, not just their age. And for services to be made accessible to meet the needs of older people, while giving staff the training to provide the best possible care.
The campaign also highlights questions older people should ask during their treatment. And has the results of a survey of health professionals, which includes findings that ’45% have dealt with a cancer patient who has been refused treatment on the grounds they were too old’.
Pop along to the Macmillan Age Old Excuse Campaign page now, to read more examples and join the campaign
