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Here at Macmillan, we believe that age is just a number. It’s not an excuse to treat older people with cancer differently. That’s why we want to make sure older people are offered cancer treatment and care based on their needs, not on their age.
We are calling for:
Fill in your details in the form below to pledge your support for our Age Old Excuse campaign.
We've created a campaign film featuring Patrick Stewart which highlights why older people should be treated as individuals. Watch it here.|
We all have different needs and older people are no exception. Some are frail, whilst others are fit and active.
Regardless of age, everyone should get the treatment that’s right for them.
But the UK has some of the worst cancer survival rates in Europe for older people. Every year there are around 14,000 avoidable cancer deaths in people over 75 . One of the reasons for this is that they are sometimes not offered the right treatment.
For example, studies have shown that breast cancer patients over 70 are much less likely to receive surgery than those under 70 . And stories we are hearing directly from older people with cancer and health professionals are also worrying.
Read more about our work with health professionals on this issue.|
Read stories from older people about their cancer experiences|.
For cancer support every step of the way call the Macmillan team free on:
0808 808 0000.
You can reach us Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm.
Macmillan has launched a report outlining what health and social care providers in England must do to improve care of older people with cancer. Read it in our health professionals section.
If you’re an older person affected by cancer, or you know someone who is, visit our cancer and older people pages. You can also order our cancer and older people booklet for extra support during your care and treatment.
0808 808 0000. You can reach us Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm. You can also find support from people affected by cancer in our online community|.
I was diagnosed with cancer a couple of years ago. I’m 82 next year and not afraid to say it! I find it surprising that some people will still make judgements on a person because of their age. We’re all different. Joyce, 81
I was diagnosed with cancer a couple of years ago. I’m 82 next year and not afraid to say it! I find it surprising that some people will still make judgements on a person because of their age. We’re all different.
Joyce, 81
45% have dealt with a cancer patient who has been refused treatment on the grounds they were too old
67% have heard older cancer patients spoken to in a condescending or dismissive way.
48% think assumptions about older people are resulting in them not getting the best treatment
We believe that everyone, regardless of age, should receive the highest standards of treatment and care. Read our information on: