Your stories

Beryl, 84

'I had no idea who to speak to for help.'

I was shocked to be diagnosed with bowel cancer, as I’d had no symptoms or pain. I was told I’d need surgery to remove half my bowel.

I’m a widow and live on my own, so after the surgery my son came to give me a lift back to my flat. After I was discharged from the hospital, I was left to look after myself - I didn’t even get a wheelchair to get down to my son’s car. I wasn’t offered hospital transport or help to cover the cost of taxis to and from appointments.

When I got home the first week was awful. I lost a lot of weight as I couldn’t eat after the surgery. I couldn’t wash myself or clean the flat, which made me feel very depressed. I had no idea who to speak to for help, and no support when I needed it the most.

John, 86

'I was 75 at the time and thought "am I too old?"'

I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1995 after an awareness campaign prompted me to go for a check up.

I had been going to the toilet more frequently than normal and after tests it was decided that I undergo radiation treatment.

Seventeen years on I’m in remission and only require annual check-ups.

Throughout my life I’ve always been active and 11 years ago I read an article in a newspaper about Argentine tango. I was immediately interested and had always loved tango music, but I was 75 at the time and thought ‘am I too old to start?’ The lady I spoke to said ‘no, as long as you can walk you can tango’. That was 11 years ago and I haven’t stopped dancing since.

I may limp when I walk, but not when I dance.

Joyce, 81

'I’m 82 next year and not afraid to say it!'

I don’t drive so I’ve always walked everywhere. I soon got into my local walking group and now I’m very experienced. I plan and lead Rambler walks that some would find difficult but for me it’s quite easy!

I’m a very active person, people find it surprising because of my age. In between my involvement in the Ramblers I also look after my nephew’s children to help their mother out – she has two jobs and often needs an extra pair of hands. They’re very young and full of energy, they certainly keep me on my feet!

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.

Geoff, 66

'They explained that if I was over 70, they may not have offered to operate at all'

I went to my GP after suffering a burning sensation on passing urine. He thought it was likely to be an infection and put me on antibiotics.

When they didn’t work, I went back. The specialists soon confirmed that I had prostate cancer.

What surprised me most was a discussion about my treatment options. I was told that I could have surgery to remove the tumour if the cancer hadn’t spread. But they explained that if I was over 70, they may not have offered to operate at all.

I thought that was discriminatory, and clearly ageist. The role of the medical profession is to prolong life, no matter what age. Surgery could give someone another 20 years.