Commenting on research, to be published in the July issue of The Oncologist, looking at discrimination in treatment of older women with breast cancer, Jane Hatfield, Director of Policy and Research at Breast Cancer Care, said:

“From talking with and supporting women, and men, diagnosed with breast cancer, we know how devastated patients may feel if they believe they were denied treatment as a result of their age.

“Everyone diagnosed with breast cancer should receive the highest level of treatment and care, regardless of their age, which is why Breast Cancer Care would welcome the introduction of evidence-based minimum standards of treatment for this patient group.

“With 80 per cent of breast cancers occurring in women over the age of 50 and a steadily increasing elderly population, the concerns raised in this report will only intensify over the coming years unless urgently addressed.”

ENDS

For further media information, please contact
Ian Manley
0207 960 3450/0770 290 1334
ian.manley@breastcancercare.org.uk

Breast Cancer Care is here for anyone affected by breast cancer. We bring people together, provide information and support, and campaign for improved standards of care. We use our understanding of people’s experience of breast cancer and our clinical expertise in everything we do.Visit www.breastcancercare.org.uk or call our free helpline on 0808 800 6000.