This report from Macmillan Cancer Support examines what it is like to be an older person going through cancer treatment and whether they get the treatment they should?
The Charity expresses concern about a number of issues that may contribute to under treatment:
. Recommendations on treatment are too often being made on the basis of age, regardless of how fit patients may be.
. Assessments do not adequately measure an older person's ability to cope with treatment, and co-existing health problems are often not identified or effectively managed.
. Many patients do not take up treatment because they have inadequate practical support to help them at home, with transport, or with care for dependent spouses and other family.
. Older people are not represented on enough clinical trials, reducing the amount of evidence available to clinicians on benefits and risks of cancer treatment and impact on quality ... Macmillian Cancer Support
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