women in the UK being diagnosed with breast cancer may not receive much-needed therapy because of their age as opposed to the type of tumour, according to one expert.
Arlene Wilkie, director of research and policy for Breast Cancer Campaign, referred to studies which appear to indicate that how old a patient is might be a deciding factor in whether they receive surgical treatment.
New research from Breakthrough Breast Cancer found that women over the age of 80 are 40 times less likely to go under the knife than younger patients, which might include cancer alert bracelet wearers.
Ms Wilkie noted that more studies were being carried out to investigate whether there is age discrimination involved in assessing if a cancer sufferer should be treated.
According to recent figures around 80 per cent of those diagnosed with the illness are likely to be alive in five years' time, thanks to increased awareness about breast cancer and advances in therapies.
Arlene Wilkie, director of research and policy for Breast Cancer Campaign, referred to studies which appear to indicate that how old a patient is might be a deciding factor in whether they receive surgical treatment.
New research from Breakthrough Breast Cancer found that women over the age of 80 are 40 times less likely to go under the knife than younger patients, which might include cancer alert bracelet wearers.
Ms Wilkie noted that more studies were being carried out to investigate whether there is age discrimination involved in assessing if a cancer sufferer should be treated.
According to recent figures around 80 per cent of those diagnosed with the illness are likely to be alive in five years' time, thanks to increased awareness about breast cancer and advances in therapies.
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