· Late stage at diagnosis of breast cancer in England is more common in adults aged 80+ (23%), compared to those aged 60-79 (15%)
· Despite
heightened risk of breast cancer, 1 in 5 women over 70 never check themselves
for symptoms of breast cancer
· Data
collection on age inequalities due to come to an end in 2019
In its latest report, the International Longevity
Centre UK (ILC) calls for greater awareness surrounding age inequalities in
breast cancer care and treatment. Although age discrimination in the provision
of health and care services was banned in the UK in 2012, there continue to be
age-related discrepancies in the prevalence, treatment and outcomes experienced
by people with breast cancer.
Evidence suggests that ageist attitudes, both on
the part of older people themselves and on that of clinicians, may impact rates
of diagnosis and the treatment that people with breast cancer receive. Adults
aged 80 and above are more likely to receive a late diagnosis (23%) than those
aged 60-79 (15%). Moreover, older people are less aware of the risks and signs
of breast cancer. 1 in 5 women over 70 report to never self-check for symptoms,
potentially due to the confusing signals sent by the fact that women over
70-years-of-age are no longer called for routine screening.
Older people may also experience practical barriers
to diagnosis and treatment, such as health and social care needs linked to
other conditions, or caring responsibilities.
However, there continues to be a lack of data to
effectively assess and monitor age discrimination in breast cancer. Indeed, a
survey revealed that less than a third of English hospital trusts collects data
in full on patients with secondary breast cancer, which is particularly common
in older people. Moreover, with NABCOP, the current data collection programme,
due to come to an end in 2019, there is concern that data collection around age
inequalities will become poorer in future.
Kate Jopling, Director
of Programmes at ILC argued:
“The NHS has made good progress in improving breast
cancer outcomes and in taking steps to address age inequalities. However, there
can be no room for complacency.”
“Addressing gaps in the collection and sharing of
data for research, service provision and service improvements will be vital to
the effective assessment of whether older people with breast cancer receive
equal treatment.”
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