In a new report published today (4 April 2019), the International Longevity Centre UK (ILC) calls for greater awareness surrounding age inequalities in breast cancer care and treatment.
“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%),” according to the ILC.
Additionally, the Ageism in Breast Cancer report points out that older people are often less aware of the risks and signs of breast cancer. One in five women above 70 years of age say they do not perform self-checks. ILC suggests this may be due to a misperception that women over 70 years are not at risk as they are not called for routine screening.
The ILC also calls for an examination of the effectiveness and implications of the AgeX trial. “If this trial has proven to be effective, the NHS should consider further extensions to the national screening programme invitation procedures,” the report states.
Kate Jopling, Director of Programmes at ILC, said: “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,” she said.
