Macmillan Cancer Support is a large British charity founded in 1911 by Douglas Macmillan following the death of his father from the disease. Its purpose is to be a source of support for those suffering from the illness and a force for change in its treatment. There are 2,978 Macmillan’ nurses in the U.K. They support people when they are first diagnosed and throughout their illness. They also offer help and information to families, friends, carers and local communities. One hears nothing but praise for what is effectively a practical and pastoral ministry of care. In 2008 for example they were in touch with 352,000 people. Because of massive public support, their services are always free.

The charity is trusted and therefore its current report highlighting the difference between the care of elderly cancer patients and those who are younger, is to be taken seriously. The B.B.C. saw it as headline news this morning. Macmillan research points to thousands of older patients dying unnecessarily from cancer every year, whereas data from 1991-2010 suggests some 130,000 people diagnosed with cancer after the age of 65, survived for more than ten years.

.If mortality rates matched those in the U.S.A., we could prevent around 40 deaths per day in people aged over 75, according to Ciaran Devane, Chief Executive of the charity. Older people are less likely to receive cancer treatments than younger people, whatever their overall fitness. They should be treated as individuals whatever their chronological age. There is growing evidence which suggests that many older patients who could benefit from treatment are not being offered it.

The National Health Service England’s clinical director for cancer, Sean Duffy, says that the study has come at an important moment in time. ‘We need to deliver better services for people over 65 and 75 because we know there’s an issue and interventions need to be designed to that end’.

(One could have hoped for a more positive response – if the situation is already known, why has there not been more action?). Dr Mark Potter of the British Medical Association gives a similarly anodyne approval to the study and says it should be a ‘key part’ of the medical profession to ensure that older patients are ‘treated with the care and respect they deserve’. ( ‘Should’ suggests well intended ambition rather than decisive action).

Old people in the news again! This time with an emphasis on equal human rights.

Bryan