The highest incidence of breast cancer in England occurs in women aged 70 years and older – and yet a new study by researchers at the University of Manchester has found that older women with breast cancer get a lower level of care than their younger counterparts. The study shows that women aged 70 and older are less likely to receive standard diagnostic treatments, to undergo surgery and to be given radiotherapy. The research also suggests that these treatment differences could lead to higher rates of recurrence of the disease and higher than necessary mortality.
To discuss these findings and their implications, Jenni Murray is joined by Dr Katrina Lavelle, Research Associate at Manchester University’s School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, who led the study and by Ann Stotter, Consultant Breast Surgeon at the Glenfield Hospital in Leicester.
