Expert Calls For 'Fair Delivery Of Treatment'
Action needs to be taken following new figures that suggest older cancer patients are not receiving vital medical treatment, a clinical negligence expert at Irwin Mitchell has urged.
Research carried out by the National Cancer Intelligence Network revealed that the rate of cancer surgery in the UK dropped as those suffering with different types of tumours get older.
According to the Daily Telegraph, concerns have specifically been raised by the organisation about the decline seen in operations as people reach middle age.
Commenting on the research, Beth Reay, who specialises in clinical negligence claims at Irwin Mitchell’s Sheffield office, said: “This research has highlighted some serious questions over cancer surgery, particularly how decisions are made regarding operations.
“All patients deserve the right to be given treatment which could potentially save their lives, regardless of their age.
“I hope the release of these figures leads the NHS to carefully consider the processes it has in place to ensure fair and consistent delivery of treatment based upon each individual patient’s needs.”