Cancer cases set to rise in elderly by 2035

A report by Cancer Research UK has predicted that diagnoses amongst elderly people will rise by 80% within the next 20 years and it is estimated that by 2035, around 234,000 over 75s will be diagnosed each year, a significant rise from the current number of 135,000 each year.

The charity has called on the NHS to make preparations for the future rise in elderly patients with ‘complex needs’.

The risk of cancer increases as we age, as the cells in our body become damaged over time. Elderly people are also less likely to receive curative treatment such as chemotherapy or surgery, and are more likely to have complex needs, which can sometimes make it more difficult for them to receive the best treatments.

Cancer Research UK’s policy manager Rose Gray, said “If we do nothing, the disparity in care between older and younger cancer patients will only grow.

“It’s vital to address this if we want to realise our ambition of ensuring world-class treatment for everyone in the UK who is affected by cancer.

“It’s also highly likely that this group will be the hardest hit by wider pressures facing the NHS, including severe workforce shortages.”

Steve Brine, Cancer Minister, said “Cancer is a priority for this Government and survival rates are at a record high with around 7,000 people alive today who would not have been had mortality rates stayed the same as in 2010.”

This follows Teresa May’s recent announcement of increased funding for the NHS and a long-term plan to prioritise the transformation of cancer care, to be paid for through tax rises, a ‘Brexit dividend’ and economic growth.

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Posted by Tony May, Partner/head of Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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