Attitudes to older people must change, says RCN

Published: 20 December 2012

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) said today there was still much to do to combat ageist attitudes towards older people with cancer.

The comments came in response to a survey of oncologists, GPs and clinical nurse specialists by Macmillan Cancer Support. The results showed that almost half of those questioned felt stereotypes and assumptions prevented some older people from getting the best cancer treatment.

Dr Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, said: “Macmillan’s work shows that we still have a lot to do to change attitudes towards older people.”

Nursing staff in cancer care would be very sad to learn that the great advances made in treating the disease were not always being offered to all who could benefit, simply on the grounds of age, he said.

Dr Carter added: “More and more people are beating cancer, and living well. Cancer nurse specialists have a crucial role in ensuring treatment is focused on supporting the person and their family as a whole. At a time when nurse specialist roles and access to services are being reviewed, it is important that we do not allow ageism to creep into those decision-making processes and by demonstrating that we are listening to older people about their needs when dealing with cancer.”

Read more about the survey on the Macmillan Cancer Support website.