chat
What’s the problem?
Research from sources such as Macmillan and Public Health England has shown that cancer survival worsens with increasing age. Older patients (those aged 65 and over) make up just under two thirds of all leukaemia cases (64%). However, this group accounts for 81% of all leukaemia related deaths.
Our report ‘Leukaemia: I wasn’t born yesterday’ looks at the challenges faced by older patients and makes recommendations for improvements.
You can download our report here
What this means for patients
As part of our report, we undertook a survey of over 1,300 leukaemia patients, to uncover the inequalities that are impacting on cancer survival and patient experience.
Case studies
Ann was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) in 2010 and was immediately placed on the Spirit 2 Trial. After her discharge from hospital, Ann struggled with loneliness before discovering a local CML support group.
Read her story here.
72-year-old Graham was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in 2003. However, it wasn’t a doctor who diagnosed him, but a dentist.
Read his story here.
Kenneth was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) in 2011 at the age of 74. He has received excellent support during treatment, but has struggled with the financial impact.
Read more of Kenneth’s story here.
Stuart was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) at the age of 67 in 2004. However, his diagnosis meant that he was forced to retire early.
Read on for more of his here.
Based on what you told us, we have made the following recommendations:
- Improved awareness of the signs and symptoms of leukaemia, amongst the public and healthcare professionals, including the link between leukaemia and age
- Access to a clinical nurse specialist from diagnosis onwards for all patients
- Tailored information and support for patients, based on their individual need, not age. This should include guidance on finding accurate information online
- Equal access to clinical trials for patients of all ages, to ensure that robust evidence is available on the most appropriate treatment
What can you do to help?
1. Download a copy of the report (PDF)
2. Share the report on social media to help spread the word
3. If you’re aged 65 and over and have been affected by leukaemia, get in touch with us to share your story by emailing advocacy@leukaemiacare.org.uk or calling 01905 755977
4. Keep up to date with our campaigns by signing up to receive email communications from LC.