£2m grant to study cancer care for elderly

The programme has been awarded the cash by the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) to ensure older women are treated as effectively as younger women.

Professor Malcolm Reed and Lynda Wyld from Sheffield University’s oncology department are leading the programme, working with Dr Karen Collins from Sheffield Hallam University.

Dr Wyld, a senior lecturer in surgical oncology, said: “The program will allow us to establish the most effective treatment for breast cancer in older patients, tailored to their individual tumour characteristics and overall health.

“This will enable patients and their doctors to select the best treatment, avoiding the common problem of undertreatment, but also that of overtreatment, with the associated risk of side effects and loss of independence.”

Head of surgical oncology Prof Reed added: “The award of grant funding provides us with a superb opportunity to continue our work to improve the care in this previously under-resourced area.”