Age restrictions on treatment of cancer patients: FOI release

Information requested

What instructions exist in relation to treatment of cancer patients who are over 60, or 70, years of age? Are people denied treatment if they are over a certain age, and , if so, what is this? Please provide a copy of a policy document, or other documentation, which covers this issue.

Response

The answer to your question is the Scottish Government does not have instructions nor policy documents relating to the treatment of cancer patients who are over 60 or 70 years of age specifically.

Whilst Scottish Ministers are responsible for determining the strategic policy of the NHS in Scotland, the Scottish Government is not able to directly provide comment on matters relating to clinical decision making and patient care as this is the sole responsibility of Healthcare professionals.

However, regardless of circumstances, the Scottish Government would expect clinical decision making to align with person centred care. This ensures people receive the treatment and care that they need, based on what matters to them, and ensuring they have all the information they need to give informed consent. Patients are all entitled to seek a second opinion if they wish to further discuss their treatment options.

ANNEX

REASONS FOR NOT PROVIDING INFORMATION

The Scottish Government does not have the information

The Scottish Government does not have the information you have asked for because we do not hold  instructions nor policy documents relating to the treatment of cancer patients who are over 60 or 70 years of age specifically.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.