I AM a passionate believer in the equality of individuals and fairness in our society.

So I was shocked and saddened to learn from Macmillan Cancer Support that many older people are not getting the right cancer care because it is assumed they can’t cope with treatment due to their age (Echo, Dec 28).

Growing evidence shows that age remains a dominant factor when treatment decisions are made and that many older people who could benefit from treatment, like surgery or radiotherapy, simply aren’t getting it.

I find it hard to believe that this is happening in this day and age.

I am sure health professionals are not being intentionally ageist, but it is clear that assessments of older people are not adequately measuring their fitness for treatment.

I consider myself to be a pretty fit 72-year-old and would hope, should I be diagnosed with cancer, that I would be accurately assessed and given the best chance of a longer, productive life of work and leisure as a result.

So to deny older patients treatment that could cure them due to age based assumptions is an unacceptable act of discrimination.

We have a moral duty to treat people as individuals and give them the best chance of beating cancer, regardless of their age.

I am writing to invite your readers to pledge their support for Macmillan’s Age Old Excuse campaign at macmillan.org.uk/ageoldexcuse.

A new booklet, Cancer and Older People, which includes tips on how to ensure older people receive the best treatment for them is also available at be.macmillan.org.uk or by calling 0808-808-0000.

Sir Patrick Stewart, Macmillan Cancer supporter.