Doctors have cautioned that older women are being the victim of inequality against breast cancer treatment.

Nine out of 10 specialists claim that women above 65 years of age are rendered at a risk of losing access for treatments such as drug therapy, surgery and chemotherapy.

In addition, 50% specialists fear older women face discrimination against access to drugs and even surgery. And six in 10 of the 133 doctors questioned cautioned that pensioners faced inadequate service.

Report author Prof Robert Leonard, of London's Imperial College NHS Trust, quoted, "Older women are not receiving the best NHS care on all occasions. This is simply not acceptable".

The survey recommended National Institute for Clinical Excellence watchdogs to frame lower limit standards for older patients.

The charity's Jane Hatfield said yesterday that everyone surviving with breast cancer should get access to highest quality of care.

The Department of Health revealed that it is working with Macmillan Cancer Support in a bid to ensure that older people get the assistance they require.