A study by the Royal College of Surgeons shows that in 2010-11 some CCGs provided no surgery to over-75 year old patients for a number of prevalent conditions. This finding raises the concern that an informal, and since last year, illegal curb has been placed on such surgery. For example, in 2010-11 Bradford City CCG commissioned no surgery for breast cancer excision, for gall bladder removal or for knee replacement. While there is always a balance of risk and benefit with surgery the study shows wide variation between CCG areas. For further information read the report in the Daily Telegraph or the original Royal College of Surgeons report.