“You didn’t stop striving for change and raising awareness — and we won’t either.”
– Marie Keating Foundation

 

A Tribute to Lives Lost to Early-Onset Bowel Cancer – We Renew Our Urgent Call for Screening Age to Be Lowered this Bowel Cancer Awareness Month

Honouring the lives of our #NoRegrets ambassadors, advocates and friends Mick, Patricia, Clodagh and Jane — all of whom sadly passed away from early-onset bowel cancer.

Featuring heartfelt messages from their loved ones, the video urges people to know the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer and to take them seriously, regardless of age. Their stories are a stark reminder of how devastating a late diagnosis can be — and why action must be taken.

The Foundation together with patient advocacy group Bowel Cancer Ireland is again making an urgent call on the Government to reduce the screening age for bowel cancer from 59 to 50 as figures show that one in five people diagnosed with the disease in Ireland is to someone under 60 [4], while 1 in 10 diagnoses is to someone under 50 [5].

These figures reflect a worrying rise in early-onset bowel cancer. National Cancer Registry Ireland figures show that the incidence of bowel cancer amongst those under 50 has almost doubled in just 25 years [2,3].

With all cancers, survival is strongly influenced by stage at diagnosis. Bowel cancer has a 5-year survival rate of 97% in those diagnosed at Stage I and this reduces dramatically to just 14% in those diagnosed at Stage 4 [1].

Liz Yeates, CEO of the Marie Keating Foundation, said: “Too many families are losing loved ones far too soon. We cannot ignore the growing number of younger people being diagnosed with bowel cancer. Early detection saves lives, and expanding screening is a crucial step.

"Ireland’s bowel screening programme must remain in step with European and international developments. Screening and early detection are vital — not only to prevent late diagnoses, but in many cases, to prevent the cancer from developing at all.

“We are incredibly grateful to the families who took part in this campaign and so generously shared the memories of their loved ones, each of whom were powerful bowel cancer awareness advocates. Their courage in speaking out ensures that Mick, Patricia, Clodagh, and Jane’s legacies will continue to raise awareness and help save lives.”

Director of Nursing Services, Helen Forristal continued: “The stories shared so courageously by the loved ones of Jane, Mick, Clodagh and Patricia bring home just how crucial it is to raise awareness about the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer. The stories shared by loved ones are heartbreaking — and they underline our key message: listen to your body. If something feels off or unusual, don’t ignore it. Get checked.

"For those aged 59 to 70, please use the free FIT test sent out by BowelScreen. We know that stigma, embarrassment or thinking you're ‘too young’ can stop people from acting.

“We urge everyone to have No Regrets — don’t wait. Talk to your GP if you notice unexplained changes to your bowel habits for six weeks or more. Know your normal, know your family history, and understand your personal risk.

“We also want to sincerely thank the incredible families and friends who took part in this campaign. Their bravery in sharing such deeply personal memories helps us spread awareness and, we hope, protect others from the same loss. Mick, Patricia, Clodagh and Jane will not be forgotten.”

The Foundation is urging people to support this campaign by signing this petition: click here.

 

Bowel Cancer in Ireland – The Facts

  • Over 2,500 people in Ireland develop bowel cancer each year.
  • It is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the country.
  • 60% of cases are diagnosed at late stages, significantly reducing survival chances.
  • Early-stage diagnosis leads to a 97% five-year survival rate, compared to just 14% at Stage IV.
  • The overall five-year survival rate for bowel cancer in Ireland is 66%.

 

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

  • Persistent changes in bowel habits lasting six weeks or more
  • Bleeding from the back passage or blood in stools
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Abdominal or rectal pain
  • A feeling of incomplete bowel movements
  • A lump in the abdomen or back passage
  • Persistent tiredness or breathlessness due to anaemia

These symptoms can be caused by conditions other than cancer, but it’s crucial to speak to a GP if they persist.

  1. References:
    Ireland, N.C.R., Cancer in Ireland 1994-2021: Annual report of the National Cancer Registry. NCRI, Cork, Ireland. National Cancer Registry Ireland (2023).
  2. Ireland, N.C.R., Cancer in Ireland 1994-2019: Annual report of the National Cancer Registry. NCRI, Cork, Ireland. National Cancer Registry Ireland (2021).
  3. Ireland, N.C.R., Cancer in Ireland 1994-2019: Annual report of the National Cancer Registry. NCRI, Cork, Ireland. National Cancer Registry Ireland (2021).
  4. Ireland, N.C.R., Cancer trends No. 38. Breast, cervical and colorectal cancer 1994-2019; NCRI, Cork, Ireland. National Cancer Registry Ireland (2022).
  5. Ireland, N.C.R., Cancer in Ireland 1994-2018: Annual report of the National Cancer Registry. NCRI, Cork, Ireland. National Cancer Registry Ireland (2020).

 

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