Looking to maximize our impact? Reach out directly to your local TDs!

Politicians work from a mandate given by the people who vote for them. They listen to people from their local areas. It's crucial that every TD in Ireland hears from their electorate about the importance of expanding the screening age for bowel cancer from 59 - 69 to 50 – 74 and help save lives.

You can get the contact details for your local TDs here (link: https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/)

What to say?

When reaching out to your TD, personalised communication is key. If you have a personal experience to share, then feel free to add this.

We also provide a template email below to convey the key messages effectively. Feel free to use it or customise it to suit your voice. Remember, while passion is appreciated, maintaining a respectful tone is essential.

Why contact all TDs instead of just government parties?

We aim to ensure that the need for the expansion of the existing Bowel Screening programme is understood and prioritised across all political spectrums. Regardless of party affiliation, TDs play various roles whether in Government, committees, or the Dáil. By engaging all TDs, we ensure our message remains central to discussions and analyses, including those produced by opposition parties.

Your feedback is invaluable

If you contact your local representatives directly, please inform us at [email protected]. Let us know whom you contacted, their response, and if further information or follow-up is needed. This feedback guides the Marie Keating Foundation's campaign efforts, enabling us to focus on areas that require more attention and ensure our message resonates effectively.

Help us make a difference. Get in touch with your local representatives today!

Template email to copy and customise

It really helps if you personalise the email with the TDs name, and the name of your constituency too.

 

“Dear Deputy [name]

I am writing to you as a constituent of [insert constituency] to ask for your support in expanding the bowel screening age from 59 - 69 to 50 - 74 to help detect bowel cancer early and prevent unnecessary deaths from bowel cancer.

This is important to me and my community as people are dying unnecessarily from a cancer that can be detected through a screening programme.

Recent figures highlighted by the Marie Keating Foundation as part of its #NoRegrets campaign marking Bowel Cancer Awareness month this April have revealed a concerning trend: one in five people diagnosed with bowel cancer in Ireland is under the age of 60. This alarming fact cannot be overlooked, and it demands immediate action.

As part of our ongoing efforts to raise awareness and promote early detection, we are urging the Government to reduce the age of bowel cancer screening from 59 to 50 as a matter of urgency.

Bowel cancer is a significant health issue in Ireland, with over 2,550 new cases diagnosed each year. Shockingly, 60% of these cases are detected at a late stage, significantly impacting treatment options and outcomes. Bowel cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Ireland, claiming more than 1,000 lives annually.

These numbers are not just statistics; they represent our families, friends, neighbours, and loved ones.

Despite the rising incidence of bowel cancer among younger adults, the current screening age remains at 59, leaving a critical gap in early detection efforts. While plans to expand the screening age from 55 - 74 are step in the right direction, we must ask why stop at 55 when 1 in 5 bowel cancers are diagnosed to people under 60 and 1 in 10 is to someone under 50?

Most countries worldwide begin screening for bowel cancer at age 50, aligning with recommendations from the European Code Against Cancer.

It's time for Ireland to follow suit and prioritise the health of its citizens by expanding screening eligibility.

We are not alone in our call for action. The European Commission has proposed updating cancer screening recommendations to include adults between 50 and 74, reflecting the global consensus on the importance of early detection.

Countries like the US and Australia have already lowered their screening age to 45, recognising the urgency of addressing early onset bowel cancer.

We cannot afford to wait any longer.

Lives are at stake, and every day matters. That is why we need your support.

Join us in urging the Government to expand the screening age for bowel cancer to 50-74, sooner rather than later.

Together, we can save lives and prevent needless suffering.

Regards,

Your name"

 

Thanks – and let us know how you get on.