From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli – 3 September

Several weeks past, I wrote formal letters to three senior management at Cancer Council Australia. My missive was greeted with stoney silence.

NOT only is it an obvious discourteousy, it is bad manners and sloppy business protocol not to reply to a formal letter – especially when the content is a matter of some contention.

My dilemma is related to ‘date of birth’ – and not my age. I am one year too old to be allowed a free ‘poo-on-the-paper’ bowel cancer screening test.

I raised the egregious discrimination with my GP. His answer was bold and unequivocal, “You’re too old, and the government would rather you contracted bowel cancer, and died!” Their reasoning is mercenary: at this stage in our lives, those of us 75 plus are no longer considered to be contributing members of the community; therefore it follows, ipso facto, we are a drain on the public coffers. The solution: ‘let them die!’

Despite my triumvirate of cancers, I have scant interest in sitting-on a cloud and playing a harp. There is still much to be achieved before that happens.

Consequently, I am forced, in order to protect my health, to undergo a colonoscopy – at my own expense. The procedure requires a full anaesthetic, something to which I would rather not submit; however, as a direct consequence of the flagrant discrimination, I have no alternative.

For those who do not have private health insurance, that is your misfortune. You are going to die of something, so it might just as well be bowel cancer!

My late mother, Beria, died of liver and bowel cancer. It was a most confronting three-months in my life. Thank God, she had private health insurance. A band of angels from Melbourne’s palliative care Cabrini Hospital moved into Tivoli Road and took-over her care. Beria’s decline, and she moved through life at double-speed, was too distressing; an experience I prefer not to recall. She became the carcass in which my mother once lived.

I wonder how many financially secure Australians – aged 75 plus – still pay the full rate of income tax. While our mandatory, fiscal contributions are acceptable – “seized with alacrity”, our physical well-being is of scant interest. In the scheme, we no longer matter.

Professionally, one’s years of greatest influence lie between 40 and 80. At this period in my life I am producing work for which, 30-years ago, I had neither the wit, nor the wisdom. Creatively, I am more capable than ever. What once took a week, now takes a day – such is the creative capacity and depth of experience.

The ageism premise supporting the decision to deny particular Australians a free bowel cancer screening test has stirred my ire. I am Italian. I am confrontational by nature. It is time to do battle. Since, from my experience, Cancer Council Australia, has no willing to assist in the ridding of the outrageous ageism, it is time for those being victimised to take-up the cause.

If you are a victim, you must take action. It could mean the difference between life and death. The exclusion is a breach of your human rights, and blatant ageism at its ugliest.

Immediately, phone/email your local and federal members of parliament. Express your considered concern at the anomaly. Politely, but firmly, request they act to reverse the inequitable decision.

This discrimination is a bloody nonsense, and not one to be endured!

Next week – it’s 30 years since the first AFL Footy Show. I shall share some memories!

Roland can be contacted via [email protected].