Dame Deborah 'undoubtedly' saved lives
Tributes paid by national cancer director on 1st anniversary of her death
Last updated 28th Jun 2023
The NHS’s national cancer director has today reflected on the incredible legacy of London campaigner Dame Deborah James on the first anniversary of her death.
Dame Cally Palmer praised the “inspiring” and “fearless” bowel cancer awareness work of Dame Deborah, which could save thousands of lives across the country – with record numbers now getting checked for cancer.
Between the months of May and July last year, referrals for suspected lower gastro-intestinal (GI) cancers reached record levels, with over 170,500 people referred for checks during that period – up over 30,000 compared to the same period last year. Suspected lower GI urgent referrals across 22/23 were 113% of the levels seen in 21/22, and 127% of the levels from pre-pandemic.
Tireless campaign
Dame Deborah was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016 at the age of 35, and campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms, which include blood in your poo, change in bowel habits, unexpected weight loss or fatigue.
Dame Cally Palmer, NHS national cancer director said: “Deborah tackled her cancer and her treatment with grace and resilience, with humour, and with the ability to inspire others.
“I was privileged to work with her on a number of occasions to raise the profile of bowel cancer and the importance of early detection. Her warmth, energy and passion were exceptional.
“Deborah has undoubtedly saved lives through her fearless campaigning.
“She changed the way we think about bowel cancer as a country, and with many more people coming forward to get checked, she has prevented other families from going through the same experiences as she did.
“So, as we reflect on Deborah’s anniversary, it is vital we continue her brave work. So our message to you is – like Deborah, don’t be prudish about poo, come forward and speak to your GP if you have noticed any symptoms you are concerned about.”
Deborah James the campaigner
Pictured here in 2020, Deborah James was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016 at the age of 35. After the diagnosis she began detailing her cancer and treatment in a newspaper column.
Deborah James became the much-loved presenter of the podcast You, Me And The Big C in 2018 alongside fellow cancer patients Lauren Mahon and Rachael Bland.
She's become a campaigner, raising awareness of cancer and raising money too. In 2019 she ran the Vitiality London 10000 in her underwear to promote body confidence.
In May 2022 she announced she was receiving hospice at home care saying "We have tried everything, but my body simply isn't playing ball."
The cancer campaigner was honoured with a damehood in May 2022 after announcing she had moved to hospice-at-home care.
The 40-year-old podcast host had at that point raised over £4million after setting up a fund to raise money for clinical trials, research, and raising awareness of bowel cancer.
Dame Deborah James dies
On the 28th June 2022 it was announced that Dame Deborah had sadly passed away at the age of 40, after losing her battle with terminal bowel cancer. Her campaigning work raised over £7 million for her Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK.
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