Surrey surgeon praises "amazing Bowelbabe" a year on from her passing
Deborah James passed away this time last year in Woking.
A bowel cancer specialist at Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey has praised the work of Dame Deborah James, a year on from her tragic passing.
James died last June aged 40 at her parents' house in Woking. She was known hosting the 'You, Me and the Big C' podcast and the Bowelbabe Fund, which has raised around £11.3 million pounds for Cancer Research UK.
Record numbers of people are 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.
Henry Dowson is a consultant surgeon at Frimley Park Hospital, and a bowel cancer specialist. He said "Her work and legacy was focussed on the early detection of bowel cancer but also raising awareness of the signs and symptoms.
"As she always said: 'Just check your poo, it might save your life' "
Henry also highlighted that her work has had a positive impact clinically.
"Deborah James, the amazing Bowelbabe, Focussed a lot on early detection of bowel cancer - and this is definitely having a positive impact with patients coming forward at an early stage."
Henry also outlined what some of the key symptoms of the disease are.
"A change in your bowel habit, blood in your poo, more generalised symptoms such as weight loss or feeling tired which might suggest anaemia. Finally, quite a lot of patients are picked up through screening when they may be asymptomatic."
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.