Dame Deborah James

[Daisy]

Dame Deborah James, known to so many as BowelBabe has passed away. What an amazing lady she was, and she did so much to raise awareness of a disease that affects nearly 43,000 people a year in this country alone. Sadly many people don't get medical help in the early stages when it is more treatable because of embarrassment, or lack of understanding about changes taking place.

It would be an incredible legacy of her spirit and determination if everyone eligible for the screening programme actually takes part in it. The screening programme is gradually being extended from 60-74 to include ages 50 to 59. From April 2021 it has included 56 year olds.

Over 75s can ask for a kit every 2 years - there's a free bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 6060.

RIP Dame Deborah

[Gemini]

Such an incredibly amazing brave lady.

Although saddened by her passing, it was time. The poor lady has fought so much.

Her legacy will live on I'm sure Daisy.

RIP Dame Deborah

[Grauntie Mag]

A wonderful human being.
My bowel cancer was found because of the screening kit, and I am so thankful to still be here. If I hadn’t used the kit it would have been a very different story by now.

[Oma]

Incredible lady , we do the screening every time , I agree it should be extended .
She has made people aware and talk about it more ,
RIP dear girl x

[Clover]

A wonderful, inspirational young lady. So sad for her family.

[Enfys]

So sad. A very brave lady.

Unfortunately the screening missed Peters bowel cancer so it was too advanced when discovered, however, I agree that the screening can be helpful but I think the follow up tests should be more thorough.

RIP

[Nanto2girls]

RIP Dame Deborah

[Daisy]

Enfys - it's so incredibly sad that your P's cancer was missed by the screening, and the follow up tests can also miss symptoms. I hope Dame Deborah's courageous campaigning will lead to better diagnosis in the future.

Grauntie - you are the proof that successful screening is quite literally a life-saver.

I am too old to be in the normal screening system now, but I can (and must) request a test kit every two years. (the phone number is in my original post for anyone else who would like to request it.)