It has been revealed that Deborah James' final wish for everyone was to 'check their poo' for signs of bowel cancer.
The campaigner, who went by BowelBabe on Instagram, tragically died this week after a six-year battle with stage 4 bowel cancer. Her family, who was around her during her death, released a statement in an Instagram post announcing her death.
The family post shared their pride in James' achievements while also sharing a 'few final things from Deborah'. "'Find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope. And finally, check your poo – it could just save your life'," it read.
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It can sometimes be hard to recognise the symptoms of bowel cancer due to their subtlety and the fact it doesn't always make you feel ill, according to the NHS. However, there are some key symptoms people can look out for such as a change in bowel habits, blood in the poo, abdominal pain, discomfort or bloating.
Experts at Bowel Cancer UK also note that people should keep an eye out to see if they begin feeling tired for no reason or discover a lump in the tummy area or any pain. It added: "Most people with these symptoms don’t have bowel cancer. Other health problems can cause similar symptoms.
"But if you have one or more of these, or if things just don’t feel right, go to see your GP."
Macmillan Cancer Support declared Deborah an "inspiration". It tweeted: "We are so sad to hear that Deborah James has died, and our thoughts are with her family and many friends.
"Deb has been an inspiration to us all. We’re so grateful for all of her generous support over the years, and her dedication to stand together with people with cancer."
Deborah was diagnosed with Stage 4 bowel cancer in 2016 and campaigned tirelessly ever since to raise awareness and money for research into life-saving treatments. While being treated for cancer, she took part in a fundraiser challenge on behalf of Bowel Cancer UK - she raised £60,000 and was named a patron in February 2021.
Genevieve Edwards, chief executive of Bowel Cancer UK, said: "We’re deeply saddened that our patron Dame Deborah James has died, and our hearts go out to her family and everyone who knew and loved her. Deborah’s star shone bright; she was a true inspiration.
"She turned her bowel cancer diagnosis into an incredible force for good and through her tireless campaigning to raise awareness of bowel cancer symptoms, will have saved countless lives."
What are the main symptoms of bowel cancer?
The symptoms of bowel cancer can include:
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Bleeding from your bottom and/or blood in your poo
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A persistent and unexplained change in bowel habit
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Unexplained weight loss
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Extreme tiredness for no obvious reason
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A pain or lump in your tummy
What else could it be?
The presence of these symptoms do not immediately indicate that someone has bowel cancer and it could be a wide range of other things. However, if you are experiencing these symptoms and feel that somethings isn't right, always visit your GP.
These symptoms can indicated other common conditions which are easily treatable such as:
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Constipation
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Diarrhoea
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Piles (haemorrhoids)
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Anal fissures
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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
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Diverticular disease
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Crohn's disease
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Ulcerative colitis
What factors increase my risk of getting bowel cancer?
The factors that increase the risk of bowel cancer are much the same as with any cancer. Smoking, an unhealthy diet high in processed meat, a lack of exercise, obesity and alcohol will all increase the risk.
Bowel Cancer UK lists the highest risk factors as follows:
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Aged over 50
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A strong family history of bowel cancer
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A history of non-cancerous growths (polyps) in your bowel
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Longstanding inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
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Type 2 diabetes
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An unhealthy lifestyle
How can I reduce my chances of developing bowel cancer?
Scientists believe around half (54%) of all bowel cancers could be prevented by having a healthier lifestyle. Eat healthily with lots of vegetables and a diet high in fibre, avoid processed meat, don't smoke, avoid alcohol or do not exceed the recommended limits, take regular exercise and keep weight within a normal BMI range.
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