Dame Deborah James’s family say they are in awe of her incredible legacy, as a year on from her death she continues to inspire thousands to get checked for cancer.
The much-loved Bowel Babe – who touched the nation with a podcast chronicling her illness – passed away last June aged 40 after living with the disease for more than five years.
Now research from Bowel Cancer UK shows 77% of people can name at least two signs of bowel cancer – up from 55% last year.
And more than 100,000 are on hospital waiting lists to get symptoms checked out, according to NHS figures.
On the first anniversary of her death this week, loved ones including husband Sebastian Bowen said in a joint statement: “Deborah was passionate and tireless in her drive to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer and did this to help save lives. It’s incredible to see her impact and hear stories of the lives she touched. That was Deborah’s magic – she connected with so many people.”
Some of those Dame Debs motivated to get checked have opened up about their own cancer experiences.
Nicky Crabbie, 52, made an appointment with her GP after listening to Dame Debs on the radio.
She said: “I didn’t have any symptoms of bowel cancer, but I had a niggling feeling something was wrong.
“I followed Dame Deborah quite closely and she kept saying that if something didn’t feel right then contact your GP, so I did just that and I’m so thankful as shortly after I was diagnosed with stage 1 bowel cancer.” And Jane McLachlan, 62, said: “When I received my bowel cancer screening test in the post, I was going to ignore it but remembered seeing Dame Deborah on TV and she inspired me to complete the test.”
Bowel Cancer UK said it could clearly see the impact Dame Debs’ campaigning had from the time of her diagnosis in 2016 to her death.
Boss Genevieve Edwards said: “The number of visitors to bowelcanceruk.org.uk has never been higher, and tens of thousands more people are now seeking information about the disease.
“Her honesty, frankness and humour changed the landscape of bowel cancer and was the catalyst for the success of many campaigns to raise awareness of the symptoms of the disease.”
Cancer Research UK chief Michelle Mitchell said Deborah’s warmth, humour and spirit were missed.
She added: “She was truly unique – someone who lit up a room and, despite her own devastating cancer diagnosis, did all she could to fundraise, campaign and raise awareness. “
Mum-of-two Deborah received her damehood from Prince William at her family home in Woking, Surrey, last May.
Her BBC podcast You Me and the Big C was hailed as a gamechanger and the broadcaster raised millions to help fight the disease.
