On Tuesday (June 28) it was announced that podcaster, blogger, broadcaster and former teacher, Dame Deborah James, sadly died aged 40.
The cancer campaigner passed away from bowel cancer which she was diagnosed with in 2016 and soon began building up a following on her Instagram page @bowelbabe, with many praising her for being candid about living with cancer.
In early May of this year however, Deborah revealed that she had stopped active treatment and was instead receiving end-of-life care at her parents' home in Woking. Her husband Sebastien and their two children were by her side.
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A statement posted by her family on Instagram said: "We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Dame Deborah James; the most amazing wife, daughter, sister, mummy. Deborah passed away peacefully today, surrounded by her family.
"Deborah, who many of you will know as Bowelbabe, was an inspiration and we are incredibly proud of her and her work and commitment to charitable campaigning, fundraising and her endless efforts to raise awareness of cancer that touched so many lives. Deborah shared her experience with the world to raise awareness, break down barriers, challenge taboos and change the conversation around cancer. Even in her most challenging moments, her determination to raise money and awareness was inspiring.
"We thank you for giving us time in private as a family, and we look forward to continuing Deborah's legacy long into the future through the @bowelbabefund. Thank you for playing your part in her journey, you are all incredible.
"And 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."'
Since her passing, many people have been looking into bowel cancer and it's symptoms. Here's everything you need to know about bowel cancer and what to do if you think you could have it.
What is bowel cancer?
According to Cancer Research, bowel cancer can start in the large bowel (colon cancer) or back passage (rectal cancer). It is also called colorectal cancer.
The NHS states that this form of cancer usually first develops inside clumps of cells called polyps on the inner lining of the bowel but states this "does not necessarily mean you'll get bowel cancer if you develop polyps." They add: "Some polyps go away by themselves, and some do not change. Only a few grow and eventually develop into bowel cancer over a period of several years."
What are the symptoms bowel cancer?
Symptoms can include a change in your normal bowel habit or blood in your poo. They can also be symptoms for other conditions and doesn't automatically mean cancer however people should still contact their GP as soon as they notice this.
The symptoms of bowel (colorectal) cancer can include:
- Bleeding from the back passage (rectum) or blood in your poo
- A change in your normal bowel habit, such as looser poo, pooing more often or constipation
- A lump that your doctor can feel in your back passage or tummy (abdomen), more commonly on the right side
- A feeling of needing to strain in your back passage (as if you need to poo), even after opening your bowels
- Losing weight
- Pain in your abdomen or back passage
- Tiredness and breathlessness caused by a lower than normal level of red blood cells (anaemia)
In some instances, cancer can block the bowel. This is called a bowel obstruction. A bowel obstruction is an emergency. You should see your doctor quickly or go to A&E at your nearest hospital if you think you have a bowel obstruction.
Symptoms include:
- Cramping pains in the abdomen
- Feeling bloated
- Constipation and being unable to pass wind
- Being sick
What should I do if I think I have bowel cancer and how is it diagnosed?
You can read up in detail about how bowel cancer is diagnosed here. If you are worried about your health in anyway, you should always seek medical advice from your doctor and if you're unhappy, you can always ask for a second opinion.
In order to help you and your doctor, try taking notes of your symptoms and when they started as well as any other patterns you notice.
What causes bowel cancer and are there any risk factors?
The exact cause of bowel cancer is unknown however there are said to be several factors may make you more likely to develop it according to the NHS. This includes your age, family history, diet, smoking, alcohol, obesity, inactivity, some digestive disorders as well as certain genetic conditions.
You can read more about risk factors on the NHS website here.
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