Dame Deborah James tragically lost her battle with bowel cancer yesterday.
The 40-year-old BBC podcast host spent her remaining years campaigning to raise awareness about the condition following her diagnosis in December 2016.
In a statement, her family said that Deborah ‘broke down barriers’ and ‘challenged taboos’ about the condition.
Writing on the BowelBabe Instagram page, they said: “Dame Deborah James. 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.
READ MORE: Dame Deborah James dies at 40 after 5-year bowel cancer battle
READ MORE: The bowel cancer symptoms Deborah James wanted everyone to look out for
"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."
Deborah James’ early signs of bowel cancer
Deborah said that she started to see a change in her bowel habits, which she initially pinned down to a drinking ‘too much wine’, new job and the stresses of being a mum.
Deborah expressed to her GP that she may have bowel cancer. However, the results from early blood tests and stool samples led the doctor to suspect that she had irritable bowel syndrome.
But the symptoms worsened over the coming months.
Writing in her Bowel Babe blog in January 2017, Deborah wrote: “I was still losing weight, passing blood and going what felt like 100 times per day and feeling shattered.
“I knew there was something wrong with me, a sixth sense if you will, because the first time I was afraid - very afraid about taking this further.”
Deborah was then forced to seek help from an expert on colonoscopy privately, who diagnosed her with cancer on Thursday, December 16, 2016.
Bowel cancer signs and symptoms
Bowel Cancer UK has listed five early signs of bowel cancer that people should be aware of.
The charity say that the condition is “very treatable” if caught earlier - and they have a higher chance of survival that those whose cancer has become more widespread.
They write: “If you have any symptoms, don’t be embarrassed and don’t ignore them.
“Doctors are used to seeing lots of people with bowel problems.”
Here are the bowel cancer symptoms to be aware of.
Bleeding
There are several possible causes of bleeding from your bottom or blood in your bowel movements (poo). Bright red blood may come from swollen blood vessels (haemorrhoids or piles) in your back passage. It may also be caused by bowel cancer. Dark red or black blood may come from your bowel or stomach. Tell your doctor about any bleeding so they can find out what is causing it.
Change in bowel habit
Tell your GP if you have noticed any persistent and unexplained changes in your bowel habit, especially if you also have bleeding from your back passage. You may have looser poo and you may need to poo more often than normal. Or you may feel as though you're not going to the toilet often enough or you might feel as though you're not fully emptying your bowels.
Weight loss
This is less common than some of the other symptoms. Speak to your GP if you have lost weight and you don't know why. You may not feel like eating if you feel sick, bloated or if you just don't feel hungry.
Tiredness
Bowel cancer may lead to a lack of iron in the body, which can cause anaemia (lack of red blood cells). If you have anaemia, you are likely to feel very tired and your skin may look pale.
Pain or lump
You may have pain or a lump in your stomach area (abdomen) or back passage. See your GP if these symptoms don't go away or if they're affecting how you sleep or eat.
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