BOWELBABE'S LEGACY IS GOING STRONG A YEAR ON

DAME DEBORAH JAMES’ TIRELESS CAMPAIGNING TO RAISE AWARENESS OF BOWEL CANCER IS STILL CHANGING LIVES

- RHONA MERCER

It’s hard to believe she’s been gone a year, but 28 June is the first anniversary of Dame Deborah James’ death. Deborah – also known as Bowelbabe – died from bowel cancer at the age of 40, but her incredible legacy lives on.

And few people feel that more than Kate Eastwood, who says it’s because of Deborah that she was able to catch her own bowel cancer so early.

Almost 43,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer in the UK every year, and Kate, 59, tells us that it was Deborah’s relentless campaigning to raise awareness about the symptoms that prompted her to make a doctor’s appointment.

ONE IN FOUR STILL DOESN'T KNOW THE SYMPTOMS

An alarming number of people are still unfamiliar with the symptoms of bowel cancer, according to Genevieve Edwards, chief executive at Bowel Cancer UK.

She says: “Our new research shows that over a quarter of people can’t name a single symptom of the disease, which are changes in bowel habit, bleeding from your bottom, blood in your poo, unexplained weight loss, extreme tiredness and a pain or lump in your tummy.

“If you’re experiencing any of these, call your GP straightaway.

“We would urge everyone to take inspiration from people like Kate and the late Dame Deborah and check your poo – it could save your life.”

LEARN HOW TO SPOT THE SIGNS