We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dame Deborah James.
Our thoughts are with her family, friends and all those whose lives she touched.
She achieved incredible things since her diagnosis and was an inspiration to so many people. By being open and honest about her experiences, she changed the conversation around bowel cancer – a cancer type which notoriously has a taboo attached to it.
She raised awareness of the importance of checking stools and being aware of bowel habits and reinforced the fact this disease can affect people of all ages. This important campaigning will hopefully encourage healthcare professionals to consider cancer as a possibility when people from younger age groups present with sometimes vague symptoms.
Her work will, no doubt, have saved many lives.
If you or someone you love has been affected by cancer, our free cancer Support Line (0808 808 1010) is there for you. Information about the signs and symptoms of cancer can be found on our website.
