Dame Deborah James, affectionately known as Bowelbabe, waged a relentless campaign against bowel cancer after her own diagnosis at the young age of 35. Tragically, her fight ended in 2022 when she succumbed to the disease at just 40 years old. However, her legacy continues to impact countless lives with a momentous victory: the lowering of the bowel cancer screening age in England from 60 to 50. This landmark change, a direct result of her tireless advocacy and The Sun’s No Time 2 Lose campaign, in partnership with Bowel Cancer UK, makes four million more people eligible for potentially life-saving screening. Dame Debs’ determination stemmed from her own experience of being misdiagnosed for months, attributing her symptoms to stress and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). By the time her bowel cancer was detected, it was already incurable, reinforcing her belief that early diagnosis is crucial.
Dame Debs shattered the misconception that bowel cancer primarily affects older men. She experienced a range of symptoms, including altered bowel habits, weight loss, extreme fatigue, and blood in her stool, all of which she initially dismissed. Her powerful message “check your poo” resonated with the public, urging people to be vigilant and proactive about their health. She stressed the urgency of seeking medical attention for any persistent symptoms, especially changes in bowel habits, bleeding, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or lumps. She lamented the fact that she spent months back and forth with her GP, being told her symptoms weren’t significant, only having more tests performed after showing a picture of her stool to demonstrate her concerns. The delay resulted in a devastating diagnosis: a large bowel tumour and several lung tumours, underscoring how early detection can make a crucial difference in outcomes.
The lowered screening age marks a significant step forward in the fight against bowel cancer. It empowers individuals in their 50s, a demographic increasingly affected by the disease, to access regular screenings and catch potential cancers early. The screening program utilizes the Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), a simple at-home test that detects blood in stool, a common indicator of bowel cancer. This non-invasive and convenient screening method allows for early detection, often before any noticeable symptoms appear, significantly improving chances of successful treatment and survival. Dame Debs’ unwavering campaign played a pivotal role in realizing this vital advancement.
Dame Debs’ impact extends beyond the lowered screening age; she emphasized the importance of recognizing and acting upon bowel cancer symptoms. She wanted everyone to be aware of the five key signs: blood in stool (either bright red or dark), changes in bowel habits (frequency, consistency, persistent urgency), unintended weight loss, extreme tiredness, and the presence of a lump or pain, particularly in the abdomen or back passage. She urged those experiencing such symptoms to consult their doctor immediately, reminding people that they are “never too young” to develop bowel cancer, as evidenced by her own experience and the recent surge in cases among those under 50.
Dame Debs’ friends and colleagues reflect on her remarkable commitment. Lizzie Parry, a close friend and Head of Health at The Sun, recalls Dame Debs’ determination to raise awareness from the moment she received her diagnosis. Determined to challenge the misconception about age and bowel cancer, she partnered with The Sun and Bowel Cancer UK to launch the No Time 2 Lose campaign, tirelessly advocating for change. She was steadfast in her mission to educate the public, share her journey, and push for earlier screening. The success of the campaign, culminating in the lowered screening age, is a testament to her unwavering dedication, even while battling the disease herself.
The implementation of the lower screening age is a phased rollout, with those aged 50 and 52 initially receiving testing kits, ultimately leading to routine biennial screenings for individuals aged 50 to 74. This comprehensive program aims to improve early detection rates and increase survival chances. The FIT test is highly effective, with only a small percentage requiring further investigation, and even among those, a large majority do not have bowel cancer. The NHS acknowledges the importance of increasing participation rates, especially among those in their 50s, which currently lags behind the uptake amongst individuals in their 60s and 70s. The accessible nature of the FIT test and Dame Debs’ powerful advocacy are expected to drive greater participation and ultimately save lives.
