As we continue into Bowel Cancer Awareness month, we are reminded of the inspirational Deborah James, also known as Bowelbabe, for her fearless and courageous fight against Stage 4 Bowel Cancer. 

Deborah, orginally a headteacher, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Bowel Cancer at the young age of 35. She reported that she suffered with a change in bowel habits and other symptoms for approximately 6 months prior to her diagnosis. 

Following her diagnosis, Deborah became a campaigner, wanting to raise awareness for bowel cancer. Her honesty and determination to tackle taboos grabbed the attention of many, steadily increasing the number of people being tested.

In her final weeks, with her attitude of “rebellious hope”, Deborah raised a staggering £7 million for Cancer Research. Since Deborah’s death in June 2022, a further £4 million has been raised.  The money donated is being used to target new technologies for diagnosis and therapies to assist with treatment including artificial intelligence and blood tests to detect the early signs of cancer.  

Some of the most recognised symptoms for bowel cancer are: 

• Blood in stools
• Change in bowel habits 
• Unexplained weight loss
• Extreme tiredness 
• Abdominal pain 

We urge and encourage you to seek urgent medical attention if you are experiencing any symptoms that could possibly relate to bowel cancer and secondly, If you haven’t already and are due to be, book for your bowel screening  now.

Sadly, here at Switalskis, we assist many families who have either lost a loved one because their symptoms have not been recognised or are caring for a loved one as the symptoms were not diagnosed quickly enough.

We encourage anyone who has been affected by the care they have received from the NHS relating to bowel cancer to make contact with us so that we can begin to support you too. Call 0800 138 0458 or email help@switalskis.com