More people than ever before have come forward for bowel cancer checks following the death of campaigner Dame Deborah James, according to the NHS.
Dame Deborah James, famously recognized by her social media handle, ‘Bowel Babe’, had been raising lifesaving awareness about the disease and the need to be vigilant about symptoms prior to her death in June.
In early May, Dame Deborah announced she had ceased active treatment and was receiving end-of-life care at her parents’ home in Woking, Surrey, with her husband and their two children easily accessible. Her campaigning along with other campaigns including the latest NHS Help Us, Help You campaign has had a significant impact.
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Statistics
Referral figures published by NHS Digital show that between May and July, referrals for suspected lower gastro-intestinal cancers peaked, with over 170,500 people referred for checks during that period – up in excess of 30,000 compared to the same period last year, and approximately 80,000 higher than the same period two years ago.
The last three months also witnessed almost 200,000 more estimated visitors to the NHS website for the symptoms of bowel cancer – England’s fourth most common cancer, with around 37,000 new cases diagnosed each year – compared to the same period last year.
The NHS Long Term Plan sets out an ambition that three-quarters of cancers will be diagnosed at stages one or two by 2028, boosting the number of people who survive for five years or more by 55,000.
Praise
Dame Cally Palmer, National Cancer Director, praised Dame Deborah James for her “brave and relentless campaigning”.
“It is so important that we continue the work of Dame Deborah to raise awareness of bowel cancer and save more lives, so to anyone who has noticed symptoms, please do come forward,” she continued.
National Clinical Director for Cancer, Professor Peter Johnson said: “The risk factors of bowel cancer are well researched with age, diet, family history as well as smoking and drinking habits all found to influence the likelihood of developing the illness, but we also know that it can also occur outside of these risks and I continue to urge anyone worried about symptoms to come forward and speak to their GP.”
Steve Barclay, Health and Social Care secretary, has also commended Dame Deborah James’ work stating that the statistics released “reflect the lasting legacy” of her campaigning.
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