Latest news with #DeborahJames
Daily Mail
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Dame Deborah James's mother Heather shares heartbreaking tribute to her daughter on 3rd anniversary of cancer campaigner's death
Heather James posted a tribute to her daughter, Dame Deborah James, on the three year anniversary of her passing on Saturday. Deborah James was a journalist and cancer campaigner who died at the age of 40 on June 28, 2022 after launching and leading a phenomenal campaign to raise money for bowel cancer treatment. The campaigner also hosted the podcast You, Me and the Big C and shared her health journey online under the name Bowelbabe. After being diagnosed with bowel cancer when she was 35 years old in 2016, Deborah became a viral sensation for her social media content which showed her dancing her way through chemotherapy and living with 'rebellious hope'. On Saturday, Heather remembered her daughter in a touching tribute post which included pictures of Deborah enjoying previous Wimbledon 's with her parents. Beginning the tribute post, the mother wrote: 'It's hard to believe it's been 3 years today when we held Deborah's hand as she took her last breath. 'We think of you every day, remembering your enthusiasm, joy of life, wicked sense of humour, love of the family and of course that smile!' Relating her heartfelt message back to the pictures she had chosen, Heather reflected on Deborah's love of 'English summer.' Heather continued: 'You loved the English summer and everything that was part of it. 'Wimbledon was one of your favourite events from a young teenager when with your ground pass you would try to sneak into as many courts as you could! 'Alistair and I will be there this year remembering our last visits 4 years ago with Deborah. It is especially poignant as we were watching Wimbledon with her in the hours before her death at home and those last moments will always be a special part of our lives.' The first picture of the tribute post showed Deborah in an off-the-shoulder, frilly white bandeau top paired with a polka dot, navy blue and white maxi skirt. She seemed to be posing on a balcony with a wooden fence that overlooked a gorgeous leafy setting. In the second image Deborah was pictured with her mum at Wimbledon in a blue and white pinstriped blazer layered over a matching striped shirt and tight white trousers. In the image it is clear to see how much the Deborah enjoyed the summer festivity as she beamed from ear to ear stood next to her mother while holding a hot drink. The final image of the tribute post showed Deborah with her father, a financer and now a cancer campaigner himself, enjoying a different day of the tennis tournament. In the snap the father daughter duo look smart in summery outfits while sipping on what looks to be glasses of Pimms. With her father the cancer campaigner is seen wearing a bright red polka dot, halter neck dress paired with a wide brimmed cream and black Panama hat. As per Heather's post, the images come from the family's last outing to Wimbledon together, one year before Deborah's passing. The mother's post then turned to remembering her daughter's work as a campaigner for other cancer sufferers and how her legacy has continued. Heather wrote: 'Whilst remembering Deborah on this anniversary we continue to be proud and humbled by the impact she is still having on so many. We thank you all for your incredible support for her legacy, The Bowelbabe Fund, which has now raised £18m which through Cancer Research UK and the projects we fund give more people more time with their loved ones and continues to break down the taboo around poo!' Last year on the How To Be 60 podcast on Friday, the mother of the late journalist admitted that she hadn't known much about the symptoms of bowel cancer Speaking to podcast host, Kaye Adams, she said: 'I knew nothing about bowel cancer at all, my sister died of breast cancer so I knew breast cancer, if you go out for a drink with the ladies you would talk about breast cancer, would you talk about your poo? No. 'She didn't know, I didn't know, when she kept saying "mum I've been to poo eight times today" and I told her to go to the doctors and she said "I have and it's ok" I thought that was fine. 'I didn't know what all the symptoms were, they are similar to irritable bowel syndrome. 'It wasn't picked up with a very young person because it's not something a 35 year old fit vegetarian fitted the program for so she wasn't checked for it.'
Scottish Sun
27-06-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
The £1 spice in your favourite curry that ‘slashes your risk of killer bowel cancer'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EVERY 12 minutes, someone in the UK gets the news they have bowel cancer. And with cases rising, especially in younger adults, trying to prevent the disease is more important than ever. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 A common kitchen spice may hold powerful cancer-fighting properties Credit: Getty But what if the secret to slashing your risk didn't lie in a new drug or fancy health food - but right there in your spice rack? Scientists from the UK have discovered that curcumin, the bright yellow ingredient in turmeric, commonly used in curries, could help stop bowel cancer in its tracks. The spice, which costs as little as £1 in some supermarkets, has been prized for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. And modern science has now begun to explore its potential benefits. It is not currently recommended by doctors to treat any health issues. But new research published in Cancer Letters this month supports earlier findings, that this spice could be a promising, low-risk way to help prevent cancer. The team from the University of Leicester studied tumour samples from 66 bowel cancer patients who agreed to donate their tissue. They exposed these cells to tiny amounts of curcumin over four weeks, mimicking long-term exposure through diet. They discovered that the compound suppressed aggressive, stem-like cancer cells by up to 95 per cent, particularly those found in pre-cancerous growths called adenomas. New Deborah James cancer lab In separate lab tests and on mice with cancer, scientists found curcumin delayed tumour growth and helped the animals live longer. Researchers found curcumin works by binding to and blocking a protein called NANOG, which helps cancer stem cells spread and multiply. To match this dose in humans, you'd need around 1.6 to 2 grams of curcumin daily - the equivalent of about two teaspoons of turmeric powder. That's far more than you'd get from cooking alone so would likely need a supplement. This isn't the first time curcumin has shown potential. Previous research from Temple University in Philadelphia found curcumin's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects could help halt the development of several cancers, including breast, lung, and stomach. While these findings are promising, experts stress that more human trials are needed to determine the exact dose and long-term benefits of curcumin supplements for bowel cancer prevention. "There is some evidence that curcumin, a substance in turmeric, can kill cancer cells in certain cancers," Cancer Research UK says on their website. "At the moment there is no clear evidence in humans to show that turmeric or curcumin can prevent or treat cancer," it added. "Larger studies are needed". Bowel cancer is one of the UK's most common cancers, with around 44,000 people diagnosed each year - around one person every 12 minutes - and 17,000 deaths. Rates of the disease are rising among younger adults, with no clear reason why, experts are warning. Although the disease still affects older people far more often, the increase in many countries among the under-50s is concerning, the cancer charity says. England is one the countries with the biggest rise, averaging a 3.6 per cent increase per year, researchers report in the journal Lancet Oncology, Poor diet and obesity may be among the risk factors involved, the researchers say. Eating too much processed meat and not enough fibre can increase the risk. Early symptoms include changes in bowel habits, blood in your poo, weight loss, and stomach pain or lumps. Cancer Research UK says half of cases could be prevented through healthier lifestyle choices. 2
The Sun
27-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
The £1 spice in your favourite curry that ‘slashes your risk of killer bowel cancer'
EVERY 12 minutes, someone in the UK gets the news they have bowel cancer. And with cases rising, especially in younger adults, trying to prevent the disease is more important than ever. But what if the secret to slashing your risk didn't lie in a new drug or fancy health food - but right there in your spice rack? Scientists from the UK have discovered that curcumin, the bright yellow ingredient in turmeric, commonly used in curries, could help stop bowel cancer in its tracks. The spice, which costs as little as £1 in some supermarkets, has been prized for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. And modern science has now begun to explore its potential benefits. It is not currently recommended by doctors to treat any health issues. But new research published in Cancer Letters this month supports earlier findings, that this spice could be a promising, low-risk way to help prevent cancer. The team from the University of Leicester studied tumour samples from 66 bowel cancer patients who agreed to donate their tissue. They exposed these cells to tiny amounts of curcumin over four weeks, mimicking long-term exposure through diet. They discovered that the compound suppressed aggressive, stem-like cancer cells by up to 95 per cent, particularly those found in pre-cancerous growths called adenomas. New Deborah James cancer lab In separate lab tests and studies on mice with cancer, scientists observed that curcumin slowed tumour growth and extended the animals' lifespan. They discovered curcumin works by attaching to and blocking a protein called NANOG, which plays a key role in helping cancer stem cells spread and multiply. To match this dose in humans, you'd need around 1.6 to 2 grams of curcumin daily - the equivalent of about two teaspoons of turmeric powder. That's far more than you'd get from cooking alone so would likely need a supplement. This isn't the first time curcumin has shown potential. Previous research from Temple University in Philadelphia found curcumin's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects could help halt the development of several cancers, including breast, lung, and stomach. While these findings are promising, experts stress that more human trials are needed to determine the exact dose and long-term benefits of curcumin supplements for bowel cancer prevention. "There is some evidence that curcumin, a substance in turmeric, can kill cancer cells in certain cancers," Cancer Research UK says on their website. "At the moment there is no clear evidence in humans to show that turmeric or curcumin can prevent or treat cancer," it added. "Larger studies are needed". Bowel cancer is one of the UK's most common cancers, with around 44,000 people diagnosed each year - around one person every 12 minutes - and 17,000 deaths. Rates of the disease are rising among younger adults, with no clear reason why, experts are warning. Although the disease still affects older people far more often, the increase in many countries among the under-50s is concerning, the cancer charity says. England is one the countries with the biggest rise, averaging a 3.6 per cent increase per year, researchers report in the journal Lancet Oncology, Poor diet and obesity may be among the risk factors involved, the researchers say. Eating too much processed meat and not enough fibre can increase the risk. Early symptoms include changes in bowel habits, blood in your poo, weight loss, and stomach pain or lumps. Cancer Research UK says half of cases could be prevented through healthier lifestyle choices. 2 Other foods that could lower your risk of bowel cancer SO tumeric might have protective benefits, but what else can you try? Charities like Bowel Cancer UK and Cancer Research UK recommend the following: Eat at least five portions of vegetables and fruit every day Choose wholegrain varieties of bread, rice and pasta Eat more pulses, such as beans and lentils Eat some fish, chicken, eggs and tofu, but limit red meat and avoid processed meat Drink some milk and eat other dairy foods, but choose low sugar and fat options Choose unsaturated oils and spreads instead of butter, and use in small amounts Avoid food and drinks high in fat or sugar, such as sweets, cakes, crisps and fizzy drinks Eat at least 30g of fibre a day Stay hydrated - aim for six to eight glasses of fluid daily Lower your alcohol intake
The Sun
23-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Deborah James' dad calls for NHS cancer revolution in letter to Government
DAME Deborah James' dad has backed calls for Wes Streeting to end cancer diagnosis and treatment delays, warning 'there is no time to lose'. Alistair James issued a plea for the Health Secretary to overhaul NHS care with the upcoming cancer strategy. 4 4 4 He has signed an open letter led by Cancer Research UK that calls for faster diagnosis, waiting time targets to be met, smoking reduction and more equal access to treatment. Sun columnist Dame Debs died in 2022 after a years-long battle with bowel cancer. Her Bowelbabe charity fund has since raised £17million for research and a laboratory at the prestigious Francis Crick Institute was recently named after the mum-of-two. Dad Alistair said: 'Three years ago this week, Deborah died at the age of 40 from bowel cancer. 'I am so proud that her legacy continues through the fantastic Bowelbabe Fund. 'Too many people are waiting too long to be diagnosed and treated for bowel cancer. 'And the percentage of cancers being diagnosed at an early stage, when there is a greater chance of survival, has hardly changed for almost a decade. 'We have an opportunity to shape the next decade of the government's plans for cancer and you can help make a difference by signing Cancer Research UK's open letter to the Health Secretary, Wes Streeting.' 4 The letter to Mr Streeting has already been signed by 5,500 people. It said: 'Nearly 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetimes, and across England, cancer cases are increasing, patients face unacceptable waits and unequal access to treatment. 'In 2024 alone, 74,000 people in England were not treated on time for cancer. 'People with cancer deserve better. They need better. 'There is no time to waste.' Sign the letter online at
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
How to check for 4 types of cancer increasing in younger people
In the UK, a growing number of people under the age of 50 are being diagnosed with cancer. Incidence rates of the disease have increased by 22% in people aged 25 to 49, according to data recorded between the 1990s and 2018. But for the first time, scientists from the National Cancer Institute in the US have pinpointed the main types of cancer young people are at greater risk of developing, with breast, bowel, kidney and uterine varieties topping the list for early-onset cases. While the study focused on US data, a rise in these cancers is being seen globally, including here in the UK. Being diagnosed with cancer under the age of 50 is still rare, but oncologists say that spotting symptoms at an early stage, when the disease isn't too large and hasn't spread, increases the likelihood of successful treatment. Plus, although we tend to associate cancer with lumps and bumps, the disease can cause many different signs and symptoms — some that are specific to certain areas of our body, such as changes to our breasts or skin, or other more general changes, like unexplained weight loss or bloating. To help you stay on top of home health checks, here's how to look out for the four main cancers increasing in younger populations, plus what to do if you notice anything unusual. As the most common type of cancer in the UK, breast cancer accounts for 15% of all new cancer cases in the country. Although it's more frequently diagnosed in older women, early-onset cases are rising, with 18% of cases now found in women under the age of 50. Becoming familiar with the way your breasts normally look and feel with regular breast self-exam is one of the best ways to stay on top of any changes. The NHS advise you should do this once a month, feeling for the following symptoms: A lump or swelling in your breast, chest, or underarm area Changes to the skin on your breast, like dimpling (similar to orange peel) or redness A difference in the size or shape of one or both breasts or either side of your chest. While some asymmetry is normal, look out for any changes that feel unusual for you Nipple discharge when not pregnant or breastfeeding, which may contain blood Changes in the appearance of your nipple, such as it becoming inverted or developing a rash that resembles eczema Sores or ulcers on the chest After Dame Deborah James died from bowel cancer at the age of 40 (and Dawson's Creek actor James Van Der Beek spoke out about being diagnosed with it at 47), awareness around this type of cancer has greatly increased among younger people. Also known as colorectal cancer, the main symptoms of the disease tend to show up in stools, so while it's not always pleasant, periodically checking the colour and consistency of your poo before flushing the toilet can potentially save lives. According to the NHS, symptoms of bowel cancer to look out for include: Changes in your poo, such as having softer poo, diarrhoea or constipation that is not usual for you Needing to poo more or less often than is usual for you Blood in your stool, which may look red or black Bleeding from your bottom Often feeling the urge to poo, even if you've just been to the toilet Tummy pain A lump in your tummy Bloating Unexplained weight loss Feeling very tired or short of breath - this can be a sign of anaemia, which can be caused by bowel cancer By and large, kidney cancer is most likely to be diagnosed in older populations, but there has been a steady and substantial increase in rates across all age groups over the last decade. The tricky thing about kidney cancer is that most people who are diagnosed don't have symptoms, and it's most often detected by chance during a scan for something else. Still, there are some possible signs to watch out for, according to the NHS: Blood in your pee A lump or swelling in your back, under your ribs, or in your neck Pain between your ribs and waist that does not go away Loss of appetite or losing weight without trying to Feeling tired or having no energy A high temperature that does not go away Sweating a lot, including during the night While it's more common in women who've been through menopause, anyone with a womb can be diagnosed with uterine cancer. The most obvious symptom is abnormal bleeding from the vagina, but the NHS say there are many other warning signs to be aware of. These include: Heavy periods that are unusual for you Vaginal bleeding between your periods A change to your vaginal discharge A lump or swelling in your tummy or between your hip bones Pain in your lower back or between your hip bones Pain during sex Changes to how often you pee and poo (this can be either more, or less, than usual) The first thing to do is try not to panic. While noticing new health changes can be concerning, the symptoms of cancer often overlap with many other less serious issues, so the NHS say it's more likely to be something else. However, if it is cancer, spotting it early can make a real difference, as treatment is more likely to be successful in the initial stages. Your GP should be your first port of call, who can refer you to a specialist for further testing if necessary. If you're worried about cancer, Cancer Research UK has more information on symptoms and screening, as well as 24-hour live chat support. Read more about cancer: Four people on what it's really like living with cancer (Yahoo Life UK, 12-min read) Celebrity Big Brother's Trisha Goddard wants to change the way people talk about cancer (Yahoo Life UK, 4-min read) Five lifestyle changes to cut your risk of cancer (Yahoo Life UK, 6-min read)
