A CANCER research lab will be named after Dame Deborah James today in honour of her tireless campaigning.
The BowelBabe Laboratory at the Francis Crick Institute in central London is run by Cancer Research UK.
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Sun columnist Debs set up the BowelBabe fund to raise awareness of bowel cancer after being diagnosed when she was 35.
She died aged 40 in June 2022 but her fund has so far raised £17million. It will help to pay the scientists.
Her parents Heather and Alistair James said: “We are absolutely thrilled that a lab will be named in Deborah’s honour.
“Deborah was so passionate about research and wanted to leave a legacy of hope.
Read more on Deborah James
“In the years after her diagnosis, science gave Deborah more time with her friends and family, in the form of new treatments and clinical trials.
“To see the money she helped raise help fund this cutting-edge research is incredibly special.
“It’s exactly what she would have wanted.”
Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, said: “Bowel cancer is the second biggest cause of cancer deaths in the UK.
“Cutting-edge research is being carried out in the name of the inspirational Dame Deborah James.
“She touched the lives of so many and her legacy is supporting people affected by bowel cancer across the country.”
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The signs of bowel cancer you need to know
1. B: Bleeding
There are several possible causes of bleeding from your bottom, of blood in your poo.
Bright red blood could come from swollen blood vessels, haemorrhoids or piles, in your back passage.
Dark red or black blood could come from your bowel or stomach.
Blood in your stools is one of the key signs of bowel cancer, so it’s important to mention it to your doctor so they can investigate.
2. O: Obvious change in loo habits
It’s important to tell your GP if you have noticed any changes in your bowel habits, that lasts three weeks or longer.
It’s especially important if you have also noticed signs of blood in your poo.
You might notice you need to go to the loo more often, you might have looser stools or feel like you’re not going enough or fully emptying your bowels.
Don’t be embarrassed, your GP will have heard a lot worse! Speak up and get it checked.
3. W: Weight loss
This is less common than the other symptoms, but an important one to be aware of. If you’ve lost weight and don’t really know why, it’s worth mentioning to your GP.
You may not feel like eating, feel sick, bloated and not hungry.
4. E: Extreme tiredness
Bowel cancer that causes bleeding can cause a lack of iron in the body – anaemia. If you develop anaemia you’re likely to feel tired and your skin might look pale.
5. L: Lump or pain
As with lots of other forms of cancer, a lump or pain can be a sign of bowel cancer.
It’s most likely you’ll notice a pain or lump in your stomach or back passage.
See your GP if it doesn’t go away, or if it affects how you eat or sleep