The number of people coming forward for bowel cancer checks has reached a record high, thanks to the awareness raised by Dame Deborah James.
Between May and July this year, there were over 170,500 people referred for suspected lower gastro-intestinal cancers - this is more than 30,000 compared to the same period last year, and nearly 80,000 higher than the same period two years ago.
The NHS Digital figures show that Dame Deborah’s campaigning, alongside the latest NHS Help Us, Help You campaign, had an immediate impact, as referrals for bowel cancer were up 60% on pre-pandemic levels.There were also almost 200,000 more estimated visitors to the NHS website for the symptoms of bowel cancer. The symptoms of bowel cancer include blood in your poo, a change in bowel habits or tummy pain, and unexpected weight loss or fatigue.
Dame Deborah passed away from the disease in June.
National Cancer Director, Dame Cally Palmer said: “Thanks to the brave and relentless campaigning of Dame Deborah James, bowel cancer has come to the forefront of a national conversation on catching cancer as early as possible, and the fact that we have seen record numbers of people coming forward for bowel cancer checks shows people are taking the illness seriously and speaking to their GPs about it.
“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”.
Genevieve Edwards, Chief Executive at Bowel Cancer UK, says: “People visiting bowelcanceruk.org.uk has never been higher, with tens of thousands more people seeking information about the symptoms of the disease since Dame Deborah James’ tragic death. There was also a spike in people affected by bowel cancer posting on our forum, contacting our Ask the Nurse service and we know that people have visited their GP as a result of hearing her story.
“Almost 43,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer each year in the UK and, since her own diagnosis with the disease and right up until her death, Dame Deborah campaigned tirelessly to raise vital awareness of bowel cancer. Being aware of the symptoms and visiting your GP if you are concerned can help increase chances of an early diagnosis when the disease is easier to treat”
Image: Pixabay
