*Since publishing this article we have learned of the sad passing of Dame Deborah James on 29 June 2022. Our thoughts and wishes are with her family at this incredibly difficult time.*
Deborah James is a journalist, host of ‘You, Me and the Big C’ and charity campaigner from London. In 2016 she was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer and has been in the media over recent months, sharing her journey; living with terminal cancer as a young working mother.
She has recently raised over £3 million with her ‘Bowel Babe’ campaign in less than 48 hours (currently up to £6.5m) and she has been awarded a Damehood by Prince William.
Deborah continues to share the highs and lows of her journey through her social media, providing honest and heart-warming insights for others fighting or supporting those with cancer.
Bowel Cancer Risk
1 in 5 males and 1 in 18 females in the UK are diagnosed with bowel cancer in their lifetime, making it the third most common type of cancer in the UK. According to medical research, more than half of bowel cancer cases in the UK are preventable through leading a healthy lifestyle, but other cases are sadly not avoidable.
Early Warning Signs of Bowel Cancer
Bowel cancer can often take a very long time to diagnose. One of the reasons is that many of the symptoms can be embarrassing for people to discuss with their loved ones or their doctor. Deborah in her podcast has helped to raise awareness of the early symptoms, which include:
- Bleeding or blood in stools
- Change in bowel habits
- Tenesmus – feeling the need to go to the toilet soon after a bowel movement
- Unexplained weight loss
- Stomach pain or discomfort
- Fatigue
The symptoms and warning signs of bowel cancer can also be put down attributed many other conditions such as anxiety, poor diet, food allergies, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Colitis and Crohn's disease. This often means that the diagnosis of this type of cancer is often delayed or patients are misdiagnosed, especially younger patients.
Making a Claim for Cancer
A diagnosis of cancer is devastating for you and your family. Whilst you are likely to be focused on your recovery and receiving the best possible care, if you feel that the cancer could have been diagnosed earlier, you might also be thinking about making a claim.
Compensation is particularly important if you find yourself unable to provide financially for your family or are concerned about their future.
Our team of experience clinical negligence lawyers can discuss your concerns and advise whether you may have a clinical negligence claim. They work on a no-win-no-fee basis to assist you with your claim from start to finish, keeping you updated throughout and hopefully taking some of the stress away during an incredibly difficult time.
Get In Touch
If you would like to find out more or see if you have a claim, please get in touch with our legal experts on 01256 844888. Alternatively, you can email enquiries@lambbrooks.com or speak to our online chat assistant at any time of day.