Lorraine Kelly has emotionally paid tribute to Dame Deborah James during the January 26 episode of her ITV show, “Lorraine,” remembering her legacy and the ongoing impact of her bowel cancer awareness efforts. The 66-year-old host, visibly moved, spoke with ITV’s Dr. Hilary Jones about the latest developments in bowel cancer screenings, an area where Deborah made a lasting mark before her tragic passing in 2022.
Improved Bowel Cancer Test Marks Deborah’s Legacy
During the segment, Dr. Hilary announced that NHS screening tests for bowel cancer in England, Scotland, and Wales would soon become more sensitive. The change is a direct result of the ongoing work of the Bowel Babe campaign, which Deborah spearheaded in the final years of her life. Lorraine highlighted how Deborah’s tireless fundraising for cancer research had helped make these improvements possible. “It’s kind of her legacy, isn’t it?” Lorraine said, acknowledging Deborah’s influence on the medical community and cancer research funding.
The improvements to the screening test, known as the FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test), will allow for the earlier detection of bowel cancer, including high-risk polyps. As a result, about 2,000 more people annually will undergo further investigations, which could save lives by catching cancers at earlier stages. Dr. Hilary explained that the increased sensitivity of the test is expected to save around 600 lives each year in the UK.
Furthermore, the change will likely lead to an increase in colonoscopies, with an estimated 35,000 more procedures annually. Although this will raise costs for the NHS, Dr. Hilary noted that it would ultimately save money by preventing the need for expensive palliative care treatments later on.
Lorraine reflected on Deborah’s pivotal role in making these advancements possible. “What a girl. Oh, she would love this! Sadly, sadly missed,” Lorraine added. “It doesn’t seem like she’s not here, it really doesn’t.”
Dame Deborah, who was affectionately known as “Bowel Babe,” died in June 2022 at the age of 40 after a five-year battle with stage four bowel cancer. Her bravery and openness about her illness, alongside her work with the Bowel Babe campaign, raised over £11 million for cancer research. Through her BBC podcast “You, Me and the Big C,” Deborah played a crucial role in breaking down the stigma surrounding cancer discussions, making it a topic that many felt more comfortable addressing.
On Instagram, Lorraine had previously shared her heartbreak after attending Deborah’s funeral, describing her as a “fabulous, funny, passionate force of nature.” Lorraine had also worked closely with Deborah on the “No Butts” campaign, an initiative aimed at raising awareness about bowel cancer. The impact of Deborah’s work continues to resonate, as her contributions to cancer research are now saving lives every day.
For more information and support about cancer treatment and living with cancer, visit Macmillan Cancer Support or Stand Up to Cancer.
