As Her Fundraising Campaign Surpasses $4.5 Million, BBC Star Deborah James, 40, Receives Global Acclaim For Her Brave Cancer Battle

Deborah, 40, is fighting stage 4 bowel cancer and recently announced she had made the decision to stop treatment. Her cancer had become so advanced that "minus a few days," she spent most of this year in the hospital.

It was only earlier this month that she was finally able to leave the hospital because it was determined she needed hospice care.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Deborah James (@bowelbabe)

Instead of getting hospice care at her home in London, where she lives with her husband, Sebastian Bowen, and their two children (Hugo, 14, and Eloise, 12), she's decided to live out her remaining days at her parents' home.

"I decided that I want to be at my parents' because as much as I love London, I can't even get up the steps to pee," Deborah told BBC producer Mike Holt.

(She recently released the final episode of her BBC podcast, You, Me & The Big C: Putting the Can in Cancer, prior to her announcement that she would be entering hospice care. The episode is called Deborah James' Last Dance.)

"It's kind of not practical," she continued. "My parents live in a bungalow so I can see greenery and my whole family can come here. It's kind of where I've always wanted to die. I kind of always had that in my mind."

She's also made the decision to be in hospice at her parents' home so her family's home in London isn't riddled with sad memories.

"I think I always knew I didn't want to be at my London home. I think mainly, it doesn't feel right to me," she said. "There's nothing that I can describe that feels relaxing in that capacity."

"Don't get me wrong, it's a lovely place, but I also think it's not where I can be," she added. "But it means the kids can go back there and they don't have this medical equipment, gauze, placed everywhere. It can continue to be their home without those memories, which might possibly be a good thing."

Related: 'Screw You, Cancer!' Says Brave BBC Host Deborah James, 40, After Raising $1 Million for Bowel Cancer Research in Just 24 Hours as She Battles the Disease

Deborah James' Fundraising Efforts

Deborah James is the founder of Bowelbabe, and she's on a mission to raise money for Cancer Research UK, the world's largest independent cancer research organization.

The campaign, which started this week, raised more than $1 million (about £800,000) in its first 24 hours. And as of the time of this report (about 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 12), the campaign has surpassed $4.5 million (about £3.6 million).

It seems everyone is donating to Deborah's campaign, including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate.

We are so sad to hear her recent update but pleased to support the @bowelbabef, which will benefit the @royalmarsdenNHS among others.

Deborah, our thoughts are with you, your family and your friends. Thank you for giving hope to so many who are living with cancer. W & C (2/2)

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) May 11, 2022

"Every now and then, someone captures the heart of the nation with their zest for life & tenacious desire to give back to society. @bowelbabe is one of those special people," the couple posted to Twitter on Wednesday. "Her tireless efforts to raise awareness of bowel cancer & end the stigma of treatment are inspiring. (1/2)"

"Deborah, our thoughts are with you, your family and your friends. Thank you for giving hope to so many who are living with cancer. W & C (2/2)"

Understanding Bowel Cancer

Bowel cancer, also referred to as colorectal cancer, is the third most common cancer affecting men and women in the United States. It also kills more Americans each year than every other form of cancer except lung cancer.

In the U.K., where Deborah James lives, bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death, according to Cancer Research UK, accounting for 10% of all cancer deaths.

Dr. Paul Oberstein explains the symptoms of colon cancer.

Many symptoms of bowel cancer are similar to those of irritable bowel syndrome, so make sure to consult with your doctor.

Dr. Paul Oberstein, director of the Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology Program at NYU Langone's Perlmutter Cancer Center, previously told SurvivorNet a few common symptoms of the disease to look out for:

• Change in bowel movements sudden changes to the size, consistency or caliber of stool
• Change in stool color bright red or black stool is a sign that an individual should seek medical attention
• Pain in the abdomen unusual discomfort or bloating of the stomach. In the case of women, pain isn't related to the menstrual cycle.
• Sudden and unexplained weight loss rapid drop in weight that isn't the result of diet or exercise
• Anemia Individuals who feel a general sense of malaise or faintness, or are constantly tired or weak much more than usual, may want to consult a doctor.

Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.