Memorials and tributes are pouring in by the thousands to honor Dame Deborah James, the podcaster known as "Bowel Babe" for her devoted bowel cancer advocacy.
James, 40, was diagnosed with the disease in December, 2015. The married mother of a 14-year-old son and 12-year-old daughter had recently announced to her fans that she had chosen to stop treatment and entered palliative care. She lost her battle on Tuesday.
Read MoreWe are so sad to hear the heartbreaking news about Dame Deborah. Our thoughts are with her children, her family and her loved ones.
Deborah was an inspirational and unfalteringly brave woman whose legacy will live on. W & C
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) June 29, 2022
Even so, she had continued to be active in raising awareness of bowel cancer, even partnering up with a British retailer to sell toilet paper packaged with the signs and symptoms of the disease, to better help the public learn how to spot it early.
That partnership also included a large donation to the Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK, which so far has raised $8.2 million (£6.7 million) to fund clinical research. The fund has been powered by both large gifts from corporations and small donations from fans inspired by James’ journey.
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After the news broke of James’ passing, tributes immediately poured in from celebrities, health professionals and fans.
RIP Dame Deborah James 😔🙠Deborah said "The Duke was so charming and put all of us at ease immediately. He was incredibly engaging and generous with his time, I could have spoken to him all afternoon." You did Deborah! 💙🙌😔
Thoughts and prayers to her beautiful family 🙠pic.twitter.com/DpnNWY0q53
Fifi â¤ï¸ The Cambridges 🇺🇸🇳🇮🇬🇧 (@hellen3030) June 28, 2022
On behalf of the whole NHS, I want to offer my condolences to the loved ones of Deborah James her amazing attitude was humbling and a lesson to us all.
Her fundraising has helped countless cancer patients and her determination to raise awareness will have saved many lives.
Amanda Pritchard (@AmandaPritchard) June 28, 2022
Rest in peace Deborah James @bowelbabe. What a legacy to leave behind. â¤ï¸
Paul Brand (@PaulBrandITV) June 28, 2022
About Bowel Cancer
Bowel cancer is a general term for cancer that begins in the large bowel, says the National Health Service. Depending on where cancer starts, bowel cancer is sometimes called colon or rectal cancer, or colorectal cancer.
In the UK, where James lives, bowel cancer is one of the most common types of cancer diagnosed. It typically presents in people over the age of 60. And in the U.S., colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in both men and women, excluding skin cancers.
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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.
Many symptoms of bowel cancer are similar to those of irritable bowel syndrome, so make sure to consult with your doctor.
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