The family of the late Dame Deborah James, a tireless advocate for cancer awareness, has penned a passionate letter calling on all UK political parties to make cancer a top priority in the upcoming general election. Their plea comes as the nation grapples with the sobering prediction of a significant increase in bowel cancer cases by 2040, as reported by the Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK.
In their heartfelt message, James’ family, including her husband Sebastien Bowen, parents Alistair and Heather James, and siblings Ben James and Sarah Wieczorek, highlighted the urgent need for a long-term cancer strategy that would drive earlier diagnosis, reduce inequalities in access to treatment and care, and boost the NHS cancer workforce. They stressed that diagnosing cancer at an earlier stage saves lives and that everyone who needs it should have access to the right test, in the right place, at the right time.
The family’s plea is particularly poignant given their personal experience with the devastating impact of cancer. Dame Deborah James, who tragically passed away at just 40 years old, spent her final years raising awareness about the disease and tirelessly campaigning for better cancer care. Her legacy lives on through the Bowelbabe Fund, which has raised over £12 million for Cancer Research UK.
The family’s call to action has been met with widespread support, with many echoing their sentiments and emphasizing the need for a comprehensive and long-term approach to tackling cancer. The government has been urged to present a detailed cancer strategy within the next year, following the general election, in order to drive meaningful change and give cancer patients and their families the hope and support they deserve.
