**Dame Deborah James Saved My Life from Bowel Cancer**
Lyndsey Ainscough, a 40-year-old mother of three from Leigh in Greater Manchester, credits Dame Deborah James with saving her life from deadly bowel cancer. Diagnosed with stage 3 cancer after experiencing symptoms for several months, Ainscough only sought medical help after seeing Dame Deborah on TV in the weeks before her death on June 28, 2022.
Ainscough, who works as a secondary school attendance manager, had been suffering from issues such as bleeding and tiredness, which she initially attributed to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, it was Dame Deborah’s public campaign that prompted her to take her symptoms seriously.
“I’d been getting quite a lot of symptoms during the Covid lockdowns and had bleeding, weight loss, and fatigue,” Ainscough told the PA news agency. “I remember being in the kitchen ironing when I saw Deborah James on the news. She mentioned something that caught my attention, and I turned to my husband and said, ‘Those are the symptoms I’ve been getting; maybe I’ve got bowel cancer.'”
Despite her husband’s initial dismissal, Ainscough decided to consult her GP, who immediately referred her for a colonoscopy in June 2022. “I thought I was going because I had IBS or something like that,” she said. “I really didn’t think anything of it at the time.”
The colonoscopy revealed that Ainscough had rectal cancer. “I could see something on the screen, but I didn’t know what it was,” she recalled. “The nurse turned to me and said, ‘We’re not sure, but it’s highly likely to be cancer.’ It was complete shock.”
The diagnosis was devastating, especially given her young children. Ainscough and her husband decided to tell their eldest child, Alfie, who was 12 at the time, but felt their other children, Perry and Spencer, were too young to understand.
Initially, doctors told Ainscough she was not suitable for surgery because the tumor was on the outer lining of the bowel. However, a referral to the Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester offered hope. She was eligible for a clinical trial of immunotherapy, which she began in September 2022, along with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
“It was incredibly difficult, especially around Christmas-time, which was my favorite time of year,” Ainscough said. Despite the challenges, scans in January last year showed she was completely free of cancer. “I felt like I’d been given another chance,” she said. “I couldn’t believe it had actually gone. It was a miracle.”
Since her recovery, Ainscough has been able to enjoy family milestones, such as her son’s rugby match at Wembley and her daughter starting school. She credits Dame Deborah’s awareness campaigns for prompting her to seek a diagnosis. “Dame Deborah helped save my life,” she said. “Seeing her on the screen that day openly talking about the importance of recognizing symptoms urged me to get checked.”
Dame Deborah’s mother, Heather, expressed her gratitude for the impact of her daughter’s work. “My daughter Deborah was a bright and brilliant campaigner for people affected by cancer,” she said. “It’s an honor to hear the impact of her work through wonderful stories like Lyndsey’s.”
The clinical trial at the Christie involved radiotherapy, chemotherapy tablets, and the new immunotherapy drug durvalumab. Dr. Claire Arthur, a consultant oncologist at the Christie, said, “We’re really pleased with Lyndsey’s outcome from the clinical trial. There’s no evidence of the tumor, and she tolerated her treatment really well.”
Ainscough’s story is not unique. Margaret Arama, a 41-year-old from London, also credits Dame Deborah with saving her life. Arama experienced a change in bowel habits and fatigue, which she initially attributed to her diet and the stress of being a single mother. However, listening to Dame Deborah’s podcast, “You, Me and the Big C,” made her realize her symptoms could be bowel cancer.
“I had been experiencing a change in bowel habits for about 6 or 7 months,” Arama said. “I put this down to a ‘leaky gut’ and eliminated dairy and gluten, but it didn’t make any difference. I thought I had IBS.”
Arama’s symptoms worsened, leading her to seek medical help. A colonoscopy revealed a malignant tumor, and she underwent surgery to remove it. “I often wonder if I hadn’t come across her whether I might’ve waited, and the outcome might’ve been different,” she said.
Dame Deborah’s legacy continues to inspire and save lives. Her honesty, frankness, and humor changed the landscape of bowel cancer awareness. Since her diagnosis in 2016, she campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness of the disease and its symptoms, capturing the heart of the nation with her zest for life.
Her efforts have led to a significant increase in the number of people in the UK who can name one or more symptoms of bowel cancer. In the lead-up to her death, the number of visitors to bowel cancer information websites surged, and NHS England saw a similar spike.
Dame Deborah’s impact is evident in the stories of those she inspired to seek medical help. Her legacy lives on through the Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK, which continues to spread vital cancer awareness and fund cutting-edge research.
For those experiencing symptoms of bowel cancer, Ainscough and Arama’s stories serve as a powerful reminder to seek medical help. Early diagnosis can save lives, and Dame Deborah’s legacy is a testament to the importance of awareness and early intervention.
Source: PA News Agency, Bowel Cancer UK
