Dame Deborah James’s friend and co-campaigner in the effort to discover a cure for bowel cancer stated that she would have been “thrilled” by the most recent advancement in the fight against the disease.
Ms. James, who was known as the Bowel Babe and presented the podcast You, Me, and the Big C, died in June of this year at the age of 40.
During the last four weeks of her life, she raised a staggering £7 million for charity through her Bowelbabe Fund, money that is aiding Cancer Research UK’s efforts.
The Mirror claims that a team of experts financed by the foundation has begun fresh research to prevent the progression of colon cancer in its later stages.
Steve Bland, the husband of Deborah’s podcast co-host Rachael, who died in 2018 of breast cancer, stated that Deborah would have been “thrilled” by the “amazing” news.
He stated, “It is astonishing what is occurring in the field of cancer and how quickly research is progressing.”
Amazing is the enthusiasm and desire that people have to improve the lives of cancer patients. I am certain that Deb would have been ecstatic about this.
However, he warned, the full impact of Ms. James’ investment is unlikely to be felt for “decades,” as the funds for this particular initiative were allocated years ago.
By targeting a gene that avoids healthy cells, a team led by Dr. Kevin Myant of the University of Edinburgh was able to disrupt the messages instructing cancer to grow, so making it more susceptible to therapy.
When we suppressed a gene necessary for splicing in colon cancer cells in the laboratory, the cells stopped growing.
He explained, “When we inhibited the same gene in normal intestinal cells, they developed normally.”
The scientist noted that the need for new treatments for colorectal cancer, particularly in its late stages, is “critical.”
He stated that this research could lead to novel methods for treating the condition.
In the United Kingdom, over 43,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer each year, and the disease’s incidence rate among those under 50 has increased by 32% over the past decade.
A spokesperson for Cancer Research UK stated, “The Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK will fund causes and projects that were important to Deborah.”
These include sponsoring clinical trials and research into personalized medicine, which could lead to new cancer treatments.
Prince William appointed James a dame for her “tireless” work shortly before her death.
She participated in considerable fundraising efforts and went on excursions, including a trip to Royal Ascot.