FIVE thousand more Brits will get bowel cancer every year by 2040, warns Cancer Research UK as it battles the disease with millions raised by Sun columnist Dame Deborah James.
Cases are set to rise 10 per cent to 47,700 and there are projected to be 2,500 more deaths annually.
The charity wants to improve survival rates with cash from Dame Debs’ Bowelbabe fund, which has hit a staggering £13million since she died in 2022.
Bowel cancer has already increased enough to become the third most common form of the disease, overtaking lung cancer for the first time in 2021.
Money raised by Debs, who was diagnosed aged just 35, will go on research to understand why cases are rising in under-50s.
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Cancer Research CEO, Michelle Mitchell, said: “We’re honoured that Deborah entrusted us with keeping her legacy alive.
Continuing Deborah's work is vital as growing numbers of people will get bowel cancer
Heather James
“With bowel cancer cases set to rise, we’ll continue working with her family to fund work that will make the most difference for people affected by cancer and their loved ones.”
Around 43,000 Brits are diagnosed with bowel cancer each year, meaning it makes up about 11 per cent of all patients.
Half of people survive for 10 years or more after their diagnosis but 16,800 die each year.
A change to someone’s normal toilet habits or a lump or pain in the gut are the main symptoms.
Most new cases will be in ageing population
Beth Vincent, health information manager at CRUK, said: “It’s important to remember that cancer is primarily a disease of older age.
“The predicted rise in people being diagnosed with bowel cancer in the UK can largely be explained by our growing and ageing population.
“We’re seeing a small increase in rates of early onset bowel cancer but this increase is partly due to population growth.
“But no matter how old you are, if you notice any changes that are not normal for you, or something that won’t go away, speak to your doctor.”
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Dame Debs’ mum, Heather James, said: “Deborah improved the lives of so many when she was alive and, thanks to the ongoing generosity of the Fund’s supporters, she will keep making a difference to the lives of many more for years to come.
“That is a true legacy.
“We are beyond grateful to everyone that has donated, fundraised or helped to spread vital cancer awareness and know that together we have made her proud.
“As growing numbers of people will be diagnosed with bowel cancer in the years to come, continuing her work remains every bit as vital today as when she was first diagnosed.”
