Journalist George Alagiah has died on the age of 67, his agent confirmed at present (July 24), after being identified with bowel most cancers in 2014.
The BBC newsreader realized he had the illness after discovering blood in his stools, a typical signal.
Mr Alagiah later underwent 17 rounds of chemotherapy and 5 operations to deal with the illness, which had unfold to the liver and lymph nodes.
Bowel most cancers is the second most threatening type of most cancers within the UK, accounting for 10 p.c of all most cancers deaths.
It’s also the fourth mostly identified type of the illness, with greater than 40,000 new circumstances within the UK yearly.
In 2018, Mr Alagiah mentioned his most cancers was caught “very late” and will have been detected earlier if England carried out an identical screening course of to Scotland.
In Scotland, women and men are routinely provided screening for bowel most cancers each two years from the age of 50. In England, individuals are provided screening from the age of 60.
Chatting with the Sunday Occasions, Mr Alagiah, who lived in London, mentioned: “Had they’d screening at 50, like they do in Scotland…I might have been screened no less than thrice and probably 4 by the point I used to be 58.
“We all know that for those who catch bowel most cancers early, survival charges are great. I’ve thought: why have the Scots obtained it and we don’t?”
Earlier this yr, Mr Alagiah backed a NHS screening programme which is increasing to make it accessible to everybody aged 50 to 59.
That is taking place regularly over 4 years and began in April 2021.
In a press release launched at present, BBC director-general Tim Davie, mentioned: “George was top-of-the-line and bravest journalists of his era who reported fearlessly from internationally in addition to presenting the information flawlessly.”
“He was extra than simply an excellent journalist, audiences might sense his kindness, empathy and great humanity. He was liked by all and we’ll miss him enormously.”
Signs of bowel most cancers
In line with the NHS, the primary signs of bowel most cancers embrace:
- Adjustments in your poo, resembling having softer poo, diarrhoea or constipation that’s not ordinary for you
- Needing to poo kind of usually than ordinary for you
- Blood in your poo, which can look crimson or black
- Bleeding out of your backside
- Typically feeling like you might want to poo, even for those who’ve simply been to the bathroom
- Tummy ache
- Bloating
- Dropping pounds with out attempting
- Feeling very drained for no cause.
The well being physique recommends seeing your GP for those who expertise these signs for 3 weeks or longer.
In case your poo is black or darkish crimson, or you’ve gotten bloody diarrhoea you need to name 111 for pressing recommendation.