Renowned BBC newsreader George Alagiah, who bravely battled bowel cancer for nine years, tragically passed away surrounded by his family. In his last Twitter post, written in May, he passionately advocated for the NHS’s bowel cancer screening kits, expressing his regret for not having access to them during his own diagnosis. George was diagnosed with stage-four bowel cancer at the age of 58, just two years shy of being eligible for the screening program in England. He firmly believed that if the program had been open to over-50s like it was in Scotland, his disease would have been detected earlier and treatment would have been more successful. George’s passing highlights the importance of early detection in increasing the chances of survival for bowel cancer patients.
George’s dedication to raising awareness of bowel cancer was evident through his work with Bowel Cancer UK, where he presented a podcast and interviewed both sufferers and experts. Moreover, he used his platform to urge people to access free screening kits, as he himself wished he had when he was initially diagnosed. The number of individuals in England partaking in bowel cancer screening has seen a positive trend, with over 6 million people, accounting for approximately 70% of the eligible population, returning a postal test in 2021-22.
Following his own diagnosis, George became a passionate advocate for lowering the screening age in England. Thanks to his efforts and the collaboration with bowel cancer charities, the NHS committed to sending bowel cancer screening kits in the post to individuals aged between 50 and 74 in England by 2025. Unfortunately, George’s passing comes shortly after the one-year anniversary of another bowel cancer advocate, Dame Deborah James, who also lost her life to the disease. It is crucial to note that while visible blood in the stool is commonly associated with bowel cancer, it often indicates an advanced stage of the disease. This is where the importance of the Faecal Immunochemical Test kits (FIT) becomes evident. These kits allow individuals to collect a small stool sample using a stick, which is then sent to a lab for analysis. By detecting minute traces of blood that may be invisible to the naked eye, the FIT tests can identify bowel cancer at its earliest and most treatable stage.
Early detection significantly improves a person’s chances of survival when it comes to bowel cancer, as highlighted by the fact that those whose cancer is caught early are approximately 9 times more likely to survive compared to those whose disease is diagnosed at a later stage. The risk of bowel cancer, like many other types of cancer, generally increases with age. George’s own diagnosis at stage four, which had already spread to his liver and lymph nodes, emphasizes the importance of timely screening. At the time of his diagnosis, George was only two years away from being eligible for an NHS bowel cancer screening kit in England. In contrast, Scotland extends the screening program to all individuals aged between 50 and 74. Due to George’s campaigning and efforts, the NHS agreed to gradually lower the screening age in England to 50 by 2025.
George Alagiah’s passing marks a tragic loss in the world of journalism and beyond. His relentless efforts to raise awareness of bowel cancer and advocate for early detection have undoubtedly made a significant impact. While the FIT kits provided by the NHS offer a convenient and potentially life-saving screening option, it is disheartening to note that approximately one-third of those who receive the kits fail to utilize them. This could be attributed to the stigma surrounding discussions about bowel movements and potential signs of bowel cancer. George and Dame Deborah worked tirelessly to eliminate this stigma, as they both understood the life-saving potential of early detection.
George’s journey with bowel cancer was characterized by resilience and determination. Despite facing setbacks and enduring additional treatments, he remained a dedicated campaigner, committed to ensuring that more lives could be saved through increased awareness and screening. The outpouring of tributes following his passing is a testament to the impact he had on his colleagues and the public alike. His absence from the Six O’Clock News, a program he co-presented with Sophie Raworth for many years, was deeply felt. Sophie Raworth acknowledged George’s significant contribution to the program during the recent bulletin. Tragically, George was unable to fulfill his final wish of bidding farewell to BBC viewers on-air, but his recorded message conveyed his gratitude and acceptance of life as a precious gift. Reflecting on his life before and after cancer, George highlighted the unpredictable nature of the disease while emphasizing the importance of cherishing every moment.
George Alagiah’s legacy as a respected newsreader and courageous advocate for bowel cancer awareness will undoubtedly continue to inspire others. His impact on the world of journalism and the lives he touched serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection and the need for ongoing efforts to eliminate the stigma around discussing bowel health.
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