Extension of bowel testing is Dame Deborah's legacy

For decades, people had been dying prematurely because they were reluctant to be tested for bowel cancer, often as a result of embarrassment about the symptoms.

Dame Deborah's 'Bowel Babe' diaries did a great deal to not only bring the subject out into the open, but also to generally raise awareness about the condition and the importance of an early diagnosis.

We think she would approve strongly of news that people in their early 50s will now receive testing kits in the post, extending the current testing regime which covers those aged 54-70.

There is an argument that this does not go far enough. Dame Deborah herself was only 40 when she died, so there is clearly a need for widespread testing of younger people. But it is clearly a step in the right direction, and we can only hope that, if successful, the scheme will be expanded.

In posting the test kits to people's homes, the NHS is doing its bit to improve the diagnosis rate. But with that comes a responsibility on our part to make sure that we complete the tests and return the samples promptly. 

Figures show that fewer than 60 per cent of 54 to 57-year-olds take up the test, compared with more than 70 per cent of those aged 60 to 74, and that is deeply disappointing. 

Yes, we all know people are reticent about discussing their stools, but detecting bowel cancer as early as possible can very often be the difference between life and death.

If you are offered a test for bowel cancer, please don't waste the opportunity, your life may depend on it.

And saving lives would be a very fitting legacy for Dame Deborah James.