This Morning's Health Segment Leads to Life-Saving Diagnosis for Viewer
A devoted viewer of ITV's This Morning has emotionally revealed how a routine health segment on the programme ultimately saved her life after prompting her to visit her GP with concerns about bloating. Debra Lamb, who appeared on the show, shared her powerful story of being diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer following Dr. Nighat Arif's informative discussion about symptoms and the crucial CA125 test.
Timely Intervention Prevents Tragic Outcome
Debra explained that she initially dismissed her bloated stomach as insignificant, believing herself to be in good health as a non-smoker and non-drinker. However, after watching Dr. Arif's segment, she decided to seek medical advice. "I went to the GP and had the test, three days later, they called me back saying my markers were very high," Debra recounted. "The doctor said, 'It should be under 35 and yours is 1,905. This has got to be investigated.'"
Subsequent ultrasounds and MRI scans confirmed the seriousness of her condition, leading to major surgery that removed all of her cancer. Medical professionals informed Debra that the cancer had reached stage four B, and a delay of just a few more weeks or months would have made treatment impossible. "Surgery was really quite touch and go, it was a major major surgery," she disclosed. "They took my spleen and I'm on antibiotics for the rest of my life. They took part of my liver and my diaphragm."
Genetic Testing Reveals Family Health Risks
Following her diagnosis, Debra underwent testing for BRCA genes, which significantly increase the risk of developing breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancers. Testing positive prompted her to encourage family members to get screened, resulting in her cousin Sue receiving an early-stage breast cancer diagnosis. This proactive approach highlights the broader impact of health awareness and genetic testing within families.
Emotional On-Air Reunion Highlights Programme's Impact
During her appearance on This Morning, hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley surprised Debra by bringing out Dr. Nighat Arif, leading to an emotional reunion. Dr. Arif became tearful upon meeting Debra, emphasising the importance of the show's health segments. "I can't cope!" she exclaimed. "This is why we do the health items so importantly on This Morning and it validates all that medical information that we're seeing in our general practices."
Dr. Arif continued, praising the production team and underscoring the value of open health discussions. "I've so thankful for the This Morning team but it's not just that - the producers, the researchers, the idea that these are really important conversations to have because we downplay so many of our symptoms," she said. "We're sat at home with some bloating, going, 'It's probably nothing.' But we go on This Morning and say, 'No, it is something and there is something you can do about it.'"
Heartfelt Gratitude Expressed On Screen
Debra took the opportunity to thank Dr. Arif directly, expressing her profound gratitude. "Thank you from me, my family, everyone. I've told so many people - they don't know about the CA125," she said tearfully. "They've all had the test done but thank you. From my husband, who's been my rock." This moment underscored the personal connections and life-changing outcomes that can arise from televised health education.
The segment serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role media can play in public health awareness, encouraging viewers to take symptoms seriously and seek timely medical advice. This Morning continues to air weekdays from 10am on ITV1 and ITVX, featuring a range of informative and impactful health discussions.
