Adele Roberts: Radio presenter praises NHS and thanks fans after bowel cancer surgery

Radio presenter Adele Roberts thanked fans for their support and said "God bless the NHS" following her bowel cancer surgery earlier on Thursday.

The Radio 1 DJ said fans had kept her going and said she should hopefully soon be well enough to leave hospital.

"I’ve not really been on my phone but my family have been telling me how wonderful everyone has been", the 42-year-old said on her Instagram.

"You’ve brought them so much comfort. From the bottom of my heart thank you."

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Adele, who was a contestant on reality series Big Brother in 2002, first revealed her bowel cancer diagnosis last week on social media.

In a post to her 141,000 Instagram followers, the radio DJ said she had been struggling with her digestion for a while and had received a diagnosis for bowel cancer.

She then urged her followers to get checked for bowel cancer.

"Sadly it can affect anyone, at any age, anytime. It doesn’t discriminate. Early detection can save your life", she said.

In her post following surgery, Adele called the NHS "angels on earth" and "so special". She ended her message by again urging fans to get checked.

"Please go and see someone if you’re worried about anything that’s not normal for you," she said."I don’t want this little horror taking any more of us."

What are the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer?

The three main symptoms of bowel cancer are persistent blood in your poo, a persistent change in bowel habit, and persistent lower abdominal pain, bloating or discomfort.

How common is it?

Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK - and the second biggest cancer killer - according to charity Bowel Cancer UK. Someone is diagnosed with the disease every 15 minutes.

Who does it affect?

It is more common in people aged over 50 but can affect people of all ages. The charity says there are more than 2,500 under 50s diagnosed in the UK each year.

What should I do if I think I have symptoms?

You should see a GP if you have any of the above symptoms for three weeks or more.