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Adele Roberts says specialist ‘casually’ revealed her rectum was removed, forcing her to keep stoma

Evening Standard 11/29/2022 Lisa McLoughlin

Adele Roberts has “casually” learned that her rectum was removed during her colostomy operation in October 2021.

The BBC Radio 1 presenter had a stoma bag, which she refers to as Audrey, fitted last October after being diagnosed with bowel cancer.

The operation diverts one end of the colon, which is part of the bowel, through an opening in the abdomen called a stoma. A pouch is then placed over the stoma to collect stools, and can be permanent or temporary.

Adele Roberts opens up about the side-effects she is still dealing with following her cancer all-clear

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The broadcaster announced in June that she was cancer free but explained in a new Instagram post on Monday (November 28) that she continues to deal with the side effects of her treatment.

Posting a photo of her proudly displaying her colostomy bag, the 43-year-old penned: “I had a meeting with my consultant and it looks like Audrey the #stoma is staying.

“She rides again! Well… she’s staying for the time being. It’s a long story but, essentially, it’s not possible to give me a reversal of my stoma anytime soon.

“He also casually mentioned that I’ve had my rectum removed. I might not be able to go to the toilet normally again ever… WTAF?!

“Anyway… for now - while I do have the honour of having a stoma I thought I could try & do some good. Share what life is like day to day & maybe things I find helpful?”

Not only is she reeling from the news her rectum was removed, but Roberts added that her feet are “still battered from chemotherapy” and that her fiancée Kate Holderness has to put plasters on her soles “every day so [she] can walk”.

The former Big Brother star then went on to share that she recently learned that her stoma is classified as a “non-visible” disability and now feels motivated to document what life with one is really like in a bid to inform and educate her followers.

She continued: “I also didn’t realise but having a stoma is classed as a ‘non-visible’ disability. Thanks to Radio 1 & the diversity and inclusion team at the BBC who recently did a brilliant session on disability.

“It definitely helped me realise I can help a lot more in terms of sharing my day to day and hopefully help the wonderful #ostomate community.

“There are around 200,000 people in the UK with a stoma. From little babies right up to the more distinguished and senior members – so many more people than we all realise – and together I feel like we could do a lot of good.”

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