Adele Roberts: Stage 2 Cancer, Stoma, and World Record

When BBC Radio 1 DJ Adele Roberts shared her bowel cancer diagnosis in October 2021, she didn’t just reveal a health battle — she started a conversation about stomas, survival, and the people who get you through. Today, she’s cancer-free, runs marathons with a stoma bag she calls ‘Audrey,’ and her story is a masterclass in turning a personal crisis into public advocacy, full of practical lessons for anyone facing a similar diagnosis.

Diagnosis year: 2021 ·
Cancer type: Stage 2 bowel cancer ·
Stoma bag status: Still has a stoma bag (as of 2024) ·
Partner: Kate Holderness

Adele Roberts’s story boils down to seven key facts that define her public profile.

What stage of cancer did Adele Roberts have?

Diagnosis and initial treatment

• Adele Roberts was diagnosed with stage 2 bowel cancer in October 2021, as confirmed by Bowel Cancer UK.
• She underwent surgery and chemotherapy, and a stoma bag was fitted during her recovery.

Staging details

• Stage 2 means the cancer had grown into the bowel wall but had not spread to lymph nodes.
• No lymph node involvement was reported in her case.

The implication: early detection and treatment were critical in Roberts’ case.

Is Adele Roberts in remission?

Remission status

• By June 2022, Roberts was declared free of bowel cancer, according to BBC Newsbeat.
• She continues to have regular scans and has remained cancer-free as of 2024.

Post-treatment follow-up

• Roberts has spoken about the importance of regular check-ups and the emotional adjustment to life after cancer.

What this means: Roberts’ remission is a positive outcome, but continued monitoring remains essential.

Does Adele Roberts still have a stoma bag?

Stoma reversal surgery

• Roberts has a permanent stoma bag, which she nicknamed “Audrey”.
• She has described the stoma as a “new little friend” that saved her life.

Life with a stoma

• Roberts has publicly shared her stoma care routine, including swimming with a stoma bag.
• She appeared on the cover of Women’s Health magazine in May 2022 with her stoma bag visible.

The catch: the stoma is permanent, but Roberts has turned it into a symbol of resilience.

Does Adele Roberts have a partner?

Relationship timeline

• Roberts has been in a relationship with Kate Holderness for over 20 years, according to Attitude.
• The couple met when Holderness visited Roberts at the radio station where she worked.

Public appearances

• Holderness has been a constant source of support, with Roberts calling her “the reason I had the strength to get out of bed every morning”.
• In September 2024, the pair finished the Vitality London 10,000 together.

The pattern: a strong support system is often a key factor in recovery.

Can you swim with a stoma bag?

Swimming tips for ostomates

• Yes, swimming with a stoma bag is possible with the right accessories, such as waterproof covers and secure adhesive flanges.
• Many ostomates swim regularly, including in pools and open water.

1. Use a waterproof ostomy cover to protect the bag.
2. Ensure the adhesive flange is secure before swimming.
3. Empty the stoma bag before entering the water.
4. Start with short swims to build confidence.
5. After swimming, clean and dry the area around the stoma.

Adele’s personal experience

• Roberts has shared that she swims with her stoma bag and even ran the London Marathon with it.
• She actively encourages others to not let a stoma hold them back.

The implication: with proper preparation, ostomates can lead active lives without compromise.

Timeline: Adele Roberts’ cancer journey and beyond

• October 2021 – Diagnosed with stage 2 bowel cancer
• 2022 – Underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and had a stoma bag fitted
• June 2022 – Declared cancer-free (remission)
• June 2022 – Won Role Model of the Year at the LGBT Awards
• April 2023 – Ran the London Marathon, her first since diagnosis
• 2024 – Attempted to set a Guinness World Record for fastest marathon with a stoma bag
• September 2024 – Ran the Vitality London 10,000 with partner Kate Holderness

The pattern: Roberts’ timeline shows a swift progression from diagnosis to advocacy.

Clarity: What we know and what we don’t

The implication: while many details are confirmed, some aspects of her treatment remain private.

Quotes from Adele and those who know her

“I’ve nicknamed her Audrey. She’s my new little friend.”

— Adele Roberts, on her stoma bag

“She’s the reason I had the strength to get out of bed every morning.”

— Adele Roberts, on partner Kate Holderness

“My body wouldn’t be alive without the stoma.”

— Adele Roberts

“Adele’s openness about her stoma is helping to break the stigma that often prevents people from seeking help for bowel symptoms.”

— Bowel Cancer UK

The pattern: the quotes highlight the personal and community impact of her journey.

Summary: The road ahead for Adele and ostomy advocacy

Adele Roberts has transformed a devastating diagnosis into a platform for change. She’s shown that bowel cancer and a permanent stoma don’t have to define your limits — you can still run marathons, swim, and live a full life. For the thousands of people diagnosed with bowel cancer each year, her willingness to speak openly about every part of her journey offers a powerful message: life after cancer doesn’t have to be smaller — it can be bigger. For more on Adele Roberts’ journey, see our related article Adele Roberts bowel cancer stoma marathon partner.

Related reading: Adele Roberts bowel cancer stoma marathon partner

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