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Survey reveals ’embarrassing’ symptom patients are most reluctant to discuss with their GP and it could be deadly

Millions of Brits at risk by depriving themselves early diagnosis

Avoiding the doctor because of embarrassing symptoms could have deadly consequences for millions of cancer sufferers.

Reports claim one in five adults have put off seeking medical attention due to being self-conscious about what’s happening with their private parts.

That means millions of Brits could be missing out on an early diagnosis and potentially life saving treatment for a variety of devastating conditions, including vaginal and anal cancer.

According to a Bupa survey, vaginal bleeding is viewed as the indication of illness patients are most reluctant to discuss with their GP.

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Doctors have seen it all before – seek help (Credit: Martin Brosy on Unsplash)

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Respondents to the poll also noted pains in their pelvis or groin and the presence of blood or pain when using the toilet as other issues they felt uneasy about bringing up.

And 30% of those that took the survey admitted they had looked their symptoms up online rather than visit a doctor.

A Bupa representative urged anyone suffering from worrying symptoms to give themselves every chance of recovery by visiting a medic ASAP.

Julia Ross, head of cancer care at Bupa UK, said: “It’s important to remember that the role of medical professionals is to help you understand your body, providing you with peace of mind or signposting you to the most appropriate treatment and support for your condition.

“Fast access to treatment can help recovery and the long-term management of an illness.”

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Early detection is crucial for many cancer treatments (Credit: Piron Guillaume on Unsplash)

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“I would encourage people not to delay seeing a health professional if they are experiencing worrying symptoms.”

Britain has one of Europe’s worst survival rates when it comes to cancer, which affects around 330,000 people every year, with delays in testing and diagnosis blamed for that number.

However, around nine out of ten bowel cancer patients survive for at least five years if the condition is detected at an early stage. Research has shown only one in 20 do so if it is picked up late.

Bupa has also recommended anyone worried about symptoms could consider writing down what’s happening with their body if they feel unable to speak about them.

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Robert Leigh
Freelance writer