Millions of Britons are TOO EMBARRASSED to talk to their doctor about cancer symptoms affecting their vaginas, testicles and anuses, poll reveals
- One in five have put off seeing their doctor, putting them at increased risk
- People delay seeing their GP for an average of two months, survey finds
- Doctors urge people to see their doctor as early diagnosis could save lives
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Millions of Brits are at risk of cancer because they are too embarrassed to talk about vaginal or anal symptoms, a poll has suggested.
One in five Brits have put off seeing a doctor with symptoms of cancers in private areas, putting them at an increased risk of death.
Doctors are now urging people to come forward no matter how embarrassing their symptoms may be as an early diagnosis can boost survival odds.
Six million Brits are at risk of cancer because they are too embarrassed to talk about vaginal or anal symptoms, research has found
Bupa, who conducted the poll, estimate that 6.6million of people seeing symptoms have delayed seeing their GP.
And it says more than five million people have risked their lives by avoiding going to the doctor completely.
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Irregular vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain and bleeding from the anus were seen as most shameful symptoms.
Bowel cancer, which has symptoms of bleeding from the anus, has one of the lowest survival rates in the UK.
Those experiencing irregular vaginal bleeding, the most common symptom of invasive cervical cancer, would wait for 66 days, on average.
People suffering from changes in bladder or bowel habits holding off seeking help for an average of almost ten weeks.
And people with a lump in the testicle, most often the first sign of testicular cancer, would wait up to 62 days, the poll found.
Over half of bashful respondents (54 per cent) said they wouldn’t know how to start a conversation about their symptom.
The awkward feelings lead to people searching online, the findings suggest, with a third using this as their first source of advice.
The same amount of people would also rather speak on the phone.
One in five people admit that they have been so embarrassed by their symptoms that they only sought help after being convinced by their partner.
Julia Ross, head of cancer care at Bupa UK, said: ‘When you notice something’s not right with your body it can be daunting, whatever the symptoms.
‘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 aid recovery and the long-term management of an illness.
‘I’d always encourage people not to delay seeing a health professional if they are experiencing worrying symptoms even if you are concerned about embarrassment.’
The results are concerning due to the fact the UK has the poorest survival rates of cancer in Western Europe.
A lack of awareness of symptoms and delays in seeing GPs or referrals is also blamed for the delay in diagnosis.
More than 90 per cent of bowel cancer patients will survive for more than five years if diagnosed at the earliest stage.
However, that figure drops to just seven per cent if the cancer is diagnosed at stage four.
What is bowel cancer and what are the symptoms?
Bowel, or colorectal, cancer affects the large bowel, which is made up of the colon and rectum.
Such tumours usually develop from pre-cancerous growths, called polyps.
Symptoms include:
- Bleeding from the bottom
- Blood in stools
- A change in bowel habits lasting at least three weeks
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme, unexplained tiredness
- Abdominal pain
Most cases have no clear cause, however, people are more at risk if they:
- Are over 50
- Have a family history of the condition
- Have a personal history of polyps in their bowel
- Suffer from inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease
- Lead an unhealthy lifestyle
Treatment usually involves surgery, and chemo- and radiotherapy.
More than nine out of 10 people with stage one bowel cancer survive five years or more after their diagnosis.
This drops significantly if it is diagnosed in later stages.
According to Bowel Cancer UK figures, more than 41,200 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year in the UK.
It affects around 40 per 100,000 adults per year in the US, according to the National Cancer Institute.
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