One in four delay seeing doctor due to 'embarrassment'

According to Bupa

Adam Saville
clock • 2 min read

Vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain and bleeding from the bottom seen as 'most shameful symptoms'

Potential cancer symptoms are being ignored by 25% of UK employees - the equivalent of 4.7m people - because they are too embarrassed to seek advice from a doctor, research from Bupa has found. The research, which surveyed 1,245 workers, estimated that nearly half a million (480,000) people have avoided doing to the doctor altogether, risking a serious condition going undiagnosed. Vaginal bleeding is viewed as the most awkward symptom to discuss by UK adults, followed by pain in the groin, blood or pain urinating and bleeding from the bottom, the survey found. Putting off On ave...

To continue reading this article...

Join COVER for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, key trend analysis and industry insights.
  • Stay on top of the latest developments around health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and the cost of living crisis.
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletter.
  • Members only access to monthly programme 'The COVER Review'
  • Be the first to hear about our CPD accredited events and awards programmes.

Join now

 

Already a Cover member?

Login

More on PMI

36% of women reluctant to have breast screenings

36% of women reluctant to have breast screenings

Nuffield Health investment

Cameron Roberts
clock 08 July 2025 • 2 min read
36% of UK consumers say private healthcare is essential: The Exeter
PMI

36% of UK consumers say private healthcare is essential: The Exeter

Life insurance second most important insurance

Cameron Roberts
clock 02 July 2025 • 2 min read
Consumer trust in PMI falls among middle-aged customers
PMI

Consumer trust in PMI falls among middle-aged customers

Fairer Finance data

Jaskeet Briah
clock 02 July 2025 • 3 min read