1/4 of people would put off going to the doctor with a potentially serious symptom

Friday, March 30, 2012

According to Bowel Cancer UK around 80% of people can now name at least one symptom of bowel cancer. This is a significant improvement on last year's survey where only 43% recognised any symptom. (Bowel Cancer UK BCAM survey 2011).

The survey launched in the run up to April's Bowel Cancer Awareness Month also worryingly showed that around a quarter of people would be too scared (23%) or would feel awkward (22%) about discussing a symptom with their doctor if one arose.

It is also very concerning that a quarter of people (25%) may find it difficult to make an appointment with their doctor thereby delaying a possible diagnosis.

Only 35% of people thought bowel cancer was one of the three most common cancers amongst women and many respondents incorrectly thought women were more likely to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer (67% thought it was one of the top 3 most common cancers) than bowel cancer.

Deborah Alsina, CEO, Bowel Cancer UK said: "It's good news that people are now more likely to recognise the symptoms of bowel cancer. However it's deeply worrying if they are still unwilling to act upon them. I can't stress enough how important it is for people to go to their doctor if they have concerns, it really might save their life."

Sonia was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2009 and says "I experienced symptoms for a couple of years and put them down to IBS before I collapsed and was referred for further investigation. I'm now in recovery but following my experience I urge, that if you have any symptoms, even if you think they may be trivial, please act on them immediately and visit your doctor. Knowing the symptoms alone is not enough to improve survival from this disease."

About the survey results

Here are some selected answers from the question: Sometimes people can put off or delay going to see the doctor/health professional, even when they have a potentially serious symptom they need a diagnosis for. Which, if any, of the following are reasons why you might be put-off going to see a doctor/health professional if you had a symptom/something that you need to talk to them about?

• 'I cannot afford to be off work'
• 'I would not know the seriousness of the symptom'
• 'I'm scared of hospitals'
• 'I don't have confidence in my GP''
• 'It might get better on its own'
• 'Most symptoms are vague and can be easily explained'
• 'Doctors don't care'
• 'NHS bureaucracy' 

About the survey

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2055 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 23rd-26th March 2012. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).