Health taboos cause people across the South West to put a ‘brave face’ on real health concerns

Benenden Health and charity Beating Bowling Cancer have revealed some shocking statistics that show many residents of the South West ignore or hide their health concerns.

Their research has shown residents of the South West hide their health concerns for fear of burdening their loved ones or making a fuss.

Almost half of those surveyed in the South West region by Benenden health in partnership with the charity, Beating Bowel Cancer, say they have even kept their partner in the dark about health issues because they don’t want to worry them, or they think they can handle the issues on their own and hope the problem will fade away, if they ignore it. 37% of those surveyed say they don’t feel they have someone they could talk to about a serious illness if they were to be in that situation.

The survey repeatedly found that residents of the South West often hide their health concerns from their loved ones.

Peter Maude ,58, from Tintagel, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2007, said:

“I know from personal experience that talking about my worries was the best thing I did for my health, even though I know some people find it difficult and embarrassing. And I’ve learnt it’s vital to get treated for bowel cancer early. So don’t say you’re fine if you’re not. Talk to your doctor. It’s far better for your health in the long run than the alternative of keeping quiet.”

Bowel cancer symptoms are one of the most common health concerns to be hidden. People often feel embarassed to talk about the symptoms they are experincing.

Mark Flannagan, Chief Executive of the charity Beating Bowel Cancer, said:

“It’s worrying to see that people still aren’t talking about their health concerns and are putting a brave face on things. Unfortunately bowel cancer is still a taboo. A deeply embedded fear of cancer and the embarrassment of talking about poo and bottoms sadly mean that too many people leave it too late to talk to their doctor.”

To raise awareness of Bowel Cancer and its symptoms Beating Bowel Cancer have launched their annual Decembeard campaign which asks people to grow, make or fake a beard in December.

Beating Bowel Cancer advises people to go to the GP if they have any of the following symptoms for three weeks or more: