Millions of UK adults putting off going to doctor, poll claims

'It’s common sense that pretending they aren’t happening isn’t going to fix anything'

In one case, the company deemed a homeless man who was at risk for self-harm and suicide as not needing housing support because he was 'no more vulnerable than an ordinary person' (PA)

Britons avoid seeking help for a health issue because they worry they will get bad news, struggle to get an appointment or do not want to waste the doctor’s time, according to a new poll of 2,000 adults.

The survey suggested it takes an average of nine days for someone to arrange a medical appointment about something that’s bothering them.

Around six in 10 of those polled were experiencing some kind of physical discomfort at the time, including toothache, headaches or chest pain.

Almost one in five said they had bleeding or pain in their gums regularly, yet haven’t done anything about it.

The poll also suggested Britons have an average of two health issues that they are currently putting off getting checked out.

Oral-B Northern Europe Marketing Manager, Adam Parker, who carried out the study in conjunction with its new toothpaste launch, Gumline Purify, said: “Unfortunately, health problems, big and small, are an inevitable part of life. But, it’s common sense that pretending they aren’t happening isn’t going to fix anything.

The survey found most respondents leave it between two and six days before getting headaches, earaches and sickness looked at by a doctor.

But one in 10 will wait up to a year before seeking medical attention for bleeding gums.

One third admitted to avoiding the dentist over the last year altogether because they did not have the time, the money or have had a bad experience in the past.

One in three said they avoided their GP because they did not want to discuss the problem.​

SWNS