Why don't all women go to the doctor regularly?
Is fear the greatest motivator for women to NOT see their physicians regularly for check-ups and screenings?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Monica Walter on -
Well, there is no one right answer to that question? It takes time out of your busy life to go to doctor, or the last one you saw made you uncomfortable, so you're like, iam not doing that again.Some people of course don't have health care and thats a problem. Fear scares everyone when there is the unknown, so getting the information out to everyone is very important. Sometimes you have to be proactive and seek out that knowledge yourself, and of course be prepared for the doctor.
We need to pump up this cancer schmancer program, fran has got this idea dialed in and needs to have the word out there more. There is no one here discussing.. Communication is key!! Peace...
Monica
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Permalink Reply by Urooj Raza on -
I def. think that fear is one of the greatest motivators for women not to see their physicians, but I also agree with Monica. Time and money is also an issue. People are so preoccupied with other things going on in their lives, that putting off a doctor's visit seems like the right thing to do. However, women should regularly go for check-ups and screenings; in the end, it might help you out, before it gets too late!
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Permalink Reply by Jessica Liss on -
Monica, I think you are 100% correct.... in this day and age there are a million reasons why we skip the doctor, but as a whole we need to motivate each other to make it a million reasons why we DO GO to the doctor. Fear is a strong motivator, but empowerment is greater.
Let's open our mouths and help women feel comfortable with their bodies and help them understand they need to be proactive, ask questions and better partner with their physicians!
Monica Walter said:Well, there is no one right answer to that question? It takes time out of your busy life to go to doctor, or the last one you saw made you uncomfortable, so you're like, iam not doing that again.Some people of course don't have health care and thats a problem. Fear scares everyone when there is the unknown, so getting the information out to everyone is very important. Sometimes you have to be proactive and seek out that knowledge yourself, and of course be prepared for the doctor.
We need to pump up this cancer schmancer program, fran has got this idea dialed in and needs to have the word out there more. There is no one here discussing.. Communication is key!! Peace...
Monica
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Permalink Reply by Viktoria Bozsoki on -
I agree with Monica. I think, unfortunately, there is also a lack of interest. Many either can't be bothered to read into it, others may think it will never happen to them for many reasons, healthy living, no family history etc, so they feel safe.
I think not only do we need to be aware of the risks, but we also need to really get in touch with our bodies, know it well,and be able to listen to it.
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Permalink Reply by Keylyn Ingoglia on -
I agree with everyone. I think that fear, time, and money are all huge aspects. I think it’s kind of like smoking where people know it’s bad but are not concerned about the long-term effects. They think that nothing will probably happen to them anyway so it’s not a big deal. Also, a lot of people with unhealthy lifestyles may avoid going to the doctor in fear that they may be reprimanded. No one wants to do things they don't like, and going to the doctor is not a fun experience. Regardless, everyone must go to the doctor or they may wind up regretting it later. I agree with Monica that everyone must seek out knowledge and be aware of their bodies. I especially love Fran’s quote “Because when the doctor calls to tell you you have cancer, he goes home to eat dinner with his family, while you go home to eat your heart out with yours.” It’s up to you to learn about your health and take care of yourself!!
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Permalink Reply by TW on -
I think there are a lot of factors that contribute to this: fear, lack of time/monetary resources necessary for adequate health care, and, as Jessica touches on, shame. I think that it's so engrained in girls and women to be ashamed of their bodies, ashamed of their sexuality, that the thought of, say, going for a PAP smear/pelvic if you're sexually active, is a terrifying thought. (Disclosure: I'm from the rural south where those attitudes are much more pervasive, as evidenced by our high teen pregnancy and STD rates.) Looking back at it now, 5 years after my cancer diagnosis, I can't believe I was ever ashamed to go to the Dr. and be absolutely open with her/him, but I know that when it counted most, I certainly was.
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