Four in 10 Brits bury their head in the sand when it comes to their health – with many claiming ‘ignorance is bliss’.
A study of 2,000 adults found 45 per cent have never spoken to family members about conditions they could be at higher risk of, or even their history of illnesses.
While 26 per cent have regularly avoided routine screenings.
A fear of what they might find out is the most common reason for ignoring their health (39 per cent), while 28 per cent find it too overwhelming to think about.
Although 22 per cent don’t worry about it as they have no noticeable symptoms and 18 per cent believe ‘ignorance is bliss’.
Worryingly, 35 per cent of those who admitted to not paying attention to their health said it had led to something going unnoticed or undiagnosed longer than it otherwise might have.
Despite this, 68 per cent think that when it comes to their health, knowledge is power.
The study was commissioned by Bupa to support the launch of its Medication Check – the latest addition to its growing range of DNA Health Tests [https://www.bupa.co.uk/health/payg/dna-testing]
The test shows how our individual DNA affects how we respond to different medications, with the aim of reducing trial and error when prescribing drugs, reducing side effects and helping people to get well again, quicker.
With two thirds of Brits unaware what a genome - the complete set of genetic material in the human body that impacts what we look like, how we function and our health - is, the leading health provider created a mesmerising installation to bring this to life.
The immersive installation, at The Outernet Now Trending building, London, scrolls through 3.2 billion characters to show our genetic make-up to help people ‘see their insides’.
Dr Rebecca Rohrer, clinical innovation and genomics director for Bupa, said: “While it can seem like ill-health might be an unavoidable part of life, this is often not the case. Learning more about our DNA is key to early detection and even preventing some illnesses altogether.
“Our future health can seem like something we don’t need to think about now – but understanding how our body responds to medicine, as well as any family history of cancer, diabetes and other genetic diseases can help us take early action.”
The study also found 41 per cent of adults try to look after their future health a lot, but of those who don’t, 34 per cent simply don’t like to think too much about the future.
But 52 per cent would be interested in taking a test to reveal whether they were more at risk of developing heart and blood vessel disorders, while the same percentage would like to know their risk for cancer.
Of those who think it would be beneficial to have the knowledge of possible future health issues, 68 per cent said it would allow them to try to prevent conditions or improve their health with lifestyle changes.
But the research, carried out via OnePoll, found many are lacking basic knowledge of their health, with 25 per cent unaware how much they weigh, while 29 per cent aren’t sure how tall they are.
Less than half (49 per cent) know their usual blood pressure reading and only 45 per cent could tell you what their blood type is.
Carlos Jaureguizar, CEO for Bupa Global, India & UK, said: “Our genetic makeup influences everything from disease risk to how we respond to medication, and it’s key to helping us live well for longer, but it’s hard to grasp how important it is when we can’t see it.
“Our installation makes the invisible visible. Our DNA is as unique as we are, which is why we need a personalised approach to our health. This is the future of healthcare.
“We want to empower people with the information to make healthy choices and seek help early, rather than burying their heads in the sand.”
TOP 10 REASONS BRITS BURY THEIR HEAD IN THE SAND:
1. Fear of what they might find out
2. It’s overwhelming
3. They are in denial
4. They don’t worry as they have no noticeable symptoms
5. They are too busy to prioritise their health
6. They simply prefer not to know
7. They believe ignorance is bliss
8. They don’t feel anything bad is going to happen to them so don’t worry about it
9. They have no family history of illness they feel they need to worry about
10. They don’t understand it
