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Career women are risking cancer and infertility by delaying vital health checks because they are afraid of being sacked, experts warned today.
They said the recession was to blame for women not taking time off from hectic work schedules to visit their doctor.
Charity Wellbeing of Women, whose patron is the Prime Minister's wife Sarah Brown, said checks that women are putting off include routine tests for cervical cancer which are free on the NHS.
Another concern is pregnant employees failing to tell their boss they are expecting a baby in case they are overlooked for a bonus.
A new report by the London Health Forum suggests people are putting off seeking help until they are seriously ill.
It shows patients with debt-related anxiety and ill-health are costing the NHS £450 million a year.
The taskforce, chaired by City “superwoman” Nicola Horlick, who owns investment company Bramdean Alternatives, is calling on health trusts to offer early-stage debt counselling.
Cutbacks have already led to a drop in spending on private healthcare by companies.
A recent investigation by health analysts Laing & Buisson found that spending on private treatments fell by more than 10 per cent in 2007 — the first drop for 20 years.
In a bid to encourage women to take responsibility for their health, Well-being of Women is holding a “one-stop shop” this Saturday at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in Regent's Park.
This will include free advice from female medical experts on cervical cancer and health and fitness checks.
Liz Campbell, chairwoman of the charity, said too many women fell into the trap of trivialising their health worries such as breast lumps or abnormal bleeding.
She said: “We are not intending to scaremonger but women don't take themselves seriously enough.
“This is something our patron, Sarah Brown, says we have personal responsibility for. Women are partly to blame for not taking time off work.
“In a professional environment it's often not easy to get time off and women often postpone checks. There's also a big cultural issue in this country in that we do not talk about women's issues.
“Women in other countries will routinely visit a gynaecologist. If you had a sore throat you would go to the doctor or get a flu jab. And you're not likely to die of flu.”
City workers whose husbands have been laid-off are particularly vulnerable, according to the charity.
Ms Campbell said: “I met a woman last week who is in a high-powered job and her husband has lost his.
“They have two children in fee-paying schools. She couldn't risk losing that job.
“What you squeeze is that bit that belongs to us and that means that bit about looking after yourself.”
This comes amid growing worries among workers in the capital over the threat of unemployment, as the Government released new unemployments figures today.
Reader views (6)
Why? Surely they can just go to the doctors and work from home for part or all of the day?
- Bob, Cheam
This is silly nonsense. It is the easiest thing in the world to go first thing in the morning or indeed late surgery. I managed dozens of female employees and there is no way a woman would be sacked just because she went to the doctor. The smartest women simply tell their boss in advance tthat they a medical appointment and do not just pull a "sickie". A lot of City firms have GP's available in the City so that all staff can make an appointment with minimal fuss.
- James Macleod Ritchie, Oyster Bay Cove
And the men who have the same if not more pressures on them? How much is spent by the government on "male" cancers, illnesses and support. Usual stuff promulgated by this government and the media that women need extra protection. If they are equal (which I do actually believe) why can't they look after these issues like everybody else. And don't get me started on "superwoman" Nicola Horlick. Has been exposed as a bit of a joke here in the city.
- Jon, london
This applies to men as well! There seem to be many more "Well Woman" clinics than "Well Man" ones. Little effort seems to be put into early detection of prostate and testicular cancers compared to breast and cervical cancers.
- Justice4men, London
It seems a lot of women have not learned from Jade Goody´s tragic experience. A person´s health is the most valuable thing they have. Once that begins to fail, everything starts to tumble like a set of dominoes. Get yourselves checked out regularly ladies. Your health is too valuable to gamble with.
- Graham Rodhouse, Helmond, Netherlands
While her old man will shortly be losing his job.
- Eddie, London
