The hardest step is often the first one

Most people know when something doesn’t feel right.

But getting it checked is often easier said than done.

People often tell themselves to leave it another week. Work gets busy. Medical appointments are difficult to arrange. Life carries on. Some hope problems will settle down on their own. Others simply do not want to hear bad news.

People carry on. There is always something else to deal with first.

Then another week passes.

When serious conditions such as cancer are involved, deciding to act can be the hardest step.

Why people delay seeking help

For many people, the issue is not ignoring symptoms completely. It is convincing themselves there will be a better time to deal with them later.

Arranging appointments around work and family life can become a barrier in itself. Some people worry about missing work. Others do not want colleagues asking questions before they understand what is happening themselves.

Fear also plays a part. People may worry about what tests could involve, what the results might show or what happens next if something serious is found.

In reality, most employers would rather somebody get something checked than carry on worrying in silence.

These situations quickly become personal

When somebody is facing a possible serious illness, it rarely feels like a workplace issue alone.

In many businesses, teams work closely together for years. Colleagues are often mates as much as co-workers. People notice when somebody is not themselves.

Uncertainty affects other people too.

Families notice it. Workmates notice it. Managers do too.

People are often worried about getting it wrong.

So the conversation gets left.

But often, somebody simply checking in is enough.

Bupa also provides practical workplace guidance for managers, including resources on:

• recognising warning signs
• supporting employees through difficult conversations
• helping employees access support
• understanding how serious illness can affect people at work

These Manager resources are available here: Bupa cancer support at work resources

Helping people access support earlier

One of the practical challenges for many employees is knowing where to start and how to access support.

Diagnostic support and clear routes into specialist advice can help.

The ECIS PMI scheme with Bupa can help employees access diagnostic tests, scans and specialist investigations as part of a support pathway.

For many people, the difficult part is simply getting started.

Sometimes even knowing where to begin is enough to make people leave things longer than they should.

Other parts of the scheme can help as well.

Digital GP services can help employees speak to a doctor without needing to wait for a convenient time to arrange a local appointment. Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) services can also provide support for people dealing with stress, worry and uncertainty while they decide what to do next.

Encouraging the first step

There is rarely a perfect time to raise a concern, book an appointment or start a conversation about health.

That is why people so often put things off.

But when it comes to serious conditions, waiting and worrying quietly rarely makes things easier.

The hardest step is often the first one.

Find out more about the ECIS PMI scheme at ECIS, email ecis@ecins.co.uk or call 0330 221 0241.