Surgeon and social media star Dr Karan Rajan has issued a stark warning that people are risking their lives by avoiding discussions about embarrassing health symptoms with their doctors. The 35-year-old medic, who has over 10 million online followers, argues that societal stigma around topics like bowel habits, sexual health, and personal hygiene is preventing crucial early medical intervention.
The High Cost of Health Stigma
Dr Rajan, known for appearances on BBC Morning Live and Good Morning Britain, has released a new book, This Is Vital Information, which follows his previous bestseller This Book May Save Your Life. He stresses that the reluctance to speak openly with healthcare professionals is not merely awkward but potentially deadly. "People could literally die from embarrassment," he states, highlighting that fear of judgement and moral stigma creates significant barriers to seeking help.
The Hampshire-based doctor, currently on sabbatical as he awaits the birth of his first child, explains the common reasons for avoidance. "Some bury their head in the sand because going to a doctor means more tests, potential bad news, or treatments that may disrupt their lives," he says. He also points to the unfair moral judgements attached to conditions like sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), which deter people from seeking care.
Key Taboo Topics We Must Discuss
Dr Rajan identifies several critical health areas where embarrassment routinely silences patients, urging a more proactive and open dialogue.
Bowel Habits and Cancer Signs
He recounts a tragic case that motivated his work: a middle-aged patient who died from advanced colorectal cancer after delaying a GP visit due to embarrassment over rectal bleeding, weight loss, and constipation. "All of those in combination are red flags," Dr Rajan emphasises, advising people to understand their 'baseline' normal to spot alarming changes promptly.
Feminine Hygiene Misconceptions
Dr Rajan challenges the billion-dollar feminine hygiene product industry, stating many scented washes are "detrimental to the vaginal microbiome." Medical guidance advises against washing inside the vagina, yet a cultural aversion to discussing normal discharge leaves many women confused about what is healthy, influenced by profit-driven marketing.
Male Health and Reluctance
Issues like testicular cancer, erectile dysfunction, and prostate problems affect one in three men, yet remain off-limits in casual conversation. "Most men are not taught how to examine their own testicles," Dr Rajan notes, contributing to later diagnoses. He calls for normalising these discussions to improve early detection rates.
Weight and Moral Judgement
The surgeon criticises how society attaches moral value to weight, leading to judgement and dangerous quick-fix solutions. He highlights a lack of nuanced understanding about obesity, which can prevent constructive conversations with medical professionals about sustainable health management.
Planning for the Inevitable: Discussing Death
Dr Rajan also advocates for more open conversations about death and end-of-life care. Research indicates that discussing mortality improves psychological outcomes. "Proactively planning for the end of your life should be like you’re planning your finances," he suggests, advocating for advance decisions on CPR, ICU care, and organ donation to ensure dignity and autonomy.
He contrasts Western avoidance of the subject with Eastern philosophies that view death as a natural life stage, urging a shift from preventative to proactive medicine in the UK. This includes making wills and appointing healthcare proxies while in good health.
Dr Karan Rajan's This Is Vital Information: Everything You’re Too Embarrassed To Ask Your Doctor (But Really Should) is published by Century, priced £20, and is available now.
