Fear of finding out

N.M.T, 38, from Hanoi, frequently experienced abdominal pain and digestive issues, sometimes having bowel movements two to three times a day. Despite his wife’s repeated encouragement to seek medical care, he kept avoiding it. His reasoning was simple: “What if I go and they find something wrong? That would just cause more worry.”

The hesitation continued until his condition worsened significantly, with persistent pain and noticeable weight loss. At that point, his family insisted he undergo a medical check-up. Initial tests revealed several abnormal indicators, and doctors recommended further endoscopic examination at a higher-level hospital. Still, he believed he was only going “to reassure his wife,” never imagining he might have a serious illness.

The endoscopy results shocked the entire family: a tumor was found in his colon. A biopsy later confirmed stage 2B colon cancer. His wife broke down in tears, filled with regret that the opportunity for earlier detection had been missed.

This fear is not limited to middle-aged men. Younger individuals also experience similar anxiety.

B.T.N, 25, from Ho Chi Minh City, had lived with unusual abdominal pain for years. Sometimes the discomfort was mild, at other times severe, accompanied by menstrual irregularities. During an online search of her symptoms, she came across the term “cervical cancer” and was immediately alarmed.

“What if I go for a check-up and it turns out to be that?” she worried.

That thought led her to silently endure the symptoms and postpone visiting a hospital. Over time, the vague fear turned into prolonged psychological stress.

Only when her condition became more serious did she reluctantly seek medical help, nearly leaving midway due to panic. The diagnosis revealed polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis. These conditions are manageable if monitored and treated properly. However, continued delay could have affected her future fertility.

In reality, many people avoid medical check-ups out of fear of uncovering health problems. This avoidance is often disguised under various excuses: being too busy, unable to arrange time, symptoms seeming mild, or concerns about costs. Some even maintain health insurance for years without ever using it for routine examinations.

According to statistics from the Ministry of Health, most Vietnamese patients only visit hospitals when symptoms become obvious or severe. Meanwhile, regular health check-ups every six to twelve months can help detect metabolic disorders, chronic diseases, and potential risks related to the heart, liver, and kidneys at an early stage.

Two underlying fears

Speaking to VietNamNet, Associate Professor Do Van Dung, former head of the Department of Public Health at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Ho Chi Minh City, said this hesitation is not accidental.

He pointed to two main reasons.

First, many people have had negative experiences with healthcare services, such as complicated procedures, long waiting times, or financial pressure from treatment costs. These factors gradually create an invisible barrier, making them reluctant to engage with the healthcare system.

Second, there is a deep fear that a serious diagnosis could disrupt work, finances, and even social standing. As a result, some choose the mindset of “better not to know,” a psychological defense mechanism that carries significant risks.

More concerning is that in the age of technology, many individuals turn to social media or artificial intelligence tools to self-diagnose instead of consulting doctors. However, online information is rarely personalized to individual health conditions, increasing the likelihood of misunderstanding or overlooking serious illnesses.

Delaying medical examination and treatment not only worsens conditions and raises treatment costs, but also contributes to the growing trend of serious diseases appearing in younger populations. Illnesses once common among older adults are increasingly being diagnosed in younger individuals, partly due to late detection.

Health experts emphasize that medical check-ups are not something to fear but a proactive way to protect one’s health. Early detection improves treatment success rates, reduces costs, and minimizes complications. Fear does not make illness disappear. Only by confronting it and seeking timely medical care can individuals maintain long-term health and well-being.

Phuong Thuy