Why a third of American women are behind on medical appointments

A third of women admit they’re behind on doctor appointments — and anxiety is the culprit.

That’s according to a new survey of 2,000 American women, which saw 33% feel behind on key appointments like mammograms, going to the gynecologist, and getting their physical examinations.

The numbers rise considerably when looking at younger generations of women: 44% of millennial women and 51% of Gen Z women are behind on key health appointments and checkups.

For those feeling behind, the most likely reason was anxiety about going to the doctor (33%).

This was followed by cost (31%) and simply feeling too busy caring for their children (18%).

Conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Doctor’s Best ahead of American Heart Month in February, results showed over half (66%) of women polled said they prioritize family obligations over worrying about their own health.

When it comes to what health check-ups American women are specifically behind on, mammograms top the list (36%), followed by gynecological exams (32%) and getting their annual physical (27%).

Half (51%) said they tend to be less concerned about health problems they can’t physically see or feel.

This is especially important in the context of heart disease — which is known as the “silent killer” for women.

“Heart disease can easily go unnoticed because it can occur without obvious symptoms,” said Katie Lucas, Senior VP of Marketing for Doctor’s Best. “This is true especially for women because their symptoms can differ from those experienced by men or they can be completely asymptomatic. That is why women, especially those going through menopause when heart disease risk increases, should ensure they are not skipping out on their regular check-ups. 

Unfortunately, the study showed that only two in five (42%) said they are likely to visit a doctor when they think everything is fine.

And even if they are experiencing some symptoms that may align with heart disease, 28% of women polled decided to sleep it off rather than visit their doctor. 

Additionally, just 24% are fully confident they know their heart disease risk, despite it being the leading cause of death for women in the U.S. 

While the CDC recommends that most healthy adults get their cholesterol checked every four to six years — the best way to keep tabs on your risk for heart disease — 41% of women aged 18 to 40 don’t follow that recommendation.

When asked to choose which health concerns are the most important to them, heart disease didn’t come out on top. Rather, respondents were most concerned about their mental health.

What’s more, 68% of respondents were either incorrect or unsure of when they’re most at risk for heart disease, which is typically after menopause.  

“We can make small changes in our daily life that can help protect our cardiovascular health, especially as we age and put more stress on our hearts,” said Gale Bensussen, CEO of Doctor’s Best. “The first step is staying on top of annual exams and labs, so you have a good measure of where you stand, then ensuring your body is getting the nutrients it needs to do its job and replacing nutrients that are depleted with age.” 

TOP 9 REASONS WOMEN AVOID THE DOCTOR 

• I don’t feel my symptoms are serious enough – 30%
• I get anxious about going to the doctor – 22% 
• My symptoms are dismissed – 15%
• I don’t feel that my symptoms are alleviated – 13%
• I don’t have enough time – 12%

• I don’t get clear answers/diagnoses – 12%
• I feel judged – 10%
• My symptoms are attributed to hormonal changes – 10%
• I feel that my gender plays a role in how accurately I’m diagnosed – 6%

Survey methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 American women; the survey was commissioned by Doctor’s Best and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between Dec. 12 and 16.