Don’t be shy over Embarrassing Bodies issues

Irish people need to overcome their shyness about embarrassing health issues and be more willing to visit doctors to discuss their health, according to Dr Pixie McKenna of Channel 4’s Embarrassing Bodies.

Dr McKenna, a co-presenter on the programme, said the Irish seemed particularly reluctant to discuss health matters, a situation which could often have serious consequences.

"The Irish are a little bit like 'We have to wait for something to drop off before we come to surgery'," said Dr McKenna, who grew up in Glasheen in Cork and obtained her medical degree from University College Cork.

Dr McKenna, who moved to the UK in 1999 and worked as a GP in Notting Hill in London, said she believed the Irish are much more shy when it comes to discuss embarrassing health conditions compared to British, American or Australian patients.

“One of our mantras on the show is ‘Don’t die of embarrassment’. We mean that in every sense. Testicular cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer, skin cancer...they may have embarrassing symptoms, but you cannot afford to waste time by sitting and hoping they get better.

"The truth is you may not survive it," said Dr McKenna, who was in Cork to help launch the Mercy Hospital Foundation campaign to raise €3 million to enhance cardiology, stroke and cancer services at the Mercy University Hospital.

Dr McKenna said she was delighted to lend her support to the campaign as she had fond memories of Mercy University Hospital, where she did some of her training. Each of the areas the foundation was focusing on was deserving of support, she added.

"I'm urging the people of Cork and of Munster to dig deep and support any or all of the appeals over the coming years - you never know when you could be affected and may need the services in your own family."