My Dad is in the hospital at the moment. He had blood in his stool but was too embarrassed to tell his female hematologist (actually, he lied and said "No" when asked). So... several blood transfusions later, he is still hospitalized. They did find the source of the bleeding and correct it. But the drama could have been avoided. This is not the first time he has been rushed to the Emergency Ward when a routine visit could have dealt with his problems had he mentioned he had a problem. Giant SIGH.

But I have female relatives just as foolish. A young cousin died recently from cervical cancer. She never went for annual PAP smears. By the time she was in pain, it was too late. A friend died the same way for the same reason. I don't understand. I get poked, prodded, smashed, and stuck annually. Of course, I have yet to lose the weight that threatens my health...