270,000 Canadians are living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
The direct annual cost of caring for Canadians with IBD is estimated at $1.28 billion.
By 2030, the number of Canadians with IBD is expected to rise to 400,000 (approximately 1% of the population).
Seniors (aged 65 and over) with Crohn’s or colitis are the fastest growing group of Canadians with IBD, and our healthcare system must be prepared to face this challenge.
Seniors with Crohn’s or colitis face complications of longer disease duration, and caring for age-related simultaneous conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Canadians with Crohn’s or colitis in rural areas are less likely to receive gastroenterologist care, which has consequences on long-term outcomes.
Crohn’s and colitis impact Canadians of all ethnicities and religions, but the rate of new diagnoses is higher among Ashkenazi Jewish and South Asian people.
There are over 7,000 Canadian children (under age 18) living with Crohn’s or colitis.
The prevalence of Crohn’s and colitis in Canadian children has risen more than 50% in the last 10 years.
Children with Crohn’s or colitis have different disease complications, respond differently to treatments, and are at a greater risk of side effects of medication as compared to adults.
Comments