New Lung Association Research: Millions More May Have COPD Than Previously Estimated, Canada

Main Category: COPD
Article Date: 22 Nov 2007 - 3:00 PDT

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Startling research findings released by The Lung Association demonstrate that as many as three million Canadians may have COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), Canada's fourth leading cause of death. This is nearly double previous estimates and includes over one and a half million (1.6 million) undiagnosed Canadians (1) and one and a half million (1.5 million) who say they currently suffer from this chronic lung disease.

The research also shows that the disease is highly prevalent among younger Canadian baby boomers - one in seven Canadians aged 45 to 49 (375,000) may have COPD.

This research confirms recent global prevalence data published in The Lancet which states "…evidence suggests that rates of disease (COPD) are generally underestimated." (2)

"Smoking is the number one cause of COPD and it is astounding that millions of Canadians who may have COPD haven't been tested," said Dr. Anna Day, Director of the Gender Asthma and COPD Program at Women's College Hospital in Toronto. "It is essential that those who think they may have COPD talk to their physician about spirometry, a breathing test for COPD."

Updated COPD guidelines released in September by the Canadian Thoracic Society (CTS), the medical section of The Lung Association, indicate that, "Early diagnosis, when coupled with successful smoking cessation interventions, will provide substantial long-term health benefits."

A simple breathing test, called Spirometry, is used to diagnose COPD. When this test is performed in the disease's early stages, outcomes of COPD can be improved. Spirometry involves blowing into a tube to calculate the amount of air the lungs can hold and the rate at which the air is expelled.

November is COPD awareness month and The Lung Association is issuing two calls to action to Canadians: 1) If you think you may be at risk for COPD, talk to your doctor about a spirometry test 2) Be informed about COPD. Visit the COPD section of our website or call the COPD 'BreathWorks' hotline 1-866-717-COPD (2673).

"The statistics that show the large number of younger Canadian baby boomers with this disease underscores the need to both educate Canadians and advocate on behalf of current COPD patients," said Nora Sobolov President & CEO of the Canadian Lung Association." "Current and former smokers who have yet to get themselves tested for this disease, must take action - the devastating impact of COPD must be taken seriously".

Smoking is the main cause of COPD. Fifty-six per cent of all Canadian adults are current or ex-smokers: nearly five million (4.9 million) who currently smoke and nine and a half million ex-smokers. More men than woman currently smoke (20 per cent versus 17 per cent, respectively (3) ) ; however women are catching up to men (4) , confirming projections that COPD is rapidly becoming a serious women's health issue.

About COPD

COPD is a potentially devastating breathing disease that causes lung damage and obstructs, or 'blocks' the airways. COPD is sometimes called emphysema or chronic bronchitis. The main symptoms experienced by patients with COPD are shortness of breath and limitation of activity .

Symptoms progress slowly and may not be recognized or even passed off as due to being 'just out of shape' or 'just getting older'. Symptoms are often severe before they are acknowledged. Once symptoms are recognized the disease may be well advanced COPD is primarily caused by smoking. A small percentage of COPD patients have the disease due to other factors COPD does have treatment options that can improve the quality of people's lives

COPD awareness still very low

The research demonstrated that COPD awareness among Canadians continues to be low. Only fifty-nine per cent of Canadians have heard of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and only thirty-three per cent have heard of the acronym COPD- the more common way to refer to the disease. Compared to other major causes of death in Canada such as cancer or heart attack or stroke, awareness remains far too low.

About the Report

November is COPD awareness month. For the third successive year, The Lung Association in collaboration with the CTS and Canadian Respiratory Health Professionals and supported through an unrestricted educational grant from Boehringer Ingelheim Canada Ltd. and Pfizer Canada Inc., is releasing new COPD research results.

Leger Marketing conducted this study via 1,500 online surveys and 500 telephone interviews. The margin of error for a sample of this size is +/-2.1%, 19 times out of 20.

The Lung Association

For more than 100 years, The Lung Association has been the voice and primary resource for lung health in Canada. The Lung Association was first established to control the spread of tuberculosis and provide better services for tuberculosis patients. Today, it leads national and international initiatives that improve lung health through research, prevention, and education.

The Canadian Thoracic Society

The CTS is the medical section of The Lung Association. It advises the Association on scientific matters and programs, including policies regarding support for research and education. The CTS provides a forum whereby medical practitioners and investigators may join in the study of lung diseases, develop clinical practice guidelines based on best science, and provide continuing education to medical and healthcare professionals. The CTS aims to maintain the highest professional and scientific standards in all aspects of respiratory diseases through leadership, education, research and communication.

The Canadian Respiratory Health Professionals

The Canadian Respiratory Health Professionals (CRHP) is a multidisciplinary group of health professionals which includes nurses, physical therapists, respiratory therapists, pharmacists and other professionals devoted to promoting a high quality of respiratory care by advancing respiratory education, practice and research. CRHP advises the Lung Association on scientific programs, research, and public education.

The Lung Association