Seven out of ten Canadians are concerned about arthritis, a chronic, incurable disease that can cause pain, degeneration, inflammation or swelling in the joints and affect quality of life.
That’s according to an online arthritis awareness survey conducted by the Arthritis Society of Canada.
For example, 73% said they know or like someone with arthritis, and 40% think arthritis is a normal part of aging.
“The responses tell us that people have concerns about arthritis but don’t know the facts about the disease,” said Heather Holmes, vice president for Quebec and Eastern Canada for the Arthritis Society of Canada.
In reality, arthritis is not a disease of the elderly, and more than 50% of Canadians with arthritis are under the age of 65, according to the Arthritis Society of Canada.
“There are over 100 forms of arthritis and related diseases,” added Frau.Me holmes Left untreated, arthritis can increase the risk of other serious diseases, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease and stroke, mental disorders, and progressive disability.
According to the Arthritis Society of Canada, arthritis is a chronic disease that affects more people than diabetes, heart disease, cancer and stroke combined.
In Canada, more than six million people are affected, i.e. one in five Canadians.
The survey was conducted August 4-8 among 1,510 Canadian members of the Angus Reid Forum.
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