The Journal


The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada (CCFC) is a volunteer-based health charity. Its mission is to find the cure for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).


The publication of articles in The Journal does not constitute an endorsement by CCFC of any research, treatment, therapy or product. Patients should discuss their individual circumstances with their physicians.


We obtain permission from other sources to reproduce certain items in The Journal. Therefore, the contents of The Journal may not be reproduced or distributed in whole or in part without the prior written permission of the editor.


Comments, suggestions and contributions are welcome and can be emailed to publications@ccfc.ca. Unsolicited manuscripts will be returned only if accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. We may not publish all letters or articles and reserve the right to edit for purposes of brevity and clarity. Anonymous letters will not be published, though the name of an author may be withheld on request.


The Journal is published three times a year for its supporters by Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada.


600–60 St. Clair Avenue East Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4T 1N5


1 (800) 387-1479 email: ccfc@ccfc.ca website: www.ccfc.ca


Na onal President and Chair Marty Cutler


Chief Execu ve Offi cer Kevin W. Glasgow, MD


Chief Development Offi cer John Branton


Editor


Jacqueline Waldorf Canada Post –


Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement: 40069799


ISSN 1197-4982


Increased IBD awareness would speed diagnosis


During Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Month in November, CCFC released a study showing that early diagnosis is key to ensuring less suff ering and better long- term health for the estimated one in 160 Canadians living with Crohn’s or colitis.


In addition, lack of awareness about IBD among both the public and medical profession has resulted in lengthy diagnosis waiting times.


T e survey, which polled more than 500 IBD suff erers during the fall of 2011, found that:  An overwhelming 71 per cent of respondents waited for more than six months for a diagnosis after experiencing symptoms;


 Nearly half of respondents (45 per cent) waited for more than one year for a diagnosis;


 The majority of respondents (62 per cent) expressed that early diagnosis would have benefited their overall long term health.


“During Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Month we wanted to help more individuals and medical practitioners identify Crohn’s and colitis symptoms earlier,” says Dr. Kevin Glasgow, CCFC’s Chief Executive Offi cer.


“People living with IBD too often face their conditions in silence and we wanted to encourage patients to speak up about their symptoms so that we can work towards quicker diagnosis times and earlier treatment.”


While the search for a cure continues, many patients continue to face their conditions in silence, afraid to venture away from home, cutting off the possibility of many great experiences.  During an active fl are-up of the disease, 86 per cent of suff erers have more than fi ve bowel movements or “false urges” a day, and 14 per cent of those have more than 20 per day;


 72 per cent of those surveyed had been hospitalized for their IBD and of those, 55 per cent required surgery;


 66 per cent experienced depression and anxiety during an active fl are of their


EDITION 3 | 2011 The Journal 3 disease;


 64 per cent say having IBD has infl uenced their choice of career;


 61 per cent felt having IBD has held them back from advancing in their careers;


 50 per cent have left or lost a job at least in part due to having IBD;


 44 per cent have had an accident in public because they couldn’t get to a bathroom in time;


 44 per cent of suff erers described their pain as agonizing and debilitating or steady pain that lasts for hours; and


 39 per cent of those who had surgery required an ostomy.


Perhaps most troubling, is the impact of IBD on youth. Sadly, an overwhelming majority of youth with IBD have missed out on sports activities, have had an embarrassing accident at school and have fallen behind in their education due to their disease.


T roughout the month of November, CCFC celebrated the courage of Canadians living with Crohn’s and colitis through a number of announcements and programs, including:  Winners of the fourth-annual Gutsiest Canadians contest (see pages 4 – 5);


 The CCFC & You Education Symposium series, which occurred in 16 locations in November;


 A series of ulcerative colitis webinars co-hosted by Shire Canada and CCFC, which featured noted gastroenterologists Dr. Hillary Steinhart and Dr. Guy Aumais; and


 CCFC’s first national conference on clinical issues and research related to IBD called: “Canada Future Directions in IBD” on November 5 and 6.


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