Estimated
number of Canadians with multiple sclerosis re-examined
Experts
estimate 55,000 to 75,000 Canadians living with MS
Toronto -
May 2, 2006 The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, in consultation
with Canadian experts in the epidemiology of MS, has announced
that the oft-used “50,000 Canadians with MS” needs to be
revised. The MS Society now estimates that there are likely
between 55,000 and 75,000 Canadians living with this unpredictable
disease. Release of the revised estimate coincides with the start of
May, MS Awareness Month.
“The
new range reflects the reality that MS is firmly established
as a disease of great concern in Canada,” says Dr. William
J. McIlroy, national medical advisor for the MS Society of
Canada.
“However, it should also be emphasized that researchers
around the world are in agreement that work being done today
holds great promise for the future of this disease.”
While
the revised numbers at first glance may suggest that the risk
of MS is increasing in Canada, they may also reflect improvements
in diagnostic technology. Compared to even 10 years ago, neurologists
have a broader expanse of knowledge to conclusively diagnose
a person with MS.
“For
example, magnetic resonance imaging technology has enabled
neurologists to make a diagnosis of MS earlier in the course
of the disease than in the past” says Dr. Christina Wolfson,
an epidemiologist from McGill University and one of the experts
that took part in the review of previous studies. “The
increased estimate of MS in Canada can be partially attributed
to the simple fact that doctors are identifying the disease
earlier. Also, parallel improvements in treatments and medical
care for individuals living with MS have also resulted in many
people living with the disease well into old age.”
One
of the studies examined appeared in the journal Multiple Sclerosis
in October 2005. This study, based on individual self reports
of MS and not on medically verified cases, stated that the
overall weighted estimate of MS prevalence in Canada is 240
per 100,000 individuals. In general prevalence figures higher
than 30 cases per 100,000 are considered to be “high”.
Canada is known for having one of the highest rates of MS in
world.
The
researchers also provided prevalence information by region:
BC – 240 per 100,000; Prairie region – 340 per
100,000; Ontario 230 per 100,000; Quebec – 180 per 100,000;
and Atlantic region – 350 per 100,000.
“This
study sets the stage for further research to verify these findings
and to identify the reasons for the apparent differences between
regions,” stated Dr. Wolfson.
Meanwhile, people across the country are using the announcement
as motivation to step up efforts in the fight against the disease
during MS Awareness Month in May:
The
30th anniversary of the MS Carnation Campaign will take place
in the days leading up to Mother’s Day weekend. In
280 communities across the country, volunteers will be at
malls and other public spaces selling bouquets to promote
MS awareness.
A
Parliament Hill presentation to MPs will take place on May
3 prior to Question Period. MPs from all parties will be
pinned with carnation boutonnières.
The
annual MS Bequest Week takes place the week of May 29. Canadians
can learn more about financial planning and how to make a
lasting legacy in the fight against MS.
Home
hardware retailer, RONA, will be selling paper “Keys
to a Cure” at store cash registers across Canada. Proceeds
will be donated to the MS Society.
Chapters
of the MS Society will be hosting local events including
proclamations at city council and flag raisings.
The
travelling MS education series, Living Well with MS, Medical
Research and Hope will be appearing in Grand Prairie, AB.,
Penticton, BC., Monterégie, QC and North Bay &
London, ON.
“Our
mission is clear,” said Alistair M. Fraser, president
and chief executive of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.
“We need to raise awareness and end this disease as quickly
as possible to ensure these numbers are never increased again.”
Please
contact your local MS Society of Canada office for information,
to get involved or to make a donation. Call 1-800-268-7582 or
visit www.mssociety.ca.
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
Toll free to reach
the nearest regional office: 1 800 268-7582
To locate the MS Society office near you, please select your region:
E-mail: info@mssociety.ca (Please provide your town and
province in your e-mail)
