01/05/2024
Today we stand up with the rest of the world to mark the beginning of Crohn's and Colitis Awareness Month.
Did you know that IBD stands for inflammatory bowel disease and includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis - two chronic digestive diseases that affect 10 million people worldwide.
Experts say more young people including children are being diagnosed with IBD every year and the problem is getting worse. At the moment, access to appropriate treatment is inconsistent, and patients only see specialists when the problem flares. But relapses are unpredictable and failing to treat IBD when it's active can lead to prolonged exposure to medications, adverse effects, potentially invasive surgery or even death.
Although there are over 10 million people living with these diseases around the World, many people are unaware of what they are or how physically and emotionally devastating they can be. Crohn's and Colitis Awareness week is so critical in helping to raise awareness and educate the public about these diseases.
