Median age of survival surpasses 50 years of age for Canadians with cystic fibrosis

TORONTO, Oct. 15, 2014 /CNW/ - The median age of survival for Canadian cystic fibrosis (CF) patients continues to increase in an upward trend – currently estimated to be 50.9 years of age, it is among the highest in the world. This milestone was recently announced at the North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.

Based on the most recent Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Registry data, revealing clinical trends and insights into the Canadian CF population, the median age of survival reflects the dedicated work of CF researchers and clinicians – as it breaks the half century mark. The data are collected from all 42 CF clinics located across Canada.

"The median age of survival in Canada for CF patients has now passed 50 years of age and shows tremendous progress in the fight against cystic fibrosis," says Dr. Anne Stephenson, Director of the CF Registry. "We hope the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Registry will continue to enhance knowledge and highlight key trends that will lead to improved CF research and treatments."

Cystic Fibrosis Canada has published an annual report on Canadian patient registry data for more than 40 years and it has played an invaluable role in helping to improve the quality and length of life of Canadians with cystic fibrosis. The Registry is an important resource for CF clinicians to help monitor and identify emerging patterns in health outcomes of CF patients, as well as for researchers searching for a cure or control for this devastating disease.

"This positive step forward demonstrates our enhanced focus on leading in quality improvement and excelling in CF care through our investments in research, care and advocacy," said Ken Chan, Vice President, Advocacy, Research, and Healthcare at Cystic Fibrosis Canada. "The Registry continues to benchmark the tremendous strides we are making, and would not be possible without the funding support from our donors."

Cystic Fibrosis Canada provides nearly $2 million in funding each year to CF clinics through the Clinic Incentive Grants program to support efforts in providing data to the Registry.

To learn more about the Canadian CF Registry, visit www.cysticfibrosis.ca.  

Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is the most common fatal genetic disease affecting Canadian children and young adults. It is a multi-system disease that affects mainly the lungs and the digestive system. In the lungs, where the effects are most devastating, a build-up of thick mucus causes severe respiratory problems. Mucus and protein also build up in the digestive tract, making it difficult to digest and absorb nutrients from food. As improved therapies have helped to address the malnutrition issues, ultimately most deaths related to cystic fibrosis are due to lung disease. There is no cure.

Cystic Fibrosis Canada
Cystic Fibrosis Canada is one of the world's top three charitable organizations committed to finding a cure for cystic fibrosis and is an internationally-recognized leader in funding CF research, innovation, and clinical care. We invest more funding in life-saving CF research and care than any other non-governmental agency in Canada. Since 1960, Cystic Fibrosis Canada has invested more than $150 million in leading research and care, resulting in one of the world's highest median age of survival for Canadians living with cystic fibrosis. For more information, visit www.cysticfibrosis.ca.

SOURCE: Cystic Fibrosis Canada

Andrea Smith, Associate, Public Relations and Advocacy Communications, Cystic Fibrosis Canada, Tel: [phone] ext. 291, Toll free: 1-800-378-2233 ext. 291, Email: [email protected]