Message from the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health

Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month

May 2012

Cystic fibrosis is the most common, fatal genetic disease affecting Canadian children and young adults. It is diagnosed at a rate of 2.8 cases for every 10,000 births in Canada. In 2010, an estimated 3,850 Canadians were living with this disease.

For most Canadians, breathing is effortless, but for a person with cystic fibrosis, the processes of filling the lungs with air and properly digesting food are lifelong challenges.

The breathing and digestive problems caused by cystic fibrosis mean that those living with this serious condition require daily therapy. Every meal or snack involves a handful of enzyme pills to help digest foods and absorb nutrients. Other symptoms require separate treatments and medications.

Although researchers have not yet discovered a cure, they have developed a number of medications and treatments. These advances, along with improvements in clinical care, are allowing people with cystic fibrosis to live longer. A registry of Canadians who have this illness shows that, every year, more are living beyond the age of 20.

The Public Health Agency of Canada conducts surveillance of chronic respiratory diseases. Its report on lung disease - Life and Breath: Respiratory Diseases in Canada - aims to raise awareness of respiratory disease, including cystic fibrosis and its implications.

Since research is key to the Government of Canada's leadership role in addressing respiratory illnesses, the Government of Canada, through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research funds researchers in universities, research institutes, and teaching hospitals across the country. We invested $10.1 million in 2010-2011 in support of research on Cystic Fibrosis and, from 2000-2001 to 2010-2011, have invested a total of $75.9 million.

During the month of May, Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, I encourage all Canadians to learn more about this disease.

Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health
Government of Canada