Today is World IBD Day and Logan City is joining the global movement to highlight the impacts of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). World IBD Day unites people in their fight against ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease - collectively referred to as IBD.
To help raise awareness, more than 50 Australian landmarks around the nation will light up purple tonight. This includes Logan sites Wineglass Water Tower, Jacaranda Tower and Telfer Street Tower along with some iconic sites across the country like Luna Park in Sydney; Flinders Street Station; Trafalgar Bridge in Perth; and Parliament House in Brisbane. There are landmarks lighting up in every state and territory participating in the �?Shine a Light’ campaign.
In Australia, more than 100,000 people live with these conditions, for which there is no cure. While typically diagnosed in teenagers or young adults, the reality is IBD is prevalent across all age groups.
That’s why this year’s World IBD Day puts the spotlight on older people living with Crohn’s and Colitis. A recent study led by Melbourne-based researchers found that there are often disparities in care and treatment options for older people, even though by 2030, one third of people living with IBD will be aged 60+.
Leanne Raven, CEO of Crohn’s and Colitis Australia (CCA) said this World IBD Day will be crucial in making people aware of the options around the diagnosis and treatment of Crohn’s and colitis.
“While it’s important that people of all ages are supported throughout their journey with IBD, this year’s theme is more important and relevant than ever. Sadly, research tells us that older Australians diagnosed with Crohn’s and colitis – or with suspected disease – are often not receiving the latest treatments, which could make a world of difference.
“In some cases, these people who are putting their IBD symptoms down to the ageing process or simply putting up with pain because there wasn’t a conclusive diagnosis previously. This leads to the disease going undiagnosed, unmanaged, untreated and a diminished quality of life.
“While we don’t have a cure, there have been significant steps forward in diagnosis and treatment so we’re encouraging older people to make sure that they are talking to their GP or specialist gastroenterologist to see if there may be some new options.
“We’re grateful too for the support of all the �?Shine a Light’ sites that will light up on 19 May crucial because, quite literally, shines a light on these issues and helps us raise awareness for both clinicians and those who are struggling with IBD,” said Ms Raven.