We Need to Act Today

The number of people in Canada living with Crohn’s or colitis is growing relentlessly:
 

322,600

.9%25 figure inside a maple leaf representing .9%25 Canadians

In 2023, 0.8% of the population

470,000

1.1%25 figure inside a maple leaf representing 1.1%25 Canadians

In 2035, 1.1% of the population

The number of those being diagnosed is also increasing:

11,000

One in forty eight minutes represented by a clock and icon of a person

in 2023, 1 every 48 minutes

14,000

One in thirty eight minutes represented by a clock and icon of a person

in 2035, 1 every 38 minutes

Of particular concern is the increase in diagnoses in children, especially those under the age of 6. Canada has one of the highest rates of pediatric Crohn’s and colitis in the world. Traditionally, Crohn’s or colitis is diagnosed between the ages of 20-30. 

More important information about Crohn’s and colitis in Canada 

Children  

  • More extensive disease 
  • Limited treatment options 
  • Worse mental health outcomes – children more than twice as likely to have psychiatric disorders than general population 
  • Challenging transition to adult care 

Women 

  • Experience more fragmented care 
  • Report more mental health concerns 
  • Have higher non-health care system expenses due to higher rates of disability 

Seniors 

  • Fastest growing group as people with Crohn’s and colitis are living longer due to better therapies, and population is aging 

Other diseases in those with Crohn’s and colitis 

  • Colorectal cancer – 3rd most common type of cancer in Canada 
    • 1.5 times more frequent than in general population 
    • 15% of related deaths 
  • Psychiatric disorders – more common among those with Crohn’s or colitis 
    • 21% have clinical anxiety 
    • 15% have clinical depression 

Groups facing barriers to care have needs that are not well met 

  • Low socioeconomic status  
  • Living in rural, remote and Northern communities  
  • Indigenous people 

Reasons for hope 

  • New, better treatments being developed – especially drugs 
  • Virtual care growing and welcomed – especially by those who live far from specialists 

  • Canada has among the highest incidence rates of Crohn's and colitis in the world.
  • 1 in 140 Canadians lives with Crohn’s or colitis.
  • Families new to Canada are developing these diseases for the first time.
  • Incidence of Crohn’s in Canadian kids under 10 has doubled since 1995.
  • People are most commonly diagnosed before age 30.

Other Areas of Interest