About arthritis
Arthritis is a vastly misunderstood disease. Among the top three chronic diseases in Canada, arthritis is a group of more than 100 types of arthritis and musculoskeletal diseases affecting people of all ages. It affects one in six Canadians, which is about four and a half million people, including 600,000 British Columbians, costing the economy billions of dollars per year. The most serious inflammatory forms of the disease can be devastating, debilitating, and even fatal.
TODAY arthritis disables more people than any other disease, including cancer, heart disease, respiratory conditions, and spinal cord trauma. It also is among the most common chronic diseases in children.
TODAY wherever they live in BC, residents do not have a consistent standard of diagnosis, care, and funding for arthritis and related issues.
TODAY musculoskeletal diseases are the leading cost driver in our health system, estimated to cost British Columbia $2.1 billion each year, surpassing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
TODAY arthritis is the leading cause of work disability and burden to the Canadian economy.
It's time for change. Visit the links to your left to find out more about the Where is arthritis? provincial tour.