All Ontario newborns to be screened for cystic fibrosis
Toronto, ON (April 7, 2008) – Beginning today, all babies born in
Ontario
will be screened for cystic fibrosis (CF), a fatal genetic disease
affecting
young Canadians. The Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation commends the
Province of Ontario for adding CF to its newborn screening program.
Studies undertaken in Canada, and internationally, underline the
importance
of diagnosis of cystic fibrosis within the first month of life. Late
diagnosis is frequently associated with established lung infection and/or
with compromised growth.
In contrast, early diagnosis and treatment have been shown to result in
improved height, weight, and cognitive function of the infants affected,
and
may also help to maintain optimum lung function, while reducing
hospitalizations and increasing life expectancy.
"We are delighted that the Province of Ontario is taking leadership
by
adding cystic fibrosis to its newborn screening program," said
Cathleen
Morrison, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis
Foundation. "Early detection of CF gives the infants identified a
better
start in life."
Children diagnosed with cystic fibrosis will receive immediate treatment,
thus avoiding months, sometimes even years, of anguish for parents who
don't
know the cause of their child's discomfort and pain. Currently, some
people
with cystic fibrosis reach adulthood without being diagnosed, enduring
years
of untreated CF-related difficulties.
"Growing up, I made many trips to the doctor for mild asthma, several
chest
infections, and a productive cough throughout university. In 2003, I was
diagnosed with cystic fibrosis," said Nathan Fish, 32, of London,
Ontario.
"I believe an earlier diagnosis would have been beneficial to my
physical
and emotional health, and assisted in my life planning."
In 2007, Alberta led the way as the first province in Canada to screen all
newborns for cystic fibrosis. The provinces of British Columbia and
Saskatchewan are also exploring the benefits of adding cystic fibrosis to
their newborn screening programs.
About CF and the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Cystic fibrosis, which affects the lungs and the digestive system, is the
most common, fatal, genetic disease affecting Canadian children and young
adults. In the digestive tract, CF blocks the absorption of adequate
nutrients from food. In the lungs, the effects of the disease are most
devastating; and with time, respiratory problems become increasingly
severe.
Ultimately, most CF deaths are due to lung disease.
The Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is a Canada-wide health charity,
with 50 volunteer chapters, that funds CF research and care. In 2007, the
Foundation supported more than 50 research projects, which are exploring
all
aspects of the CF puzzle; from investigating new methods of fighting
infection and inflammation in the lungs, to finding new therapies that
target the basic defect at a cellular level.
The CCFF deeply appreciates the help of countless volunteers, donors and
friends who assist the Foundation and its chapters across Canada. The CCFF
is honoured to be supported by Celebrity Patron Céline Dion;
Honorary
Director, Mrs. Mila Mulroney; Kin Canada; Zellers and the Hbc Foundation;
thousands of Shinerama students; friends at CARSTAR Collision Repair
Centres, and Advocis/Chambre de la sécurité financière;
and many generous
individual, corporate and foundation donors. For more information, visit
www.cysticfibrosis.ca.
