Cystic Fibrosis numbers soaring in Saskatchewan
The number of cystic fibrosis patients in Saskatchewan is rising at a rate much faster than the province’s total population, according to a soon-tobe published research paper by the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Treatment Society (CCFTS).
“We examined several measurements of Saskatchewan’s cystic fibrosis population and were surprised at how quickly the numbers have been growing in recent years,” said Chris MacLeod, founder and chair of the CCFTS.
“Our research determined that the number of CF residents in the Saskatchewan is expanding at a rate between two- and three-times faster than the province’s total population.”
Two sources were used for the study: First, the ‘caseload’ of CF patients receiving assistance under the Saskatchewan Aids to Independent Living (SAIL) program, which is administered by the province’s government’s Ministry of Health.
Between 2010/11 and 2018/19, SAIL’s CF caseload rose from 130 to 155 – an increase of 19.2 per cent.
Over the same period of time, Saskatchewan’s total population climbed from 1.06 million to 1.17 million. That’s an increase of 10.3 per cent – or about half the rate of growth in the province’s CF caseload.
Second, the number of Saskatchewan patients listed in the annual Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Registry, compiled by Cystic Fibrosis Canada. According to the registry, Saskatchewan’s CF population grew from 112 to 128 between 2014 and 2018 – a rise of 14.3 per cent.
By comparison, the province’s total population grew from 1.11 million in 2014, to 1.16 million in 2018 – an increase of 4.6 per cent. Viewed in this light, the number of Saskatchewan residents diagnosed with CF is expanding at a rate three times faster than the province’s total population.
MacLeod said that the research paper – entitled ‘It’s Time for Leadership” – will be released to the public on Tuesday, June 23. The paper also will be delivered by mail to all of Saskatchewan’s MLAs, as well as leaders of the six registered political parties.
“We are advising all of the province’s elected representatives, as well as those seeking to win a seat in the Legislative Assembly this fall, that our organization intends to make cystic fibrosis – as well as the accessibility of medical treatments – an election issue,” said MacLeod.
Noting that Saskatchewan’s general election must be held by October 26, he said his organization “is looking for commitments that all of the province’s cystic fibrosis patients can access the treatment they need to survive and thrive.”
A lawyer who co-founded a firm in Toronto with offices across Ontario, Chris MacLeod was born and raised in Saskatchewan. He was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at just two years of age, and later earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Regina, and his law degree at the University of Saskatchewan. Together with friends and supporters, he founded the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Treatment Society in 2014.