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Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a significant and
growing public health concern and is responsible for
a substantial burden of illness and premature death.
CKD is often asymptomatic and 80%-90% of cases may
go unrecognised.
Two million Australians may be affected by
early-stage kidney disease and not even know it. On
average, six new patients are accepted onto the
Australian dialysis program each day.
Tomorrow is World Kidney Day and Kidney Health
Australia is launching its ‘No Warning Signs’
campaign to increase awareness levels of kidney
disease in Australia.
The Leader of the Opposition, Will Hodgman, said it
is vital to raise awareness of the disease, both in
Australia and at a local level, to ensure people
understand when they are at risk.
“Kidneys are vital organs - every day our kidneys
filter an average of 200 litres of blood. However,
kidneys gradually lose their ability to function
making it a ‘silent’ disease as it often goes
unnoticed because it may not be felt,” Mr Hodgman
said.
“Research shows that more than 25% of all patients
coming to dialysis and transplantation did not see a
kidney specialist until fewer than 90 days before
dialysis started, which is a clear indication of the
need for a national awareness campaign in
understanding and recognising early causes and signs
for kidney disease.
“I applaud the work being done by Kidney Health
Australia as CKD is growing at an alarming rate.
While the Australian population has grown over the
past 25 years by less than 40%, the number of
Australians being treated with dialysis or a kidney
transplant has grown by more than 400%.
“Adult Australians are at increased risk of
developing chronic kidney disease if they have high
blood pressure, have diabetes, smoke cigarettes, are
obese, have a family history of chronic kidney
disease, are more than 50 years of age and/or are of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent.
“Kidney
Australia’s ‘No Warning Signs’ campaign is calling
on all Australians to learn more about their kidneys
and the steps to keep them healthy. There is an
extensive range of information available at
www.kidney.org.au
<http://www.kidney.org.au>”
Further information:
Will Hodgman -
0439 482 931
Jay Pleass - 0400 904 892
Ref…worldkidneyday.mar0703jp
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