Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation releases report card evaluating care for patients in British Columbia

VANCOUVER, March 29, 2017 /CNW/ - The Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (CPFF) will be releasing a report card titled Optimizing Access to Care for Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) - 2017 B.C. Provincial Report Card, which will detail the lack of support from the provincial government for patients suffering from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in British Columbia.

Until as recently as three years ago, Canadians diagnosed with this devastating disease had no proven treatment options available to them. Since then, two treatments have been developed – and approved for use – for IPF patients. Negotiations for treatments have been successfully completed under the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance and the Common Drug Review. The provincial Minister of Health proclaimed September 2016 as Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month. Despite these efforts, British Columbia remains the only major province in the country that provides no support for patients and their families suffering from IPF.

In addition to the report card, CPFF will be releasing The IPF Patient Charter, which outlines recommendations for provincial governments, institutions and healthcare organizations to improve patients' overall quality of life. It also supports efforts for targeted research to develop better long-term treatments, and ultimately, find a cure.

IPF is a debilitating and fatal disease, characterized predominantly by fibrosis (scarring) of the lungs with a small component of inflammation (swelling). IPF hinders the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs. It is a progressive disease such that over time, lung scarring leads to progressive restriction in breathing and patients die from respiratory failure. Some patients experience a sudden flare up and often die within weeks. The median survival time from diagnosis is two to five years. IPF has a higher mortality than many other malignancies, including pancreatic, lung and liver cancers.

As a registered not-for-profit charitable organization, CPFF was established to provide hope and support for people affected by IPF. We raise public awareness about this fatal disease, offer support to those affected both directly and indirectly, and represent Canadians affected by IPF to government, healthcare professionals, and the public. We operate as the patient's voice for IPF.

To see a copy of the CPFF British Columbia Report Card, please visit our website at www.cpff.ca or contact George Kaminsky below.

SOURCE Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation

For further information: George Kaminsky, 604-841-3853, [email protected]