Mary Walsh To Canadians: Don't Wait, Get Tested For COPD

Survey results released today show that ninety per cent of Canadians have never heard of spirometry, a simple breathing test used to diagnose COPD, and Mary Walsh is teaming up with the Canadian Lung Association to find out if they are at risk for this serious lung disease.


"Considering that COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in Canada, the notion that spirometry isn't as well-known as mammography is frightening,i " says Walsh, one of Canada's best known actors. Spirometry is a simple and non-invasive test that measures how much air you can move out of your lungs and is used to diagnose COPD.


Walsh knows first-hand how devastating COPD can be; three of her family members are affected by the disease.


"Canadians need to realize that COPD is a serious health issue, and should be treated that way" says Walsh, celebrated for her work on This Hour has 22 Minutes, and a spokesperson for The Canadian Lung Association. "This disease is close to home for me, as it is for millions of Canadians."


COPD, which includes diseases such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, is growing in prevalence among younger Canadian baby boomers.ii In fact, according to research by the Canadian Lung Association, one in seven Canadians aged 45 to 49 may currently be living with COPD,iii and many more may be unaware they even have it.


COPD symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, fatigue and frequent chest infections. It can readily be diagnosed by spirometry testing. "We know that once diagnosed, COPD can be treated. The earlier the diagnosis, the greater the chance of reducing the longer term effects of the condition. People over the age of 40, who smoke or used to smoke, are at a greater risk for COPD, and should be tested," says Dr. Darcy Marciniuk, professor of medicine at the University of Saskatchewan and Chair of the Canadian Thoracic Society COPD Committee. "Early and optimal management can improve lung function, reduce symptoms, and improve quality of life.iv "


"The good news is that the Canadian Lung Association is here to help people with COPD or at risk," says Walsh.


About COPD


COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a respiratory disease that causes lung damage and obstructs, or blocks the airways. The main symptoms of COPD are shortness of breath and having a hard time doing regular activities. COPD is sometimes referred to as emphysema or chronic bronchitis and is primarily caused by smoking; however, about 10-20 % of COPD cases are caused by other factors e.g. air pollution, lung infections, occupational exposures and genetic disorders. It is a progressive disease, which means it gets worse over time.


About Spirometry


Spirometry is the most efficient way to accurately diagnose respiratory diseases such as COPD. It is a simple breathing test that calculates the amount of air the patient's lungs can hold, and the rate at which the air can be expelled. Spirometry testing is performed by taking in a big breath, and then blowing as hard and long as you can into a small machine that measures lung function. The earlier spirometry is performed, the earlier lung disease can be detected and treated, improving day to day life, and preventing the respiratory disease from worsening. Watch a video about spirometry at lung.ca


i CTS 2007 Guidelines Web Site accessed November 5, 2010


ii COPD and Smoking: Canada's Ticking Time Bomb. 2007 Leger Marketing research - consumer poll.


iii COPD and Smoking: Canada's Ticking Time Bomb. 2007 Leger Marketing research - consumer poll.


iv What is COPD? Canadian Lung Association website. November 5, 2010. Available here.