This World Kidney Day (March 13), Kidney Health Australia is urging Australians to take a simple 2-minute test to assess their risk of kidney disease.
Alarming trends
Research from the Medical Advisory Council of the Global Patient Alliance for Kidney Health has projected that Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is on trend to become the 5th leading cause of death worldwide by 2050, up from 9th in 2019, and 18th in 1990.
It’s said that in Australia, 3 in 4 people are at risk, with diabetes and high blood pressure being the biggest risk factors.
Alarmingly, Kidney Health Australia says 1.8 million Australians have kidney disease and don’t know it, as symptoms often don’t appear until significant damage has occured.
It’s said that 90% of kidney function can be lost without symptoms, meaning diagnosis is often too late.
Early detection is key
With no cure, early detection can slow or stop the progression of this deadly disease.
“Early detection is the key to stopping kidney disease in its tracks, and it starts with a simple two-minute online risk test,” says Kidney Health Australia CEO Chris Forbes.
“This World Kidney Day, we urge every Australian to take the test – because knowing your risk today could save your life tomorrow.”
What this means for PAs
Pharmacy assistants can play a crucial role in raising awareness of kidney disease by:
- Encouraging customers to take the online risk test; and
- Discussing lifestyle factors like blood pressure management and diabetes control.
With no cure for CKD, early detection and prevention are essential.
For more information on CKD or to take the risk test, visit Kidney Health Australia.
