Survey shows public lacks knowledge of danger.

2002 OCT 17 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Although 1.4 million Americans, mostly women, have a form of lupus, public recognition and understanding of the autoimmune disease remains low, according to a recent survey conducted for the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA).

The survey revealed that adults ages 18 to 34 have the lowest awareness of the serious impact that lupus can have on the body, even though 8 of 10 new cases develop among women of childbearing age. Due to public ignorance of lupus, the LFA believes that many young women suffer for years not knowing why they are always so sick.

The nationwide survey of more than 1000 adults showed that on average more than 6 of 10 adults do not know that lupus can affect major organs, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, and brain. Lupus is a potentially life-threatening disease that causes the immune system to attack the body's own cells and tissue. It is a significant women's health issue that no one is talking about, contributing to the lack of public knowledge about the disease.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently examined trends in deaths attributed to lupus. While deaths from lupus are not common, an analysis of death certificates over a 20-year period revealed a significant increase, with deaths among older black women resulting from lupus increasing nearly 70%. African Americans are two to three times more likely to develop lupus than Caucasians. Asians, Hispanics, and Native Americans also have a significantly higher prevalence of lupus. The CDC report suggests that improved surveillance, testing, early diagnosis, and treatment will reduce lupus-related deaths.

October is National Lupus Awareness Month. The Lupus Foundation of America and its nationwide network of chapters and support groups are stepping up their efforts to educate the public about the impact lupus can have on the body. The LFA wants to increase awareness of lupus symptoms so individuals who may have the disease, but have not been diagnosed, will seek medical evaluation and treatment.

The most common symptoms of lupus are joint ...