Lack of understanding about common, life-threatening lung disease that affects millions

Results of a new survey conducted among more than 1,000 Americans age 45 and older reveal that most adults are not concerned about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a lung disease that is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. According to the survey, only 1 in 10 adults could correctly identify what COPD is, and only 4 percent consider COPD to be a health condition they worry ?the most? about getting, compared against other common chronic diseases, such as Alzheimer?s disease, heart disease, diabetes, or lung cancer. However, more people die from COPD than breast cancer or prostate cancer each year.

COPD, an umbrella term for diseases including chronic bronchitis and emphysema,affects approximately 1 in 14 Americans age 45 or olderand is one of the few major diseases in the U.S. with a mortality rate that continues to increase. These surveyfindings are being released to coincide with World COPD Day, an annual event designed to draw attention to COPD and raise awareness world wide.

?The survey results underscore the low level of awareness and concern about COPD, which is alarming, particularly when you consider the prevalence and consequences of this disease,? said Dr. Nicola Hanania, Associate Professor of Medicine and Principal Investigator of the Baylor College of Medicine Asthma Clinical Research Center. ?If people have trouble breathing, they should talk to their doctor now about a very simple lung test that can detect the condition and the treatment options that can help manage COPD.?

Survey Results Demonstrate Lack of Understanding About COPD

The survey highlighted other common misperceptions that exist:

Common Perception – 52% believe more Americans die yearly from motor vehicle accidents, prostate cancer, HIV/AIDS than from COPD

Reality –
→ COPD claims the lives of more than 120,000 Americans each year.
→ This is almost:

3x the number of deaths caused by motor vehicle accidents

4x the number of deaths caused by prostate cancer

6x the number of deaths caused by HIV/AIDS

Common Perception – 39% of smokers say they are ?not at all,? or ?not very? concerned about COPD

Reality –
→ Among smokers, men are 12x more likely and women 13x more likely to die from COPD as men or women who have never smoked

Common Perception – Among women, 55% were personally concerned about breast cancer, compared to 35% concerned about COPD

Reality –
→ Each year about 40,000 women die from breast cancer, compared to approximately 64,000 who die from COPD

Common Perception – Among men, 51% were personally concerned about prostate cancer compared to only 29% concerned about COPD

Reality –
→ In 2003, prostate cancer was responsible for 28,900 deaths among men, versus approximately 59,000 who died of COPD that same year.


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