Implications Of Lung Disease In Canada

As horrible as they may be, lung diseases have employed thousands of people a year; including respiratory therapists and clinical perfusionists. In Ontario alone there is approximately 3,400 registered working respiratory therapists.

Lung Cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women among Canadians. Three major chronic lung diseases (lung cancer, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) cost Canadas economy 12 billion dollars in 2010 according to an analysis by the conference board of Canada. Chronic lung disease accounts for more than 6% of annual health care costs in Canada, with COPD as the leading cause of hospitalization. If nothing changes, it is predicted that by 2030 the economic cost Canada faces trying to deal with lung disease will double. Reducing smoking rates, lessening exposer to second hand smoke, and improving indoor and outdoor air quality would lower the economic burden of these diseases.

A person suffering from a lung disease, may become too sick to work, which will affect this persons financial situation. Without regular income, a person with a lung disease will have to now worry about less money coming in every month, how will they pay for all their medical needs, and how they might get to each appointment. If a person becomes too sick, they may need to rely on others for everyday needs they otherwise usually would have done themselves; such as cleaning, bathing, grocery shopping and cooking. Many people may feel this makes them now a burden to others, which can lead to other health issues such as depression.

A family who is dealing with a family member suffering from a lung disease is at risk for certain implications themselves. If a family member is too sick to care for them selves at home, another person or persons may have to take time off work to stay and help care for them, causing them financial stress. If the sick family member ends up unable to survive the illness, the family will then have to deal with a grieving process, funeral costs, and possibly even depression after their loss.

Another huge factor in family life with people suffering from a lung disease such as lung cancer, could be second hand smoke from a family member who is a smoker. Two thirds of Canadians at risk for lung cancer are at risk because of tobacco smoke exposure. With 9% of Canadians with lung cancer, due to second hand smoke. Every year, 800 deaths in Canadians are caused due to lung cancer, and heart disease in non-smokers.

Advertising cigarette smoking is no longer allowed in Canada, due to the serious health problems related to lung cancer in cigarette users. In the last few years, vaping has seeminly taken a place in the media as a safer alternative. About 37% of 12th graders have reported vaping in 2018, compared to 28% in 2017. Vaping can include nicotine, flavoured liquids, marijuana and hash oil. Vaping is now reversing hard fought declines in the number of adolescents who use nicotine. Vaping has been linked to asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung inflammation and chronic lung disease. Regardless of these health concerns, vaping companies in Canada bring in millions of dollars a year with their marketing campaigns.

In Ontario, healthcare is paid for from our taxes.
If the population has a high incidence of lung disease, then there will be a strain on the system. There will be longer wait times to see a doctor, a lack of recourses, a high demand on doctors and medical professionals making each patient have less time one on one with a professional. This will in turn make patients start to feel rushed and unheard.