Dr. Eric Benchimol
Professor of Paediatrics and Clinical Epidemiology at the University of Toronto, Senior Core Scientist at ICES, and Northbridge Chair in IBD at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto
Josh Berman
President and CEO, Crohn’s and Colitis Canada
With pediatric IBD rates on the rise, equipping affected kids and their families with supports and resources is critical.
Did you know that Canada has one of the highest rates of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the world?
IBD describes a group of chronic conditions that affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, with the most common types being Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These diseases inflame the lining of the GI tract, disrupting the body’s ability to properly digest food, absorb nutrition, and eliminate waste. The exact cause of the conditions remains unknown, although genetic, microbial, and environmental factors are thought to contribute. There are no cures, making lifelong treatment and management essential.
This November is Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Month, and it’s time to raise awareness of the thousands of kids in Canada bravely living with IBD.
These conditions can be especially difficult for children and their families to cope with as they often come with serious complications.
IBD rates rising in Canadian children
The number of people living with IBD in Canada is increasing rapidly. According to Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, in 2023 there were over 322,000 people living with IBD. This number is expected to rise to 470,000 by 2035.
“The number of children with IBD has increased by 50 per cent since 1995, and we’re seeing an alarmingly high number of new diagnoses in children under the age of six,” says Dr. Eric Benchimol, a pediatric gastrointestinal doctor at SickKids. “These conditions can be especially difficult for children and their families to cope with as they often come with serious complications. These can include growth delays, weight loss and malnutrition, missed time at school, psychosocial challenges, and mental health issues like depression and anxiety.”
Typical Crohn’s and colitis symptoms include severe abdominal pain and cramping, frequent and urgent bowel movements, rectal bleeding, blood in stool, fatigue, unintended weight loss, and diminished appetite. Crohn’s and colitis often greatly impact daily life as their symptoms can interfere with school, work, and social activities. Kids living with IBD face more severe symptoms, fewer treatment options, and greater emotional and social challenges.
We’re committed to transforming life with IBD — making daily life easier while providing hope for cures for the future.
Supporting families affected by IBD
Crohn’s and Colitis Canada offers support and resources for people living with IBD and their family, friends, and caregivers. “We understand the challenges of living with these conditions and we’re here to help,” says Josh Berman, President and CEO of Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, who lives with ulcerative colitis himself. “From our Teacher’s Guide, which helps teachers support students with IBD, to our Parent’s and Caregiver’s Guide, to our Crohn’s and Colitis Connect program, to our GoHere® Washroom Access App, we’re committed to transforming life with IBD — making daily life easier while providing hope for cures for the future.”
Crohn’s and Colitis Canada also funds critical research focused on discovering the causes of Crohn’s and colitis, new forms of treatment, symptom management, and improving care. “With more research, additional and much-needed treatment options will be available for kids,” says Berman.
Learn more about Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Month by visiting crohnsandcolitis.ca/awarenessmonth.
