Introduction

A recent Ipsos poll reveals alarming gaps in public knowledge about kidney disease in Canada, highlighting a vital need for education and awareness. The poll, commissioned by The Kidney Foundation of Canada, shows that a staggering 55% of Canadians admit they know nothing about kidney disease. Additionally, 52% remain unaware of the associated risks, despite a slight overall increase in knowledge since the last survey in 2022.

Expert Insights

Elizabeth Myles, the National Executive Director of The Kidney Foundation of Canada, emphasized the critical importance of understanding kidney health. "Kidneys play a vital and under-recognized role in our health," she stated. "We will continue our efforts to raise awareness about the seriousness of kidney disease. Our aim is to help more Canadians identify risks and symptoms early on, allowing for preventative action to mitigate long-term damage.”

The Importance of Kidney Health

Kidneys are essential for both survival and maintaining a high quality of life. Currently, one in ten Canadians is affected by kidney disease, and the incidence is on the rise. While there is no cure, advancements in treatment options can effectively slow the progress of kidney disease and reduce the likelihood of complications. Those who reach end-stage kidney failure must face lifelong treatments, whether through dialysis or organ transplants.

Demographic Insights

Interestingly, awareness of kidney disease symptoms appears to be higher among younger Canadians aged 18-34, with 25% able to identify symptoms. This is a significant improvement compared to 14% among those aged 35-54 and 11% for individuals aged 55 and older. Specific symptomatic recognition, such as kidney damage or reduction in function, rose from 8% in 2022 to 10% in 2024.

Gender Differences

When examining gender differences, men expressed slightly higher uncertainty about kidney disease risk factors at 54%, although this has improved notably from 67% in 2022. Women demonstrated slightly better awareness at 51%.

Connecting Kidney Disease and Other Health Issues

Myles pointed out a critical connection between kidney disease and other common health issues like diabetes and hypertension. “We urge all Canadians to familiarize themselves with their personal risk factors," she encouraged, referring to an informative quiz available at kidney.ca/risk.

The Call to Action

With kidney disease affecting a significant portion of the population, the urgency of education and awareness cannot be overstated. As most Canadians lack a clear understanding of the potential dangers, it falls to awareness campaigns and resources — such as those provided by the Kidney Foundation — to bridge this knowledge gap.

Conclusion

This situation serves as a wake-up call for Canadians to prioritize kidney health and make informed decisions about their well-being, emphasizing the necessity for ongoing education and outreach to improve health outcomes across the country.