Study finds kidney disease, failure Toronto's fastest growing chronic condition
· Toronto Sun
A new study on the projected patterns of illness in Ontario doesn’t paint a pretty picture.
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“The study shows an unprecedented strain on Ontario’s health care system, with additional pressures from a growing and aging population,” says the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA), who collaborated on the research with the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto
“Ontarians will be living longer with chronic disease and there are rising rates of illness across all age groups.”
The study found in Ontario the top five fastest growing chronic conditions percentage-wise from 2020 to 2040 are kidney disease and failure, hearing loss, substance use disorders, Crohn’s and colitis, and dementia.
In Toronto specifically, they are kidney disease and failure, hearing loss, Crohn’s and colitis, cancer and dementia.
Meanwhile, the top 5 most common chronic conditions (total number of cases) projected for 2040 in both Ontario and Toronto are osteoarthritis, hypertension, diabetes, asthma and cancer.
Another gloomy note for Toronto is the notable increase of illness among 30 to 39-year-olds, with pronounced growth in major illnesses requiring preventative intervention among those aged 70 to 89.
“Our research shows that the burden of chronic disease is increasing across Ontario, and every region will face its own unique challenges,” Dr. Adalsteinn Brown, Dean of the Dalla Lana School of Public Health and coauthor of the study, said in a statement.
“This region-specific data are crucial for developing effective public health interventions that truly meet the needs of diverse communities across Ontario.”
The study shows by 2040, approximately 3.1 million people in Ontario are expected to be living with major illness – up from 1.8 million in 2020.
One in four adults over 30 will live with a major illness in 2040
In addition, one in four adults over the age of 30 will be living with a major illness in 2040, requiring significant hospital care, up from approximately one in eight individuals in 2002.
“The data released today demonstrates that the years ahead are fraught with unprecedented challenges, but our hospitals are preparing to meet them head-on,” Anthony Dale, president and CEO of the OHA, said in a statement.
“Our member hospitals consistently lead the nation in efficiency while delivering high-quality care, but the data in today’s report is signaling an urgent need for renewed collaboration, innovative strategies and continued investments to ensure Ontario’s health system can meet the demands of a rapidly aging population.”
To date, this is the most comprehensive public report focused on quantifying chronic disease and multimorbidity in the Ontario population.
“This growing burden of illness will strain the system significantly in the next two decades as more Ontarians will live with chronic diseases,” the OHA said in its release.
“Ontario is at a turning point – we cannot maintain the status quo. Without significant changes and new approaches, our health system will not be able to cope. “