Canada is facing a wave of chronic respiratory diseases. Since many of these diseases can be tied to an aging population, the number of people with respiratory diseases can be expected to increase. The corresponding increase in demand for services will pose a significant challenge for the health care system.
Respiratory diseases exert a significant economic impact on the Canadian health care system. Presently, almost 6.5% of total health care costs were related to respiratory diseases (not including lung cancer). This accounts for nearly $5.70 billion in direct (visible) costs of health care, such as for hospitalization, physician visits, research and drugs, as well as an additional $6.72 billion for less visible (indirect) expenses associated with disability and mortality.
Lung cancer has become a major health issue for women. Both the incidence and mortality rates among older women are increasing, in contrast to the decreases seen among older men.
Asthma rates continue to climb. The prevalence of self-reported asthma is higher among women than men and is increasing for both sexes. The data on activity restriction, emergency room visits and hospitalization suggest that many individuals with asthma require help in keeping their disease under control.