New report shows only one in four Britons know what Rheumatoid Arthritis is

National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) brings to light the need for more nationwide awareness of the disease
June 17th 2019

NRAS has released a YouGov survey highlighting the lack of awareness of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) across Britain. The survey found that that three out of four of the over 2000 Brits surveyed were unable to identify a description of RA (76%).[1] When asked to choose from a selection of descriptions, one in three people (30%)[2] confused RA with osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition in which one’s immune system attacks the lining of the joints causing inflammation and leading to symptoms such as pain and stiffness, making it different from osteoarthritis which is caused by general wear and tear. Currently, RA effects more than 400,000 people in the UK with approximately 26,000 new diagnoses each year. RA can also be diagnosed at any age, a fact that less than a quarter of Brits surveyed (22%)[3] knew.

Because of the lack of both general awareness and knowledge of the disease, many people who have RA are misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all. If RA is not treated or is inadequately treated, it can cause irreversible damage to joints and lead to disability. NRAS is working to increase country-wide awareness this Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Week, which takes place June 17th-23rd.

Although there is no cure, people diagnosed today can still lead full and active lives once the disease is under control. But widespread awareness amongst the general public is still needed to ensure that diagnosed individuals can live their lives to the fullest.

Ailsa Bosworth, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of NRAS, commented,

“Increased awareness of the early signs and symptoms of RA will result in people seeking help early from their GP. GPs who may suspect early inflammatory arthritis should refer urgently to a rheumatologist and not wait for the results of blood tests or x-rays before referring to meet NICE recommendations and maximise outcomes for their patients.”

Alice Dyson-Jones is one of the individuals who was given an extensive, in depth medical plan early in her diagnosis and, while frequent medical visits to monitor her condition are still needed, she has been able to live a normal life and achieve her personal and professional goals.

Alice said of her experience,

“The confirmation of my diagnosis came from the consultant after my GP practice had seen my results and referred me straight on as an urgent priority given the results of the tests I had had. I was seen by a consultant two weeks later. My consultant, made it clear that I needed to start a drug combination therapy as soon as possible, as this would be critical in managing how quickly the disease would progress. Without a treatment plan in place I would likely suffer irreversible joint damage which could result in significant disability.”

Alice says that her early consultation was critical to her being able to achieve her personal and professional goals that include serving as a Managing Director for media company OMiP and being a member of the England Masters Hockey Squad.

Alice continued,

“Without the treatment and on-going self-management, I don’t think I’d be walking, let alone playing hockey. (My consultant) had taken the time to understand what was important to me to be able to continue to do. She was the expert who could help me get my life back.”

NRAS hopes that examples such as Alice’s story will encourage people to speak up about a potential RA diagnosis to their GPs if they are experiencing symptoms, raising nationwide awareness in the process. NRAS is also encouraging individuals of all ages affected by RA to upload to social media, a photo of themselves the year they were diagnosed and share their experience using the hashtags #AnyoneAnyAge and #RAAW during the week of June 17th.