Rheumatoid arthritis affects over 2.1 million Americans. Advances have been made with regard to understanding the disease and treating it, but there is still no cure. Early diagnosis and early treatment are considered essential to keep rheumatoid arthritis patients as active and productive as possible. Rheumatoid arthritis treatments have improved dramatically over the past decade.
- Guide to Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Screening Quiz
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: Explained With Pictures
Rheumatoid arthritis costs society more than $80 billion every year. Research dollars for rheumatoid arthritis average $25.90 per patient, which is significantly lower than other chronic diseases such as lupus, diabetes, and multiple sclerosis which average $330 per patient. Despite low funding for research, the significant progress being made highlights the need for more financial support for rheumatoid arthritis research.
The American College of Rheumatology Research and Education Foundation has launched a campaign, called Within Our Reach: Finding a Cure for Rheumatoid Arthritis. The campaign is a national, multi-year fundraising program with a goal of raising $30 million for rheumatoid arthritis research. The huge fundraising effort has already received support from the pharmaceutical industry, biotech companies, doctors, and patients. More information about Within Our Reach is available on their website.
More Related Resources:
- Fast Facts About Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Test Your Knowledge: Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis 101: Free Newsletter E-Course
- 10 Things You Should Know About Rheumatoid Arthritis
- How to Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Photo by James Gathany (PHIL)
