International Mast Cell Disease Awareness Month - Why does it matter?
Increased awareness and advocacy
Mast cell diseases are often misunderstood by the person having symptoms and are commonly misdiagnosed by health practitioners because the symptoms are like those of other conditions like allergies and gastrointestinal disorders. By raising awareness, we can educate both the public and healthcare professionals about the signs, symptoms, and complexities of MCAS, thereby resulting in early diagnosis and efficient management of care.
Creating awareness and advocacy for this condition helps to give credence to the challenges people living with the condition are faced with, and we have resolved to continue pushing for better healthcare policies, funding for further research and training for medical professionals.
Fostering support and community
It can be an isolating experience to live with a rare disease that not many people can relate to. As such, International Mast Cell Disease Awareness Month is a good time to understand this condition and lend support to people living with it, as well as their families. One of the vital services we provide is creating a support network for people living with MCAS or suspected MCAS and those caring for someone with MCAS.
We provide education initiatives through webinars, and other resources that help those living with MCAS or suspected MCAS and those caring for someone with MCAS to better understand the disease, make informed decisions about their care, and take proactive steps to manage their health.
Improved diagnosis with easy access to comprehensive care
More awareness and education would help more healthcare practitioners correctly diagnose the symptoms and allow those affected to access more comprehensive care. Mast cell diseases require a multidisciplinary approach to treatment involving healthcare providers, and specialists from different fields. It is important that the healthcare system be able to utilise integrated care pathways to address the full spectrum of needs. This would help achieve effective management of the disease and improve the quality of life.
One of our goals this awareness month is to inspire hope and resilience for those living with Mast Cell diseases and their families. The joy of knowing that a community of people are out there dedicating time and other resources to recognise and support their struggles can provide a significant mental and emotional boost, which we hope will help individuals to stay motivated to continue their fight against the disease.
Raising awareness is the first step towards change, but it’s not a one-off effort. It will require continued commitment and collective effort, so we can make a long-term impact on enhancing the quality of life for patients living with the disease around the world.
How are you celebrating International Mast Cell Disease Awareness Month? And why is it important to you? Drop us a line to let us know!
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