'In both my television and film roles and in real life, I've always tried to push back against the typical notions of aging and feeling unseen. Being older shouldn't mean you are no longer valuable or relevant,' said Seymour. 'I am thrilled to work with
The survey of over 2,000 participants, conducted by
82% of respondents said they leave a doctor's appointment without getting all their questions answered and understanding all that was discussed.
40% of people surveyed said they have previously chosen not to speak up to their doctor even though they had something to say. Reasons cited for not speaking up included their health concerns were previously ignored (58%), they feared their concerns wouldn't be addressed (44%), or they didn't want to burden their doctor (41%).
For those suffering from chronic conditions, the experience of feeling unseen can be magnified, including in patients with BE, a respiratory disease that causes permanent widening of the airways, which can make it difficult to clear mucus and bacteria. BE is underrecognized and its diagnosis is often missed or delayed. Approximately two-thirds of patients diagnosed with BE are women and the average age of patients is 68. Over time, patients may experience worsening symptoms or flares - which can contribute to irreversible lung damage. This is why it is critical to ensure patients receive timely and proper care.
The survey also included a subset of BE patients. Among those respondents (n=83): 57% cited illness as the factor that has contributed most to them ever feeling unseen; 35% noted that their diagnosis made them feel more unseen.
79% said they have felt more unseen as they age.
72% said being knowledgeable about their health makes them feel empowered to speak up with healthcare providers.
'These findings highlight the urgent need to bridge communication gaps and amplify health education initiatives for patients who feel unseen,' said
Living with BE can be challenging, but patients are not alone in their journey. Speak Up in BE provides resources for patients, including questions that can start conversations with a doctor, ways to connect with others in the community, and a limited-edition book full of stories, articles, and tips from real people living with BE to help patients who are feeling unseen.
About Bronchiectasis
Bronchiectasis is a serious, chronic lung disease in which the bronchi become permanently dilated due to a cycle of infection, inflammation, and lung tissue damage. The condition is marked by frequent pulmonary exacerbations requiring antibiotic therapy and/or hospitalizations. Symptoms include chronic cough, excessive sputum production, shortness of breath, and repeated respiratory infections, which can worsen the underlying condition. Bronchiectasis affects approximately 340,000 to 520,000 patients in the
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Email: bryan.dunn@insmed.com
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