TORONTO, Oct. 7, 2016 /CNW/ – World Thrombosis Day (WTD) is an annual event led by the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) that is recognized around the world every October 13th. Its aim is to bring global attention to the largely overlooked and misunderstood condition of thrombosis, with the ultimate goal of reducing death and disability associated with the disease. WTD provides an opportunity to educate individuals on thrombosis causes, risk factors, symptoms and expert-recommended prevention and treatment strategies with the intention of empowering patients to understand their risks and have more informed discussions with their healthcare providers.
This mission is aligned with that of Clots Matter – a non-profit organization that intends to reduce the gap in awareness, education and available resources for Canadians dealing with venous thromboembolism (VTE). Clots Matter, in partnership with Thrombosis Canada and LEO Pharma, will be using the global spotlight provided by WTD to amplify its reach to Canadians.
Clots Matter is asking Canadians to share their "Clot Stories", to illustrate the reality of thrombosis, which is a poorly understood condition. Their mission is to create an online community of thrombosis survivors and to spread the message that VTE is more serious and prevalent than most Canadians believe it to be. Clots Matter founder, Martin R. Lemieux said "Having a condition that puts me at risk for blood clots has forced me to learn as much as I can about preventing and managing them – and that has helped me overcome my fear and take a more active role in my care. I believe patients need empowerment to be their own advocates."
These sentiments are echoed by Thrombosis Canada and LEO Pharma who have partnered to support Clots Matter in its endeavour to educate Canadians and build an online community. These organizations call for heightened awareness of VTE risk in vulnerable patient populations – specifically those with cancer and conditions that restrict mobility. Research shows that cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) is the second leading cause of death in cancer after cancer progression. A recent report summarizing the findings of an expert steering group states that the goal for CAT is to increase information on prevention, early diagnosis and improve the treatment of VTE for cancer patients. Approximately 17,000 Canadians are affected by CAT each year.
About Venous Thromboembolism
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a disease that encompasses two serious conditions: deep vein thrombosis (DVT), in which a blood clot forms in a deep vein, often in the leg, and pulmonary embolism (PE), in which a blood clot breaks loose from the DVT and travels to the lungs, which can be fatal. Risk factors for VTE include lifestyle factors, cancer, pregnancy and surgery. Additionally, advancing age and renal insufficiency are both risk factors for VTE.1,2
About Cancer Associated Thrombosis (CAT)
CAT is a significant health and economic burden and a major cause of death in cancer patients. Large population-based studies reveal that up to 20% of cancer patients are affected by VTE and that the risk is highest during the first 3 to 6 months following cancer diagnosis. Additionally, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hospitalization and immobility increase a patient's risk of developing CAT. Experts cite low awareness of the seriousness of CAT as a main factor behind the lack of prevention and management of the disease in patients at risk.3,4
About World Thrombosis Day
WTD takes place every year on October 13th, the birthday of Rudolf Virchow who was a pioneer in the pathophysiology of thrombosis. The event focuses attention on the often overlooked and misunderstood condition of thrombosis with educational events held around the world. WTD seeks to increase global awareness of thrombosis, including its causes, risk factors, sign/symptoms, and evidence-based prevention and treatment to ultimately reduce death and disability caused by the condition. Visit worldthrombosisday.org to learn more.
About Thrombosis Canada
Thrombosis Canada is a Canadian registered non-profit organization dedicated to furthering education and research in the prevention and treatment of vascular disease. The organization includes internationally recognized expert members who have contributed to the body of knowledge in vascular medicine through peer reviewed journal publications, books and guidelines. For more information on Thrombosis Canada, visit thrombosiscanada.ca.
About Clots Matter
Clots Matter is a non-profit organization created and run by patients with backing from experts within the thrombosis community. Its mission is to help educate patients and build Canadian patient advocates by providing individuals with VTE education in a credible and accessible way. To learn more about Clots Matter, visit clotsmatter.ca.
About LEO Pharma
LEO Pharma is a global healthcare company that offers care solutions within dermatology and thrombosis to patients in more than 100 countries around the world.
Founded in 1908 and owned by the LEO Foundation, LEO Pharma has devoted decades of research and development to delivering products to people with skin conditions and thrombosis.
LEO Pharma is headquartered in Denmark and employs around 5,000 people worldwide.
For more information, visit www.leo-pharma.ca
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REFERENCES:
- Deng A, Galanis T and M Graham. Hosp Pract 2014;42:24-33.
- Davies NA, Harrison NK, Morris RHK et al. Thromb Haemost 2015;114:1251-1259.
- Blom JW, Doggen CJ, Osanto S, et al. JAMA 2005;293:715–722.
- Khorana AA, Dalal M, Lin J, et al. Cancer 2013;119:648–655.
SOURCE LEO Pharma 
For further information: www.leo-pharma.ca