CROHN’S & COLITIS AUSTRALIA SHINING LIGHT ON THE COST OF DELAYED DIAGNOSIS THIS AWARENESS MONTH
PRESS RELEASE
SYDNEY, APRIL 2026: In recognition of May as Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Month, Crohn’s & Colitis Australia (CCA) is turning the spotlight on the cost of delayed diagnosis for the nearly 180,000 Australians living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). With ongoing pressure on Australia’s healthcare system and access to timely care becoming increasingly challenging, delays in diagnosis have a significant impact on patients and the broader econaomy.
IBD is a chronic and often debilitating condition that disproportionately affects young, working-age Australians, costing the economy an estimated $7.8 billion annually. Despite this, diagnosis delays remain a critical issue nationwide.
CCA’s State of the Nation in IBD Report found that more than one in three Australians with IBD experience symptoms for over a year before receiving a diagnosis, while one in ten wait over five years. Even after diagnosis, nearly half of patients take over five years to bring their condition under control and achieve remission. CCA is calling for greater awareness of IBD symptoms and earlier pathways to diagnosis, to reduce preventable complications and long-term health impacts on people with IBD and reduce healthcare costs.
The impact of these delays is significant, as people living with IBD experience higher rates of hospitalisation and emergency department visits per case per year than those with cancer, heart disease and dementia, alongside major personal consequences including disrupted education, careers and family life. Without earlier intervention, these outcomes place increasing strain on both individuals and the healthcare system.
Crohn’s & Colitis Australia CEO, Leanne Raven said: “The cost of delay is real, from physical harm and emotional strain to impacts on school, work and family life. Raising awareness and encouraging Australians to listen to their bodies and seek answers sooner can be life-changing.”
Australians living with IBD are also stepping forward this May to support the cause. Jason Malone, who lives with Crohn’s disease, will be running the Adelaide Marathon to raise awareness and funds. He said, “Shining a light on delays in diagnosis is extremely important. I’m proud to be running to help others get answers sooner.”
Throughout May, a series of community and awareness events will take place across the country. Highlights include participation in Perth’s HBF Run for a Reason, school initiatives, and various hospital-led awareness activities.
On World IBD Day (19 May), over 100 landmarks across Australia will light up purple in support of those living with IBD. Notable locations include the Story Bridge, Adelaide Oval, Optus Stadium, Melbourne Town Hall, and the Big Banana, among many others nationwide.
Crohn’s & Colitis Australia encourages Australians to understand the signs and symptoms of IBD and seek medical advice early. A free symptom checker is available online to support earlier detection and diagnosis: https://crohnsandcolitis.org.au/symptom-checker/
Crohn’s & Colitis Australia’s GutSmart delivers online training courses for health professionals on the topic of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The Crohn’s and Colitis community is spread out across the country, and no matter where they live, CCA wants everyone to be supported by healthcare workers who understand individual treatment needs. https://gutsmart.com.au/
Crohn’s and Colitis Australia acknowledges sponsorship support from Dr Falk Pharma, AbbVie and Johnson & Johnson. For more information, head to: https://crohnsandcolitis.org.au/
ENDS
For more information, interviews or case studies of those living with IBD, please contact:
Mia Borg | Maven PR | [email protected] | 0413 801 187
About Crohn’s & Colitis Australia (CCA): Crohn’s & Colitis Australia (CCA) is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing support services, advocacy, and research funding for those affected by Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. CCA strives for a cure and to improve the quality of life for people living with these chronic conditions through education, support programs, and public awareness campaigns.
What is Crohn’s Disease? Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can cause inflammation anywhere in the digestive system. Inflammation can cause redness, swelling and pain, and is the body’s response to injury or irritation. The inflammation caused by the disease usually affects the end of the small bowel and/or the large bowel. Crohn’s disease can affect the full thickness of the bowel and this can result in narrowing (strictures) which can block the bowel (obstruction) or small holes through the bowel (fistulas) to the skin, other loops of bowel or other organs, sometimes causing a collection of pus called an abscess.
What is Ulcerative Colitis? Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can cause inflammation and ulceration in the large intestine (colon and rectum). Inflammation can cause redness, swelling and pain, and is the body’s response to injury or irritation. Ulcers (sores) also develop on the surface of the intestines inner lining which may bleed and produce mucus. The inflammation almost always involves the rectum and may extend up the large intestine, either when it first develops or sometimes extends over time.