The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to finding the cures for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and improving the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases. CCFA was established in 1967 by Irwin M. and Suzanne R. Rosenthal, William D. and Shelby Modell, and Henry D. Janowitz, MD. Since our founding, CCFA has remained at the forefront of research in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Today, we fund cutting-edge studies at major medical institutions, nurture investigators at the early stages of their careers, and finance underdeveloped areas of research. In addition, CCFA provides a comprehensive series of education programs, resources, support services and advocacy initiatives to members of the IBD community, including patients and caregivers. We can help! Contact us at: Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America 733 Third Avenue, Suite 510 New York, NY 10017 888.MY.GUT.PAIN (888.694.8872) info@ccfa.org www.ccfa.org The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America provides information for educational purposes only. We encourage patients to review this educational material with their healthcare professional. The Foundation does not provide medical or other healthcare opinions or services. The inclusion of another organization’s resources or referral to another organization does not represent an endorsement of a particular individual, group, company, or product. CCFA ABOUT 2 How many are affected by the disease? Research studies continue to show a rise in the number of people living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), reflecting a need for more research to find a cure. • Approximately 1.6 million Americans currently have IBD, a growth of about 200,000 since the last time CCFA reported this figure (in 2011). • As many as 70,000 new cases of IBD are diagnosed in the United States each year. • There may be as many as 80,000 children in the United States with IBD. Treatment. Major scientific advances, within the fields of genetics, immunology, and microbiology, have led to: • A greater understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved in IBD. • An increase in the number of treatment options available for IBD patients. • Increasingly effective IBD treatments. What we know now. CCFA remains at the forefront of IBD research and continues to propel the field forward. CCFA-supported research studies have helped: • Identify over 160 genes associated with IBD. Investigation of these genes will revolutionize our understanding of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and form the basis for discovering new drugs and diagnostics. Highlights FACT BOOK • Determine that the gut microbiome (the bacteria and viruses that inhabit the gut) is a key link between genetic susceptibility and IBD onset/progression. By identifying the bacteria and viruses that play a role in IBD, researchers can create medications that specifically manipulate these microbial targets. A world of support for patients. To ensure that everyone affected by IBD has access to the resources they need to effectively manage their disease, CCFA provides a comprehensive series of education programs and support services, including: • Local chapters • In-person and online support groups • In-person and online educational activities • Disease-management tools To find more information about IBD and CCFA’s research efforts, or to get involved, visit CCFA’s website at www.ccfa.org or contact the IBD Help Center via telephone 888-694-8872 or email info@ccfa.org. 3 Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), which include