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Canada has made great strides in organ donation over the past decade, but there’s still a shortage with 4,600 patients waiting for a transplant, a new Canadian Blood Services report says.
British Columbia is leading the way when it comes to deceased and living organ donors, followed by Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia. The numbers increased by 42 per cent, or 460 in 2006 to 651 in 2015.
Between 2006 and 2015, the number of transplants increased by 23 per cent. Even with that increase, Canada still has a shortage of organs with approximately 4,600 patients still waiting.
“An organ transplant provides far better health outcomes for many patients when compared to other therapies like kidney dialysis,” said Dr. Peter Nickerson, Vice-Dean (Research) and Distinguished Professor.
“For example, a kidney transplant can double the life expectancy of a patient with end-stage kidney disease, and increase their quality of life.”
Transplants are the best therapy for people with end-stage kidney disease and the only treatment for people suffering from end-stage liver, heart and lung disease. According to the report, a kidney transplant can more than double a person’s life expectancy, compared to going through dialysis.
Agencies/Canadajournal
