科学｜難病の診断に3.4年かかる現実 / Science | The Reality of It Taking 3.4 Years to Diagnose Rare Diseases

Summary

A recent analysis of medical claims data by a pharmaceutical company has revealed that the average time from the first consultation to diagnosis for patients with rare diseases is 3.4 years.

Due to the small number of cases and the lack of established treatment methods, patients often suffer for extended periods. This “diagnostic lag” poses a significant burden on patients, and experts are calling for prompt corrective measures. The goal of treating rare diseases is to alleviate symptoms and slow disease progression, making early diagnosis a critical priority.

Dialogue

This dialogue is fictional and based on the article.

Chako: Hey Log, did you know it takes about 3 to 4 years to get diagnosed with a rare disease? That’s really tough, right?
Log: Yeah, it really is tough. It must be frustrating for patients not to know the name of their condition even when symptoms appear. This is called “diagnostic lag.”
Chako: There’s actually a name for it! Why does it take so long?
Log: It’s because there are few cases, and the treatment methods haven’t been established yet. So, it takes time for doctors to make a diagnosis.
Navi: Just to add, early diagnosis is crucial to alleviate the burden on patients. To ensure they receive appropriate treatment, we need to speed up the diagnostic process.
Chako: I hope they can resolve this quickly!

Admin’s Note

Reading this article made me feel a closer connection to the struggles faced by patients with difficult-to-treat illnesses. The long wait from the initial consultation to the diagnosis can be a significant source of stress, both mentally and physically. As mentioned in the article, it’s crucial to address diagnostic delays as early as possible. I believe that prompt responses in the medical field have the potential to greatly improve patients’ lives. I hope that understanding of these challenging illnesses continues to deepen in the future.