Lupus Awareness Month

Lupus Awareness Month takes place during October in Australia every year. It is an important opportunity to raise awareness of lupus amongst the public and medical profession, and improve understanding of the impact that this autoimmune condition can have on the lives of those living with it. 

By making people more aware of lupus you can help control its impact. We need your help to raise awareness of lupus, its symptoms and the effects it can have on people’s lives this Lupus Awareness Month.

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Signs & Symptoms

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How Does Lupus Affect the Body

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Tips for Living with Lupus

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Welcome

Since 1979 Lupus Association of NSW has been the leading peak body which offers advice, information, support and networking for patients across NSW and now also parts of Australia.

Our priorities

1. To facilitate support and provide counselling and factual up to date information for our members.

2. To promote understanding of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and related Connective Tissue Diseases (CTD) amongst ourselves, our families, medical and allied health professionals and the community.

3. To operate as a resource base for information and literature regarding Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and related Connective Tissue Diseases.

4. To liaise with similar organisations both interstate and overseas.

5. To promote financial support for research, training and health care services for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and related Connective Tissue Diseases.

6. To consult with Government bodies for appropriate funding for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and related Connective Tissue Diseases.

What is lupus?

Also known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), lupus reprograms immune cells so they attack the body itself, resulting in chronic inflammation. It can affect the kidneys, joints, skin, brain, and the lining of the heart and lungs. Lupus can be mild or life-threatening.

Risk factors for developing lupus

The triggers for lupus are poorly understood. Some factors that are associated with developing lupus are:

  • Being female: 90 per cent of Australians with lupus are women.
  • Early adulthood: most cases of lupus are detected in people aged between 15 and 40.
  • Genetic susceptibility: lupus is more prevalent in some families and some racial groups. Lupus is more prevalent and more severe in Aboriginal Australians than in the wider Australian population.
  • Sunlight exposure can be a trigger in susceptible people.

Key Statistics

1 in 1,000

Lupus is estimated to affect more than 25,000 (1 in 1,000) people in Australia

15-45

Onset usually occurs between 15 and 45 years

90%

90% of those affected are women

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Research

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Show You Care

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Helping Others

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Raise a hand to help us

Help research to find a cure!

Join us as we work to find a cure for this hidden monster

The Lupus Association of NSW site is for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment. However, do not delay seeking or disregard medical advice based on information on this site. Always seek the advice of your local family physician or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment or making any changes to existing treatment. Medical information changes rapidly and while the Lupus Association of NSW make efforts to continually update the content on the site, some information may be out of date.