Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic, often painful, condition that consists of recurring pressure or discomfort in the bladder and pelvic region associated with urinary frequency and urgency. The cause of IC is unknown. Diagnosis is made only after excluding other urinary/bladder conditions, which causes one or more years delay between onset of symptoms and treatment.
It can affect anyone but is most prevalent in woman. Three to eight million woman in the United States have IC, or between three and six percent of the total population. However, it is treatable.
This is why education about the symptoms and treatments of IC is so essential. IC affects more than the number of people with breast cancer, Alzheimer's diseases, and autism combined. Tell Congress to fully fund the Interstitial Cystitis Education and Awareness Program at the Centers for Disease Control.
Dear [Decision Maker]:
I am writing to urge you to restore federal funding for a critical interstitial cystitis (IC) program in the FY11 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Bill.
Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic, often painful, condition that consists of recurring pressure or discomfort in the bladder and pelvic region associated with urinary frequency and urgency. The cause of IC is unknown. Diagnosis is made only after excluding other urinary/bladder conditions, which causes one or more years delay between onset of symptoms and treatment.
[Your comments will be inserted here.]
When healthcare providers are not properly educated about IC, patients may suffer for years before receiving an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. For the past 5 years, Congress has provided funding to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to promote IC education and awareness. The CDC program supports much-needed healthcare provider and patient education, as well as information sharing between patients, healthcare providers, and researchers.
Healthcare provider and patient education is essential to ensure that patients receive accurate and timely diagnosis and treatment.
Unfortunately, President Obama's FY11 budget request recommends the elimination of this program. I urge you to support me and other IC patients by asking the Labor-HHS-Appropriations Subcommittee to provide $660,000 for IC Education and Awareness Program in their FY11 bill (level funded from FY11). Your assistance is greatly needed!
Thank you for your consideration of this request. Please advise me of your actions at your earliest convenience.
