Multiple sclerosis (MS) cases rose by a staggering 30 per cent over a four-year period, according to the most recent data.
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An MS Australia commissioned report prepared by researchers at the University of Tasmania found that 33,335 Australians were living with MS in 2021, an increase of 7,728 from 2017.
The increase has more than doubled from the previous period - an increase of 4,324 people living with the disease was recorded over an eight year period from 2010-2017.
Principal research fellow and clinical neurologist Bruce Taylor said while the results were concerning, they were not surprising, mirroring a pattern which has been observed both domestically and internationally.
"Many lifestyle and behavioural risk factors contribute to a person developing MS, including obesity and insufficient sunlight exposure," Professor Taylor said.
"If we can narrow down more precisely what risk factors are driving this escalation through further research, we could significantly reduce the risk of MS in Australia and globally."
The report also found the cost of caring for people living with the condition had increased to $73,457 in 2021 - $5075 more than the average cost in 2017.
This figure is significantly higher than the average cost per person of other chronic diseases such as Parkinson's disease ($53,318), Type 2 diabetes ($5,209) and long-term cancer ($17,401).
MS Australia chief executive Rohan Greenland called for government assistance to help reverse these worrying trends.
"The latest data shows an obvious urgent need for further government investment in MS research, so we can first put the brakes on this acceleration, and ultimately stop MS in its tracks," Mr Greenland said.
MS Australia is calling for the following commitments from the federal government:
- Greater investment in MS research, particularly through the Medical Research Future Fund
- Regular data collection through the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
- Better access to care including MS Nurses
- Better understanding of MS and other neurological conditions within the NDIS via a neurological advisory group
- Better investment in broader preventative health measures, including healthy weight, tobacco control, nutrition and physical activity
MS Australia also plans to commission further research into the reasons behind the increase.
Mr Greenland said while people living with MS in Australia had good access to potentially life-changing treatment options, more needed to be done to combat the rise in cases.
"A recent study found that MS prevalence had increased in every world region from 2013 to 2020, with a person diagnosed with MS every five minutes.
"Now we are seeing that same alarming trend in Australia and must act to both better understand what is driving this increase and to support everyone in our MS community."
For more information on MS Australia click HERE.
