— New survey reveals the prevalence of
"Unseenism," which can be described as a social phenomenon where
gender and age biases can leave some patients feeling overlooked or
unheard, in healthcare —
— 58% of women who chose not to speak up
during a visit with their doctor said it was because their health
concerns were previously ignored —
— Insmed's educational initiative "Speak Up in
BE" aims to bring hope, education, and a sense of belonging to
bronchiectasis (BE) patients who are feeling unseen —
BRIDGEWATER, N.J., Feb. 28,
2024 Insmed Incorporated (Nasdaq: INSM), a
global biopharmaceutical company on a mission to transform the
lives of patients with serious and rare diseases, today announced
its involvement with award-winning actress Jane Seymour to raise awareness of gender and
age biases in healthcare. Insmed conducted a nationally
representative survey to reveal how these unconscious and often
enduring biases leave some people feeling overlooked, unheard, or
ignored, a societal phenomenon that can be described as
"Unseenism." Survey data found that this phenomenon is especially
prevalent for those with chronic conditions like bronchiectasis
(BE).
"In both my television and film roles and in real life, I've
always tried to push back against the typical notions of aging and
feeling unseen. Being older shouldn't mean you are no longer
valuable or relevant," said Seymour. "I am thrilled to work with
Insmed to lend a voice to this all-too-familiar topic and encourage
others to speak up and advocate for themselves, particularly when
it comes to their health, regardless of age or gender."
The survey of over 2,000 participants, conducted by Insmed,
aimed to uncover how "Unseenism" can shape the health decisions of
people aged 40+ years. Key insights from the survey indicate
that:
- 62% of women surveyed stated they feel more overlooked or
believe they will feel more overlooked as they age.
- 82% of respondents said they leave a doctor's appointment
without getting all their questions answered and understanding all
that was discussed.
- 40% of people surveyed said they have previously chosen not to
speak up to their doctor even though they had something to say.
Reasons cited for not speaking up included their health concerns
were previously ignored (58%), they feared their concerns wouldn't
be addressed (44%), or they didn't want to burden their doctor
(41%).
For those suffering from chronic conditions, the experience of
feeling unseen can be magnified, including in patients with BE, a
respiratory disease that causes permanent widening of the airways,
which can make it difficult to clear mucus and bacteria. BE is
underrecognized and its diagnosis is often missed or delayed.
Approximately two-thirds of patients diagnosed with BE are women
and the average age of patients is 68. Over time, patients may
experience worsening symptoms or flares – which can contribute to
irreversible lung damage. This is why it is critical to ensure
patients receive timely and proper care.
The survey also included a subset of BE patients. Among those
respondents (n=83):
- 57% cited illness as the factor that has contributed most to
them ever feeling unseen; 35% noted that their diagnosis made them
feel more unseen.
- 79% said they have felt more unseen as they age.
- 72% said being knowledgeable about their health makes them feel
empowered to speak up with healthcare providers.
"These findings highlight the urgent need to bridge
communication gaps and amplify health education initiatives for
patients who feel unseen," said Alana
Clemens-Saliba, Executive Director, Patient Advocacy &
Professional Society Engagement at Insmed. "That's why we're proud
of the Speak Up in BE campaign, an educational initiative dedicated
to providing information and resources on BE to help patients
feel understood, supported, and empowered to raise their
voices."
Living with BE can be challenging, but patients are not alone in
their journey. Speak Up in BE provides resources for patients,
including questions that can start conversations with a doctor,
ways to connect with others in the community, and a limited-edition
book full of stories, articles, and tips from real people living
with BE to help patients who are feeling unseen.
To learn more about BE, please visit
SpeakUpInBronchiectasis.com.
About Bronchiectasis
Bronchiectasis is a serious, chronic lung disease in which the
bronchi become permanently dilated due to a cycle of infection,
inflammation, and lung tissue damage. The condition is marked by
frequent pulmonary exacerbations requiring antibiotic therapy
and/or hospitalizations. Symptoms include chronic cough, excessive
sputum production, shortness of breath, and repeated respiratory
infections, which can worsen the underlying condition.
Bronchiectasis affects approximately 340,000 to 520,000 patients in
the U.S.
About Insmed
Insmed Incorporated is a global biopharmaceutical company on a
mission to transform the lives of patients with serious and rare
diseases. We seek to bring forward therapies that address patients'
most urgent unmet needs by leveraging cutting-edge technologies and
employing new modes of drug discovery, delivery, and development.
Insmed is headquartered in Bridgewater,
New Jersey, with additional offices and research locations
throughout the United States,
Europe, and Japan. Visit www.insmed.com to learn more.
Contact:
Investors:
Bryan Dunn
Executive Director, Investor Relations
Insmed
(646) 812-4030
bryan.dunn@insmed.com
Eleanor Barisser
Associate Director, Investor Relations
Insmed
(718) 594-5332
eleanor.barisser@insmed.com
Media:
Mandy Fahey
Executive Director, Corporate Communications
Insmed
(732) 718-3621
amanda.fahey@insmed.com
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SOURCE Insmed Incorporated