Patient resources
Since 2000, the CF population in B.C. has increased by nearly 30 per cent thanks to research advances and improved clinical care that optimizes health outcomes and increases life expectancy.
CF newborn screening and early introduction of care in a child’s life help manage the condition and also prevent or reduce later complications. Further advances in management of the disease, including some patients receiving lung transplants later in their lives have led to better patient outcomes and increased life expectancy.
Cystic Fibrosis Care BC (CFCBC) is a new provincial health improvement network launched by Provincial Health Services Authority to:
- Link CF care across B.C. to make it easier for patients to seamlessly access high-quality care from specialists across disciplines
- Provide a multidisciplinary approach to CF care that can help patients stay healthy longer
CFCBC works with
Cystic Fibrosis Canada and other key stakeholders to ensure those living with cystic fibrosis in B.C. and the Yukon receive the care they need, when they need it.
Keeping healthy while living with cystic fibrosis means taking care of your self emotionally as well as physically. Attention to your mental health is a part of cystic fibrosis care in British Columbia. Your CF teams are there to listen to you and help find the best supports and resources available to promote your mental well-being.
Feelings of sadness, anger and frustration are common, and there are options to help you with them. Do not hesitate to connect with your CF team about emotional challenges and for assistance.
To find clinics in B.C., visit the
Clinics and contact information section below. Learn more about mental wellbeing for people with CF at the
Cystic Fibrosis Canada website.
Specialized CF care is available at four B.C. CF clinics:
Newborn screening is done on day two of life for all babies born in B.C. and the Yukon. This screening has dramatically reduced the age of diagnosis from 3 - 4 years of age to within the first month of life. The care has consequently shifted from being reactive and dealing with active disease to being proactive and preventing disease progression.
The screening process for CF has three steps:
- Measure the level of a protein in your baby’s blood
- A DNA test that looks for changes (variants) in one of your baby’s genes
- A sweat test to confirm if your baby has CF by measuring how much salt is in your baby’s sweat. A large amount of salt in sweat indicates CF.