The APF, with the support of the Endocrine Society of Australia and an educational grant from Novartis Pharmaceuticals Australia, conducted an awareness campaign to educate people about acromegaly.

A large number of people are not familiar with the symptoms of acromegaly and therefore it can take a person with acromegaly an average of eight years before they receive a diagnosis (APF research, 2006).

Acromegaly is a condition that occurs when the body produces too much growth hormone. Acromegaly can cause gradual changes in physical appearance and general health over several years.

Early diagnosis and treatment of acromegaly can effectively control the symptoms of the disease and the complications that result from living with acromegaly for many years.

Click here for more information on acromegaly…

Symptom checklist

The symptom checklist explains the symptoms of acromegaly and includes information on the condition, diagnosis and treatment.

Click here to download the symptom checklist

Campaign poster

The campaign poster provides an overview of the campaign and the symptoms of acromegaly.

Click here to download the campaign poster

 

Updated: May 2008

 

The survey showed that people with Acromegaly remain undetected for an average of eight years before they are diagnosed[1] - from the first indication of symptoms to actual diagnosis by a medical professional.

Many people with Acromegaly are diagnosed ‘by accident’. Often people are being treated for a different condition when they are identified as potentially having Acromegaly – reports include being identified by cardiologists, dentists, oncologists and even an acupuncturist.¹ The symptoms of Acromegaly develop gradually over time so many people are only identified when seen by a different doctor to their usual one.

Two out of three people with Acromegaly experience symptoms for approximately two years before seeking medical advice or approaching their GP.¹

The most common symptoms experienced by people with Acromegaly are (in this order):¹

·         Enlarged hands (88%)

·         Enlarged feet (87%)

·         Enlarged lips, nose or tongue (78%)

·         Joint pain (72%)

·         Prominent cheekbones, jaw, forehead (71%)

·         Sleep apnoea/snoring (69%)

·         Perspiring (65%)

 
Acromegaly can cause people to suffer feelings of low self esteem (22%), tiredness and pain (31%).¹ Numerous medical consultations and delays in diagnosis can result in financial difficulties, an inability to work (31%) and the loss of jobs.¹

However, when a person is diagnosed with Acromegaly it often brings feelings of relief, to know that there is a name for the problems they have experienced, and more importantly, to know that the disorder can be managed and treated. People with Acromegaly report that it can also bring families closer together, and help them make the most of life.¹