According to data published at the 9th European Conference for Lupus, more than 5,000 Greeks suffer from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); a chronic, non-transmittable autoimmune disease that mostly affects women aged 14 to 40.
Professors Dimitris Boubas and Yannis Boletis stressed that an early diagnosis and treatment can vastly improve the outlook of patients, providing them with greater opportunities to lead a normal life.
In Greece, about 60 to 70% of patients suffer from a mild for of the disease, which primarily affects skin and joints. However, in about 25% of cases, the disease may affect internal organs such as the kidneys or the heart. While there is no cure for the disease, modern therapies help manage it effectively.
The 10th of May has been established as the International Lupus Day which aims to raise citizen awareness regarding the disease.
