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    Home / get involved / Coeliac Australia – Coeliac Awareness Week 2024

    Coeliac Awareness Week 2024

    Think outside the gut and ask yourself: could it be coeliac disease? 

    Coeliac Awareness Week:  13-20 March 2024

    This Coeliac Awareness Week, join us in a nationwide movement to rethink coeliac disease. It’s time to look beyond traditional symptoms and consider a broader perspective. Building on the momentum from our previous campaigns, our aim goes beyond simply raising awareness to initiating tangible action. We’re determined to increase diagnosis rates by highlighting the diverse symptoms of coeliac disease, many of which go beyond gut health.   

    Through a targeted media relations campaign, supported by our dedicated community and members, our goal is to raise awareness about the wide range of symptoms of undiagnosed coeliac disease, not just those related to the gut. Our aim is to motivate more Australians and Health Professionals to proactively evaluate a wider range of symptoms, and a great way to start is by using our assessment tool.

     

    FREE online self-assessment


    It is estimated that 1 in 70 Australians live with coeliac disease, yet concerningly approximately 80% of these individuals remain undiagnosed. This gap in diagnosis highlights the need for increased awareness and understanding of the wide-ranging symptoms of the disease, extending beyond the conventional gastrointestinal signs. 

     

    1/70
    Australians have coeliac disease
    4/5
    Remain undiagnosed


    Coeliac Australia recently conducted a survey with its members to uncover the range of symptoms leading to a coeliac disease diagnosis. The survey highlighted that 66% of diagnoses were attributed to symptoms not related to the gut. Specifically, 31% of participants received their diagnosis following abnormal blood tests that indicated nutrient deficiencies or issues with liver enzymes, while 11% identified chronic symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, and skin rashes as key factors leading to their diagnosis. 

     

    unusual blood test result
    osteoporosis
    unexplained fatigue
    fertility issues
    unexpected weight loss or faltering growth in children
    associated condition or family history

     Ask yourself – could it be coeliac disease?  

    If you have any of the above symptoms, it’s important to consider these as potential signs of coeliac disease. Our survey shows a broad range of symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored.  

      Other common signs and symptoms to look out for:

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        Diarrhoea, nausea and/or vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation
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        Skin rashes & hair loss 
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        Recurrent mouth ulcers
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        Mood disorders

         

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        Dental defects
      See common symptoms →

      Take our self-assessment quiz 

      Could those unexplained symptoms be coeliac disease? Start your journey with our self-assessment quiz and take the first step towards discovery.  

      In just three minutes, you can assess your risk and discover the next steps, along with receiving helpful resources for your journey. This quiz is beneficial whether you’re experiencing specific symptoms like discomfort after eating gluten-containing foods, fatigue, or trouble focusing, or even if you have no symptoms but a family member has been diagnosed with coeliac disease. 

      Taking this quiz to explore your symptoms and risk factors is an important move towards safeguarding your health. Early identification and management of coeliac disease are vital to prevent long-term health issues. 

      Start online self-assessment now

      Championing our campaign 

      We’re thrilled to have the support of our esteemed Ambassadors, who are joining forces to amplify our message:

      • Helen Tzouganatos – Celebrated cookbook author, television host, and culinary artist.
      • Cherie Lyden – Visionary behind Wholegreen Bakery, bringing innovation to gluten-free baking.
      • Melanie Persson – Culinary talent and voice from Masterchef, with a passion for gluten-free cuisine.
      • Brooke Buschkuehl – Record-breaking Australian Olympian and advocate for healthy living.

      Brooke Buschkuehl

      Cherie Lyden

      Helen Tzouganatos

      Melanie Persson

      Find out more about our Ambassadors and view others

      Engage, Learn, and Take Action – Help spread the word! 

      This Coeliac Awareness Week offers opportunities for everyone, whether you’re a Coeliac Australia member, a friend or family member of someone with coeliac disease, or if you or someone you know has symptoms. There are plenty of ways to get involved, discover more, and make a difference. 

        Take and share our assessment tool: Could it be coeliac disease? Dive into our self-assessment quiz. Your answers could be the key to unlocking a healthier future. Take our self assessment quiz now 
        Get Involved: From sharing your story or sharing our content, to encouraging a family or friend to take the self-assessment quiz, every action counts. For Members we also have a letter to ministers , where you can join us in advocating for greater awareness and support for coeliac disease testing.
        Follow us on socials and share campaign posts to get the message out!
        Download the 2024 social campaign images and share and tag on your socials
        #beyondthegut #coeliacaustralia
        Download the 2024 campaign poster to display around your community, schools or workplace
        View poster options →
        Login to Member Portal to access exclusive member offers

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