As rates of celiac disease rise globally, the majority of individuals remain undiagnosed, often suffering for years without proper diagnosis or treatment. With mounting evidence that early detection can significantly improve health outcomes, the conversation around mass screening for celiac disease is gaining urgency, relevance, and momentum.
A newly published article in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, titled ”Screening the General Population for Celiac Disease: Lessons from the First International Symposium Held in Denver 2024“, highlights a pivotal moment in advancing global understanding of mass screening for celiac disease. The paper synthesizes key outcomes from the first-ever international symposium on general population screening for celiac disease, a landmark event co-sponsored by the Celiac Disease Foundation. The symposium was led by Dr. Edwin Liu and Dr. Marisa Stahl from Children’s Hospital Colorado.
As one of the major sponsors of the symposium, the Celiac Disease Foundation helped bring together 25 world-renowned experts from five countries to discuss the current state of evidence and practical considerations for celiac mass screening. The symposium addressed the benefits and challenges of identifying celiac disease in individuals outside of traditional high-risk groups and explored international screening strategies, including Italy’s new mandate for national celiac screening.
Vanessa Weisbrod, the Foundation’s Chief Education and Community Engagement Officer, presented at the symposium on the topic, “Remote Access: Providing Proper Education and Resources.” In her talk, Weisbrod showcased the Foundation’s innovative virtual education programs that support families and clinicians navigating a new diagnosis, particularly those in rural and underserved communities. She emphasized that as screening efforts expand, and more individuals are diagnosed, remote education will be essential to ensuring equitable care and long-term health outcomes.
The symposium proceedings, now published, affirm the feasibility and potential benefits of mass screening for celiac disease in the United States, especially when paired with thoughtful implementation strategies that address access, follow-up care, and patient education. As the research community, healthcare providers, and policymakers prepare for a future where widespread celiac screening may become the norm, the Celiac Disease Foundation’s leadership and commitment to education and advocacy remain central to shaping a more inclusive and responsive system of care.
Read the full article here: https://doi.org/10.1002/jpn3.70108