Awareness of kidney health improving
Poll results are encouraging, but knowledge gaps continue to put Canadians at risk
Improved awareness of kidney disease is encouraging, but results of a new Ipsos poll conducted on behalf of The Kidney Foundation of Canada highlight a critical gap in knowledge about the risks for developing kidney disease, one of the most common and underrecognized chronic diseases.
The poll found that 50% of Canadians know about kidney disease, which represents a five point improvement since the poll was last conducted in 2024. However, nearly half of Canadians (47%) don't know whether they are at risk for kidney disease.
"These results are encouraging because awareness is improving, but they also reveal a troubling reality: too many Canadians still don't understand their risk," said Elizabeth Myles, National Executive Director of The Kidney Foundation of Canada. "Kidney disease often develops silently, with few symptoms in its early stages. When people don't know they're at risk, opportunities for early detection and intervention can be missed."
By helping people understand their kidney health, improving access to care and support, and advancing research that leads to better prevention, earlier detection and improved treatments, The Kidney Foundation aims to change the course of kidney disease in Canada.
The Ipsos poll found only 10% of people believe they are at risk of kidney disease themselves, while nearly half remain unsure.
"One of the most challenging findings in this survey is that Canadians’ lack of awareness of their own risk remains so high," said Ms. Myles. "Millions of Canadians live with known risk factors for kidney disease such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, If Canadians don't know whether they're at risk, they are less likely to ask questions, seek testing or take steps to protect their kidney health."
Canadians can learn more about their risk for kidney disease by taking a few minutes to answer questions in The Kidney Foundation’s risk awareness tool.
While 63% of Canadians correctly identify that kidneys filter toxins from the blood, far fewer understand the causes, warning signs and long-term consequences of kidney disease. Only 5% mention possible indicators of kidney disease, while 17% identify signs such as reduced kidney function. Just 10% recognize that kidney disease can be serious or potentially fatal.
The Kidney Foundation of Canada says the findings demonstrate why continued investment in public education, patient support, advocacy and research remains essential.
"Awareness is the first step, but awareness alone is not enough," said Ms. Myles. "Our goal is to ensure Canadians have the knowledge, support and care they need to take action earlier and live healthier lives. That's how we will change the course of kidney disease in Canada."
About the Survey
These are the findings of an Ipsos survey conducted on behalf of The Kidney Foundation of Canada. Fieldwork was conducted between May 9 to June 1, 2026. A total of n=1001 Canadians aged 18+ participated in the survey which was fielded via the Ipsos’ panel. Quotas and weighting were used to ensure the sample's composition reflects that of the Canadian population according to census parameters. This survey has a credibility interval of +/- 3.8 per cent 19 times out of 20, of what the results would have been had all Canadian adults 18+ been surveyed.