AlphaNet Canada

03/16/2026

03/12/2026

These nodules are often reported on CT scan reports because radiologists are searching for small nodules that could be the beginning stage of lung cancer. Although more than 90% of lung nodules are not cancer, more CT scans to follow a lung nodule are sometimes recommended to be absolutely sure.

03/11/2026

Join us for a Coffee Chat on March 16th at 7:00 p.m. ET! Connect with alpha-1 patients from across Canada and share experiences over a cup of coffee. Enjoy some lighthearted AATD trivia and a chance to win coffee card prizes.

Don't miss out, registration is required! Sign up here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/zM7nL5B2R9asm-x77uploQ

03/10/2026

Le diagnostic d'alpha-1 n'est pas une fin en soi. C'est un point de départ.

Luc a passé des années à gérer une MPOC, puis a appris qu'il était atteint d'alpha-1. Le diagnostic a clarifié la situation, mais le véritable risque résidait dans ce qui allait suivre : les délais . Dans le cas de l'alpha-1, l'attente n'est sans conséquences , car les lésions pulmonaires peuvent continuer à progresser silencieusement.

Points d'action pour les équipes et les éducateurs :

- Considérez le diagnostic comme un processus et non comme une étiquette
- Confirmez rapidement à l'aide d'un simple test sanguin (niveau et phénotype/génotype)
- Orientez rapidement vers un pneumologue afin de déterminer l'éligibilité
- Définissez les attentes : le traitement d'augmentation ralentit la perte future, mais ne restaure pas les dommages passés
- Mettez en place une protection : vaccins, réadaptation, plan de lutte contre les infections

Mini exemple : lorsqu'un faible taux d'AAT réapparaît, lancez immédiatement le processus d'orientation et de confirmation, même si le patient est encore en train d'assimiler la nouvelle. Le travail en parallèle évite que le « temps consacré à la paperasse » ne devienne du « temps perdu pour les poumons ».

Selon vous, quel est le principal obstacle après un diagnostic d'Alpha-1 : l'orientation, la confirmation ou la logistique des perfusions ?

Pour en savoir plus sur l'alpha-1 dans la MPOC, consultez notre dernier article : https://chroniclungdiseases.com/fr/nouvelles/therapie-d-augmentation-alpha-1/

03/10/2026

An Alpha-1 diagnosis is not the finish line. It is the starting gun.

Luc spent years managing COPD, then learned he had Alpha-1. The diagnosis clarified everything, but the real risk was what happened next: delays. In Alpha-1, waiting is not neutral because lung damage can keep progressing quietly.

Actionable points for teams and educators:

- Treat diagnosis as a workflow, not a label

- Confirm promptly with a simple blood test (level plus phenotype/genotype)

- Refer early to respirology to map eligibility

- Set expectations: augmentation slows future loss, it does not restore past damage

- Build protection around it: vaccines, rehab, infection plan

Mini example: When a low AAT level returns, start referral and confirmation steps immediately, even while the patient is processing the news. Parallel work prevents “paperwork time” from becoming “lung time.”

Where do you see the biggest bottleneck after an Alpha-1 diagnosis: referral, confirmation, or infusion logistics?

Learn more about Alpha-1 in COPD in our latest article: https://chroniclungdiseases.com/en/news/augmentation-therapy-alpha-1-timing/

03/08/2026

On International Women's Day, we acknowledge the significant contributions women make, fostering a more equitable and inclusive world. Here’s to the strong, resilient, and inspiring women everywhere!

03/05/2026

To learn more about navigating mobility challenges in public spaces, explore “Coping with Alpha-1 Related Lung Disease.”

Read more here: https://bfrg.alphanet.org/s/article/5-25-7-coping-with-alpha-1-related-lung-disease

03/02/2026

Your liver plays a critical role in producing alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT), and when this process is affected, it can impact both liver and lung health. Liver Health Month underscores the importance of early detection and regular screenings for liver health.

Read “Liver Function and Alpha-1: An Overview” on the Big Fat Reference Guide (BFRG): https://bfrg.alphanet.org/s/article/3-13-1-liver-function-and-alpha-1-an-overview

02/28/2026

This Rare Disease Day, AlphaNet Canada was proud to attend the M.A.G.I.C. (Metabolics and Genetics in Canada) Rare Disease Day 2026, themed "Every Story Matters: Rare Voices in Focus". AlphaNet Canada is excited to partner with M.A.G.I.C. in 2026 to launch a national AATD genetic testing pilot project. Interested in learning more about AATD genetic testing and family screening? Please make sure you are enrolled with us to stay up to date on this and many other exciting initiatives we have planned throughout the year. To enrol, email: infoca@alphanetcanada.ca

02/28/2026

On Rare Disease Day, we honor the strength and resilience of all individuals affected by rare conditions, including those with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (Alpha-1). Today and every day, AlphaNet Canada remains committed to providing resources, education, and support for individuals with Alpha-1 as they navigate their unique healthcare journeys.

02/24/2026

Oxygen therapy can help you live:

A longer life: Oxygen therapy can reverse the negative effects of low blood oxygen and improve survival rates. Research studies on people with severe COPD show that more daily hours of oxygen therapy result in more positive health effects. In one study, long-term oxygen therapy increased life span by as much as 6-7 years.

A better life: You don’t just want to live longer. You want to live as well as you can, for as long as you can. Oxygen therapy helps you do that, by letting you stay active with less shortness of breath. People who use supplemental oxygen can exercise longer and harder, which leads to greater overall fitness.

To learn more, please visit bfrg.alphanet.org to access the Big Fat Reference Guide (BFRG).

02/20/2026

Join our upcoming Patient Information Session on Virtual Pulmonary Rehabilitation and learn practical strategies to breathe better and move with confidence. Register today to save your spot.

Register now:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/mdlTUpYMSBeu9oqTX-VpjA