Global Trends and Statistics

RA may or may not produce noticeable clinical manifestations, is unpredictable in duration and is incurable. It is estimated around 1.3 million US adults have RA with it occurring in 2-3 times more in women than men,⁵³ and the prevalence and incidence rises with advancing age. 30-50 years old is the most common age range for initial diagnosis. Age onset is after 40 and peaks around age 70, then declines.⁵⁸ The prevalence of RA varies throughout the world, with an overall higher prevalence in industrialized countries, affecting up to 1% of developed countries’ populations.⁵⁴ This may be due to exposures to environmental risk factors, as well as by genetic factors, differing demographics and under-reporting in other parts of the world. Studies show RA prevalence in some First Nations (FN) communities is 3–4 times higher than in the general population.⁵⁵ This is driven by a combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental triggers such as smoking and periodontal disease The Journal of Rheumatology. These gene–environment interactions contribute to a higher risk of seropositive, familial, and disabling RA. RA is a chronic autoimmune disease that occurs worldwide and is accompanied by various other comorbidities and extra-articular manifestations. The global incidence of RA is approximately 0.24% to 1% and the incidence and prevalence vary widely between regions of the world and within countries. Reasons for these variations include the case definition of RA, population characteristics, socioeconomic or environmental risk factors and the study methodology employed.⁵⁶

According to a 2025 study, the global burden of RA continues to grow.⁵⁷ The study found smoking has the clearest association with RA by a disease burden analysis. Reducing the global burden of RA is still an pressing problem that needs to be solved worldwide. To reduce the global burden of RA, the first step is to strengthen the management of smoking, especially in those regions where the burden and the proportion of smoking-induced disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) are higher. It takes a process from the onset of RA to the destruction of bones and joints. Early diagnosis is also very important to reduce the burden of RA. Finally, regular follow-up is essential for RA patients in order to accurately monitor the progression of the disease and prevent bone and joint damage as much as possible.

In short, the specific cause of RA is not known, and as a result there is no known cure for the disease.⁵⁸ Those with a first-degree family member (parent, sibling, etc) diagnosed with RA are at roughly four times greater risk of developing RA themselves as compared to the general population. Some experts feel that there is a strong link between female hormonal changes and the onset of RA symptoms, and that a hormonal shift could be a potential disease trigger. As mentioned, smoking is the most strongly associated risk factor when it comes to the onset of RA in patients.⁵⁸ RA patients are thought to have a shorter life expectancy by as much as 10 to 15 years. However, many people with RA continue to live with symptoms well into their 80’s or 90’s.