In an article published in CBS News, actress and singer Toni Braxton detailed her experiences living with lupus in light of Lupus Awareness Month in May. Ms. Braxton revealed that she had been diagnosed with the disease 15 years ago but had first noticed symptoms years before receiving her official diagnosis. As a result of symptoms that affect her skin, hair, heart, and kidneys, she noted that the disease has taken a toll on her performances and that touring as frequently as she used to has become challenging. Recently, Ms. Braxton collaborated with Aurinia Pharmaceuticals’ Get Uncomfortable campaign to recommend that others with lupus always attend their regular health checkups. Although the cause of the disease is unclear, some researchers have suggested that environmental and genetic factors may be responsible for its onset. Experts emphasized that female patients may be up to nine times more likely to develop lupus than male patients—and also stressed that individuals aged 15 to 45 years who identify as Black, American Indian, and Asian and have a family history of lupus may be more susceptible to developing the disease.
May 31, 2023