About 74 percent of respondents say they know a great deal or a moderate amount, but 46 percent don't recognize that the joint damage caused by the condition is irreversible. Although more than 90 percent say they understand why it is important to manage their RA, as many as two in three patients mistakenly agree that a lack of pain means their disease is under control.

"Delayed treatment and improper treatment are the major reasons for RA patients becoming disabled. That's why early diagnosis and treatment is so important," says Li Ting, a doctor from Shanghai's Renji Hospital.

The onset of rheumatoid arthritis usually occurs in people between the ages of 25 and 55, though it can occur at almost any age. Typically, it affects more women than men.

The exact cause of RA is still unknown, and many factors have been studied such as genetics, environmental factors, certain infections and female hormones.

China is planning to establish the first national-level data platform for RA patients. The three-year project aims to standardize the process of diagnosis and medical treatment. The project will also establish a system to teach patients more about the disease and how to manage it.

It will cover 161 hospitals across the country and more than 10,000 clinical doctors will be educated.

Xie Qilin, deputy secretary of the Chinese Medical Doctors Association, says that while medical practice has improved in recent years, "the level of their standardized diagnosis and treatment for RA is limited".

"We will carry out a statistical analysis on Chinese RA patients' condition and medical demand, and then establish a scientific and standardized guidance and systematic management measures," says Zeng Xiaofeng, the leader of the project, who is also a doctor of Peking Union Medical College Hospital.

Standardized process for diagnosis and treatment, and better communication between doctors and patients will help patients get treatment at an early stage, and manage the disease over a lifetime, Zeng says.