Events to mark World Haemochromatosis week are underway – the week officially runs from the 1st to the 7th of June.
Haemochromatosis is a blood disorder in which the person has an iron overload.
Early diagnosis is vital and if left untreated, can lead to organ damage or even premature death.
The Irish Haemochromatosis Association estimates there are at least 20,000 undiagnosed cases of Haemochromatosis in Ireland.
Haemochromatosis is more common in Ireland than anywhere else in the world, as one in five people carry one copy of the gene and one in every 83 Irish people carry two copies of the gene, predisposing them to develop iron overload.
The IHA aims to raise awareness of the condition and is urging people to ‘Get Checked for Haemochromatosis’- symptoms that range from chronic tiredness and joint pain, to abdominal pain and sexual dysfunction.
Tipperary Cahir Cashel MD offices will join many others in “Lighting up in Red” to support the awareness campaign.
Although it can be life-threatening, once diagnosed before organ damage has occurred, Haemochromatosis can be successfully treated and patients go on to live their lives to the full, without any impact.
