Facts
- Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited condition
- One in every 25 people carry a copy of the abnormal gene. They can pass the gene on to their children
- Carriers of the CF gene do not show any symptoms of the condition.
- 30 babies are born with CF in Victoria each year
- Chance says that there are at least 3 people here today who carry a copy the CF gene
- The sweat glands on the skin
- The mucous glands in the lungs
- The digestive enzymes into the gut
- Reproductive function is affected in men
- Many other organs and systems of the body may also be affected
- Recurrent lung infections mean that 50% of people with cystic fibrosis will not live beyond their 30s
- The emotional, financial and social cost of CF is significant
- 1990 saw the first lung transplant of an adult with CF at The Alfred
- Since then, 103 adults with CF from a total of 420 people have had lung transplants here
- Daily regimen required to remain well is physically demanding and time consuming. Many pharmaceutical drugs are required to stay alive.
The major effect of the CF genes is abnormal function of many glands
