Definition:
Cystic fibrosis (also known as CF) is a hereditary disease that affects mainly the exocrine (mucus) glands of the lungs, liver, pancreas, and intestines, causing progressive disability due to multi system failure. Cystic fibrosis is one of the most common life-shortening, childhood-onset inherited diseases. In the United States, 1 in 3900 children is born with CF.
Why I care:
- I lost my uncle to CF.
- I am a carrier for the CF gene.
- My brother is a carrier for the CF gene.
- I know the heartache the family of a CFer goes through.
Why should you care:
- Approximately 30,000 people in the United States have cystic fibrosis. An additional ten million more—or about one in every 31 Americans—are carriers of the defective CF gene, but do not have the disease. The disease is most common in Caucasians, but it can affect all races.
- Currently, there is no cure for cystic fibrosis.
- In 1955, children with CF were not expected to live even to first grade. In 2005, the predicted median age of survival rose to 36.5 years, up from 32 in 2000.
- Today, thanks to continued Foundation-supported research and specialized care, an increasing number of people with cystic fibrosis are living into adulthood and leading healthier lives that include careers, marriage, and families of their own.
Special CF Websites you should visit:
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