World Haemochromatosis Awareness Week 2023
June 20, 2023
World Haemochromatosis Awareness Week 2023 was a great success this year, thanks to all our members, the public, the media, volunteers and nurses around the
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What is Haemochromatosis?
Haemochromatosis (or ‘iron overload’) is an inherited disorder which causes the body to absorb too much iron from the diet. The excess iron gradually accumulates, usually in the liver, pancreas, joints, heart or endocrine glands.
Ireland has the highest rates of haemochromatosis in the world, where approximately 1 in 83 people are at risk of developing haemochromatosis and 1 in 5 are carrriers of the gene.
Symptoms
Iron builds up slowly so symptoms may not appear until age 30 or 40. Symptoms can include, but are not limited to chronic fatigue, joint pain, abdominal pain, diabetes
Treatment
The treatment of choice and the most effective strategy for the management of Haemochromatosis is Venesection (Phlebotomy), which means the removal of blood
Testing
An iron panel blood test can confirm or rule out iron overload. If both serum ferritin (SF) and transferrin saturation (TS) levels are raised, then a genetic test should be carried out
Information
Links to patient information guides, diet and haemochromatosis, research and managing haemochromatosis for patients, GPs and nursing professionals
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News and Events
Our members and supporters give us a collective voice to help promote awareness of haemochromatosis in Ireland and internationally. We are passionate about promoting early awareness of haemochromatosis.
You can keep up-to-date with our work and our news and events, by signing up for membership of the Irish Haemochromatosis Association or by making a donation to help us advocate for people and families with haemochromatosis.
Mark Cagney, Broadcasting Legend is interviewed on Ireland AM
June 19, 2023
Mark Cagney, Irish broadcasting legend and well-known Irish television presenter and journalist, was interviewed on Ireland AM about World Haemochromatosis Awareness Week and what it
Caroline Martin tells her story during World Haemochromatosis Awareness Week
June 17, 2023
Caroline Martin talks about her story and her haemochromatosis journey with the Irish Daily Star, Chic magazine for World Haemochromatosis Awareness Week 2023. ‘Symptoms are
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