Cystic Fibrosis is the most common life threatening recessive genetic condition affecting Australian children and young adults today.
- There are approx 3,000 people living with CF in Australia. CF seriously affects breathing and digestion.
- People with CF may need to have up to 2 hours intensive chest physiotherapy (to help break up the mucus in their lungs so they can breathe) and up to 40 enzyme tablets (to help their digestion) every day just to survive.
- Due to advancements the average life expectancy of someone living with CF is now mid thirties, but there are still many children who do not reach adulthood.
- Approximately one in every 2,500 babies will be born with CF.
- There are a million genetic carriers of CF in Australia. As yet there is no cure.
