The Irish Haemochromatosis Association is organising a free Patient Information evening for patients, family members and members of the public who are interested in finding out more about haemochromatosis.
It will be held on Tuesday, 28th November at 7pm at the Clayton Hotel, Lapps Quay, Cork City.
It is a free, in-person meeting and everyone is welcome.
Professor Diarmaid Houlihan, a local Consultant Gastroenterologist at the Bons Secour Cork will give a presentation on 'Understanding Haemochromatosis', including what are the symptoms, how to get tested and diagnosed and what is the treatment for the disorder. Everyone is welcome to attend this free in-person event and there will be a Question & Answer session, where people will get opportunities to ask lots of questions on the night. For more information, email [email protected]
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. Haemochromatosis, also known as ‘iron overload’, is Ireland’s most common genetic disorder.
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. Some of the symptoms of haemochromatosis can range from chronic tiredness and joint pain, to abdominal pain and sexual dysfunction.
The Irish Haemochromatosis Association was established over 24 years ago and is the only registered charity and organisation representing and supporting haemochromatosis patients in Ireland. Volunteers and Ambassadors such as Mark Cagney, former RTE Presenter, Paul Harrington, musician, songwriter and former Eurovision songwriter winner (who both have haemochromatosis) and many well-known athletes and sportspeople have promoted awareness of the disorder over many years.
