It occurs when an unborn child inherits two copies of the defective CF gene, one from each parent. CF attacks and destroys the lungs and digestive systems making it difficult to breathe and digest nutrients from food. As the disease progresses, recurrent bouts of infection cause severe and irreversible damage to the lungs and other vital organs.
CF kills more children and young adults than any other inherited disease.
There are approximately 1,000 new cases of CF diagnosed each year in North America. Diagnosis is usually made by the age of 3. Since the Canadian discovery of the defective gene responsible for causing CF in 1989, life expectancy is improving. Today, children born with CF can hope to live into their thirties, provided they strictly follow their daily treatment program. A cure or control for CF is the ultimate objective of the CF Foundation.