Haemochromatosis Australia has announced the details of their major annual event, Haemochromatosis Awareness Week, with the launch of the Australia-wide awareness campaign to take place at the Menzies UTAS Medical Science Precinct.

Held at 1pm on Saturday, 9 August, the launch will be officially opened by Tasmanian Senator Catryna Bilyk followed by a public information session with Clinical Haematologist Dr Nick Murphy and Consultant Rheumatologist Dr Hilton Frances, as well as Menzies researcher Barbara de Graaff.

Haemochromatosis, or inherited iron overload disorder, is the most common genetic disorder in Australia, with one in 200 people genetically disposed to the disease.

The disorder, which is more common in people of European descent, causes the body to absorb excess iron which builds up in the organs and joints over many years and eventually becomes toxic.

President of Haemochromatosis Australia, Ben Marris, said that while it is common knowledge that a deficiency of iron in the blood can be dangerous, not enough Australians are aware of the dangers of iron overload.

“If untreated, haemochromatosis can lead to more serious and potentially fatal symptoms including diabetes, liver cancer and cirrhosis, heart failure and osteoarthritis,” Mr Marris said.

Mr Marris said that promoting haemochromatosis awareness is important because it can save many lives as well as a great deal of money for the health system.

“Tests for the condition are simple and cheap,” Mr Marris said. “If people are diagnosed early and treated then haemochromatosis is no barrier to a normal healthy life.

“Treatment is simple, drug free and uncontroversial. Regular venesection, like giving blood at a blood bank, unloads iron. Often this can be done at the Red Cross Blood Service and the blood is useful.”

Senator Bilyk, a long term advocate of haemochromatosis awareness, urged Australians to familiarise themselves with the symptoms of the disease.

“If you know someone in your family has haemochromatosis, or you have been feeling tired and aching for an extended period, talk to your GP about iron overload,” Senator Bilyk said.

Early symptoms of haemochromatosis include joint pains, fatigue, weakness and sexual dysfunction.

If you know someone in your family has haemochromatosis, or you have been feeling tired and aching for an extended period, talk to your GP about haemochromatosis. For more information visit the Haemochromatosis Australia web site at ha.org.au or call the information line at 1300 019 028.

The public meeting is free for anyone interested in knowing more about this condition.

Background
Haemochromatosis Awareness Week 2014
Haemochromatosis Awareness week is from 11th to 17th August 2014. During the week there will be many activities designed to raise awareness of haemochromatosis and improve the rate of early diagnosis to prevent much ill-health.
The OVERLOAD art exhibition at the Stable Gallery will be opened on Wednesday 6th August at 6pm by Senator Bilyk.

Haemochromatosis Australia:

Haemochromatosis Australia (HA) is the support, health promotion and advocacy group for people with haemochromatosis and their families. The group has operated continuously for 22 years.
It is a not for profit group run entirely by volunteers, endorsed as a deductible gift recipient by the ATO and are registered as a charity.
HA has approximately 1500 members across Australia.
HA operates an INFO LINE 1300 019 028 and informative website www.ha.org.au .
A set of videos explaining haemochromatosis can be viewed on the YouTube channel www.youtube.com/HaemochromatosisAust .
HA medical advisors include some of the leading academics and clinicians in the field of haemochromatosis. See our website home page for more information.
Ben Marris, President Haemochromatosis Australia website www.ha.org.au