A major conference aimed at helping people who have the genetic disorder haemochromatosis has been supported by a grant from the Australian Government.

To be held next year, the biennial Australian Haemochromatosis Conference will seek to share and develop understanding of the disorder, which causes the body to absorb and store excess iron.

Announcing the $30,000 grant, Senator Catryna Bilyk said the little-known condition was, in fact, the most common genetic disorder among Australians of European descent and could lead to serious health impacts.

“Around 100,000 people have a predisposition to the disorder due to a gene mutation and, if untreated, this could lead to chronic diseases such as fibrosis, cancer of the liver, arthritis and diabetes,” Senator Bilyk said.

“However, it is generally easily treated and, if diagnosed early, Australians with haemochromatosis can expect to lead perfectly normal, healthy lives.

“For people who have this condition, early detection and treatment leads to a slowing of the progression of arthritis and liver cancer.”

President of Haemochromatosis Australia, Ben Marris, said the conference would have a patient focus as well as bringing together the leading experts in the field to discuss future policies and research possibilities
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“Haemochromatosis Australia is the only advocacy and support group for Australians who have this condition – for 23 years we have been providing information, health promotion programs and help for people with haemochromatosis, their families and carers,” Mr Marris said.

“We are very grateful to Senator Bilyk and Health Minister, Tanya Plibersek, for arranging for this grant which will enable us to hold a really significant conference.

“Haemochromatosis is a condition which is often overlooked. This conference will help us to ensure that the very best treatment and management is available to more people. We hope that this will be the first of a biennial series,” said Mr Marris

More information about Haemochromatosis Australia and the blood disorder itself can be found at haemochromatosis.org.au or by contacting the information line on 1300 019 028.
Senator Catryna Bilyk Labor Senator for Tasmania Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Cyber Safety