What is Cystic Fibrosis?

What is Cystic Fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common fatal genetic disease affecting Canadian children and young adults. At present, there is no cure.

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4338
Canadians with cystic fibrosis

35%

Children

65%

Adults

It is estimated that one in every 3,600 children born in Canada has CF. More than 4,300 Canadian children, adolescents, and adults with cystic fibrosis attend specialized CF clinics.


CF causes various effects on the body, but mainly affects the digestive system and lungs. The degree of cystic fibrosis severity differs from person to person, however, the persistence of ongoing infection in the lungs causing destruction of the lungs and loss of lung function, will eventually lead to death in the majority of people with CF.


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Typical complications caused by cystic fibrosis are:

  • Difficulty digesting fats and proteins
  • Malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies because of inability to absorb nutrients
  • Progressive lung damage from chronic infections and aberrant inflammation
  • CF related diabetes
  • Sinus infections


17,485
Clinic Visits

15,961
Hospital Days

10,735
Home IV Days

16
Lung Transplants

Info above credited to the 2021 Highlights from the Canadian CF Registry

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