More awareness is needed around Haemochromatosis according to Shirley McEnroe Clinical Nurse Specialist for Genetic haemochromatosis for Cavan and Monaghan.
Shirley has been speaking on the Joe Finnegan Show this morning to mark World Haemochromatosis Awareness week that runs until June 7th.
Haemochromatosis, or 'iron overload' is Ireland's most common genetic condition, where large amounts of iron are absorbed from the diet into vital organs such as the liver, heart and lungs and body tissue.
The Irish Haemochromatosis Association estimates there are at least 20,000 undiagnosed cases of Haemochromatosis in Ireland.
While 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.
Clinical Nurse Specialist Shirley McEnroe says early diagnosis is vital and if untreated can lead to organ damage or premature death.
