Many people are aware that low levels of iron in their body can lead to anaemia, with symptoms such as fatigue. But few realise that too much iron can result in a potentially fatal condition. Meat picture from Shutterstock Normally, if we have enough iron in our body, then no further iron is absorbed from the diet, and our iron levels remain relatively constant. But the body also has no way of excreting excess iron. In a condition called hereditary haemochromatosis, the most common cause of iron overload, the mechanism to detect sufficient iron in the body is impaired and people can go on absorbing iron beyond the normal required amount. Untreated, haemochromatosis can result in scarring to the liver (cirrhosis), liver cancer, damage to the heart and diabetes. These problems are the result of excess iron being deposited in the liver, heart and pancreas. Haemochromatosis can also cause non-specific symptoms such as fatigue, loss of libido and arthritis. In some, it results in a shortened lifespan. The most common cause of hereditary haemochromatosis is a mutation received from both parents, in a gene called HFE. Around one in every 200 Australians of European heritage have a double dose of … Continue reading →

Anne Roberts of Moorhead Anne Roberts of Moorhead talks about her decision to have her breasts removed after being diagnosed with the gene that made her a high risk for developing breast cancer. David Samson / The Forum Sanford medical lab scientist Tylise Graff looks at tumor tissue from a breast cancer sample which helps determine the course of treatment. David Samson / The Forum Would you consider genetic testing? FARGO Anne Roberts considers herself a breast cancer previvor. After learning that she inherited a gene that placed her at very high risk and knowing her family history was riddled with cancer she opted for preventive surgery, a double mastectomy. My surgeon explained to me it wasnt a matter of if, she said. I was going to get cancer. It was a question of when. Roberts was 55 when she had the surgery four years ago the same age her older sister first developed breast cancer, and the age of her paternal grandmother when she died of cancer. Genetic testing revealed the Moorhead woman had an 87 percent chance of developing breast cancer. Preemptive surgery reduced her risk by 90 percent. Now, the kind of genetic screening and counseling that … Continue reading →

FARGO Medical science has developed genetic tests for 2,000 diseases that are available for clinical use. Some, such as prenatal screens to test for Down syndrome and other congenital disorders, have been in use for years. But in many cases, experts said, limited scientific information is available to evaluate tests, and medical providers and payers are struggling with how to navigate an expanding field of medicine. Health insurers often are the gatekeepers in deciding whether to pay for genetic tests. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve patients outcomes and be more cost-effective, but payers want scientific guidance. Theyre struggling with this too, is my belief, said Dr. Claire Neely, medical director of the Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement, a Minnesota group that advises member health systems and insurers. They want to do the right thing for their patients, she said. Sanford Healths recently announced initiative to bring genetic medicine and counseling into the primary care setting, in combination with research and education, should generate useful information, Neely said. I would call it increasing genetic literacy in primary care, she said. I think that is an important piece. Experts, including those with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, say valid … Continue reading →

The seminar, a year in the making, was formally announced in November at a news conference in Jerusalem. In attendance was Mayor Nutter, who used the announcement to cap a two-week trade mission to London and Israel in November. This seminar is an example of the types of ties Nutter was striving to secure on his trip. The mayor was on hand Monday when the seminar got underway at Children's Colket Translational Research Building on Civic Center Boulevard. In welcoming the researchers, Nutter managed to draw a healthy laugh from the crowd when he related his own college-era interest in pursuing medicine as a career. That is, until he collided with one of the denser prerequisites. "Chemistry changed my life," Nutter said. "Ultimately, the world is a better and safer place." Nutter acknowledged knowing little about what was to be discussed at the conference, which was not surprising given how technical and targeted the planned sessions will be. The researchers heard from experts Monday on childhood disorders and diseases, the nervous system, cardiology, metabolism and nanomedicine. The researchers had a wide variety of interests and expertise. Julie Mostov, vice provost for global initiatives at Drexel, said some researchers from her … Continue reading →