Emily Petoske

What is Cystic Fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-threatening genetic disease that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system. An estimated 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide) have CF.

Quick Facts about CF

In the United States:

• About 1,000 new cases of CF are diagnosed each year.



• More than 75 percent of people with CF are
diagnosed by age 2.



• Nearly half of the CF population is age 18 or older.

 In people with CF, a defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that:

• Clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections.



• Obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down food and absorb vital nutrients.

In the 1950s, few children with CF lived to attend elementary school. Since then, tremendous progress in understanding and treating CF has led to dramatic improvements in the length and quality of life for those with CF. Many people with the disease can now expect to live into their 30s, 40s and beyond. What Is Cystic Fibrosis?  

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-threatening genetic disease that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system. An estimated 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide) have CF.