This week, actor Stephen McGann (Call The Midwife) and charity Haemochromatosis UK are launching a preventative health initiative to raise awareness of genetic haemochromatosis (iron overload), a treatable condition thought to affect over 9,000 people across Merseyside.

Although it is commonplace, genetic haemochromatosis is rarely diagnosed. Recent research suggests that fewer than 1 in 20 people at risk locally have been diagnosed. Untreated, the condition can lead to toxic iron overload, where the body is unable to process excess iron.

The condition can cause liver disease, cancer, heart disease, chronic fatigue, diabetes, severe joint pain, sexual health issues, dementia and mental health issues. It can affect men and women at any age, but is typically diagnosed when people reach their 40s, 50s or 60s.

Stephen’s own family have been affected by iron overload - “Liverpool’s Irish heritage means many local people can be carrying this hidden condition without knowing - just like I was! So, I recommend that people get themselves checked and be in the know, rather than in the dark. Getting tested will help you and your loved ones live your healthiest life.”

Stephen McGann is Patron of Haemochromatosis UK, a patient-led charity which is providing genetic screening by post this month across Merseyside. Leaflets with information about the condition with details of how to order a postal health check will be delivered to over 24,000 homes across the city during November. A home testing kit is then delivered by post. Once the kit is returned, within 2 weeks, the charity will write with results to everyone tested and their NHS GP, with information about their personalised test results and what to do next.

Chief Executive of Haemochromatosis UK, Neil McClements said: “Early diagnosis saves lives – and every diagnosis starts with public awareness. This project is bringing people together to raise awareness of the symptoms of this common yet treatable, genetic condition.”

Rebecca, aged 53, from the Wirral had never heard of genetic haemochromatosis before a chance diagnosis – “None of us had heard of the condition before…I was diagnosed after my Mum was tested and discovered that she had it. My brother and my Mum’s sister got tested - they have it too. Our family are of Irish and Scottish descent, which we now know makes us higher risk…”

Trevor, aged 50, from Liverpool struggled with symptoms for years : “I was diagnosed in my early forties, after feeling tired and unwell without being able to explain exactly why. Before my diagnosis I’d been to a different doctor a couple of years earlier for the same reason and was just told I was probably working too hard…”

For more information about genetic haemochromatosis, or support following a diagnosis, visit www.ironoverload.org.uk.

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. Founded in 1990 by patients, The Haemochromatosis Society is the only national charity supporting people affected by genetic haemochromatosis. For further details : http://www.ironoverload.org.uk

2. Exclusive photos (hi-res, web formats) of Stephen McGann and audio of him telling his family’s story are available for download here : https://www.haemochromatosis.org.uk/screening-media-kit

3. Diagnosed early, haemochromatosis is manageable and not life-limiting. Treatment is simple and cost effective; primarily through regular blood donation. Untreated, the condition can lead to iron overload which can cause a range of illnesses including liver cancer, diabetes, cardiomyopathy, liver disease, chronic fatigue and severe joint pain.

4. For photos, interview requests and background information, email media@huk.org.uk call our office on 03030 401 101 (9am-3pm weekdays)

5. Haemochromatosis UK online

o Website : https://www.ironoverload.org.uk

o Twitter : @IronOverloadUK

o Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/haemochromatosisuk

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