Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common genetic life-shortening condition affecting children with approximately one in 2500 babies born with CF. Average life expectancy today for people with cystic fibrosis is 49 years, three decades ago, it was mid-20s.
Cystic fibrosis causes abnormally thick and sticky mucus to clog the lungs and pancreas and stops them working properly. In the lungs, the mucus causes inflammation, infection and irreversible lung damage. In the pancreas, it stops the release of important enzymes that help digest food and this leads to malnutrition.
There is currently no cure.
Our Cystic Fibrosis Research Team focuses on the assessment, treatment and prevention of cystic fibrosis lung disease in young children. By preventing lung disease early in life we believe that individuals with cystic fibrosis will live longer fulfilling lives.
Meet Steve Stick
Paediatrician and cystic fibrosis researcher Professor Steve Stick says people with CF die too young, something we need to fix.
His team is discovering new treatments to prevent lung disease, improve quality of life and extend the life of people with CF.
Meet Sarah
At just 12 years of age, Sarah has already had a lung transplant.
Born with cystic fibrosis, she needs to take 50 tablets a day to help her digest food and has diabetes too.