Currently, there is no cure for CF, only treatments aimed at minimizing the severity of the symptoms and improving quality of life. However, research is being conducted to develop a cure and to enhance treatments. Great strides have been made over the past 10 years, which are allowing some people with CF to live longer lives, with some improvement in quality of life.

Prevention of CF is not currently possible except through a combination of targeted population screening for carrier status and genetic counseling about a couple’s CF risk.

Early detection can be accomplished with CF gene mutation testing prenatally, using amniocentesis or chorionic villus collection procedures. Newborn screening programs are starting to add IRT testing and CF gene mutation testing to their menus. Early identification of CF allows parents to get education, referral to a CF center for specialized help, and to start early treatments in their infants to minimize nutritional problems and lung damage.

More information can be found on the “Living with CF” section of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation web site and the cystic fibrosis section of the “Your Genes Your Health” web site.