Editor:

Did you know that one in 300 Canadians have the genetic marker that can cause an iron overload disorder?

Estimates are that 110,000 Canadians may have this disorder called hemochromatosis, but are unaware. If undiagnosed, the consequences are potentially fatal.

My mother died at the age of 62 with undiagnosed hemochromatosis that we didn't know about until after her death. It leaves us to wonder if she would still be alive if she had had the proper diagnosis or treatment.

Diagnosis is difficult since symptoms are vague, often masking themselves as other more common conditions, such as liver disease, arthritis, heart problems or even diabetes.

May is Hemochromatosis Awareness Month. We are on a mission to encourage Canadians to learn more about the warning signs of iron overload disorder by visiting www.toomuchiron.ca, the Canadian Hemochromatosis Society website.

Talk to your doctor, because a simple test may save your life or the life of a loved one. If we can save even one life through awareness of iron overload, we have made a difference.

G. David

Chilliwack