Hereditary hemochromatosis - Preventing chronic effects of this underdiagnosed disorder

Diagnosis of iron overload is often delayed until clinical manifestations have appeared and it is too late to prevent organ damage. Therefore, basic and continuing medical education about the disease is urgently needed. Physicians and their specialty groups can be important leaders for change. Further studies on the prevalence and penetrance of hereditary hemochromatosis, the capability of current laboratory tests to detect the disease, and the cost-effectiveness of screening are also needed.