Causes
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited recessive genetic condition. Amongst people of Caucasian ancestry 1 in 25 are genetic carriers for CF, usually without knowing it.
If a baby is born with CF, it means that both parents are genetic carriers for CF. However, even if they are genetic carriers, there is no guarantee that the child will be born with CF.
If two people are genetic carriers for CF and they have a child there is (with every pregnancy):
- A 1 out of 4 (25%) chance that the child will have CF
- A 2 out of 4 (50%) chance that the child will be a genetic carrier for CF
- A 1 out of 4 (25%) chance that the child will not have CF and will not be a genetic carrier for CF.
For more information see the brochure How Does Cystic Fibrosis Happen? (pdf)
