A study offering genetic screening of year 10 and 11 students has been able to identify students at risk of a hereditary disease.
The study, conducted by the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute screened over 5,700 students using a cheek swab sample, with one in 203 found to be at high risk of haemochromatosis.
Haemochromatosis is one of the most common hereditary diseases, causing the body to absorb more iron than usual from food. It can lead to liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, diabetes and heart damage, but once identified, symptoms are easily preventable.
Read more at Murdoch Childrens Research Instite