Campaigner calls for tests to prevent 'Celtic curse' killing Scots

Published on Tuesday 15 December 2009 21:01

PEOPLE should be routinely screened for a dangerous genetic condition which could afflict one in 200 Scots, a campaign group said yesterday.

Described by some as the "Celtic curse", haemochromatosis is a genetic condition prevalent in Scotland, Ireland and other northern European countries which causes iron to build up in the body.

Victims can develop liver disease, diabetes, heart problems and depression.

George Scott, who heads the Haemochromatosis Society, took his campaign to the Scottish Parliament and told MSPs that simple and cheap tests could save lives.

"I get phone calls every month from people who are recently diagnosed," he said.

"Every single one of those people is in a depressed state, some of them are almost suicidal.

"I run up huge amounts in telephone bills ringing them back to try to convince them that life is not over and that there's lots that can be done."

Mr Scott, 64, from Dalry, Dumfries and Galloway, said one in 200 people in Scotland is at risk from the condition.

Screening is not offered, but costs as little as 40p per test, he said.

Treatment can involve bloodletting to manage iron levels in the body.

MSPs on Holyrood's public petitions committee said they will ask health secretary Nicola Sturgeon to look into setting up a pilot in one health authority.

This will help paint a better picture of the "cost benefits" and could lead to a national scheme.

The campaign is supported by radio presenter Robin Galloway, who was diagnosed with haemochromatosis after developing telltale arthritic pains in his knuckles four years ago.

Following yesterday's meeting, Mr Galloway backed calls for a pilot and said: "That would be a giant step. It's a Celtic disease and affects so many Scots."