The Iron-Cancer Connection: Risk, Prevention, and Outlook

Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH), also called iron overload disorder, is a common condition in which the body stores too much iron. It is one of the most common genetic disorders in the United States, with a prevalence of 1 in 300 to 500 people.

HH develops from mutations in the HFE gene, which regulates iron absorption in the body. When mutations arise, normal iron regulatory functions break down, causing the body to absorb higher amounts of iron than it needs. Over time, this excess iron accumulates in different areas of the body, including the liver, pancreas, heart, skin, joints, pituitary gland, …read more