News|Articles|July 17, 2026

Hereditary Hemochromatosis: A Preventable Burden Hidden in Plain Sight

Fact checked by: Laura Joszt, MA

A common, underdiagnosed genetic disorder, hereditary hemochromatosis is costly when caught late and simple to treat when caught early.

One of the most common inherited genetic disorders in the US is quietly driving cirrhosis, heart failure, and diabetes as well as years of unnecessary specialist care, all largely preventable with a blood test and a timely diagnosis, according to Usha Perepu, MD, a nationally recognized classical hematology expert and director of classical hematology at the Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio.