Got an idea for a holiday? Send it to us

Submit Now

Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month – May 2024

Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month is observed each year during May in the U.S. This month is an opportunity for people to educate themselves about the lung disease that affects more than 30,000 people in America. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that causes constant lung infections. It affects more than just the lungs, though. It may also impact other organs in the body where there’s an accumulation of mucus, such as the pancreas and the male reproductive system. While we still haven’t found a cure for cystic fibrosis, advancements in medical science have made it possible for patients with the condition to live a normal life. However, they are still at risk of infection and other problems.

History of Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month

Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month has been observed since the mid-1990s. It helps bring awareness to this genetic disease and raises money so that research can be carried out to find a cure.

The disease causes mutations that prevent an essential protein from stopping functioning. This results in thick, sticky mucus attaching to organ membranes. In the lungs, this mucus blocks the airways and causes bacteria and other germs to become trapped. This, in turn, paves the way for severe respiratory distress, inflammation, and infections. Patients with cystic fibrosis are also at high risk of other infections due to a weakened immune system. Patients have to be extra careful about germs and need to uphold good hygiene practices. In the pancreas, the mucus build-up hampers the release of enzymes that assist with the absorption of nutrients essential for survival. Similarly, the disease can harm the liver and lead to reduced liver function or even liver failure.

Raising awareness about cystic fibrosis is crucial for several reasons. Cystic fibrosis is a rare but severe disease, but many individuals suffering from it are not correctly diagnosed and do not have access to proper care. It is also a greatly misunderstood disease. People believe that cystic fibrosis is contagious, which is untrue. With increased understanding, compassion, and awareness, we can help patients with cystic fibrosis live dignified and healthy lives.

Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month timeline

1938
The Disease is First Described

Pathologist Dorothy Andersen first describes the disease.

1963
Diagnostic Criteria is Listed

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in the U.S. highlights how to diagnose and manage the disease.

1989
The C.F.T.R. Gene is Identified

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (C.F.T.R.) gene is identified and linked to cystic fibrosis.

2010
An Increase in Lifespan is Noted

A report reveals that the lifespan of individuals with cystic fibrosis is increasing at 1.8% each year.

Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month FAQs

What is the main cause of cystic fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease caused by a mutation in a gene called the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (C.F.T.R.) gene.

What are the symptoms of cystic fibrosis?

Lung infections or pneumonia; wheezing; coughing with thick mucus; bulky, greasy bowel movements; and constipation or diarrhea.

Can cystic fibrosis be cured?

There is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis. However, a range of treatments is available to help control the symptoms, prevent or reduce complications, and make the condition easier to live with.

How to Observe Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month

  1. Talk about it

    Observe National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month by talking about the disorder. Share infographics, resources, and reading material on the disease with your friends and family.

  2. Donate to research organizations

    Know of any organizations that look after patients with cystic fibrosis and research the illness? Consider giving them a donation during National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month so they can continue doing good work.

  3. Involve your community

    A great way to observe National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month is by encouraging your community members, including local councilors, to take up the cause of raising awareness about cystic fibrosis. The more people who are informed, the better.

5 Important Facts About Cystic Fibrosis

  1. It affects many Americans

    Approximately 30,000 Americans live with cystic fibrosis.

  2. Many more carry the gene

    More than 10 million Americans are symptomless carriers of the gene.

  3. Treatments have improved

    Thanks to medical advancements, treatment options can now help cystic fibrosis patients live into their 20s and 30s, with some even living into their 40s.

  4. It is the most common genetic disorder

    It is the most common fatal genetic disorder in Americans.

  5. Newborns can be screened for cystic fibrosis

    This allows the patient’s family to seek early medical intervention.

Why Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month is Important

  1. It highlights the needs of cystic fibrosis patients

    National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month is important. It addresses the needs of thousands of individuals affected by the disorder.

  2. It builds a community

    National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month also helps build communities of patients with cystic fibrosis and their caregivers. They can come together to share their stories, challenges, and helpful resources.

  3. It places a focus on the disorder

    National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month draws focus to the need for treatment and cure of the disorder. The month encourages medical practitioners to work towards finding a cure.

Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month dates

YearDateDay
2024May 1Wednesday
2025May 1Thursday
2026May 1Friday
2027May 1Saturday
2028May 1Monday
Hurricane Preparedness Week
National Physical Education and Sport Week
Aces Day
Agriculture and Labor Day
Beltane
Blessing Day
Calan Mai
Couple Appreciation Day
CSS Reboot Day
Executive Coaching Day
Frequent Flyer Day
Global Love Day
Great American Grump Out
International Doodle Dog Day
International Sunflower Guerilla Gardening Day
Keep Kids Alive Drive 25 Day
Labor Day Philippines
Learn to Ride a Bike Day
Lei Day
Marshall Islands Constitution Day
May Day
Mother Goose Day
National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day
National Black Barber Shop Appreciation Day
National Chocolate Parfait Day
National Infertility Survival Day
National Interpreter Appreciation Day
National Loyalty Day
National Mantra Day
National Purebred Dog Day
National Rotate Your Beer Day
National Skilled Trades Day
National Skilled Trades Day
New Homeowners Day
Phone in Sick Day
Save The Rhino Day
School Principals' Day
Silver Star Banner Day
Therapeutic Massage Awareness Day
Worthy Wage Day
ALS Awareness Month
American Cheese Month
American Wetlands Month
Anxiety Awareness Month
Arthritis Awareness Month
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Awareness of Medical Orphans Month
Be Kind to Animals Month
Bealtaine Festival
Better Sleep Month
Better Speech and Hearing Month
Bladder Cancer Awareness Month
Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month
Brain Cancer Awareness Month
Building Safety Month
Celiac Awareness Month
Chip Your Pet Month
Chronic Fatigue Awareness Month
Clean Air Month
Community Action Month
Correct Posture Month
Creative Beginnings Month
Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month
Date Your Mate Month
Deck Safety Month
EDS Awareness Month
Electromagnetic Radiation Awareness Month
Family Wellness Month
Fibromyalgia Education and Awareness Month
Food Allergy Action Month
Fungal Infection Awareness Month
Gardening for Wildlife Month
Get Caught Reading Month
Gifts From The Garden Month
Global Employee Health and Fitness Month
Global Youth Traffic Safety Month
Haitian Heritage Month
Heal the Children Month
Healthy Vision Month
Hepatitis Awareness Month
Homeschool Awareness Month
Huntington's Disease Awareness Month
Indian Heritage Month
Internal Audit Awareness Month
International Business Image Improvement Month
International Civility Awareness Month
International Drum Month
International Respect for Chickens Month
International Victorious Woman Month
Jewish American Heritage Month
Labor History Month
Latino Books Month
Leaders of Tomorrow Month
Lettuce Month
Local and Community History Month
Lung Health Awareness Month
Lupus Awareness Month
Make May Purple /Action On Stroke Month
Maternal Mental Health Month
May Measurement Month
MCS Awareness Month
Meditation Month
Mediterranean Diet Month
Melanoma / Skin Cancer Detection & Prevention Month
Mental Health Awareness Month
Military Appreciation Month
Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
National Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month
National Asparagus Month
National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month
National Barbecue Month
National Bicycle Safety Month
National Blood Pressure Month
National Chocolate Custard Month
National Comfort Month
National Digestive Disease Awareness Month
National Duckling Month
fried egg on national egg month
National Egg Month
National Foster Care Month
National Hamburger Month
National Heritage Month
National Inventors Month
a nurse on National Lyme Disease Awareness Month
National Lyme Disease Awareness Month
National Moving Month
National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month
National Pet Month
National Photography Month
National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
National Physiotherapy Month
National Physiotherapy Month
National Preservation Month
National Prom Graduation Safety Month
National Recommitment Month
National Salad Month
National Salsa Month
National San Architect Month
National Service Dog Eye Examination Month
National Share a Story Month
National Show Your Smile Month
National Sight-Saving Month
National Strawberry Month
National Teen Self-Esteem Month
National Tennis Month
National Toxic Encephalopathy and Chemical Injury Awareness Month
National Tuberous Sclerosis Awareness Month
National Vinegar Month
National Walking Month
National Youth Traffic Safety Month
Necrotizing Fasciitis Awareness Month
Neurofibromatosis Month
Older Americans Month
Personal History Awareness Month
Pet Sitter Safety Month
REACT Month
Responsible Animal Guardian Month
Revise Your Work Schedule Month
Small Business Month
Speech and Hearing Awareness Month
Steelmark Month
Strike Out Strokes Month
Stroke Awareness Month
Syringomyelia Awareness Month
Teen CEO Month
Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month
Tuberous Sclerosis Awareness Month
Ultraviolet Awareness Month
Women's Health Month
Zombie Awareness Month

Holidays Straight to Your Inbox

Every day is a holiday!
Receive fresh holidays directly to your inbox.