The Manila Times
MANILA, Philippines — Health experts urged a stronger awareness campaign for Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1), a rare disease that causes tumors to grow along the nerves, in observance of World Neurofibromatosis Day. In a press briefing led by AstraZeneca Philippines on Friday, health experts highlighted the urgency of addressing NF1 cases that often go undiagnosed due to low awareness. "Awareness is important because when families, schools, and communities understand the condition better, children are given a greater opportunity to thrive," Dr. Amparo Itto Agrava, pediatric neurologist and neurosonologist, said. NF1 is a rare genetic condition that affects 1 in 3,000 people worldwide. It causes tumors to grow along the nerves and can lead to complications involving the skin, bones, eyes, and brain. Health experts explained that the health condition varies from patient to patient, noting that no two patients present the same way. This, they noted, is the primary reason why many patients in the country are left undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. AstraZeneca Philippines said a new therapeutic option was recently introduced in the country, making treatment for patients more accessible.
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