Did you know May is NF Awareness Month
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), affects about 1 in 3,000 people throughout the world and does not discriminate based on race, gender, or ethnic background. The disorder is characterized by multiple café au lait (light brown) skin spots and neurofibromas (small benign growths) on or under the skin, and/or freckling in the armpits or groin. About 50% of people with NF1 also have learning challenges. Softening and curving of bones, and curvature of the spine (scoliosis) may occur in some patients with NF1. Occasionally, tumors may develop in the brain, on cranial nerves, or on the spinal cord. While NF tumors are generally not cancerous, they may cause health problems by pressing on nearby body tissue. Sometimes a benign tumor may become malignant (cancerous), but most people with NF1 will never develop a malignant tumor. NF1 is usually diagnosed in childhood.
Several folks here have shared that they have NF or a family member has this genetic disorder.