Final answer:
Cystic fibrosis affects approximately 1 in 2,500 newborns among European populations and is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the CFTR gene. Medical advancements have significantly improved life expectancy for those with CF.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is one of the most common genetic diseases among individuals of European ancestry and affects newborns at a rate of approximately 1 in 2,500. This autosomal recessive disorder is caused by a mutation in the CFTR gene, leading to the production of abnormally thick and sticky mucus that can cause severe respiratory and digestive issues. Even though cystic fibrosis is a serious disease, with advances in medical treatment, many patients now live into their 30s, significantly extending life expectancy compared to the past where children with CF rarely lived over 10 years. In populations of Northern European descent, about 1 in 25 people is a carrier of the cystic fibrosis mutation, and with two carrier parents, there is a 25% chance of a child being born with CF. Over time, and with improvement in medical interventions, cystic fibrosis has become more manageable allowing people to live longer lives despite the disease's complications.