This review in the BMJ on thalassaemia addresses the following questions:

• What is thalassaemia?

• Which populations are at risk?

• What are the different forms of α- and β-thalassaemia?

• How can thalassaemia be diagnosed?

• Can thalassaemia be prevented?

• How are patients with thalassaemia treated?

• How should iron overload be monitored?

• How should iron overload be prevented and treated?

• Is there a potential cure?