No. Some individuals have milder or more severe symptoms than others for reasons that are not completely understood. It is not always possible to tell from a prenatal test how mild or severe a child’s symptoms will be. While most people with CF have a shortened life span, some die in childhood and others live into their 40’s or even longer. Although there is no cure for CF, research on more effective treatments is under way. Still, by adulthood, most people with CF will have some breathing and digestive problems. Despite these physical problems, there are many people with CF who attend school, have careers, and have fulfilling lives.