(CNN) A "stealth condition" which is one of the western world's most common genetic disorders is causing far higher levels of cancer and chronic health conditions than previously thought, a UK study has revealed.

Hereditary hemochromatosis -- a genetic condition which leads to a toxic build-up of iron in the body -- was previously thought to be a low-level health risk. However, a new study, published Wednesday in the British Medical Journal, has revealed that the condition in fact quadruples the risk of liver disease and doubles the risk of arthritis and frailty in older demographics.

It also leads to a higher risk of chronic pain and diabetes.

The condition, which is caused by individuals having mutations on both copies of the HFR gene, causes individuals to absorb too much iron, which subsequently accumulates around the body and can eventually lead to organ damage.

The study, which is largest of its kind and analyzed data from 2,890 people carrying the mutations, revealed that in men of European ancestry in Britain, 5.8% of liver cancers and 1.6% of hip replacements were caused by the condition.

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