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JUST THE FACTS

sickle cell anemia

An inherited blood disorder which affects the shape of the red blood cells

Red blood cells are normally round-shaped

If a person has Sickle Cell Anemia, the red blood cells change and become pointed, or sickle-shaped

severe pain

Sickle Cell Anemia may cause severe pain from time to time. This pain is usually in the arms, back, legs, stomach, or joints.

good health practices

People with Sickle Cell Anemia can lead productive lives by maintaining good health practices.

1 out of 400

Number of Black American babies born with Sickle Cell Anemia each year

sickle cell trait

Sickle Cell Trait is different from Sickle Cell Anemia. A person with Sickle Cell Trait has normal round blood cells.

1 out 625

Number of babies born with Sickle Cell Trait each year

special blood testing

A person does not get sick from having Sickle Cell Trait. The only way to find out if you have the trait is by a special blood test.

1 in 4 chance

If two people with Sickle Cell Trait have children, there is a one in four chance, with each pregnancy, that a baby will be born with Sickle Cell Anemia.

Born with it

Neither Sickle Cell Trait nor Sickle Cell Anemia can be caught. A person is born with it.

40 years of age

The average life expectancy for a person with Sickle Cell Disease

Not Limited

Sickle Cell Anemia is not limited to persons of African American descent.

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