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