Sickle Cell Facts

• In some individuals the red blood cells can be changed from a round to a sickle shape.
  • If you are born with this tendency from one parent, you have sickle cell TRAIT. A person with sickle cell trait does not have sickle cells in the bloodstream and does not have a disease.
  • If you are born with this tendency from both parents, you have sickle cell ANEMIA. A person with sickle cell anemia has sickle cells in the bloodstream and has a disease.
• 1 in 12 African Americans has sickle cell trait.
• 1 in 500 African Americans has sickle cell anemia.
• If both parents have sickle cell trait, each time they conceive a child there is a 25% chance the child will have sickle cell anemia.
• Sickle cell anemia has no cure but with ongoing medical care, disease adjustment counseling and career counseling, most people can be helped to lead satisfying lives.
• All African American people should have the blood test to find out if they have Sickle Cell Trait. It is especially important that people of childbearing age find out if they have this trait.

 

 

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Page last updated 11/01/06
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