SCD FAQS
Sickle Cell Disease? What is that?
Who is affected by Sickle Cell Disease?
How many people are affected by Sickle Cell Disease?
Sickle Cell Disease Treatments
Why should I care?
Who is affected by Sickle Cell Disease?
How many people are affected by Sickle Cell Disease?
Sickle Cell Disease Treatments
Why should I care?
Sickle Cell Disease? What is that? (BACK TO TOP)
Sickle Cell Disease is a hereditary blood disease passed on to the affected person by their parents who must both be carriers of the Sickle Cell trait.
Specifically, Sickle Cell Disease describes the distinct shape of the blood cells of Sicklers (those living with Sickle Cell Disease). Instead of appearing in a circular or slightly oval shape, blood cells are curved (like a “C”), causing much pain and discomfort to Sicklers as the blood cells pass throughout their bodies. This pain can often cause what we call Sickle Cell Crises or episodes of crises (“EPOCS”).
According to sickle research, “the sickle cell trait is most common in people whose ancestors lived in malarial regions....”
Sickle Cell Disease is a hereditary blood disease passed on to the affected person by their parents who must both be carriers of the Sickle Cell trait.
Specifically, Sickle Cell Disease describes the distinct shape of the blood cells of Sicklers (those living with Sickle Cell Disease). Instead of appearing in a circular or slightly oval shape, blood cells are curved (like a “C”), causing much pain and discomfort to Sicklers as the blood cells pass throughout their bodies. This pain can often cause what we call Sickle Cell Crises or episodes of crises (“EPOCS”).
According to sickle research, “the sickle cell trait is most common in people whose ancestors lived in malarial regions....”
Who is affected by Sickle Cell Disease? (BACK TO TOP)
Sickle Cell Disease (or Sickle Cell Anemia) affects not only individuals of African/Caribbean descent, but it also affects those of Mediterranean, South American, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian descent, too.
Sickle Cell Disease (or Sickle Cell Anemia) affects not only individuals of African/Caribbean descent, but it also affects those of Mediterranean, South American, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian descent, too.
How many people are affected by Sickle Cell Disease?
In the Canadian context, real statistics on the Sickle Cell Disease’s human impact are unknown. Recent statistics provided by Canadian sources suggested that there were about 2000 persons in Canada living with Sickle Cell Disease. However, these numbers are grossly underestimated.
However, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in the United States has stated that Sickle Cell Disease affects more than 100,000 people in the United States alone, but affects millions of people, globally. About 1 in 500 African American births will see children born with Sickle Cell Disease. While the number of Hispanic newborns affected with Sickle Cell Disease is 1 in 36,000.
However, again, research suggests that these numbers are much higher, and Sickle Cell births are occurring more frequently, domestically as well as internationally.
In the Canadian context, real statistics on the Sickle Cell Disease’s human impact are unknown. Recent statistics provided by Canadian sources suggested that there were about 2000 persons in Canada living with Sickle Cell Disease. However, these numbers are grossly underestimated.
However, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in the United States has stated that Sickle Cell Disease affects more than 100,000 people in the United States alone, but affects millions of people, globally. About 1 in 500 African American births will see children born with Sickle Cell Disease. While the number of Hispanic newborns affected with Sickle Cell Disease is 1 in 36,000.
However, again, research suggests that these numbers are much higher, and Sickle Cell births are occurring more frequently, domestically as well as internationally.
Treatments for Sickle Cell Disease (Sickle Cell Anemia) (BACK TO TOP)
Currently, Sickle Cell Disease is treated as a blood cancer. Sicklers are given chemotherapy as a means of treatment, which Sicklers and medical experts alike have noted, can cause further complications with a Sickler's health. This can include more frequent occurrences and significantly more painful EPOCs (episodes of crises). Blood transfusions are also a common treatment method used to treat SCD, but which can cause more pain and severe discomfort, leading to EPOCs, and extended hospital stays. Blood transfusions can also cause serious health problems such as higher concentrations of iron in the liver and heart, which could ultimately lead to heart or liver failure.
Aside from treatments such as chemotherapy, Sicklers are also prescribed medication(s). However, there are quite a few serious side effects from currently prescribed SCD medications, which can cause any one of the following major health problems:
Currently, Sickle Cell Disease is treated as a blood cancer. Sicklers are given chemotherapy as a means of treatment, which Sicklers and medical experts alike have noted, can cause further complications with a Sickler's health. This can include more frequent occurrences and significantly more painful EPOCs (episodes of crises). Blood transfusions are also a common treatment method used to treat SCD, but which can cause more pain and severe discomfort, leading to EPOCs, and extended hospital stays. Blood transfusions can also cause serious health problems such as higher concentrations of iron in the liver and heart, which could ultimately lead to heart or liver failure.
Aside from treatments such as chemotherapy, Sicklers are also prescribed medication(s). However, there are quite a few serious side effects from currently prescribed SCD medications, which can cause any one of the following major health problems:
- Damage to the liver
- Damage to the heart
- Damage to the kidneys
- Damage to tissue (internal/external)
- Damage to bones (due to blood flow restriction)
- Malnutrition
- Stunted adolescent growth
- Delays in puberty in males and females
- Infertility in males
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Gallstones
- Priapism
Why should I care? (BACK TO TOP)
Sicklers need treatments that provide comprehensive disease management, not cause side effects, new health complications, more EPOCs, or complications which may lead to chronic immobility or death.
Cases of Sickle Cell Disease are also on the rise. Despite, misconceptions that Sickle Cell Disease only affects persons of African and/or Caribbean descent. A notable global health organization has declared that SCD is on the verge of becoming a world health crisis due to globalization, and emigration and immigration within and between countries, respectively.
Then, there is the fact that there are several thousands of community organizations and foundations established in cities all over the United States, Africa, Ireland, India, Nigeria, among other locations around the globe.
The fact remains that Sickle Cell Disease does not discriminate. If you have red blood flowing through your veins, you can either be a carrier of the Sickle Cell trait or have children born with the Sickle Cell trait or full-blown Sickle Cell Disease.
Sicklers need treatments that provide comprehensive disease management, not cause side effects, new health complications, more EPOCs, or complications which may lead to chronic immobility or death.
Cases of Sickle Cell Disease are also on the rise. Despite, misconceptions that Sickle Cell Disease only affects persons of African and/or Caribbean descent. A notable global health organization has declared that SCD is on the verge of becoming a world health crisis due to globalization, and emigration and immigration within and between countries, respectively.
Then, there is the fact that there are several thousands of community organizations and foundations established in cities all over the United States, Africa, Ireland, India, Nigeria, among other locations around the globe.
The fact remains that Sickle Cell Disease does not discriminate. If you have red blood flowing through your veins, you can either be a carrier of the Sickle Cell trait or have children born with the Sickle Cell trait or full-blown Sickle Cell Disease.