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About SCD/SCT
Patient education
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About Sickle Cell Disease & Trait
SCD is the world's most common genetic blood disorder. Understanding it changes everything.
DISEASE
An inherited blood disorder where red blood cells form a rigid sickle shape, blocking blood flow and causing pain crises, organ damage, and increased infection risk. About 100,000 people in the US live with SCD; 1 in 365 African American babies are born with it.
TRAIT
Research increasingly shows the trait can be symptomatic — causing patients to need medical care. SCMA extends its services to cover those with the trait who may need medical intervention.
U.S. STATISTICS
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Who is affected
100,000
People with SCD in the US
1 in 13
African American babies born with sickle trait
1 in 365
African American babies born with SCD
1 in 16,300
Latino babies born with SCD
GLOBAL REACH
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SCD affects millions worldwide
SCD affects millions with ancestral ties to sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. People living with SCD are also found in Saudi Arabia, India, and Mediterranean countries.
Sub-Saharan Africa
Central & South America
Caribbean
Saudi Arabia
India
Mediterranean