The Facts. The People. The Future.
Understanding sickle cell disease starts with accurate information, lived experience, and a commitment to better care.
Inherited
A group of inherited blood disorders.
Whole-person
Can affect blood, organs, daily life, and wellbeing.
Global
People of many backgrounds can be affected.
Understanding the condition
What is sickle cell disease?
Sickle cell disease changes hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Some red blood cells can become rigid and sickle-shaped, restricting blood flow and contributing to pain, anemia, infection risk, and organ complications.
Disease versus trait
Sickle cell disease
A person inherits two altered hemoglobin genes. The condition requires ongoing medical care and may cause serious complications.
Sickle cell trait
A person usually inherits one altered gene and one typical gene. Trait is not sickle cell disease, though genetic counseling can help families understand inheritance.
Debunking myths
Sickle Cell Disease Is Not Limited to One Race
The gene variants associated with sickle cell are more common in regions where malaria has historically occurred, including parts of Africa, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, India, and Central and South America. Anyone can inherit sickle cell disease.
Who is affected?
Sickle cell disease affects individuals and families around the world. In the United States, it disproportionately affects Black or African American communities, while also affecting Hispanic, Middle Eastern, South Asian, Mediterranean, and other populations.
U.S. and global statistics
Estimated U.S. population living with sickle cell disease; exact count unknown.
Source: CDC · Data year: 2024 · Last reviewed: July 20, 2026Black or African American births in the United States.
Source: CDC · Data year: 2024 · Last reviewed: July 20, 2026Hispanic American births in the United States.
Source: CDC · Data year: 2024 · Last reviewed: July 20, 2026Black babies born with sickle cell trait; trait is not sickle cell disease.
Source: CDC · Data year: 2024 · Last reviewed: July 20, 2026Estimated people living with sickle cell disease globally in 2021.
Source: World Health Organization · Data year: 2021 · Last reviewed: July 20, 2026Estimated babies born with sickle cell disease globally in 2021.
Source: World Health Organization · Data year: 2021 · Last reviewed: July 20, 2026Estimated share of global cases occurring in sub-Saharan Africa.
Source: World Health Organization · Data year: 2021 · Last reviewed: July 20, 2026Symptoms and complications
- Pain episodes and chronic pain
- Anemia and fatigue
- Higher infection risk
- Acute chest syndrome, stroke, and organ complications
Care and support
Care plans are individual and should be developed with qualified clinicians. Preventive care, prescribed medicines, hydration guidance, mental-health support, and rapid evaluation of urgent symptoms can all matter.