5 Facts About Sickle Cell Disease
I am proud to be involved with the Sickle Cell Disease Association of Ontario (SCAGO). SCAGO is an advocacy group that is doing a great job of raising awareness and advocating for better policies and services for families and individuals affected by sickle cell disease. There is a lot of ignorance surrounding this illness and I am learning new information about it every week.
September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Please share the following facts about sickle cell disease with your community. You may motivate someone to get tested and receive the treatment they need.
5 Facts About Sickle Cell Disease
1. Sickle cell disease is hereditary
and not contagious.
2. Sickle cell disease affects people from all types of nationalities;
African, Hispanic, Middle Eastern, Southern European, Indian and Mediterranean heritage.
3. Sickle cell disease can cause a host of complications
which include: stroke, avascular necrosis, acute chest syndrome, jaundice, leg ulcers, spleen enlargement, swelling of hands and feet, infarctions, pulmonary embolisms, blood clots, high risk of infection, kidney failure, retinopathy, hearing loss, priapism, pulmonary hypertension and frequent episodes of severely excruciating pain.
4. Sickle cell disease currently can only be cured by a bone marrow transplant,
but many with SCD are not medically eligible for the procedure.
5. Sickle cell disease patients with the most severe form of SCD may have a shorter life
expectancy of 20 to 30 years.
For more information about the Sickle Cell Awareness Group of Ontario follow SCAGO on Twitter, Facebook or sign up for the SCAGO newsletter to receive regular updates on how you can get involved.
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