Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders. In SCD, the red blood cells become hard and sticky and look like a C-shaped farm tool called a "sickle."

 

It is estimated that:

• SCD affects 90,000 to 100,000 Americans.

• SCD occurs among about 1 out of every 500 Black or African-American births.

• SCD occurs among about 1 out of every 36,000 Hispanic-American births.

• SCT occurs among about 1 in 12 Blacks or African Americans.

 

People with SCD can live full lives and enjoy most of the activities that other people do. If you have SCD, it's important to learn how to stay as health as possible.