Feb 22, 2025 Story by: Editor
Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a genetic disorder that disproportionately affects Black individuals in the United States, though it can occur in people of all racial backgrounds. However, Black individuals often encounter additional challenges due to disparities in the healthcare system.
What is Sickle Cell Anemia?
Sickle cell anemia is a type of sickle cell disease (SCD), a condition caused by a genetic mutation in the hemoglobin gene. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. When this gene mutates, red blood cells become less efficient at delivering oxygen to tissues and organs.
People with SCA inherit two mutated copies of the hemoglobin gene, while those with only one mutated copy have a less severe condition known as sickle cell trait (SCT).
This article explores the impact of SCA on Black individuals and answers common questions regarding the condition.
Is Sickle Cell Anemia Exclusive to Black People?
SCA can affect individuals of any racial or ethnic background. However, it is more common among those with ancestry from regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South America, South Asia, and the Middle East.
How Common is Sickle Cell Anemia Among Black Individuals?
In the United States, approximately one in every 365 Black or African American babies is born with SCA, while about one in 13 is born with SCT. By comparison, only one in 333 white babies is born with SCT.
Globally, exact statistics on the number of Black individuals affected by SCA are limited. However, an estimated 300,000 babies are born with the condition each year, with the highest concentration of cases in Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Why is Sickle Cell Anemia More Common in Black Individuals?
Researchers believe the high prevalence of SCA in Black communities is linked to the genetic evolution of the disease. Over time, sickle cell conditions have developed as a defense mechanism against malaria, a mosquito-borne infection that is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa. While sickle cell anemia itself is harmful, carrying only the sickle cell trait (SCT) has been shown to reduce the severity of malaria, offering a survival advantage in regions where the disease is prevalent.
Does Sickle Cell Anemia Affect Black People Differently?
The symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and complications of SCA remain the same across all racial and ethnic groups. However, Black individuals often face additional challenges due to racial biases within the healthcare system.
For example, studies have shown that Black patients with SCA wait 25% longer for emergency care compared to other patients. Additionally, Black individuals are 22% less likely than white individuals to receive necessary pain medication. Many Black individuals with SCA also experience stigma, which can further impact their access to proper care and treatment.
What Are the Chances of Passing Sickle Cell Anemia to a Child?
SCA is an inherited condition, meaning it can be passed down to children based on the genetic makeup of both parents. If both parents have SCT, there is a one in four chance that their child will inherit SCA, a one in two chance that their child will have SCT, and a one in four chance that their child will not inherit the gene at all.
If one parent has SCA and the other has SCT, there is a one in two chance that their child will have SCA and a one in two chance that their child will have SCT. However, if one parent has SCA and the other does not carry the gene, none of their children will have SCA, but all will inherit SCT. Similarly, if one parent has SCT and the other is unaffected, none of their children will develop SCA, but there is a one in two chance that each child will inherit SCT.
How Can You Determine if You Have Sickle Cell Trait?
A simple blood test can confirm whether an individual carries the sickle cell trait. In the United States, newborn screening programs routinely test for SCT at birth, making early detection possible.
Can People with Sickle Cell Trait Experience Symptoms?
Most people with SCT do not have any symptoms. However, in rare cases, individuals may experience complications such as pain crises. Additionally, those with SCT are at a higher risk of developing heat stroke and muscle breakdown during intense physical activity, particularly in competitive sports. Proper hydration and avoiding overheating can help reduce these risks.
Conclusion
Sickle cell anemia is a genetic condition that primarily affects Black individuals due to its evolutionary link to malaria-endemic regions. While the disease itself affects all racial groups in the same way, Black individuals often face greater healthcare challenges due to systemic disparities. Raising awareness and ensuring equitable access to medical care are crucial steps in improving health outcomes for those affected by SCA.
Source: Health Line
