What is Sickle Cell Anemia?
Sickle Cell Anemia is a genetic blood disorder where red blood cells, which are normally round, become rigid and crescent-shaped. This shape makes it harder for the cells to move through blood vessels, leading to a variety of complications.
General Knowledge
Learn the basics of Sickle Cell Anemia: What it is, how it affects the body at a biological level, and key facts every patient, family member, or community member should know.
Treatments
Explore treatment options, from medications to blood transfusions and bone marrow transplants, with clear, easy-to-understand guidance for patients and families.
FAQs & Myths
Get answers to common questions and debunk myths about Sickle Cell, helping you separate fact from misconception and make informed decisions.
Canada does not know how many people are living with
Sickle Cell Anemia.
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Estimates suggest about 6,500 Canadians, but this is likely a serious undercount. Without accurate data, people living with SCD remain invisible, and what we don’t count, we don’t prioritize. The absence of a national registry means gaps in specialized and emergency care, slower access to new therapies and clinical trials, and ongoing inequities in pain management and outcomes.
