Sickle Cell Anemia Survival Rates: A Look at Progress & Outlook

Treatment advances have dramatically increased survival rates

Survival with sickle cell anemia has improved dramatically in recent decades. In the 1970s, approximately two out of three children born with sickle cell anemia died before their 20th birthday. With the use of penicillin, other antibiotics, and routine preventive care, the majority of people with sickle cell anemia can now expect to live into adulthood and have a full, productive life.

Currently, it is estimated that about 80% to 90% of people with sickle cell anemia survive into adulthood.