HOW LONG PEOPLE WITH THIS DISEASE LIFE?

With good health care, many people who have sickle cell anemia can live productive lives. They also can have reasonably good health much of the time and live longer today than in the past. Many people who have sickle cell anemia now live into their forties or fifties, or longer.

If you have sickle cell anemia, it's important to:

• Take steps to prevent and control complications
• Learn ways to cope with pain