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Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a recessively inherited condition (one copy of the faulty gene must be inherited from both parents), which causes the red blood cells to become misshapen (“sickled”) leading to symptoms such as pain, fatigue and a high risk of infections  

It can be a condition that not many of us know much about, so Aimee-Louise Hamlin, a Haemoglobinopathy Nurse Educator for the East London and Essex Haemoglobinopathy Co-ordinating Centre (HCC), has outlined some common myths.  

Myth 1: Sickle Cell only affects the black population.  

FALSE! Although sickle cell is more prevalent in Black-African and Black-Caribbean ethnic populations, it can be present in any ethnic background.

Myth 2: If I have the sickle cell trait, I can donate blood.  

TRUE! As long as you are healthy and meet all the other criteria, you can donate blood even if you are a carrier of the sickle cell gene! Find out more here.  

Myth 3: Patients with sickle cell disease over report their pain.

FALSE! All patients with sickle cell will have painful crises at some point in their lives. These can come on suddenly and sometimes, pain is not controlled with over the counter medication, so strong painkillers like opioids may be needed. There is no evidence for increased drug abuse in sickle cell disease. Non-pharmacological interventions such as hot water bottles, massage and hot baths can be useful but should be used along side their pain management plan.  

Myth 4: Sickle cell disease is contagious.  

FALSE! It is a genetic condition and something that you are born with. You cannot catch, develop or spread the disease through things like coughing or touching.  

Myth 5: Patients with sickle cell live long and fruitful lives. 

TRUE! With early diagnosis, intervention and management, patients can live long and fulfilling lives, including well into adulthood. One woman was in the news for celebrating her 80th birthday.  

Treating Sickle Cell Disease  

Looking at treatments, there are two types available; blood transfusions and hydroxycarbamide (also known as hydroxyurea). There are two “curative” therapies available; gene therapy and bone marrow transplant. Each patient is different and therefore each patient will be eligible for different treatments and therapies at different stages in their life.  

Raising awareness  

As part of Sickle Cell Awareness Month in September, our aim is to educate and celebrate everything sickle cell through talks, events and information stands. We encourage staff, patients, families and the local community to come to our events, join in meaningful conversations and help spread awareness of sickle cell.  

We have the following events being held at The Royal London Hospital:  

• 18th September 11:00-15:00 Stepney Way Atrium. Blood Donor Event. Find out your blood type and sign up to be a blood donor  
• 24th September 09:00-12:00 Stepney Way Atrium. Sickle Cell Information stand. Find out about sickle cell, blood donation and our team.  
• 28th September 14:00-17:00 Children’s Healing Space, 7th Floor. Join us for a day of activities, music performances, book readings and a patient/public consultation on emergency care for those with sickle cell