DONATE NOWPeople with sickle cell trait (SCT) have genes that tell their body to produce both normal and abnormal hemoglobin. Like sickle cell disease, it is an inherited condition. Unlike sickle cell disease, it does not usually cause significant health problems – so many people do not know they have it.
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Why SCT Matters
One in 13 Black Americans carry the sickle cell trait. Because people with SCT are generally healthy, they may live their whole lives not knowing that they have it – however, anyone with sickle cell trait may have children with sickle cell disease. In fact, many people only learn that they have the trait after their child is diagnosed with SCD.
It’s important to note that having sickle cell trait does not automatically mean your children will be born with sickle cell disease. It can only be inherited if both parents have SCT, or if one parent has SCT and the other has SCD. If you and your partner both carry the sickle cell trait, your child has a 25% chance of being born with sickle cell disease.
In rare cases, individuals with SCT may experience SCD symptoms. This is more likely to occur in extreme cases of dehydration and/or exertion. High altitudes may also be a trigger.
How to Learn Your Trait Status
Knowing your trait status can help you make important decisions about family planning and your personal health. There are a few ways you can find out your status (or the status of your child):
- Newborn screening tests have monitored for sickle cell trait since 2006, but the results are not always properly communicated. Contact your child’s physician for more information about their test results.
- Ask your physician or local health coalition about their options for trait testing.
- Connect with your local SCDAA member organization to be notified of trait testing events in your community.
Athletes and SCT
Because dehydration and strenuous activity can be triggers for people with SCT, it is important for athletes – especially student athletes – to know their trait status. If your child has SCT and is interested in playing competitive sports, take the following precautions.
- Teach your child what it means to have SCT, and how it can impact their athletic performance.
- Keep them hydrated and well-rested.
- Don’t play at high altitudes or in extreme heat.
- Make sure your child understands their limits. If they have trouble catching their breath, start slouching or feel muscle fatigue, pain or failure, they need to come off the field.
- Communicate their health status with their coach and explain how they can help your child play safely.
SCT and Kidney Cancer
Sickle cell trait also has links to a a rare, aggressive type of kidney cancer called renal medullary carcinoma (RMC). RMC typically affects young Black men under age 30 and about half of those diagnosed do not survive beyond 13 months. RMC makes up less than 1% of all kidney cancers but is almost exclusively found in people who carry SCT. Being aware of both SCT status and the rare RMC symptoms could help in identifying RMC early, obtaining appropriate care and increasing positive outcomes. Learn more.
Want to learn more about sickle cell trait? The Sickle Cell Trait Awareness Campaign, run by Cayenne Wellness Center (an SCDAA member organization) has more information and resources to explore.