National Aplastic Anemia and MDS Awareness Week is celebrated in March every year in the United States. The holiday helps raise awareness for Aplastic anemia, a potentially fatal disease. People develop aplastic anemia when the bone marrow ceases to produce formal blood elements. It is a disease that leads to about 2,000 American deaths each year. Aplastic anemia is also a complication of certain anticancer drugs, such as anti-inflammatory or anticonvulsant drugs. Furthermore, chemicals like benzene or arsenic and radiation can cause it. In fact, half of the aplastic anemia cases result from unknown causes.
History of National Aplastic Anemia & MDS Awareness Week
National Aplastic Anemia and MDS Awareness Week takes place in March to raise awareness about the disease. Aplastic anemia is a type of disease that affects the bone marrow. The body stops creating the adequate amount of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets that the body needs to run its necessary process. President Regan officially established the holiday in 1986. The Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation has helped to promote awareness and aid for those who have suffered from this disease for many years.
Extreme fatigue is a common symptom that people with aplastic anemia experience. They have a weak immune system, leading to more significant health complications. Aplastic anemia is treatable in both mild and severe cases. And with more awareness-raising efforts and additional research, an even more substantial number of people can get access to treatment. One of the ways to treat aplastic anemia is through a bone marrow transplant.
The onset of aplastic anemia inevitably led to death until more recently. These days, there are more and more patients who survive the disease. The Federal government supports a national program of research that focuses on the causes, prevention, and treatment of aplastic anemia. The scientists in the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and other research laboratories across the United States are working on lighting the hidden secrets of aplastic anemia. This research goes a long way to ensure that current and future patients can lead happy lives.
National Aplastic Anemia & MDS Awareness Week timeline
Anatole Chauffard gives the name aplastic anemia to the disorder.
Workers exposed to benzene in the United States experience bone marrow failure.
There is an epidemic of aplastic anemia among people who are receiving chloramphenicol.
Aplastic anemia is related to many classes of drugs used in medical practices.
National Aplastic Anemia & MDS Awareness Week FAQs
What can cause aplastic anemia?
Contact with certain toxins such as benzene with virus-like hepatitis or some medications can cause aplastic anemia.
Is aplastic anemia contagious?
Aplastic anemia is not an infectious disease.
What are symptoms of aplastic anemia?
Symptoms of aplastic anemia include dizziness, decreased alertness, easy bruising, and frequent and severe infections.
How to Observe National Aplastic Anemia & MDS Awareness Week
Make a donation
You can donate to the organization responsible for researching and treating aplastic anemia. It will help people get solutions.
Share the holiday
Help to spread awareness by sharing the holiday with your friends and family. This can be online or in person.
Do some research
You can learn more about aplastic anemia. This way, you will have a better understanding of the disease.
5 Important Facts About Aplastic Anemia
It can happen to anyone
Aplastic anemia can happen to anyone of any age, race, or gender.
There are new cases
There are 600 to 900 new cases in the United States each year.
It happens to kids
Aplastic anemia is more common among children and teenagers.
The cause can be unknown
75% of all cases are idiopathic aplastic anemia when the cause is unknown.
Environment affects the disease
Acquired aplastic anemia is a case where factors from the environment and physical conditions influence the growth of the disease.
Why National Aplastic Anemia & MDS Awareness Week is Important
It saves lives
The holiday helps to save the lives of current and future patients. It’s a worthy event.
It creates awareness
The holiday efforts help spread information about the disease. This will help to educate more people.
It leads to research
The holiday helps to promote research on the disease. This enables us to explore treatments and cures thoroughly.
National Aplastic Anemia & MDS Awareness Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | March 1–6 | Sunday–Friday |
| 2027 | March 1–6 | Monday–Saturday |
| 2028 | March 1–6 | Wednesday–Monday |
| 2029 | March 1–6 | Thursday–Tuesday |
| 2030 | March 1–6 | Friday–Wednesday |
