National Aplastic Anemia & MDS Awareness Week

December 1-7, 2008, is National Aplastic Anemia and Myelodysplastic Syndrome Awareness Week. Aplastic anemia is a bone marrow disorder, usually diagnosed in children and young adults, that can either be inherited (about 20% of individuals) or be caused by infection, toxic exposure to radiation and chemicals, or certain drugs. Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is also a bone marrow disorder. It usually occurs in older people, after age 50.

• More about aplastic anemia
• More about myelodysplastic syndrome

Photo © A.D.A.M.