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Thalassemia

Knowledge for All, Support for Families

Understanding Thalassemia

Normal blood cell

Normal

Thalassemia blood cell

Thalassemia

Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder that affects the body's ability to produce normal hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. As a result, red blood cells are often abnormally shaped and have a shorter lifespan. The body cannot maintain enough healthy red blood cells, which leads to anemia1

Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder that affects the body's ability to produce normal hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. As a result, red blood cells are often abnormally shaped and have a shorter lifespan. The body cannot maintain enough healthy red blood cells, which leads to anemia1

How is Thalassemia Inherited?

Both parents are carriers
Malaysia population statistics
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FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THALASSEMIA, YOU CAN BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH OUR GENETIC COUNSELOR.

Understanding Creates Empathy

  • - Thalassemia cannot be spread by touch, sharing food, or friendship.
  • - People with thalassemia can study, work, and contribute to society.
  • - Thalassemia patients deserve understanding, support, and respect.
  • - Having thalassemia is neither a weakness nor a choice.

1. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2025, May 6). Thalassemia - Symptoms & causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thalassemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354995 Mohd Ibrahim, H., Muda, Z., Othman, I. S., Mohamed Unni, M. N., Teh, K. H., Thevarajah, A., Gunasagaran, K., Ong, G. B., Yeoh, S. L., Muhammad Rivai, A., Che Mohd Razali, C. H., Din, N. D., Abdul Latiff, Z., Jamal, R.,

2. Mohamad, N., Mohd Ariffin, H., & Alias, H. (2020). Observational study on the current status of thalassaemia in Malaysia: A report from the Malaysian Thalassaemia Registry. BMJ Open, 10(6), e037974. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-037974