Epidemiology

MDS occurs primarily in older adults; median age at diagnosis is 70-75 years.[9][10]​​ MDS is more common in males than in females (approximately 2:1).[10]​[11]​​[12]​​[13]​​​​​​

In the US, the incidence of MDS is approximately 4 per 100,000 (based on 2016-2020 data), which rises to approximately 40 per 100,000 in those aged ≥75 years.[13] Incidence in the UK and Europe appear to be similar to the US.[10]

The incidence of MDS is believed to be rising, in part due to an increase in the incidence of secondary MDS (e.g., following exposure to chemotherapy or radiotherapy) and an ageing population.[14] However, accurate data are difficult to obtain.

MDS in younger adults and children is relatively rare, and is often associated with congenital disorders (e.g., Down syndrome, Fanconi syndrome, Bloom syndrome).[15][16][17][18]

In Asian countries, the average age at which patients are diagnosed is much younger than in other countries.[16] While the reason for this difference is unclear, chemical contamination and infectious causes in addition to ethnic differences may contribute.[19]

Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer