How common is lupus and who does it affect?

• The Lupus Foundation of America estimates that 1.5 million Americans, and at least five million people worldwide, have a form of lupus.^[1]
• Lupus strikes mostly women of childbearing age. However, men, children, and teenagers develop lupus, too.
• Ninety percent (90%) of people living with lupus are women. Most people with lupus develop the disease between the ages of 15-44.^[2]
• People with lupus can experience significant symptoms, such as pain, extreme fatigue, hair loss, cognitive issues, and physical impairments that affect every facet of their lives. Many suffer from cardiovascular disease, strokes, disfiguring rashes, and painful joints. For others, there may be no visible symptoms.
• Our best estimate based on available data on incidence is 16,000 new cases per year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are currently gathering updated data for all ethnic sub-populations in the US, so we anticipate this number will change. The fact remains that lupus is a devastating and life-changing disease that currently has no cure.