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 (across all ages, based on 2018-2022 data), which rises to approximately 41 per 100,000 in those aged ≥75 years.[13] Incidence in the UK and Europe appear to be similar to the US.[10]

MDS in younger adults and children is relatively rare, and is often associated with congenital disorders (e.g., Down syndrome, Fanconi syndrome, Bloom syndrome).[14][15][16][17]

In Asian countries, the average age at which patients are diagnosed is much younger than in other countries.[15] While the reason for this difference is unclear, chemical contamination and infectious causes in addition to ethnic differences may contribute.[18]

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