Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)
In Ireland, around 180 people are diagnosed with MDS each year. It can be diagnosed at any age but is more common as people get older.
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What are myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)?
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of diseases that affects the bone marrow's ability to make healthy blood cells. It is a type of cancer and sometimes may be referred to as bone marrow failure. All blood cells in a healthy person are made in the bone marrow.
With MDS, your bone marrow makes a large amount of faulty cells and many die before they reach your bloodstream. These faulty or abnormal blood cells are called ‘dysplastic’. As a result, you do not have the correct number of healthy blood cells in your bloodstream.
In Ireland, around 180 people are diagnosed per year. It can be diagnosed at any age but is more common as people get older.*
Diagnosing MDS
More information about MDS treatment
Treatment for MDS cancer includes non-intensive treatment, intensive treatment and supportive care.
Looking for support?
Our cancer support section contains information and advice on coping with cancer for diagnosed patients and their loved ones.
*The Irish Cancer Society uses the most up-to-date cancer statistics from the National Cancer Registry Ireland, available on www.ncri.ie
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