What are the key statistics about myelodysplastic syndrome?

In the United States, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) occurs at a rate of 4.5 cases for every 100,000 people. That works out to about 12,000 new cases of MDS each year. The number of new cases diagnosed each year seems to be increasing as the average age of the population has increased.

About 80% to 90% of all patients with MDS are older than 60 years. It is rare in young adults.