Expectations (prognosis)
The reported survival of patients with Fanconi's anemia can vary from person to person. The prognosis is poor in people with low blood counts. New and improved treatments, such as bone marrow transplants, have likely improved survival.
Although bone marrow transplants can restore blood counts, people with Fanconi's anemia are still more likely to get several types of cancers (including leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, and liver cancer).
Women with Fanconi's anemia who become pregnant should be watched carefully by a doctor. They often need transfusions throughout pregnancy. Men with Fanconi's anemia have decreased fertility, although a small number have fathered children.
Prevention
Fanconi's anemia is an inherited disorder, and little can be done to prevent the disease. Families with this condition can have genetic counseling to better understand their risk. Vaccination can prevent some complications, such as pneumococcal pneumonia, hepatitis, and varicella infections.
People with this disorder should avoid things that cause cancer (carcinogens) and have regular screenings to find cancer early.
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