At a glance
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common type of lupus.
- Over 200,000 people in the United States are estimated to have SLE.
- Women and people from certain racial and ethnic groups are more likely to develop SLE.
People affected by lupus
An estimated 204,000 people have SLE in the United States, according to the most recent data available.1 This includes about:
- 184,000 females.
- 20,000 males.
Anyone can develop lupus, including children. However, lupus is more common in:
- Women.
- People from certain racial and ethnic groups.
Mostly in women
Most people with lupus are women. It is estimated that 9 out of every 10 people with lupus are women.2
Women of childbearing age (15 to 44 years) have the highest risk of developing SLE.2
Racial and ethnic groups
Black or African American, Hispanic, Asian, and American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations are affected more than White populations.13
Black and AI/AN women are 2 to 3 times more likely than White women to develop lupus. They also tend to have more severe cases of lupus.13
Lupus-Related deaths
Black people have higher rates of death from lupus than White people.4
- Black people with lupus also tend to die sooner after they are diagnosed.4
- And they tend to die younger, compared to White people with lupus.4
Fact
On average, Black people with lupus die earlier ages—more than 10 years younger—than White people with lupus.