How Common Are Cleft Lip and Palate?
Cleft lip and palate are among the most common birth defects. Here is what the statistics show.
Cleft lip and palate are relatively common birth defects worldwide.
- Global statistics:
- About 1 in 700 babies is born with a cleft lip and/or palate globally
- This makes it one of the most common birth defects
- Approximately 200,000 babies are born with a cleft each year worldwide
- Breaking it down:
- Cleft lip with or without cleft palate: About 1 in 1,000 live births
- Cleft palate alone: About 1 in 1,500β2,500 live births
- Population differences:
- Asian and Native American: Highest rates (about 1 in 500)
- Caucasian: Middle rates (about 1 in 1,000)
- African descent: Lowest rates (about 1 in 2,500)
- Males are more likely to have cleft lip with palate
- Females are more likely to have cleft palate alone
- Trends:
- Rates have remained stable over time
- Some studies suggest a slight increase due to better detection
- Survival rates are excellent with proper treatment
Clinical Guidance
Cleft lip and palate affect about 1 in 700 babies worldwide, making them one of the most common birth defects. Rates vary by ethnicity and gender. With modern treatment, children born with clefts have excellent outcomes.