Every July, the world comes together to observe Sarcoma Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing awareness about sarcoma, a rare and often misunderstood form of cancer. This year’s observance calls on communities, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to "Know More. Act Early. Support Strong."
What Is Sarcoma?
- Sarcomas are a rare type of cancer that can develop in the bones (bone sarcomas) or in the soft tissues like muscles, fat, nerves, blood vessels, and tendons (soft tissue sarcomas).
- They can occur in any part of the body, but they are more common in the arms and legs.
- Early detection is crucial for effective treatment, as sarcomas can be difficult to diagnose.
There are two main types:
- Bone Sarcomas – affecting bones, such as osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma
- Soft Tissue Sarcomas – affecting muscles, fat, blood vessels, and other soft tissues
Key Facts About Sarcoma
- Sarcoma makes up only 1% of adult cancers and about 15% of childhood cancers.
- It often presents as a painless lump or swelling in a limb or trunk, which may go unnoticed.
- Early diagnosis is critical but often delayed due to lack of awareness or misidentification.
Common Symptoms
- A lump that’s growing, especially if it’s deep-seated or painless
- Persistent pain in a bone or joint
- Swelling or tenderness
- Difficulty moving a limb
Risk Factors
- Genetic Conditions
- Radiation Exposure: Previous radiation therapy for other cancers (like breast or prostate cancer)
- Chemical Exposure
- Chronic Tissue Irritation or Lymphedema
- Age and Gender
- Bone sarcomas (like osteosarcoma) are more common in children, teens, and young adults.
- Some soft tissue sarcomas are more common in middle-aged and older adults.
- Men are slightly more likely to develop sarcoma than women.
- Immune System Suppression
- Personal or Family History of Cancer
Prevention
- Avoid Unnecessary Radiation Exposure
- Minimize Contact with Harmful Chemicals
- Genetic Counseling for High-Risk Families
- Manage Chronic Lymphedema
- Regular Medical Checkups
- Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle (General Cancer Prevention)
Why Awareness Matters
Sarcoma is sometimes called the “forgotten cancer” due to its rarity and lack of public recognition. This can result in:
- Delayed diagnosis and treatment
- Misdiagnosis as a benign lump or sports injury
- Limited access to specialized care or clinical trials
How You Can Get Involved
- Share educational materials to help others understand the signs
- Support a sarcoma foundation through donations or volunteering
- Encourage checkups if someone notices a persistent lump or swelling
