Sarcoma Awareness Month

According to the Sarcoma Foundation of America, sarcomas are cancers that arise from the cells that hold the body together and can be related to either muscle, bone, fat and other connective tissues.  Sarcomas are rare in adults (1%), but prevalent in children (20%).  Because there are many connective tissues within the body, there are many subtypes of sarcomas that can arise – and they can appear anywhere on the body.  In this year alone, it is estimated that 17,560 in the US will be diagnosed with a sarcoma cancer and that an estimated 7,250 deaths will occur.  Many of these deaths could be prevented with early detection and treatment. 

In the early stages of a sarcoma tumor, there may be no signs or symptoms.  As the tumor grows, a lump or bump may appear and it may become painful and sore.  Common symptoms are pain (off and on) in the affected area that is worse at night, swelling in the affected area, or a sudden limp.  Seek medical care if you notice a lump or bump and/or have any of these symptoms. 

Catching cancer early can improve your chances of living longer with treatment. Keeping up with your routine cancer screenings can help catch, and even prevent, other certain cancers. VA recommends routine cancer screenings for colon and rectal (colorectal), breast, cervical, and lung cancers. Learn more at www.cancer.va.gov. 

For those diagnosed with a sarcoma cancer, surgery or surgery with chemotherapy and/or radiation may be viable treatment options. However, some sarcoma cancers are resistant to these treatment methods and may require new treatment options.  There have been tremendous strides in cancer treatments over the years that have improved the survival rate for many diagnosed with a sarcoma or other cancer. 

During #SarcomaAwarenessMonth, help spread the word about sarcoma cancers and the importance of early detection and treatment.  And join the nation on July 12 to show your support by wearing yellow, #WearYellowDay.