Building awareness around a rare and often misunderstood cancer: sarcoma

Every year in July, Sarcoma Awareness Month brings attention to a group of rare and often misunderstood cancers.

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Sarcoma is not just one disease: it is a a family of cancers that originate in the bones and soft tissues such as fat, muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and deep skin tissues. While sarcomas account for only about 1% of all adult cancers and 15% of paediatric cancers, their impact is profound, especially due to limited awareness and late diagnosis. Raising awareness is crucial to helping with early detection, advancing research, and supporting those affected.Types of sarcomasSarcomas are primarily divided into two main categories: soft tissue sarcomas and bone sarcomas. There are more than 70 subtypes, and this complicates both diagnosis and treatment. Examples of common soft tissue sarcomas include liposarcoma (originating from fat tissue), leiomyosarcoma (arising from smooth muscle), and angiosarcoma (developing from blood vessels). Bone sarcomas consist of osteosarcoma (frequently seen in children and young adults), Ewing sarcoma, and chondrosarcoma. A sarcoma typically appears as a painless lump or swelling that may increase in size over time. Since these signs can be confused with noncancerous conditions such as cysts or injuries, diagnosis is often postponed, permitting the cancer to advance.