Sarcoma Awareness Month

Sarcoma Awareness Month occurs every July to bring attention to this specific cancer, the treatment options, and the ongoing research to find a cure. Although a rare form of cancer, the Cleveland Clinic reports approximately 16,000 new sarcoma diagnoses are made each year in the United States. Sarcoma accounts for 1% of adult and 15% of childhood cancers.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, sarcomas begin in the bones and soft tissues including muscle, fat, tendons, cartilage, ligaments, blood vessels, and nerves. There are more than 70 types of sarcomas and are often named based on the location of the cancer, such as angiosarcoma and liposarcoma. John Hopkins Medicine further adds that "bone sarcomas are more common among children while soft tissue sarcomas are more common in adults." The Mayo Clinic states DNA changes in a cell causes cancer cells to quickly multiply, invade healthy tissue, and spread to other areas of the body. There is no clear cause of a sarcoma. John Hopkins Medicine identifies some of the risk factors for developing a sarcoma including a history of radiation therapy, genetic disorders, chemical exposure, and long-term swelling.

The Mayo Clinic lists the symptoms of a sarcoma including a lump that may or may not be painful, bone pain or fractures that occur after minimal injury, belly pain, and weight loss. If these symptoms occur, the Cleveland Clinic details the types of tests your healthcare provider may order to evaluate and diagnose your condition. Possible tests include an X-ray, CT scan, MRI, bone scan, PET scan, and biopsy. Treatment depends on the type of sarcoma, size, your overall health, and if it's new or recurrent. These treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, thermal ablation, palliative care, and clinical trials.

Cancer is a scary diagnosis, but you're not alone. Besides your family, friends, support groups, and healthcare team there are many sites available that provide help, education, and raise money for research. The Sam Day Foundation and the Sarcoma Foundation of America provide support and fundraisers to fight back against sarcoma. Sadly, a cure hasn't come soon enough. A friend's son recently lost his four-year battle with Ewing's sarcoma. Ty's lasting legacy of strength, faith, and optimism provides hope that we will someday find a cure. Let's bolster our medical research and eradicate cancer so no family has to endure that battle and loss. Cancer sucks.