Latest news with #SarcomaAwarenessMonth
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
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. 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 sarcomas Sarcomas 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 non-cancerous conditions such as cysts or injuries, diagnosis is often postponed, permitting the cancer to advance. Risk factors While sarcoma can affect anyone, certain risk factors increase susceptibility. These include: genetic conditions such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome or neurofibromatosis; previous radiation therapy, especially in areas later affected by sarcoma; chemical exposure to agents like vinyl chloride or dioxins; chronic swelling (lymphedema) or certain inherited syndromes. Children and young adults are more frequently diagnosed with bone sarcomas, while soft tissue sarcomas are more common in older adults. Challenges in diagnosis and treatment One of the major difficulties with sarcoma is the limited awareness among the public, and even within the clinical community. Some general practitioners might go their entire careers without encountering a sarcoma case, either because they have not come across one, or because they may not be aware of the signs and symptoms, resulting in a missed diagnosis. These situations influence treatment outcomes, as therapies are more effective when administered in the early stages of sarcoma. Management usually consists of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Developments in targeted therapies and immunotherapy provide new optimism, especially for those diagnosed with metastatic or recurrent sarcoma. Nevertheless, because sarcomas are rare and varied, research funding is significantly less than that for more prevalent cancers. This paucity of funding has a negative impact on drug development, clinical trial opportunities, and access to specialised treatment modalities. The importance of awareness Sarcoma Awareness Month is essential to inform the public, legislators, and medical professionals about the distinct difficulties associated with this type of cancer. Heightened awareness can facilitate earlier diagnoses, which in turn create an opportunity to improve survival rates. Additionally, it fosters public backing for research funding and motivates pharmaceutical companies and researchers to focus on creating improved treatment alternatives. Community events, educational webinars, fundraising campaigns, and patient testimonials help amplify the voices of those affected by sarcoma. The yellow ribbon, the symbol of sarcoma awareness, serves as a visual reminder of the need for continued advocacy and support. Supporting patients and families A sarcoma diagnosis can be life-changing not just for the patient but also for their families. Given the rarity of the disease, many patients feel isolated or overwhelmed. Connecting with sarcoma-specific support groups and organizations can provide emotional, financial, and informational assistance. Organisations such as the Sarcoma Foundation of America, Children's Cancer Research Fund, and Sarcoma UK offer resources for patients, fund research initiatives, and advocate for better public health policies. These groups also push for inclusion of sarcoma in national and international cancer agendas. How you can help Even if you are not directly affected by sarcoma, there are several ways to support the cause: educate yourself and others about the signs and symptoms of sarcoma; participate in awareness campaigns during Sarcoma Awareness Month; donate to sarcoma research foundations or volunteer your time; advocate for better healthcare policies and more research funding and support patients and families through acts of kindness and community engagement. This July, and every month, let us stand together to shine a light on sarcoma and support those who face it with courage and hope. (Dr. Vernon Neville Lee is a senior consultant at the department of orthopaedics, Naruvi Hospitals, Vellore. Vernon.l@
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
The rare cancer that affects three major areas of body – key signs to watch out for as 235 people diagnosed each year
The HSE is reminding Irish people of the symptoms you may spot that could be a sign of a rare cancer during its awareness month. July is Sarcoma Awareness Month - and the 2 A sarcoma is a rare cancerous tumour Credit: Getty Images - Getty 2 July is sarcoma awareness month Credit: X Every year in Ireland, around 235 people are diagnosed with some type of sarcoma. A sarcoma is a rare In a post on "About 235 people are diagnosed each year in Ireland with some type of sarcoma." READ MORE IN HEALTH Spotting cancer early means that it is less likely to have grown bigger or spread, and may mean that it is easier to treat. To help the chances of detecting it early, you should know the signs and symptoms and be aware of changes to your body that are new or you cannot explain. You should then contact your If your GP thinks it may be cancer, they will refer you to a specialist for more tests. Most read in Health There are a range of signs and symptoms to keep an eye out for, including: a new lump or bump a lump or bump that changes in size or look bleeding that you cannot explain - from anywhere in your body bruising you do not know the cause of pain that will not go away and has no clear cause pooing more often than usual or constipation blood in your pee or peeing more often than usual changes on your skin - a new or changing mole difficulty chewing, swallowing or moving your tongue losing weight without trying or that you cannot explain feeling tired all the time - more than is normal for you a new, persistent cough or a change to your usual cough shortness of breath - more than is normal for you night sweats you cannot explain The seven major symptoms of 'aggressive' rare cancer you might notice when using bathroom as HSE say 'know the signs' But it's important to remember that these are the common symptoms, and having them does not mean you have cancer as they can be caused by other If you have symptoms, you should contact your GP and not wait for your next cancer screening appointment. You should regularly check your body for any new lumps or changes - especially in the breasts, underarms, groin or testicles. You should contact your GP if you notice: a lump that is new a lump that is changing in size or appearance a lump in your breast or under your arm a testicle that feels different or has changed size a new cough that lasts for more than 3 weeks a cough that has changed or is different to your usual cough chest or shoulder pain that does not go away shortness of breath more than is normal for you blood when you cough have chest infections that keep coming back have blood in your poo have diarrhoea or constipation for no obvious reason. Feel you still need to poo after pooing have a pain in your stomach or bottom feel your tummy is bloated all the time have tummy discomfort have no appetite or you are full very quickly after eating Your poo is loose, pale or looks greasy have blood in your pee need to pee more often feel that you cannot fully empty your bladder strain or feel that it is difficult to pee often get up in the middle of the night to pee have a weaker flow of pee You may also see changes in your skin, including on moles, freckles or on a patch of skin. CHANGES IN SKIN Contact your GP if you have a mole that: has an uneven or crooked shape is changing shape or appearance has an uneven border with jagged edges is changing colour or has more than 1 colour - it may have brown, black, red, pink or white flecks or patches is bigger than 6mm wide, or is getting bigger is itchy, crusting, bleeding or sore A change in a mole could be a sign of a type of skin-cancer called melanoma, while a lump, unusual patch or crusted area of skin that has not healed is usually the first sign of non-melanoma Contact your GP if you have any unexplained bleeding, such as: blood in your pee or poo bleeding from your bottom blood when you cough blood in your vomit vaginal bleeding between periods or after sex vaginal bleeding when you are postmenopausal (at least 1 year after your last period) bruising you do not know the cause of You should contact your GP if you have lost weight and either do not know the cause, or did not lose it through dieting or You should also contact your GP if you have bloating that does not go away, or you experience indigestion, heartburn or acid reflux. HIGHER RISK Other signs include pain anywhere in your stomach or back, itchy or yellow skin or whites of eyes, or feeling tired and unwell but you're not sure why. you are age 50 and over - but it can happen at any age genetic tests show you have inherited specific genes, for example, BRCA or Lynch syndrome one or more of your close relatives have had cancer (such as parent, brother, sister or child)
South Wales Argus
4 days ago
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Pontypool's Sarah Mayers has terminal synovial sarcoma cancer
52-year-old Sarah Mayers from Trevethin has terminal synovial sarcoma cancer and was recently given just one year to live. Sarah is currently in the process of putting in a complaint against Pontypool Medical Centre and says GPs aren't diagnosing sarcoma in time. Synovial sarcoma is an aggressive cancer that typically develops in the soft tissues near joints and tendons, particularly in the arms and legs. Sarah undergoing chemotherapy treatment whilst fighting against sarcoma (Image: Sarah Mayers) Speaking about her experience Sarah said: 'I went to the doctors with pins and needles, and they passed it off as arthritis and fibromyalgia. 'If this had been picked up earlier it, would it have saved my life. We could have possibly removed most of the tumour, but they couldn't remove the tumour because it had grown. 'The two friends that I made in Velindre one was told she had IBS and the other something to do with her ovaries. I think by the time they pick up it's either spread or too late.' Sarah and her husband together before she had cancer (Image: Sarah Mayers) Sarah first visited the doctors back in March 2024 after experiencing numbness in her shoulder. She was told she would need an X-ray and was referred to a physiotherapist. In May she fell over the family dog and believed she had broken a rib. This resulted in breathing difficulties and another visit to the doctors in June. The van which Sarah is travelling in to raise awareness (Image: Sarah Mayers) She told the Argus: 'They sent me away give it time to heal as it could be a broken rib and then I couldn't breathe taking the dogs for a walk like I normally do.' Later the same month after waiting 18 hours in the Grange A&E for a chest X-ray, she heard the word "cancer" for the first time. Soon after in October she received a letter from the NHS confirming her diagnosis. Since this, Sarah has undergone extensive chemotherapy treatments, but her prognosis remains the same. Sarah's badges raising awareness about sarcoma (Image: Sarah Mayers) Accepting this has been overwhelmingly difficult Sarah explained: "People have been really supportive they say to me they can't get over how I handle it. 'My husband he couldn't focus and me I suppose I was in denial. I still am now when people say to me, they can cure it part of me thinks that but in the back of my head I know they can't it's hard to take in. 'It makes me angry I just want to get the awareness out there all last week I was trying to get it set up.' Sarah and her husband in the van together (Image: Sarah Mayers) July is Sarcoma Awareness Month. In preparation for this Sarah has set up a website with informative information that'll help people spot the signs of Sarcoma. Alongside this, Sarah and family have been experiencing different weekend trips in a minibus decked out with customised stickers centred around Sarcoma. She's been making the most of her time left and has gone on a helicopter ride, is planning a trip to Ireland and recently booked a cruise with her sister. Sarah making the most of life on a helicopter ride (Image: Sarah Mayers) A GoFundMe set up by Sarah's son in law has also been created to help give Sarah and her family the quality time together they deserve. So far, £165 has been donated. Sarah said: 'We bought a six-seater bus and a van, and it's got customised stickers on the side we plan to go off in that. 'We also raised money by selling badges that's gone mad and raised money for Velindre as some family members did the three peaks in Abergavenny raised money that way. 'Everyone is behind me 100%.' The medical centre declined to comment on this matter.
Daily Record
24-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
The cancer affecting thousands of Brits that many of us have never heard of
Despite its relative obscurity, this is one of the most aggressive and challenging cancers to diagnose and treat. When most people think of cancer, they will think of breast, lung, or prostate cancer. However, there's another, lesser-known form called sarcoma that affects thousands of people in the UK every year. Despite its relative obscurity, it's one of the most aggressive and challenging cancers to diagnose and treat. People must act quickly when they notice potential symptoms, such as a lump that is growing or changing. With July being Sarcoma Awareness Month, Helen Stradling from Sarcoma UK has taken the opportunity to help Brits understand exactly what sarcoma is, why awareness is so low, and what some of the early symptoms are. "I think it all comes down to the rarity of it," Stradling said. "We diagnose about 5,300 sarcomas in the UK every year, so it's very unlikely when somebody gets a sarcoma diagnosis that they've known somebody else that's had one. "A lot of people that get a sarcoma diagnosis have never heard of sarcomas before." What is sarcoma? Sarcoma is a type of cancer that can appear anywhere in the body. Stradling explained: "Sarcomas are cancers of the bits and pieces that put us together, like nerves, bones, blood vessels and fat cells." There are many different subtypes of sarcomas but they are generally grouped into two main categories. "The main types are sarcomas of bone and sarcomas of soft tissue," Stradling went on. "The most common soft tissue sarcomas are the GISTs (gastrointestinal stromal tumours), lip sarcomas and leiomyosarcomas, and in the bone sarcomas, the ones we tend to hear the most about are the osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcomas." What are the symptoms? The main sign of a soft tissue sarcoma is a lump that you can see that is changing or growing. "Benign lumps are really common, but anyone who has a soft tissue lump anywhere on the body that is growing and changing needs to get that checked out," Stradling said. Whereas, the main symptom of bone sarcomas is bone pain or swelling that tends to be worse at night. "There's a lot of reasons for joint and bone pain, but if you've got bone pain that you can't put down to any kind of injury, that is not relieving itself with painkillers, and the pain wakes you at night, that's a red flag sign," she said. GISTs sarcomas tend to be harder to identify because you can hardly ever see anything from them. "It's more likely to show up with more subtle signs like bloating or blood in your vomit or stools," Stradling went on. "If you have got any of these symptoms and you are being pushed back from healthcare professionals that you're seeing, we would urge you to keep going. "If you are really concerned that it could be a sarcoma, mention the word to the professional so that it is something they can consider or start investigating.' How is it diagnosed? "It usually starts with somebody either seeing their GP, a physio or a nurse and a lot of time it will be a soft tissue lump that's growing or bone pain," Stradling set out. "With soft tissue sarcomas we tend to start with an ultrasound and with bone sarcomas we start with X-ray. "If there's any concern that it might be something more sinister, the patient then has an MRI scan. But most importantly, once that MRI scan is done, we must get a biopsy, because with there being so many different subtypes, we need to know exactly which one we're dealing with to know which is the best treatment for you." Like most forms of cancer, sarcomas can be found at different grades and are much easier to treat if you catch them early before they spread. "The sooner we can get these diagnosed the better," Stradling insisted. "Getting patients into seeing the specialist teams and getting them started on treatment as soon as we can makes a huge positive difference for outcomes." How is it treated? The primary treatment for sarcomas - both soft tissue and bone sarcomas - is surgery. The goal is to remove the tumour, along with a margin of healthy tissue to minimise the risk of recurrence, according to Sarcoma UK's website. "We really need to get them at a size where we can do a surgery that isn't going to leave somebody with life-limiting mobility or not being able to do everything that they want to do," Stradling underlined. "We want to avoid the stage where the tumours have already spread, because then the treatments that we've got are limited." Sarcomas can also be treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, often alongside surgery. "We do use chemotherapy and radiotherapy for a number of sarcomas, but in a lot of the cases, we don't use them until they've already spread because we know that they're not as effective as we would like them to be," she said. "However, this is slightly different with the younger people that get the bone sarcomas, as they do tend to start with chemotherapy as a kick-off treatment. But in most cases, surgery is the first thing that needs to happen." Sarcoma UK has a free, independent, confidential support line. Call 0808 801 0401 anytime between 10am to 3pm Monday to Friday. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. 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