Sarcoma Awareness Month 2021
Almost 12,000 people in the US are diagnosed with sarcoma every month, and the number is only increasing. Sarcoma makes up about one percent of all cancers, yet not many people know about it.
Sarcoma Awareness Month is an initiative created to increase awareness regarding sarcomas as well as raising funds to support the research of the disease.
What Is Sarcoma Awareness Month?
July is Sarcoma Awareness Month. The purpose of Sarcoma Awareness Month is to increase awareness and understanding about the deadly Sarcoma cancer. Sarcoma is considered to be a “forgotten disease,” as other cancers are more prevalent in the US.
Hence, the research on sarcoma is limited, which makes prognosis and treatment difficult for those suffering from the disease.
What Is Sarcoma?
Sarcoma is a rare type of soft-tissue cancer that occurs in various tissue structures, such as nerves, bones, muscles, blood vessels, and other connective tissues in the body. It most commonly occurs in arms and legs, though it can occur anywhere in the body.
This cancer develops deep in the body, which makes it difficult to diagnose. People are only able to detect it when it reaches an advanced stage, making it difficult to treat.
Sarcoma: Symptoms and Causes
Since sarcoma can occur in various parts of the body, its diagnosis can be difficult. However, be sure to stay on the lookout for the following symptoms:
- A lump through the skin that is or isn’t painful
- Unexplained bone pain
- Unexplained abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
Sarcoma is of the following types:
- Soft tissue carcinoma
- Rhabdomyosarcoma
- Osteosarcoma
- Ewing sarcoma
If your doctor thinks you have sarcoma, they may ask you to get a surgical biopsy.
While anyone can get sarcoma, some factors can increase the risk. These include:
- Li-Fraumeni syndrome
- Von Recklinghausen’s disease
Both these conditions are genetic. Only 65% of people with sarcoma are able to survive for longer than five years.
Importance of Sarcoma Awareness Month
Sarcoma is one of those cancers that can occur to anyone at any age. And with the limited research available, the prognosis and treatment of the disease become difficult. Sarcoma Awareness Month tackles this challenge. Organizations like the Sarcoma Foundation of America utilize this time to:
- Share steps to cure sarcoma
- Conduct public service announcement campaigns
- Increase awareness among communities
- Conduct walk events and other programs
- Raise funds and donate to those in need
What Can You Do During Sarcoma Awareness Month?
During this Sarcoma Awareness Month, make an attempt to increase awareness regarding sarcoma. Start with your family members and inform them about the disease and how to self-diagnose it. You can also launch online campaigns on social media to increase awareness on a larger scale.
You can also help nonprofits working towards fighting sarcoma. Volunteering and donating are two ways to help.
Final Thoughts
Since sarcoma is a rare type of cancer, there is a lack of awareness and research around it. This adversely affects the prognosis and treatment, and hence, only 65% of people with sarcoma are able to live for longer than five years.
Sarcoma Awareness Month is an initiative to increase awareness regarding the disease and raise funds to support research.
