All About Sarcoma

July is Sarcoma Awareness Month, so let's honor all the fighters, survivors & supporters of Sarcoma! Have you seen the special release- Sarcoma Awareness Bracelet? For each one you purchase, 10% of gross profit is donated to Sarcoma Alliance.

Plus, I was thinking we could talk about what Sarcoma is, who's at risk for it and the treatment & prevention techniques. Awareness month's are a time to educate yourself about illnesses so you can make a difference where it's most needed. So let's jump in!

What is sarcoma?

Sarcoma is a cancer that affects the connective tissues of the body. Connective tissues are fat, nerves, muscle, bones, blood vessels and cartilage. In general, there are two types of Sarcoma; Bone & Soft Tissue.

Sarcoma is very rare. Only about 15,000 new cases occur in the US each year. 

Who is at risk?

There's still a lot to learn about what causes Sarcoma. We do know that Children & Adults can get Sarcoma. In fact, about 15% of all childhood cancer cases are Sarcomas.

Sarcomas can be caused by exposure to chemicals, but most of the time they happen for no apparent reason. That's why research for this cancer is so important. 

Treatment & Prevention

The treatment plan for someone with Sarcoma is similar to that of anyone with cancer. Depending on severity, type and location, radiation, chemotherapy and/or surgery are all possible treatments. Consult with you doctor for the proper plan of action for your situation.

At this time, there's no real way to prevent Sarcoma. You can do your best to avoid chemicals known to cause cancers, but until we know more about what causes Sarcoma, we don't really know how to prevent people from getting it.

Support

If you or a loved one are dealing with a Sarcoma diagnosis, the Sarcoma Alliance is a wonderful resource for patient support though education, support groups, peer to peer connections and even financial assistance. Click here to learn more.

***All content on this website, including medical opinions and any other health-related information, is for informational purposes only and should not be considered to be a specific diagnosis or treatment plan for any individual situation. Use of this site and the information contained herein does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.***