Sarcoma Awareness Month, July 2023🎗️- Theme & Importance

Sarcoma Awareness Month is a global healthcare event observed for the entire month of July every year for the last 15 years, commemorating sarcoma awareness. This month emphasises the importance of providing knowledge to the local public about recent discoveries, early diagnosis, and their impact on the families of people affected. 

Sarcomas are a general term for rare cancers that develop in the connective tissues and bones. Soft tissue and bone sarcomas are the two basic classifications for these cancers. Interestingly, a new type of sarcoma known as pseudoendocrine sarcoma has recently been described. Sarcomas accounts for 1% to 2% of all cancers that affect children, adolescents, and adults under 30.

Since most connective tissues are found in the arms and legs, sarcoma is most frequently located there; however, it can develop anywhere in the body. Because the disease frequently begins deep within the body, it may not be apparent until a significant lump or bump occurs. 

Importance of Sarcoma and Bone Cancer Awareness Month🎗️

As per Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER) statistics, the median age of sarcoma-related deaths was reported to be 65 years, with approximately 4.2 % of these deaths occurring in those under the age of 20. Osteosarcoma (OGS), chondrosarcoma, and Ewing sarcoma are the most prevalent cancers in this subset of the rare bone sarcomas, which account for about 0.2 % of all cancers.

Sarcoma is an "unorthodox cancer" as it is less well-known than other cancers, such as liver, breast, or lung. Thereby, sarcoma and bone cancer awareness plays a vital role in providing knowledge regarding early symptoms that aid in diagnosing the condition at an early stage and increase the chances of successful treatment. In addition, it helps raise funds for research from the government and private organisations to discover more about new advanced treatments, as there is more to know about this disease that helps in the overall management of the patients affected by sarcoma.

Sarcoma Awareness Month 2023 Theme🎗️

This year 2023, the theme for sarcoma cancer awareness month is “Let's talk about the Forgotten Cancer", intending to raise sarcoma and bone cancer awareness that is frequently referred to as the "forgotten cancer" due to its rarity.

July month has been designated as sarcoma cancer awareness month since 2008, and it is indicated on the medical calendar with a yellow ribbon🎗️.

During this entire month, people worldwide support patients suffering from sarcoma by tying yellow ribbons, wearing yellow dresses, donating funds to charitable organisations or the needy, and conducting awareness campaigns. In addition, people run podcasts with eminent oncologists on the importance of early detection and symptoms of sarcoma and with survivors to share their successful journey to boost the sarcoma patient’s morale in battle with sarcoma.

History of Sarcoma Awareness Month🎗️

In July 2008, the first Sarcoma Awareness Month was commemorated. In November 2007, a group of sarcoma advocates gathered in Seattle and established sarcoma awareness month. The advocates conclude the necessity of sarcoma awareness month, as it is a rare form of cancer that appears anywhere on the body.

Since then, July has been designated as Sarcoma Awareness Month. The purpose of the month is to promote sarcoma awareness, pay tribute to individuals who have been impacted by the condition, and encourage research into potential new treatments.

Preventive measures for sarcoma

Sarcoma cannot be prevented; however, one can limit the exposure to its risk factors, further reducing the risk of having sarcoma. The following are the risk factors for sarcoma:

• Exposure to radiation, possibly during cancer therapy
• Exposure to industrial chemicals
• Exposure to human herpesvirus 8
• Family history of having other genetic diseases such as Werner syndrome, Gorlin syndrome, or retinoblastoma
• Presence of Paget’s disease
• Presence of lymphedema

Department of Oncology