July is Sarcoma Awareness Month. This rare, but deadly, cancer currently affects more than 50,000 patients and their families in the US.
The Sarcoma Foundation of America (SFA) estimates that while 1% of adult cancers in the US are sarcoma, nearly 15-20% of all childhood cancers are sarcoma.
Sarcomas are cancers of the connective tissues in the body. These are the cells that hold our body together, such as muscles, nerves, bones, tendons, cartilage, fat, etc. This means that sarcoma can be found almost anywhere in the body, although it is most commonly found in the arms and legs. Each new place that a sarcoma is found is actually a different type of sarcoma, and behaves differently from a sarcoma found elsewhere in the body.
Sarcoma is often difficult to diagnose, as the cancers can hide deep in the body, where they are unable to be found. The SFA suggests that everyone checks themselves often for lumps and bumps, and get them checked by a doctor early. Although it may be benign, it is much better to check early.
If you want to support sarcoma awareness in July, you can:
- Share your personal story on social media with the hashtag #SarcomaAwarenessMonth.
- Participate in Wear Yellow Day on July 12.
- Register for the National Virtual Race to Cure Sarcoma, taking place on July 22.
To learn more about the different types of sarcoma, visit The Sarcoma Foundation of America.
The Full of Hope Foundation provides financial assistance for sarcoma patients in Arizona, as well as all types of cancer patients. If you are facing a diagnosis of sarcoma and are in need of financial assistance, please apply today.
If you are not an Arizona sarcoma or other cancer patient, please consider making a donation to the Full of Hope Foundation to allow us to continue to provide needed financial assistance to Arizona sarcoma patients, Arizona cancer patients, and their families.
