July is Sarcoma Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness of a rare and often difficult-to-diagnose cancer. Sarcoma refers to a group of cancers that develop in connective tissues such as muscle, bone, fat, blood vessels, and nerves. It is an uncommon cancer with over 100 different subtypes, making diagnosis and treatment complex.
1) About sarcoma
There are two main categories of sarcoma: soft tissue sarcoma, which accounts for around 87% of cases, and the rarer bone sarcoma, which is more commonly diagnosed in children and young people.
Around 5,900 people are diagnosed with sarcoma in the UK each year—equivalent to around 16 people every day. Despite this, sarcoma accounts for less than 2% of all cancers. Of the annual diagnoses, approximately 5,200 are soft tissue sarcomas, while around 700 are bone sarcomas.
Survival rates vary depending on the type and stage of the disease, but around 81% of people survive for at least one year after diagnosis, while approximately 61% survive for five years.
2) Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of sarcoma can vary depending on where the cancer develops, but there are several key warning signs to be aware of. Soft tissue sarcomas often first present as a new lump or swelling anywhere on the body, which may grow over time, feel firm to the touch and initially be painless.
As the tumour grows, it can cause pain or discomfort by pressing on nearby nerves or muscles. Symptoms can also differ depending on the tumour’s location, with abdominal sarcomas potentially causing pain, swelling or constipation, while tumours near the lungs may lead to a persistent cough.
If the digestive organs are affected, people may experience feeling full quickly, vomiting or changes in bowel habits, while blood in the stool or vomit, although less common, can also be a warning sign.
Bone sarcomas typically cause persistent bone pain that may be worse at night, at rest or after physical activity. Other symptoms include swelling or a lump near the affected bone, tenderness, reduced movement or stiffness in a nearby joint or limb, limping or difficulty walking if the legs or joints are affected, and, in some cases, an unexplained bone fracture caused by the weakened bone.
3) Why raising awareness matters
Raising awareness of sarcoma is vital, as earlier diagnosis can significantly improve outcomes and help ensure patients are referred to specialist care more quickly.
“Sarcomas are rare cancers that can develop almost anywhere in the body; they are primarily categorised into two groups: soft tissue sarcomas or bone sarcomas. Their symptoms can often be mistaken for something much less serious. The most common early sign of a soft tissue sarcoma is a growing, often painless lump or mass; bone sarcomas usually cause persistent, localised bone pain and can often be worse at night or after exercise.
There can be many more early symptoms, however, which is why awareness, prevention, and early intervention are so critical to identifying sarcoma as early as possible. The earlier it is detected, the quicker someone can access specialist CQC-registered care, begin treatment, and significantly improve outcomes. Sarcoma may be rare, but its impact can be significant and long-lasting.
Treatment plans are highly individualised, due to the nature of sarcomas developing anywhere in the body. It can involve a combination of approaches including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies. Prehabilitation is also a vitally important component that can optimise a patient’s physical and mental wellbeing ahead of planned surgery or treatment. Entering treatment in the best possible condition reduces the risk of complications and setbacks.
Everyone’s recovery is also different, and it can be complex, with many experiencing chronic pain, fatigue, mobility issues, or psychological challenges long after treatment has ended.
For employers and insurers, sarcoma demonstrates the importance of comprehensive cancer support services that extend beyond diagnostics and treatment. Access to Cancer Nurse Specialists, clinical navigation, prehabilitation and rehabilitation services can help individuals understand their diagnosis, access the right specialist care more quickly, prepare for surgery or treatment, manage the practical and emotional consequences and plan for a successful return to work where possible.
Working-age adults in the UK living with cancer are forecast to reach 1.15 million by 2030 by Macmillan. It is therefore more important than ever that insurers and employers understand and play a proactive role in their employees’ cancer care. Cancer changes lives, and outcomes are shaped by the quality and speed of the clinical support available. Improving access to cancer care helps employees whilst also helping to curb the escalating cost and impact of cancer across the workforce.”
Nikki Cannon, Head of Clinical Operations at Reframe Cancer
