Opening Statement:
If you are unaware and wondering what “Sarcoma” is, it is a type of cancer that occurs in various locations of the body. ‘Sarcoma’ is the general term used to refer to a broad group of cancers that begin in the soft tissues and bones. Soft tissue sarcoma forms in the tissues that connect, support, and surround other body structures, including muscle, fat, blood vessels, nerves, tendons, and the lining of your joints. There is not only one type of sarcoma but more than 70 types. Sarcoma treatment varies depending on the type of sarcoma, location, and other factors.
History Of Sarcoma Awareness Month
· Sarcoma Awareness Month is held each year during July, and encourages to raise awareness about what is the “forgotten cancer.” Unfortunately, there is little known about sarcomas. The efforts to encourage research and drug development are made more challenging due to a lack of awareness and understanding.
· Regrettably, it is not fully understood why some people develop sarcomas while the majority do not. However, researchers have been able to single out some indicators that may play a key role in causing sarcomas by identifying common characteristics in groups with unusually high occurrence rates. Although the causes of sarcomas are unknown, some known risk factors must be considered. One of the risk factors is exposure to Phenoxyacetic acid in herbicides or chlorophenols in wood preservatives. An unusual percentage of patients with a rare blood vessel tumor have been exposed to vinyl chloride in their work. This substance is used in the manufacture of certain plastics. Another cause of sarcoma is high doses of radiation.
· Scientists have focused on genetic alterations that may lead to the development of sarcomas. They have also found that there are a small number of families where more than one member in the same generation has developed a sarcoma. These cases of sarcomas within the same family may be related to a rare inherited genetic alteration. However, sarcomas are a completely random event in a family’s cancer history in many cases.
How To Observe Sarcoma Awareness Month
· Follow A Sarcoma Foundation on Social Media
This is a perfect day to read the posts of foundations on social media. The main idea is to spread awareness about sarcoma.
· Donate To Any Sarcoma Foundation
A good way to celebrate this day is by donating to help a sarcoma foundation raise funds for vital research. As sarcoma is also known as forgotten cancer, it may be difficult for foundations to raise funds.
· Share Your Story on Social Media
You can share your story or a post raising awareness about sarcoma on social media tagging @CureSarcoma and using the hashtag #SarcomaAwarenessMonth. This hashtag will help raise awareness about this strange type of cancer.
5 Important Facts About Sarcomas
1. Sarcomas Are Rare
Sarcomas are rare in adults — approximately 1% of all adult cancer diagnoses are sarcomas.
2. Sarcoma Can Develop in Any Part of The Body
The most common areas of sarcoma tumors are the legs, hands, arms, head, neck, chest, shoulders, abdomen, and hips.
3. The Cause Is Unknown
While there are several risk factors, the actual cause of sarcomas is unknown.
4. They Are Difficult to Detect and Diagnose
Sarcomas are difficult to detect and are often misdiagnosed because they are so rare and can take multiple forms in multiple locations.
5. Get A Second Opinion
With sarcomas, it is important to seek the best possible care to improve your chance of survival, always get a second opinion.
Why Sarcoma Awareness Month Is Important
· It’s An Opportunity to Raise Funds
As mentioned, one of the most important aims is to raise funds. This is because the main purpose of these foundations is to raise awareness about this forgotten disease.
· It Is an Opportunity to Raise Awareness
Some people don’t know that sarcoma is a type of cancer and others may not even know it exists. So during July, many awareness meetings and events are held to share information about this disease.
· It Encourages Check-Ups
Visit your doctor for a check-up. This is the perfect month to do so.
Closing Statement and Recap:
There are some additional information and facts regarding Sarcoma as scientists have stated that a person with soft tissue sarcoma can survive for five years. Injury and lifestyle factors such as smoking, diet, and exercise are not linked as potential causes to Sarcoma. It was during the middle of the 19th century and years after the development of cellular pathology and sarcomas were separated from carcinomas based on their tissues of origin. Peyton Rous Earned the Nobel Prize in 1966 with his discovery at the Rockefeller Institute and it earned him the Nobel Prize for his work. Finally, in November 2007, a group of advocates come together in Seattle to gather all the sarcoma non-profits under a single united effort. As always, it is extremely necessary for everyone to make an appointment for at least one yearly well visit to their healthcare professional to be proactive with your health and life.
Source of Information: Various Google Searches
Until Next Week, Stay Safe and Well!
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