July is Sarcoma and Bone Cancer Awareness Month
July is Sarcoma and Bone Cancer Awareness Month
July 5, 2023
July is Sarcoma and Bone Cancer Awareness Month, and to promote this cause, the NYCDCCBF would like to highlight these rare forms of cancer and offer resources for our members.
Sarcoma is a term for a broad group of cancers that begin in bones and soft (connective) tissues. Sarcoma often forms in muscles, fat, nerves, blood vessels, tendons, and joint linings. There are over 50 types of sarcomas, and treatment often varies depending on the cancer type.
While the causes for most sarcomas remain unknown, there are several risk factors associated with the disease. Inherited syndromes such as familial retinoblastoma can increase the risk of sarcoma, along with exposure to radiation therapy for cancer, and exposure to a variety of industrial chemicals. Sarcoma is also ten times more likely to develop in children than adults, comprising of approximately 10% of all childhood cancers.
Symptoms of sarcoma include lumps, bone pain, abdominal pain, and unexpected broken bones that occur with little or no injury. Sarcoma and bone cancer is survivable, with a 5-year relative survival rate of 65%.
Please be reminded that the NYCDCC Welfare Fund has a partnership with MSK Direct to provide members and your families the highest-quality cancer programs and services, virtually or in-person, to help navigate your unique journey of screening and prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and life beyond cancer.
If you or a family member are impacted by cancer and would like to discuss treatment options at MSK, call the dedicated MSK Direct phone line for NYCDCC participants and dependents at (844) 386-3368 or visit www.mskcc.org/nycdcc.
Additional resources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sarcoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20351048
https://www.aacr.org/patients-caregivers/awareness-months/sarcoma-and-bone-cancer-awareness-month/
