July is Sarcoma and Bone Cancer Awareness Month

July 1, 2025

July is Sarcoma and Bone Cancer Awareness Month, and the Fund Office is highlighting information about these rare forms of cancer, as well as our partnership with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Sarcomas are cancers that begin in a bone or soft connective tissue (such as muscle, nerves, and tendons). While it occurs most often in children, adolescents, and young adults, sarcoma can affect people at any age. Although the causes for most sarcomas are 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. 95 percent of people who develop bone cancer don’t have any obvious risk factors.

Diagnosing soft tissue sarcoma may not be straightforward, as there are many types, and many begin without any symptoms. For bone cancers and sarcomas, a biopsy is often performed to help make a definite diagnosis. Depending on the diagnosis, treatments can include surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy.

To learn more about Bone Cancer, please visit: https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/bone

To learn more about Soft Tissue Sarcomas, please visit: https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/soft-tissue-sarcoma

NYCDCC and MSK Direct

The NYCDCC Welfare Fund partners with Memorial Sloan Kettering to offer MSK Direct, a program that gives you guided access to expert cancer care. They provide resources and support throughout your care experience. To learn more screenings, as well as other cancer care related topics, visit the MSK Direct website for the NYCDCC Welfare Fund at www.mskcc.org/nycdcc. If you or a loved one are impacted by cancer and would like to discuss treatment options available at MSK, please call the dedicated MSK Direct phone line for the NYCDCC Welfare Fund at (833) 786-3368.