July is Sarcoma Awareness Month 2025: Know, Act, Advocate
Every July, the world comes together to raise awareness about a rare and often overlooked group of cancers sarcomas. As we mark Sarcoma Awareness Month 2025, the message Theme is simple yet powerful: KNOW. ACT. ADVOCATE.
Whether you’re learning about sarcoma for the first time, supporting a loved one, or seeking ways to make a difference, this month is an opportunity to understand, engage, and drive awareness for those affected by this challenging disease.
What is Sarcoma?
Unlike more common cancers that start in organs like the lungs, breast, or colon, sarcomas originate in connective tissue—such as muscles, bones, fat, cartilage, nerves, or blood vessels. They can appear anywhere in the body, which makes diagnosis complex and delays common.
There are over 70 different types of sarcoma, generally divided into two main categories:
Soft Tissue Sarcomas
Bone Sarcomas
While sarcomas make up less than 1% of adult cancers, they are more common in children and adolescents, accounting for around 15% of pediatric cancer diagnoses.
Why Sarcoma Awareness Month Matters
You’ve probably heard of breast, lung, or prostate cancer—but what about sarcoma?
Because sarcoma is considered a “rare cancer,” it receives far less attention, funding, and research than other cancer types. This makes awareness and advocacy absolutely essential, especially during Sarcoma Awareness Month
Here’s why it matters:
Early Detection Improves Survival Rates
Sarcoma symptoms often go unnoticed or are misdiagnosed. Awareness can lead to earlier consultations and timely intervention.Education Fuels Research
Public awareness boosts support for much-needed research and targeted therapies.Community Creates Strength
Sharing stories and experiences helps patients and families feel less isolated.
Sarcoma Symptoms: What to Watch For
Sarcomas can be silent in their early stages, which makes them especially dangerous. Symptoms often depend on the tumor’s location, but common signs include:
A painless lump or swelling that gradually increases in size
Persistent bone pain, especially at night or during activity
Limited range of motion or discomfort around a joint
Unexplained fractures with no trauma (potential sign of bone sarcoma)
Abdominal pain or fullness if the tumor is internal
Remember: Not all lumps are cancer, but any lump that grows, changes, or persists for more than a few weeks should be examined by a medical professional—especially if it’s deep in the tissue.
How Sarcoma is Diagnosed
There’s no standard screening test for sarcoma, which can make diagnosis tricky. Here’s how most cases are discovered:
Imaging Tests: MRI, CT scans, or ultrasounds are used to identify suspicious growths.
Biopsy: A small tissue sample is extracted for examination under a microscope.
Pathology & Staging: The type, grade, and spread of the tumor are assessed to create a personalized treatment plan.
It’s essential that sarcoma patients are managed by specialized, multidisciplinary cancer centers with sarcoma expertise, like PI Health Cancer Hospital, where experienced oncologists use the latest diagnostics and treatment plans tailored to each individual.
Types of Sarcoma
There are many subtypes of sarcoma, but here’s a quick snapshot of the main categories
Soft Tissue Sarcomas
Affect muscles, fat, nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. Common types include:
Liposarcoma
Synovial sarcoma
Leiomyosarcoma
Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS)
Bone Sarcomas
More common in children and young adults. Subtypes include:
Osteosarcoma
Ewing sarcoma
Chondrosarcoma
Each sarcoma behaves differently, which is why personalized care from an expert team is so critical to achieving the best outcome.
Who’s at Risk?
While sarcomas can occur in anyone, certain risk factors may increase likelihood:
Genetic conditions (such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome)
Previous radiation therapy
Chronic swelling (lymphedema)
Environmental exposures in rare cases (e.g., herbicides, vinyl chloride)
However, most sarcoma patients have no identifiable risk factors, making awareness and early detection even more important.
Treatment Options for Sarcoma
Treatment plans vary widely depending on the type, location, and stage of sarcoma. At PI Health Cancer Hospital, we use a multi-disciplinary approach to deliver patient-focused, precise care. The main treatments include:
1. Surgery
Removing the tumor is the first line of defense. When caught early, surgery alone may offer a complete cure. Advanced surgical techniques now make limb-sparing procedures more common than amputation.
2. Radiation Therapy
Often used before or after surgery to shrink the tumor or kill remaining cancer cells.
3. Chemotherapy
Used for high-grade or aggressive sarcomas, or when cancer has spread.
4. Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy
Exciting progress is being made in developing targeted therapies and immunotherapies for certain sarcoma types.
Looking for advanced sarcoma care? PI Health Cancer Hospital offers cutting-edge sarcoma treatment, helping patients benefit from the latest research. Book an appointment Now
Survival Rates and Outlook
Survival rates vary greatly based on sarcoma type and how early it’s detected:
Localized soft tissue sarcoma: 5-year survival rate is about 80%
Bone sarcoma: Around 70% if caught early
However, once the cancer spreads, survival rates drop significantly—emphasizing the need for early diagnosis and timely referrals to specialized centers.
How to Get Involved This July
There are lots of ways to participate during Sarcoma Awareness Month, whether you’re a survivor, a caregiver, or a compassionate citizen.
Here’s how you can make an impact:
Wear yellow, the color of sarcoma awareness.
Share facts and personal stories on social media using **arcomaAwareness.
Host or join a community fundraiser or awareness event.
Speak to your local schools, businesses, or organizations about rare cancers.
Most importantly: encourage people to see a doctor if they notice a lump or have persistent bone pain.
Final Takeaway: Know. Act. Advocate.
As we recognize Sarcoma Awareness Month in July, let’s honor those affected and commit to spreading awareness, pushing for progress, and offering genuine support.
If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms—or has been diagnosed with sarcoma—the right care and expertise makes all the difference.
Need Help or Have Questions About Sarcoma?
PI Health Cancer Hospital is proud to offer advanced diagnostics, personalized treatment plans, and compassionate care for patients with sarcoma and other rare cancers.
Contact PI Health Cancer Hospital today to schedule a consultation, get a second opinion, or speak with a cancer care expert. You are not alone.
Together, let’s shine a light on sarcoma this July—and every day after.
Dr. A. Venugopal
Clinical Director & HOD Medical Oncology Senior Consultant Medical Oncologist & Hemato-Oncologist
About Author
Dr. A. Venugopal
MD (General Medicine), DM (Medical Oncology), MRCP – SCE Medical Oncology (UK), ECMO (Switzerland).
Dr A. Venugopal is One of the best medical oncologist and Hemato Oncologist in hyderabad, currently serving as the Head of the Department and Senior Medical Oncologist, Hemato Oncologist at Pi Health Cancer Hospital in Gachibowli, Hyderabad. He brings over 15 years of extensive experience in the field of Oncology.