July is designated National Sarcoma and Bone Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness of these cancers and fostering support and understanding for those impacted. National Sarcoma and Bone Cancer Awareness Month was first established in 2007 in an effort to spread awareness, gain support, and promote research for these rare but deadly cancers.
According to the American Cancer Society, primary bone cancers account for less than 1% of all cancers; however, they can be extremely dangerous. The American Cancer Society estimates that within 2025 about 3,770 people will be diagnosed with primary cancer of the bones and joints and about 2,190 people will die due to these cancers (ACS, 2025). The ACS has also estimated that about 13,520 new soft tissue sarcomas will be diagnosed and about 5,420 people are expected to die of soft tissue sarcomas in 2025.
At Ackerman Cancer Center, it is important to take advantage of this awareness month, working to minimize the damage of sarcoma and bone cancer in the future.
A Closer Look into Sarcoma and Bone Cancer
Sarcoma is a type of cancer that stems from tissue. Bone and soft tissue sarcomas are the two main types of sarcomas.
There are two main categories of bone cancer: primary bone cancer and bone metastasis, the latter being much more common. Primary bone cancer is cancer that originated within the bones. The three most common primary bone cancers are: Osteosarcoma, Ewing Sarcoma, and Chondrosarcoma. Bone metastasis is cancer that spreads to the bones from another area of the body. Common bone metastasis includes multiple myeloma, leukemia, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Soft tissue sarcomas can develop in fat, muscle, nerves, fibrous tissues, blood vessels, or deep skin tissues. The three most common types of soft tissue sarcomas are: undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, liposarcoma, and leiomyosarcoma.
Why Sarcoma and Bone Cancer Awareness is So Important
While about 15 people are diagnosed with sarcoma each day, only 25% of the public know what sarcoma is. Since sarcomas are rare, they can be difficult to detect and diagnose. However, many bone cancers can be detected early due to the signs or symptoms they cause. Early detection saves lives. This is why awareness is so important. July is an opportunity to spread knowledge on the signs and symptoms of sarcoma and bone cancer.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
The most common symptom of bone cancer is pain. Overtime the pain will likely increase. A tumor can even cause extreme bone weakness, leading to fractures. Other symptoms of bone cancer include lumps, swelling, numbness, tingling, weight loss, and fatigue.
When it comes to sarcomas, the main symptoms are a new or growing lump, worsening abdominal pain, blood in your stool or vomit, and black stools.
While many of these symptoms are often caused by other conditions, it is important to know what to look for. If you experience any of these symptoms for an extended period, please see a doctor or contact Ackerman Cancer Center directly.
Diagnostic Process
Bone cancer and sarcomas are often diagnosed through a series of information and testing.
- Physical examination
- X-ray
- Ultrasound (soft tissue sarcoma)
- MRI
- CT scan
- Bone scan
- PET scan
- Biopsy
- Blood tests
Common treatments
Bone Cancer:
Chondrosarcoma: surgery (curettage, limb-sparing, amputation), radiation therapy (IMRT, PBT), targeted drug treatments (dasatinib, pazopanib), chemotherapy
Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) of bone: chemotherapy, surgery
Fibrosarcoma of bone: surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, clinical trails
Chordoma: surgery (curettage, wide excision), radiation therapy (IMRT, PBT), targeted drug treatments (imatinib, dasatinib, sunitinib)
Soft Tissue Sarcoma:
Stage I: surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy
Stage II and III: surgery (tumor removal, amputation), radiation therapy, chemotherapy
Stage IV and Recurrence: surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, target drug therapy, immunotherapy
How You Can Raise Awareness of Sarcoma and Bone Cancer
- Support sarcoma research and nonprofit organizations
- Get involved in local organizations
- Participate in local events (runs, walks, fundraisers)
- Donate blood
- Share social media awareness campaigns
- Wear yellow ribbons (symbol of sarcoma and bone cancer awareness and support)
July serves as a time to expand our knowledge, strengthen our support, and increase public awareness of sarcoma and bone cancer.
At Ackerman Cancer Center, we’re committed to providing education, early detection, and advanced treatment options that can save lives. To learn more about our screening and diagnostic services, visit our website: here.
This July, let’s stand strong together against sarcoma and bone cancer.