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Sarcoma Awareness Month

July is Sarcoma Awareness Month. We answer some common questions about sarcomas and highlight where you can find information and support.

What is sarcoma?

Sarcomas are rare cancers. There are 2 main types of sarcoma:

Information resources about sarcomas

Booklets
 01 Dec 2022
Understanding soft tissue sarcoma
This booklet is about soft tissue sarcoma. It is for anyone who has been diagnosed with a soft tissue sarcoma.
Booklets
 01 Aug 2022
Understanding primary bone cancer
This booklet is about primary bone cancer. It is for anyone who has been diagnosed with primary bone cancer.

Questions about sarcomas

  • What is the difference between soft tissue sarcoma and bone cancer?

    Soft tissue sarcomas start in any supportive or connective tissues. These include:

    • muscle
    • fat
    • nerves
    • fibrous tissues
    • tendons and ligaments
    • blood vessels.

    Bone sarcomas (primary bone cancer) start in the bone.

  • What are the different types of soft tissue sarcoma?

    There are many types of soft tissue sarcoma, including rhabdomyosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) and Kaposi's sarcoma. We have more information about types of soft tissue sarcomas.

  • What are the causes of soft tissue sarcomas?

    The causes of soft tissue sarcomas are not known. There are certain things that can affect the chances of developing a soft tissue sarcoma. These are called risk factors.

    Having risk factors does not mean you will get sarcoma, and people without risk factors can still develop it. We have more information about the risk factors and causes of soft tissue sarcoma.

  • What are the different types of bone sarcoma?

    There are different types of bone cancer. The most common types are:

    There are also rarer types of bone cancer.

  • What causes bone sarcoma?

    The exact causes of bone sarcoma (primary bone cancer) are not known. For most people with bone cancer, it is not clear why it has developed.

    There are certain risk factors that can increase the chances of developing primary bone cancer. We have more information about risk factors and causes of bone cancer.

  • How are bone sarcomas diagnosed?

    You may have an x-ray of the affected bone. You may also have an MRI scan and bone biopsy.

    We have more information about diagnosing bone cancer that explains more about these and other tests for bone cancer.

Know the signs and get changes checked

The symptoms of sarcoma depend on the part of the body that is affected. It may cause pain, swelling or a lump that is getting bigger. Most lumps and pains are not cancer, but it is important to speak to your GP if you are worried.

Stories from people living with cancer

A women in sportswear is biting her sports medal
I had 26 minutes to fall apart: Kay's story

Kay was diagnosed with myxoid liposarcoma after months of being told that "everything was fine." She reflects on how cancer affected her mental health, her relationship with her body, and what life looks like now.

A white man with light brown hair and a beard with a black t shirt on.
Luke's story: what good cancer care looks like

Luke was just 12 when he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Now, 28 years later, he's faced multiple diagnoses, lost his leg, and been given months to live more than once.

Ellie is sitting on a bed, looking up and smiling.
Ellie's story: navigating cancer treatment and intimacy

Ellie, 22, was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma in 2015. The effect of cancer treatment has had a big impact on her mental health.

Support for people living with sarcoma

Whatever you need to ask, we're here for you. If you have worries about treatment, money, managing day to day tasks or anything else, we'll listen. Call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00.

You can also chat with the Macmillan Support Line online or email us for support. 

A person with a beard speaking on the phone. They have a laptop on their legs. They are sitting in an office room with a plant behind them and some books and a lamp on the shelf next to them.

Emotional support

A sarcoma diagnosis can feel overwhelming. It's natural to feel worried, angry, or uncertain. Macmillan are here for you.

We have more information about cancer and your emotions and the emotional help available.

You can also join our Emotional support forum on our Online Community.

Two women looking at a phone

Practical support

Cancer and cancer treatment can have a big impact on day-to-day life. We're here to support you. 

We have information on topics such as: 

We have more information about the practical help available.

A Macmillan Support Line advisor. The man with blonde hair is smiling and wearing a headset and a patterned top.

Financial support

Cancer can be tough on your finances. If money is worrying you, there is support available. We have information about help with the cost of living and cancer. 
 
We also have information on the benefits and financial support available. You can also speak to our money advisers, who can help you find out what benefits you may be entitled to.

Find out more about all the financial help available.

A woman working on a laptop.

Help with work

If you are diagnosed with sarcoma, or are caring for someone living with sarcoma, you might be worried about how this will affect work. 

We have more information about cancer and work. This includes information for employees, self-employed people, and employers. 

Two men hugging

Support groups

Whether you are someone living with sarcoma or a carer, we can help you find support in your local area, so you can speak with people who understand what you're going through.

The soft tissue sarcomas forum on our Online Community is a group for people with soft tissue sarcomas and their loved ones to share their experiences and give emotional support. 

The bone cancer forum on our Online Community is a group for people with bone cancer and their loved ones to share their experiences and give emotional support. 

Sarcoma UK have information about support groups across the UK for sarcoma patients, carers and family members to meet locally or online.

All the ways Macmillan can help

How you can help this sarcoma awareness month

Macmillan trail runners being supported by Team MacmillanMacmillan trail runners being supported by Team Macmillan
Fundraise
With tons of fundraising events and ideas, as well as supporting you every step of the way, join Team Macmillan to raise money for people affected by sarcoma.
Diane poses for a close up picture in her home office. She has short hair and wears a grey top.Diane poses for a close up picture in her home office. She has short hair and wears a grey top.
Share your story
If you've been affected by cancer, we want to hear about your experience. Your story can help us achieve change. Get involved in a variety of projects and events.
Lots of people all dressed in green Macmillan tops standing on Westminster Bridge in London with Big Ben in the backgroundLots of people all dressed in green Macmillan tops standing on Westminster Bridge in London with Big Ben in the background
Campaign with us
Join our campaigns to make a positive difference. Join over 25,000 people across the UK, who are campaigning for better support for people living with cancer.
A Macmillan volunteer putting a medal on a runner.A Macmillan volunteer putting a medal on a runner.
Volunteer
Make a real difference in the lives of people affected by sarcoma. We have volunteering roles to suit you, wherever your skills lie and however much times you can give.
More cancer awareness dates