July is Sarcoma Awareness Month

Sarcoma is a type of cancer that can occur in various places in your body.

Sarcoma is a general term for a wide group of cancers that grow in the bones and soft tissues. Soft tissue sarcomas form in the tissues that connect, support, and surround other body structures.

People who have been affected by a high dose of radiation for the treatment of other types of cancer, such as breast or cervical cancer, have a slightly higher risk of developing soft tissue sarcoma. In general, routine X-rays and diagnostic tests do not increase the risk of developing soft tissue sarcoma.

Unfortunately, there is no test that can detect sarcoma cells when they are just beginning to grow. However, a patient has a better chance of surviving if a soft tissue sarcoma is detected and treated at an early stage. The treatment depends on the type of this disease.