July is Sarcoma Awareness Month: Shining a Light on the Forgotten Cancer
Jul 16, 2025What is Sarcoma?
Sarcoma is a rare cancer that arises in the bones and soft tissues—such as muscle, fat, nerves, and blood vessels. Unlike more common cancers that affect organs like the breast, lung, or colon, sarcomas make up only about 1% of all adult cancers and roughly 15% of childhood cancers.
There are more than 70 subtypes of sarcoma, including:
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Osteosarcoma (bone)
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Liposarcoma (fat)
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Leiomyosarcoma (smooth muscle)
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Synovial sarcoma (joints)
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Ewing sarcoma (bones/soft tissue, primarily in children)
Because it’s rare and often misdiagnosed, sarcoma is sometimes called the "forgotten cancer." That’s exactly why awareness matters.
Why July Matters
Every July, Sarcoma Awareness Month gives us a vital opportunity to:
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Raise awareness about early symptoms and diagnosis
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Support patients, survivors, and families navigating this journey
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Educate healthcare providers to recognize red flags sooner
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Encourage funding and research for better treatments
The official color of sarcoma awareness is yellow, and the sunflower has become a symbol of strength, resilience, and hope for the sarcoma community.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Sarcomas can often go unnoticed until they grow large or spread. Early detection is key. Be alert for:
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A painless lump or swelling that keeps growing
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Persistent pain in a bone or joint
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Unexplained fractures or mobility issues
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Abdominal discomfort or bloating (for retroperitoneal sarcomas)
If something feels off, trust your instincts. Advocate for imaging or specialist referral—especially if symptoms don’t resolve.
How You Can Help
Even if you’ve never heard of sarcoma before today, there are powerful ways you can support this community:
✅ Wear yellow or share a sunflower photo to show solidarity
✅ Share stories of sarcoma warriors to amplify their voices
✅ Donate to research organizations like the Sarcoma Foundation of America or the Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative
✅ Host a fundraiser or awareness event
✅ Tag posts with #SarcomaAwareness #SarcomaStrong #SarcomaWarrior
Movement as Medicine
For those living with or recovering from sarcoma, exercise is not just safe—it’s essential. When properly prescribed and tailored to each person’s needs, movement can:
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Reduce fatigue and pain
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Improve balance, mobility, and strength
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Support lymphatic flow and reduce swelling
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Boost mood and emotional well-being
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Enhance recovery from surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation
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Prevent long-term complications such as osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and joint dysfunction
But not all exercise is appropriate—especially for individuals recovering from sarcoma surgery, limb-sparing procedures, or reconstructive surgeries.
That’s where a CETI OncoVie™ Cancer Exercise Specialist makes all the difference.
These professionals are trained by the Cancer Exercise Training Institute (CETI)—the global leader in oncology exercise—to design safe, evidence-based programs specifically for cancer patients and survivors. The OncoVie™ program is grounded in the most current research (updated every two years) and takes into account:
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Type and stage of sarcoma
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Treatment history and side effects
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Postural and muscular imbalances
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Risk of lymphedema or osteoporosis
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Psychological readiness and motivation
Working with a CETI-certified specialist ensures a personalized plan that meets you where you are—and helps you move forward with strength, confidence, and support.
Sarcoma may be rare, but those who face it are anything but invisible.
This July, let’s stand with them. Let’s learn. Let’s listen. Let’s act.
🌻 Together, we can turn awareness into action.
REFERENCES:
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Rare incidence of sarcoma in adults and children
Burningham Z, Hashibe M, Spector LG, Schiffman JD. The epidemiology of sarcoma. Clin Sarcoma Res. 2024;14(1):3. doi:10.1186/s13569-024-00107-2 -
Importance of early detection and misdiagnosis issues
Bailey S, Hayes A, Harrison M, et al. Delays in diagnosis of soft tissue sarcomas: a review of causes and potential solutions. J Surg Oncol. 2023;127(6):1053-1059. doi:10.1002/jso.27117 -
Overview of sarcoma subtypes and symptoms
Casali PG, Abecassis N, Aro HT, et al. Soft tissue and visceral sarcomas: ESMO–EURACAN Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Ann Oncol. 2023;34(4):308-323. doi:10.1016/j.annonc.2023.01.006 -
Benefits of physical activity for sarcoma survivors
Hayes SC, Newton RU, Galvão DA, et al. Exercise and cancer: a position statement from the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia. J Clin Oncol. 2024;42(2):139-149. doi:10.1200/JCO.23.01412 -
Psycho-social needs and quality of life in sarcoma survivors
Stark D, Geller D, Rosenthal MA, et al. Quality of life and survivorship in sarcoma: a multidisciplinary perspective. Cancer Med. 2023;12(17):1812–1823. doi:10.1002/cam4.5894 -
Public and provider awareness of rare cancers like sarcoma
Bleyer A, Barr R, Ries L, et al. Awareness and misperception of rare cancers: implications for early diagnosis. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2025;34(1):24-30. doi:10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-24-0300 -
Exercise guidelines for rare cancer survivors including sarcoma
Schmitz KH, Campbell AM, Stuiver MM, et al. Exercise is medicine in oncology: engaging clinicians to help patients move through cancer. CA Cancer J Clin. 2023;73(1):16–29. doi:10.3322/caac.21701
Start your journey to becoming an OncoVie™ Cancer Exercise Specialist with our world-leading courses in oncology exercise.
