28/07/2025
Every year in the month of July, it is Sarcoma Awareness Month, a dedicated time to shine a light on a rare and often misunderstood group of cancers.
Sarcomas are rare malignant (cancerous) tumours which affect bone, cartilage or soft tissues (muscle, nerves and fat). About 270 people are diagnosed each year in Ireland with some type of sarcoma.
Recognising the signs and symptoms of sarcoma can lead to earlier diagnosis and better treatment options. Key symptoms include:
Any lump that:
Is increasing in size
Is painful and tender
Is deep in your body, and not just under your skin
Has come back after being surgically removed
A lung sarcoma might cause a cough and breathlessness
A sarcoma in your tummy might cause abdominal pain, vomiting and constipation
A sarcoma affecting your womb might cause vaginal bleeding and pain in your lower abdomen
Sarcoma can affect almost any part of the body. If you notice any of the above symptoms, get them checked out by your doctor. People can survive sarcoma if their cancer is diagnosed early, when treatments can be more effective and before the sarcoma has spread to other parts of the body.
Early detection of sarcoma can significantly improve treatment outcomes. However, due to its rarity and the nonspecific nature of early symptoms, sarcoma can often be misdiagnosed or overlooked.
Sarcoma Awareness Month is a vital time to focus on this rare group of cancers.
