July has been established internationally as Sarcoma Awareness Month, a rare but particularly important group of cancers that often remains unknown to the general public. Raising awareness about sarcomas is not just about learning about a rare disease; it is about the early recognition of symptoms, access to specialized care, support for patients and their families, and the need to ensure that no one is left alone to face a difficult diagnosis.
Sarcomas are malignant tumors that develop in the tissues that support, connect, or surround organs and body parts. They can occur in muscles, fat, tendons, blood vessels, nerves, connective tissues, tissues surrounding the joints, and bones. They can occur almost anywhere in the body, with the most common sites being the extremities, the trunk, the abdomen, and the retroperitoneal space.
Despite their rarity, sarcomas are of particular importance. They account for approximately 1% of cancers in adults, while in children and adolescents the percentage is proportionally higher, reaching about 15–20% of pediatric malignancies. It is, therefore, a disease that can affect all age groups and requires increased vigilance on the part of both the general public and healthcare professionals.
One of the key characteristics of sarcomas is that, in the early stages, they may not cause severe pain or obvious symptoms. They are often noticed as a painless lump, a swelling that grows, persistent swelling, or pain that does not subside and cannot be explained by an injury. When a sarcoma develops deeper within the body—for example, in the abdomen or chest—it may go unnoticed for a longer period of time and only cause symptoms once it grows in size or presses on nearby organs, nerves, muscles, or blood vessels.
Symptoms that warrant medical evaluation include a new or growing lump, pain in bone or soft tissue, difficulty moving, persistent swelling, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, shortness of breath, or gastrointestinal symptoms when the tumor is located internally. These symptoms do not necessarily indicate the presence of a sarcoma, but when they persist or worsen, they should not be ignored.
The diagnosis of sarcoma requires a specialized medical approach. It typically involves a clinical examination, imaging tests such as ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan, and confirmation via biopsy. It is particularly important that the biopsy and evaluation of the sample be performed according to a proper protocol by a team with experience in sarcomas, as the accurate diagnosis of the subtype, grade, and stage of the disease has a decisive impact on the treatment strategy.
Treatment is personalized and depends on the type of sarcoma, its location, size, grade, stage, the patient’s age, and overall health. It may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, or a combination of these. Modern oncological care places particular emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration so that the patient is treated holistically rather than in a fragmented manner.
Early diagnosis, referral to specialized centers, and collaboration among different medical specialties can significantly contribute to the best possible management of the disease and the maintenance of quality of life. Advances in medicine, surgical oncology, radiation therapy, molecular diagnostics, and targeted therapies are creating new possibilities for many patients, while participation in research and clinical trials remains crucial for improving treatment options.
However, managing sarcoma is not merely a medical issue. A diagnosis of a rare cancer is often accompanied by uncertainty, delays, difficulty accessing specialized information, financial burden, psychological stress, and the need for guidance within a complex health and social protection system. For this reason, information, social support, psychosocial empowerment, and access to patients’ rights are critical components of comprehensive care.
The Cancer Patient Guidance Center – Kapa3, through its information, social guidance, and support services, stands by people affected by cancer and their families. Kapa3’s collaboration with the Hellenic Sarcoma Patients Association – Sarcoma Fighters reinforces this effort, highlighting the importance of networking, accurate information, patient advocacy, and collective action.
With the central message that no one should feel alone in the face of sarcoma, July provides an opportunity to talk more about a rare disease that needs visibility. To learn. To pay attention to our bodies. To seek medical advice when something persists. To support those who are ill. To participate in information and awareness campaigns. To promote access to early diagnosis, specialized treatment, and compassionate care.
Knowledge is no substitute for medical advice, but it can be the first step toward taking action. And when knowledge is combined with solidarity, cooperation, and access to care, it can fundamentally change a patient’s journey.
Please do not hesitate to contact us for anything you may need.
The KAPA3 team stands firmly by patients and caregivers to provide guidance and ensure their rights are protected. For any information or support, please feel free to contact us.You can contact the KAPA3 team.
13 Kostis Palamas Street, 3rd floor (Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.).
Phone Numbers: 210 5221424 & 6906265170.
Email: info@kapa3.gr
