An Uncommon Form of Cancer
Sarcomas and bone cancer are relatively rare forms and among the most perplexing, since the cause of most bone cancers isn’t known. A broad group of cancers beginning in the bones and soft tissues – sarcomas form in cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, nerves, and around joints. Osteosarcomas begin in cells that form bone and liposarcomas form in fat cells. Rhabdomyosarcomas most often form in muscle, and Ewing sarcomas begin as a growth of cells in the bone and soft tissue around the bones.
July is Sarcoma and Bone Cancer Awareness Month. Bone and joint cancer is most frequently diagnosed among teenagers, while soft tissue cancers usually affect people 55 and older. In 2024, more than 13,000 cases of soft tissue sarcomas and nearly 4,000 cases of bone and joint cancer were expected to be diagnosed in the United States. Some 5,200 were expected to die from soft tissue cancers and just over 2,000 from bone sarcomas.
Good Survival Rate
These cancers are treatable; the five-year survival rate for soft tissue sarcomas is about 65%, and for bone and joint sarcomas it is 68.2%. Because sarcomas are difficult to distinguish from other cancers when they are found, the National Cancer Institute says their incidence is probably underestimated.
Having certain inherited disorders can increase the risk for soft tissue sarcomas, such as retinoblastoma and several others. Other risk factors for soft tissue sarcomas include past treatment with radiation therapy for certain cancers, exposure to certain chemicals, and long-term lymphedema (tissue swelling) in the arms or legs.
Some signs and symptoms of bone cancer include bone pain, swelling and tenderness near the affected area, a weakened bone that can lead to a broken bone, tiredness, or losing weight without trying. If you experience any signs that worry you, make an appointment with your primary care doctor or other health care professional.
Talk with Your Doctor
Go get checked. Talk with your primary care provider about cancer screenings. Also, if you have a loved one or friend who is suffering from bone or joint cancer, consider organizing an event or fundraiser to help attack this dreaded disease.
You may also want to consider donating to our Good Samaritan Cancer Fund, which helps patients who are struggling to pay for their medication, transportation to appointments, hotel stays for long visits, and other costs.
