What is sarcoma? Why do we have a sarcoma cancer awareness month?
Sarcoma is oftentimes called the “forgotten cancer” – lack of awareness and a general understanding of the condition has left the public with little pertinent information regarding this impactful type of cancer. In turn, this impacts research efforts and potential prevention strategies.
We at CamWell feel it is our duty to educate people as much as possible – not only pertaining to sarcoma itself, but the efforts being made to combat it and the role we play in that fight.
What is Sarcoma?
Just what is sarcoma, exactly? Sarcoma is an extremely rare form of cancer – in fact, it comprises approximately one percent of all cancers diagnosed. Sarcoma arises in the connective tissues of the body – including fat, blood vessels, nerves, bones and muscles. Generally speaking, sarcomas are divided into two main groups:
Soft Tissue Sarcomas – Muscles, fat, blood vessels, tendons, fibrous tissues, synovial tissues
Bone Sarcomas – Otherwise known as bone cancer, impacts the three types of bone tissue: compact, cancellous and subchondral
Sarcomas can be further classified based on the type of presumed cell of origin found in the tumor, but all share certain characteristics and symptoms, including but not limited to:
- A new lump or growing lump anywhere on the body
- Abdominal pain that continues to worsen
- Blood in stool or vomit
- Black, tarry stools
If you or someone you know presents any combination of the above symptoms, or even just one of them, it’s important to see a doctor right away. Early detection is key to fighting against cancer.
July is Sarcoma Cancer Awareness Month
So, just why does sarcoma cancer awareness month exist?
Simply put, many people aren’t even aware sarcoma exists – as a result, there’s far less information out there when compared to the well-known cases of cancers. Because of a lack of awareness and understanding, it’s more difficult to encourage research and drug development.
Many organizations have jumped to the forefront of the discussion when it comes to sarcoma. The Sarcoma Foundation of America provides patients and the public with resources to encourage more comprehensive understanding. Rein in Sarcoma is a local charity organization dedicated to educating the public and medical community about sarcomas, supporting sarcoma patients and their loved ones, and funding research directed toward developing new treatments and finding a cure for sarcoma cancers. We at CamWell aid in the fight by providing all-natural creams and moisturizers for sarcoma patients in chemotherapy and sarcoma patients undergoing radiotherapy treatments.
July is sarcoma cancer awareness month, and the team at CamWell takes pride in playing a part in educating the public on sarcoma and what can be done to help fight it.
What Does the Yellow Cancer Ribbon Stand For?
Many are aware of pink ribbons that are worn for breast cancer awareness, but what is the yellow cancer ribbon meaning?
The yellow ribbon is worn during the month of July for sarcoma awareness, but so many aren’t aware of what the ribbon stands for.
Since sarcoma is a rare cancer, it often doesn’t receive the same attention as more prevalent cancers. This happens despite the fact that sarcomas affect a younger population than most cancers, and that there are over 70 different types of sarcoma diagnosed.
The yellow ribbon is meant to increase public awareness of sarcoma, as there is a direct correlation between conducting research and survival.
Without awareness, there’s a decrease in funding in sarcoma research, and without research, it becomes harder to treat and prevent sarcomas. The yellow cancer ribbon stands for progress and awareness.
The Challenge for Sarcoma Patients & Their Families
Most often, sarcomas are treated with radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Most of the time in the case of radiation, treatment is given after surgery, however, radiation may also be used before surgery to shrink tumors and make them easier to remove.
Chemotherapy is useful for sarcoma cancer that has spread to other organs. Depending on the stage or type of sarcoma, chemotherapy may be administered as the main treatment or as an accessory to surgery.
Whatever the case may be, both types of treatments may result in side effects. Specifically, patients may find themselves dealing with skin changes as side effects of chemotherapy or radiation therapy. These skin changes may include:
- Redness
- Itchiness
- Pain
- Dryness
- Peeling
- Blistering
- Tenderness
Camwell: Products Designed to Help Sarcoma Patients
For sarcoma patients that receive chemotherapy, CamWell Hand to Heal cream is the perfect companion in your fight against skin changes. Our team knows we know how hard chemotherapy can be on your skin, especially the palms of your hands and soles of your feet. This safe, non-toxic, oncologist-developed botanical cream moisturizer is designed to provide fast, effective multiple relief. This includes:
- Hydrates dry, severely cracked skin
- Calms inflammation
- Relieves pain and tenderness
- Protects against infection
- Maintain beautiful, healthy skin throughout treatment
Sarcoma patients undergoing radiotherapy will find CamWell Herb to Soothe as an effective ally when it comes to soothing and healing painful or itching radiation burns, or skin damaged by radiation treatment. Like every CamWell product, Herb to Soothe moisturizer is non-toxic and oncologist-formulated – the CamWell team takes special care in the sourcing of all ingredients.
CamWell Herb to Soothe:
- Soothes and heals itching, painful radiated skin areas
- Relieves pain, itchiness and tenderness
- Speeds wound healing
No matter what skin side effects from cancer treatments you may be dealing with, CamWell is here to help!
CamWell Supports Rein in Sarcoma
To help increase the awareness of sarcoma, CamWell will support our friends at Rein in Sarcoma through in-kind donations to aid patients through their battle against sarcoma.
CamWell is proud to call Minnesota our home – as part of a continuing state of public awareness, Governor of Minnesota Tim Walz has proclaimed the month of July as Sarcoma Awareness Month. We are infinitely proud to stand alongside Rein in Sarcoma and Governor Walz, and extremely honored to play a role in the fight against sarcoma.