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Understanding Sarcoma: The "Forgotten Cancer" and What You Need to Know

  • Writer: Hailey Larson
    Hailey Larson
  • Jul 10
  • 3 min read

When we think about cancer awareness, certain well-known types often dominate the conversation. But there is one group of cancers that deserves a much closer look, especially because it frequently impacts children, teens, and young adults.


July is Sarcoma Awareness Month—a time dedicated to shining a light on a collection of rare cancers that are too often under-recognized. Let’s break down what sarcoma actually is, the signs to look out for, and where to find real support.


What is Sarcoma and Bone Cancer?

Unlike more common cancers that develop in organs like the lungs or breasts (known as carcinomas), sarcomas are cancers that start in the body’s connective tissues. These are the tissues that structure, support, and connect everything else in your body.

Sarcomas are generally divided into two main categories:

  • Soft Tissue Sarcomas: These develop in muscles, fat, blood vessels, nerves, deep skin tissues, and cartilage. They can appear anywhere in the body, but are most common in the arms, legs, and abdomen.

  • Bone Cancers (Osteosarcomas): These start directly in the bone. They are most frequently diagnosed in teenagers and young adults, often developing during rapid growth spurts around the knees or upper arms.

Because these tissues exist everywhere in our bodies, there are actually more than 70 different subtypes of sarcoma.


Why is Sarcoma Under-Recognized?

Sarcoma is often referred to as the "forgotten cancer." Because it accounts for only about 1% of all adult cancer diagnoses (though it makes up closer to 15% of childhood cancers), many people—and even some general medical practitioners—have never encountered it.

Because it's rare, a few common hurdles exist:

  • Misdiagnosis: Early symptoms are easily mistaken for sports injuries, growing pains, or harmless fluid-filled cysts.

  • Delayed Detection: Because people don't expect a bump to be cancerous, they might wait months before getting it checked out.


Early Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

An early diagnosis makes a massive difference in treatment success. While these symptoms are usually caused by much less serious conditions, it is always best to listen to your body and get them evaluated if they don't go away.

Key Rule of Thumb: If you notice a new lump, or an old lump that is growing or changing, have a doctor look at it—especially if it is larger than a golf ball or deep under the skin.

  • A painless lump: The most common sign of a soft tissue sarcoma is a lump that grows over time. It often doesn't hurt at first.

  • Persistent bone pain: For bone sarcomas, the most common sign is pain in the affected bone. This pain might come and go at first, feel worse at night, or not improve with rest or pain medicine.

  • Unexplained swelling: Swelling or stiffness in a joint that wasn't caused by a specific injury.

  • Limited mobility: Difficulty moving a limb or a sudden, unexplained limp.


Where to Find Support and Community

Facing a rare diagnosis can feel incredibly isolating, but you are not alone. There are dedicated organizations filled with people who understand exactly what you are going through.

  • The Sarcoma Alliance: Offers excellent resources, peer-to-peer support networks, and financial assistance for second opinions.

  • Sarcoma Foundation of America (SFA): Focuses heavily on funding research, advocating for patients, and providing educational materials.

  • Local and Online Communities: Finding a community of other young people or families navigating rare cancers can provide immense comfort and practical advice.


This July, let’s spread the word. By sharing the signs and talking openly about sarcoma, we can help ensure no one has to face this journey in the dark.

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