SUPPORTING TEENAGERS AND YOUNG ADULTS DIAGNOSED WITH SARCOMA

I met with national bone and soft tissue cancer charity Sarcoma UK's Chief Executive, Richard Davidson (pictured below) to learn more about the work the charity is supporting children, teenagers and young adults diagnosed with sarcoma and help to raise awareness of these cancers.

Sarcomas are uncommon cancers that can affect any part of the body. There are many different types of sarcoma, however all subtypes of sarcoma can be grouped into soft tissue sarcomas and bone sarcomas.

This is the third most common children, teenagers and young adults (CYTA) cancer in the UK, with a child, teenager or young adult (age 0-24) being diagnosed with sarcoma every day.

Sarcomas have a worse survival rate than average for cancers affecting this age range. They are 15% less likely to survive for 5 years than the average CTYA cancer, and sarcoma can be among the deadliest types.

We must raise awareness of the distinct challenges this age group face and improve outcomes for young people with cancer.

Cancer is different in young people. They have very different needs from older adults facing this disease, so they need a special, tailored approach to improving cancer diagnosis, treatment, care and support.

The far-reaching impact of cancer does not end when treatment ends. Quality of life and learning to live well with cancer is vital too. The impact of a cancer diagnosis can continue for many years.

That is why it is important to raise awareness of the distinct challenges this age group face and improve outcomes for young people with cancer.

It’s great to see this charity raising public awareness about sarcoma and its symptoms, while funding vital research into better treatments and supporting patients and loved ones through the Sarcoma UK Support Line.

To access support with support with sarcoma or to find out more please visit https://sarcoma.org.uk/