Wear a yellow ribbon for Sarcoma Awareness Month
A rare type of cancer, sarcomas develop in connective tissue or bone and are more common in children and young adults.
SHOW your support for Sarcoma Awareness Month by wearing a yellow ribbon in July.
What is sarcoma?
Sarcoma, a rare type of cancer, forms in bone or in the connective tissue in the body which includes muscle, nerves, tissue and blood vessels.
Sarcomas can be divided into two different categories – soft tissue sarcomas and bone sarcomas which are called osteosarcomas.
READ ALSO: We need more volunteers, says wildlife rehabilitation organisation
What are the symptoms?
Often the first sign of a sarcoma is a painless lump, as this type of cancer is asymptomatic in the early stages. When the lump grows, it could cause discomfort and pain, resulting in the need for medical assistance, which leads to a diagnosis.
There is a higher incidence of osteosarcoma in children and young adults, and it is often mistakenly diagnosed as a sports injury or growing pains.
How is it treated?
Diagnosis is achieved through a biopsy, imaging test or scan. There are more than 50 types of sarcomas, so a specific treatment plan will be approved by the medical professional in charge of the patient’s care. Treatments include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or new targeted therapies that work with the immune system.
ALSO READ: LISTEN: Durban father raises awareness of testicular cancer
Where can I go for support?
Should you require further information due to being affected by sarcoma, either through a diagnosis you received for yourself or by supporting someone else, contact the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA).
According to their website, CANSA helps educate communities throughout South Africa on the affordable cancer screening options available, the symptoms of cancer, and how to reduce your cancer risk. They provide care and support to those affected.
CANSA is a volunteer-driven organisation with the purpose of providing an integrated approach to research, and public and patient support, in the fight against cancer.
CANSA provides a range of care and support services including employee wellness, stoma support, wigs, prostheses, assistive devices, medical equipment hire, clinical support like tele-counselling, support groups and home-based care.
How do I donate?
Should you wish to make a charitable donation, go to the CANSA website at www.cansa.org.za.
Phone toll-free: 0800 22 6622
WhatsApp: 072 197 9305 / 071 867 3530
Email: info@cansa.org.za
* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news
