News You Can Use A monthly newsletter from the Cancer Learning Center July 2008 – Issue 36


Sarcoma Awareness Month Every year, about 10,000 cases of soft tissue adult sarcoma will be diagnosed in the United States. Although this makes up less than 1 percent of all adult cancers, bone sarcomas account for around 5 percent of all cancers in children and adolescents.


Sarcomas are cancers of tissues that give structure and form to the body. Sarcomas can develop from fat, muscle, bone, blood and lymph vessels, many deep skin tissues and the fibrous tissues surrounding joints. These tumors frequently occur in the arms and legs but can appear anywhere in the body.


Treatment for most sarcomas is highly successful if the cancer is found early, but currently no routine screening recommendations are available for people who do not have risk factors for the disease. Those with a history of sarcoma in their family, occupational exposure to known carcinogens, ionizing radiation treatments for other cancers, or a medical condition that puts them at higher risk for sarcoma should speak with their doctor regularly about the disease. Those with a strong family history of sarcoma may also wish to meet with a genetic counselor.


Sarcoma, a rare cancer, is a serious and complex medical condition. Patients diagnosed with sarcoma may wish to seek a second opinion before treatment and look for a physician or health care team with experience treating the specific type of cancer.


Signs and Symptoms of Sarcomas


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A new or growing lump anywhere on the body, whether painful or not Abdominal pain that gradually worsens Blood in vomit or stool


These symptoms do not necessarily mean that the condition is cancer, but it is wise to see a doctor if you experience any of them.


The Cancer Learning Center (CLC) is a free resource library on the first floor of


Huntsman Cancer Institute


801-581-6365 • 1-888-424-2100 huntsmancancer.org/clc


FROM THE CLC Books


Healing Lessons Sidney Winawer


How to Raise Non-Smoking Kids Neil Izenberg


Dinosaurs Alive and Well! Laurie Krasney Brown


Running and Walking for Women over 40


Katherine Switzer


Sarcoma Awareness Walk and Barbecue


Saturday, July 19, 2008 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.


Jordanelle State Park


For more information, call 801-585-5418.


Hope for the Troubled Heart Billy Graham Videos Don’t Get Burned by Tanning


Yoga Journal’s Yoga Practice for Relaxation


Living and Laughing with Cancer God Said, “Ha!” Why, Charlie Brown, Why?


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