Let’s talk about sarcoma

It’s Sarcoma Awareness Month month and we wanted to take a moment to highlight some of the stats and symptoms in case they’re helpful to anyone reading. We are not doctors, and all of this information is in the public domain, but if we hope that in sharing it, it could help someone to get a diagnosis a little earlier.

Sarcoma symptoms

Sarcoma is the general term for a broad group of cancers that begin in the bones and in the soft/connective tissues.

Of course there are lots of symptoms when it comes to cancer, and some are more insidious than others, so if you’re ever unsure about something then it’s always best to speak to your doctor. However, here are some of the most common symptoms of sarcoma:

• Swelling under the skin/ a painless lump that doesn't easily move and gets bigger
• Swelling in the tummy
• Abdominal pain
• A persistent feeling of fullness and constipation
• A persistent cough or breathlessness (which can be caused by swelling near the lungs

Typical treatments for sarcoma

Everyone’s experience of cancer is different and there’s no such thing as a textbook journey. It will depend on things like the size and type of cancer, where it is, if it’s spread and other factors like your overall health. However, typically a treatment plan for sarcoma in the UK could include one or more of the following according to the NHS:

Surgery

Surgery is the main treatment for soft tissue sarcomas, particularly when they're diagnosed early. Surgery aims to remove the tumour as well as some healthy tissue around it to try to make sure no cancer cells are left behind.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy us sometimes used before or after surgery to improve the chances of a cure. It is also sometimes used when surgery is not an option to reduce symptoms and slow the progression of the cancer.

Chemotherapy

Occasionally chemotherapy is used before surgery to help shrink the tumour. It can also be used alone or alongside radiotherapy when the tumour can't be removed.

Spa treatments and your cancer journey

All cancer treatments have their side effects that doctors will be able to offer advice on. From our perspective, spas are certainly not going to fix all problems, but with properly trained spa therapists and the right products, they can help to ease some side effects of cancer treatments and to provide support on your cancer journey. For example, the right type of massage has been shown to help ease pain, improve mood and help with sleeplessness. Meanwhile, products from brands like Jennifer Young help to ease some of the skincare side effects of cancer treatment.

If you would like to find out more about spas where therapists are trained to provide the best support on your cancer journey, you can follow the link to our Safe Hands for Cancer experiences, or read more articles on this blog.