Urgent Need for Awareness and Support in Rare Cancer Cases

Let's talk about the elephant in the room.

I have great love and respect for the NHS, and I admire our healthcare system. Not because it's flawless, but because I understand that, unlike many countries (cough, cough...America) where you have to pay to be seen, in the UK we're fortunate to have a healthcare service that, for the most part, prioritises our well-being over money.

That being said, it does have its drawbacks, and that is incredibly evident when it comes to rare diseases like 'sarcoma' (a type of cancer affecting the muscles, bones and soft tissues). The urgency of this issue cannot be overstated. There is a pressing need for more awareness and education about it.

The lack of understanding about sarcomas often results in high rates of misdiagnosis. At present, it can take an average of 6 months to be diagnosed, which is dangerous and can be fatal. At the moment, only 1 in 10 people are aware that this type of cancer even exists. A stark contrast to, say, breast, bowel, prostate and lung cancer, for example, where almost everyone knows what they are, and GPs tend to be knowledgeable about their early warning signs. But, no such luck with sarcomas, and I should know.

It's crucial that we address this issue and work towards improving the understanding and early detection of such rare cancers. By raising awareness and providing more education to both the general public and healthcare professionals, we can help ensure that individuals with sarcomas receive timely and accurate diagnoses, ultimately improving their chances of successful treatment and recovery.

This is an area where more research, funding, and attention are desperately needed to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected.

For more information about sarcomas, please check out www.sarcoma.org.uk or @sarcoma_uk on instagram.

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