Health experts are calling for greater awareness of sarcoma ahead of Sarcoma Awareness Month, saying the rare cancer affecting children, teenagers and young adults is often misdiagnosed and remains under-recognised and underfunded.
Sarcoma develops in bones and soft tissues, including muscles, fat, cartilage and connective tissue. It accounts for about one per cent of adult cancers and around 20 per cent of cancers diagnosed in adolescents and young adults, according to the Australia and New Zealand Sarcoma Association (ANZSA).
Dr Joanna Connor, a medical oncologist and New Zealand director of ANZSA, described sarcoma as one of the deadliest cancers affecting young people in New Zealand and the Pacific.
“Awareness is not just helpful; it’s lifesaving,” Connor said.
ANZSA Chief Executive Officer Dr Denise Caruso said the cancer’s rarity contributes to low public awareness.
