Sarcoma Awareness Month – Stuart’s Story

We recently spoke to Stuart, Sales Executive at Sunbelt Rentals about his cancer journey and the importance of knowing your body and getting checked out if something does not feel right.

In 2020, Stuart was diagnosed with Sarcoma Cancer after he noticed a strange feeling in his leg while in the shower. He acted quickly and contacted his doctors straight away. Due to Stuart’s quick thinking, he was able to be treated early and despite some tough moments and limb saving surgery, he is now on the road to recovery.

Stuart’s fast reaction saved his life. Follow in Stuart’s footsteps and if something doesn’t look or feel quite right, get it checked out as it may save your life!

Watch Stuart’s story here:

As well as receiving strong support from his friends and family Stuart was also supported by Sarcoma UK (https://sarcoma.org.uk/) throughout his treatment.

We wish Stuart continued good health for his full recovery and thank him sincerely for bravely sharing his story with us.

What is Sarcoma Cancer?

This cancer takes two forms, Soft Tissue Sarcoma and Bone Sarcoma (typically referred to as Bone Cancer).

Soft Tissue Sarcoma – this is caused by a group of rare cancers that affect the tissues that surround other body structures and organs. It typically presents itself as a tumour.

Bone Sarcoma – this is cancer that originates in a bone. There are multiple different types but the most common are: Osetosarcoma, Ewing Sarcoma, Chondrosarcoma.

Who is it likely to affect?

Sarcoma cancer can occur at any age.

However, Soft Tissue Sarcoma is more likely to impact middle aged or older people and those who have had radiotherapy previously. Bone Sarcoma is more common in those aged under 20.

What to watch out for:

There are no obvious symptoms of Soft Tissue Sarcoma Cancer in its early stages. The symptoms are often dependent on where the cancer develops.

Soft Tissue Sarcoma will often present itself as:

• Swelling or a painless lump that cannot be easily moved and grows larger.
• Swelling in the stomach that causes a persistent feeling of fullness, constipation or abdominal pain.
• Swelling near the lungs that may cause a cough or breathlessness.

Bone Sarcoma will often present itself as:

• Swelling, redness or inflammation over a bone which can make movement difficult if near a joint
• Persistent bone pain
• A noticeable lump over a bone
• A weak bone that breaks or fractures easily

Sources:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/soft-tissue-sarcoma/#:~:text=Soft%20tissue%20sarcomas%20are%20a,Bone%20sarcomas%20are%20covered%20separately.

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-awareness/sarcoma-awareness-month#:~:text=July%20is%20Sarcoma%20Awareness%20Month.

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/soft-tissue-sarcoma