DETROIT — The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute has marked July as Sarcoma Awareness Month. Sarcomas, a form of cancer, are rare tumors that comprise of about 1 percent of adult cancers and 15 percent of childhood cancers, according to Karmanos.

“Sarcomas are cancers originating in bone or soft tissues, for example, fat, muscle, nerves, fibrous tissue, blood vessels or deep skin tissue,” said Steve Kim, M.D., FACS, surgical oncologist and member of the Sarcoma Oncology Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) at Karmanos, in a press release. “Soft tissue sarcomas are more common in adults and bone sarcomas are more common in children.”

“In 2025, over 13,500 new cases of sarcoma will be diagnosed in the U.S.,” per the Karmanos Institute.

How is Sarcoma treated?

At the Karmanos Institute, the Sarcoma Oncology MDT treats sarcoma. This team comprises surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, pharmacists, social workers, dietitians and genetic counselors.

The Karmanos Institute engages in clinical trials, conducts research and adds to publications regarding Sarcoma malignancies.

What is the risk?

The risk for Sarcoma, unlike other cancers, is not linked to lifestyle components like diet, exercise and smoking, according to Karmanos. Risk for this cancer is linked to genetics and some inherited cancers.

To schedule an appointment with the Sarcoma Oncology Multidisciplinary Team at Karmanos, visit Karmanos.org.

Information above provided by the Karmanos Cancer Institute.