July Is Sarcoma Awareness Month – Join Us in Raising Awareness

Sarcomas are a rare and complex group of cancers that can appear deceptively like normal tissue, making them difficult to detect early. These cancers originate in the body’s connective tissues, the structures that support, connect, and surround organs and other tissues. Sarcomas can develop anywhere in the body, but most commonly occur in the arms, legs, abdomen, and pelvis.

July is Sarcoma Awareness Month, dedicated to increasing recognition of this often-overlooked disease. Although sarcoma accounts for only about 1% of adult cancers and up to 20% of pediatric cancers, it is frequently diagnosed late due to its wide range of symptoms.

This year’s theme, “You Are Not Alone,” honors the resilience of patients and families while reinforcing the importance of early detection, education, and community support.

Why this matters to Fire & Rescue

Firefighters and EMS personnel face elevated cancer risks due to occupational exposures. Certain hazards encountered during firefighting have been linked to increased risk of various cancers, including sarcoma. Staying informed and prioritizing early detection is essential for protecting responder health.

Call-to-Action

We encourage everyone to:

• Wear yellow to raise awareness.
• Include a brief sarcoma awareness reminder in conversations with coworkers, volunteers, and community members.
• Share information about early signs and encourage anyone experiencing persistent symptoms to speak with a healthcare provider.

Thank you for standing with those affected by sarcoma and for helping keep our community healthy, informed, and supported.