GENESEO, N.Y., July 21, 2023 – July is National Sarcoma and Bone Cancer Awareness Month and Livingston County is encouraging residents to learn more about the signs and symptoms of these cancers in an effort to safeguard their health.
A rare group of cancers that form in the bones or soft tissues of the body, sarcomas are found in blood vessels, fat, muscle tissue, tendons, nerves, cartilage and around joints. Most commonly diagnosed in teenagers and people aged 55 or older, it is estimated that there will be over 17,000 cases of soft tissue sarcoma and bone and joint cancer in 2023 with the United States alone.
According to the National Cancer Institute, sarcomas are difficult to detect or distinguish from other forms of cancer as they often occur within other organs. Symptoms include bone pain, abdominal pain, sudden and unexplained weight loss, a lump that can be felt through the skin that may or may not be painful, a broken bone that happens unexpectedly as a result of a minor injury or no injury at all.
Having certain inherited disorders may also increase your risk of sarcoma including retinoblastoma, tuberous sclerosis, Werner Syndrome and nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome. Past treatments that required radiation or certain types of cancers may also increase your risk.
If you or a loved one have a history of cancer, radiation treatments or concerns, Livingston County encourages you to speak with your healthcare provider.
For more information, please visit the American Association of Cancer Research’s website.
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About Livingston County:
Founded in 1821, Livingston County, N.Y., is comprised of more than 61,000 residents in 17 towns located across 631 square miles of the Finger Lakes region.