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Did you know that 15-20% of childhood cancers are sarcoma? Sarcoma Awareness Month is observed each July to raise awareness about sarcomas, a diverse group of cancers that arise in the connective tissues of the body, including bones, muscles, fat, nerves, and blood vessels. The month aims to educate the public about the signs and symptoms of sarcoma, the importance of early detection, and the need for more research and funding for better treatments. It also serves as a platform for patients, survivors, and their families to share their stories, fostering a sense of community and support. As a sarcoma survivor, I know firsthand the importance of raising awareness about this rare cancer and overall information and strategies for preventative care - my tumor had grown undetected for over a year and the type of treatment and care I had saved my leg and my life and did not exist twenty years ago. By increasing awareness, Sarcoma Awareness Month seeks to improve early diagnosis rates, support ongoing research efforts, and ultimately enhance the quality of life for those affected by these unique and often difficult-to-treat cancers.
I want to speak directly to the connection between sarcoma prevention and mental health, which primarily revolves around the psychological aspects of coping with the disease, rather than direct prevention strategies. Here are some key points to consider:
Early Detection and Anxiety: While early detection is crucial for better outcomes, the fear and anxiety associated with regular screenings or monitoring can impact mental health. It's essential for individuals at risk or with a family history to maintain open communication with healthcare providers to address concerns.
Support Systems: Strong social support networks play a vital role in mental health when dealing with sarcoma prevention. Having friends, family, or support groups who understand the challenges can provide emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation.
Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Adopting a healthy lifestyle not only reduces the risk of developing sarcoma but also promotes overall well-being. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep can positively impact mental health by boosting mood and reducing stress.
Patient Education: Educating oneself about sarcoma, its risk factors, and preventive measures can empower individuals to take proactive steps, which can alleviate anxiety through knowledge and understanding.
Psychosocial Support Services: In cases where individuals are diagnosed with sarcoma or are at high risk, accessing psychosocial support services, such as counseling or therapy, can provide a safe space to process emotions and develop coping strategies to help manage stress and anxiety.
Survivorship Issues: For survivors of sarcoma and loved ones, ongoing mental health support may be necessary to address issues related to survivorship, including fear of recurrence, changes in body image, and adapting to life after treatment.
Cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally overwhelming, leading to anxiety, depression, and stress. Candidly, adjusting to life as a cancer survivor is where I struggled the most with my mental health. It has been over ten years since my cancer diagnosis and treatment and I am grateful for the ongoing growth of mental health services available. I encourage patients and their loved ones to seek early mental health support. Allow yourself to feel and express a wide range of emotions—fear, anger, sadness, joy. Recognizing and accepting these feelings is a crucial step in processing your experience and finding a way forward. Be patient with your healing process and avoid putting pressure on yourself to “move on” or “be strong” all the time. Early mental health care helps patients and their loved ones navigate the changes, manage symptoms, and maintain a better quality of life throughout their cancer journey.
Resources
American Cancer Society (ACS): cancer.org
Cancer Care: cancercare.org
Cancer Support Community: cancersupportcommunity.org
Inova Life With Cancer: lifewithcancer.org
Sarcoma Alliance: sarcomaalliance.org
Sarcoma Foundation of America: curesarcoma.org
The Mighty: themighty.com
The Smith Center: smithcenter.org
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