Sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that affects the bones and soft tissues in the body, such as muscle, fat, and blood vessels. It is a complicated disease and is often difficult to diagnose and treat. Sarcoma can also spread to other areas of the body and become difficult to manage.
Number of Deaths from Sarcoma
According to the American Cancer Society, in 2020, there were an estimated 13,640 new cases of sarcoma in the United States and an estimated 4,830 deaths from the disease. This makes sarcoma the 15th most common form of cancer in the US.
Risk Factors for Sarcoma
Though the exact cause of sarcoma is unknown, there are some risk factors associated with the disease. These include radiation exposure, family history, and certain inherited genetic mutations. Other risk factors can include certain medical conditions, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome or Neurofibromatosis type 1.
Treatments for Sarcoma
Treatment for sarcoma often depends on the type of sarcoma and the stage of the disease. Treatments can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy. In some cases, a combination of treatments may be used.
Preventing Sarcoma
Since the exact cause of sarcoma is unknown, there is no sure way to prevent it. However, there are some steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing the disease. These include avoiding radiation exposure, eating a healthy diet, avoiding smoking, and exercising regularly.