Subtitle Forum: Who is at Risk for Soft Tissue Sarcoma?
Soft tissue sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that develops in soft tissues like muscle, fat, nerves, fibrous tissues, blood vessels, or deep skin tissues. While anyone can develop soft tissue sarcoma, there are certain risk factors that make some individuals more likely to develop the disease.
Age: Soft tissue sarcoma is more common in older adults, with the majority of cases occurring in individuals older than 50 years of age.
Gender: Soft tissue sarcoma is more common in males than females, although the exact reasons for this are unknown.
Family History: Having a parent or sibling with certain types of sarcomas increases one’s risk of developing the disease.
Radiation Therapy: Having a history of radiation therapy to the chest or abdomen greatly increases one’s risk of developing soft tissue sarcoma.
Genetic Diseases: Individuals with certain genetic diseases, such as neurofibromatosis or Li-Fraumeni syndrome, are more likely to develop soft tissue sarcoma.
Chemicals: Exposure to certain chemicals, such as vinyl chloride or dioxins, increases the risk of developing soft tissue sarcoma.
Although anyone can develop soft tissue sarcoma, those with certain risk factors are more likely to develop the disease. It is important to speak to your doctor about your individual risk factors and to take appropriate steps to reduce your risk.