Erewash MP Maggie Throup is calling on parents to understand the signs and symptoms of Sarcoma during Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month.
Sarcoma is a rare cancer of the soft tissue and bone. It is the third most common cancer in children, teenagers and young adults (CTYA) with one person from this group being diagnosed in the UK every day. As part of Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month, Sarcoma UK held a parliamentary event on improving outcomes for children and young people with sarcoma.
Maggie said: "I was pleased to attend Sarcoma UK’s parliamentary event and learn more about this type of cancer. CTYA Sarcomas are diagnosed late and are often missed or mistaken for other conditions such as growing pains or sports injuries. Clearly more needs to be done to raise awareness of this disease.
“Only seven per cent of the UK public know the signs and symptoms of Sarcoma. It is essential that we are able to educate the public and healthcare professionals about how to better recognise the signs and symptoms of Sarcoma.
“Earlier recognition of the signs of cancer in young people is critical as it means an individual and/or their parent are more likely to go to their GP and get a quicker diagnosis. If you are at all concerned, please visit your healthcare professional.”
More information about the signs and symptoms of Sarcoma can be found online here