Sarcoma Awareness Month kicked off this week with Sarcoma UK celebrity ambassador, Jake Quickenden bared his chest to educate viewers about the disease.
Jake joined ITV’s Lorraine Kelly on set with Dr Hilary Jones who taught him and the nation how to check their bodies for lumps in order to raise awareness for this rare form of cancer which 89% of people don’t understand.
Jake is incredibly passionate about raising awareness of this rare cancer, especially as he sadly lost his brother, Oliver, to a type of sarcoma known as osteosarcoma in 2012 at just 19. He said:
The problem with sarcoma is that it starts life as such little bumps that young people just don’t think to get them checked until they are much larger, and it’s way too late.
‘Things with my brother, Oliver, were a little different. He had the condition in his bones, so we could never have detected them from the outside – but it’s really important we raise awareness of the soft tissue lump checks as they can literally be lifesaving. Sarcoma is the third most common cancer in children, and just by checking our bodies properly, we can help to make a real difference, early detection can save lives.’
Alongside supporting Sarcoma Awareness Month, Jake’s guest appearance also highlighted Sarcoma UK’s ‘Does Size Matter’ campaign which is designed to teach the public about sarcoma and draw attention to any unusual lumps in the body.
Jake also mentioned Sarcoma UK ambassador, Maddie Cowey, who, was diagnosed at 18, when she visited her GP to remove a minor lump from her shoulder.
‘Having been sent to a sarcoma specialist, Maddie was diagnosed with a very rare form of sarcoma which is currently being kept at bay by clinical trials and compassionate-use drugs which inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Fortunately, being treated by the specialist sarcoma team, means her cancer is currently stable.
‘Maddie is bravely campaigning to make sure people know their ‘normal’ and get any unusual lumps checked out, wherever they are on the body, because early detection can save lives.’
If you would like to talk to someone, you can contact our Support Line on 0808 801 0401, supportline@sarcoma.org.uk or text 07860 058830
