This page sets out the latest available statistics on sarcoma incidence and survival in the United Kingdom. These figures draw on UK-wide data for incidence and on detailed survival data for England. They replace the older figures previously used across our information and publications.
Sarcoma UK will update this page as new data becomes available.
Overview
Sarcoma is an uncommon cancer that can affect any part of the body, including muscle, bone, tendons, blood vessels and fatty tissues. Because sarcomas are rare and can appear in many different places, they are difficult to diagnose and treat.
This page summarises the most up-to-date statistics for the UK, describing how many people are diagnosed each year and how survival has changed.
Latest incidence figures (UK-wide)
- Around 16 people are diagnosed with sarcoma every day in the UK.
- This equals approximately 5,900 diagnoses each year.
These figures reflect the latest national data published in 2025.
Incidence by subtype
Sarcoma includes both bone sarcomas and soft tissue sarcomas.
- Around 700 people in the UK are diagnosed with bone sarcoma each year (around 2 per day).
- Around 5,200 people in the UK are diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma each year (around 14 per day).
- Roughly 1 in 8 sarcoma diagnoses are bone sarcoma.
Incidence by UK nation
- England: Around 5,100 diagnoses each year (around 14 per day).
- Northern Ireland: Around 100 diagnoses each year (about one every three days).
- Scotland: Around 400 diagnoses each year (around 1 per day).
- Wales: Around 300 diagnoses each year (around 1 per day).
These figures reflect how sarcoma is recorded across the four nations, where data collection systems vary.
Latest survival data
- The estimated survival rate of sarcoma patients in England 1 year after diagnosis has increased from 78% to 81%.
- The estimated survival rate of sarcoma patients in England 5 years after diagnosis has increased from 55% to 61%.
- About 80% of people diagnosed with sarcoma in England are expected to be alive one year after their diagnosis.
What may explain the changes
Survival from sarcoma has been increasing gradually in the UK. Several developments may contribute to this trend:
- Greater awareness of sarcoma and better recognition of symptoms.
- Improvements in speed and accuracy of diagnosis.
- Advances in treatment options.
- More targeted use of therapies based on tumour type and location.
How we use this data
These figures inform Sarcoma UK’s information resources, support services, policy work and research funding priorities. They also help us describe the scale of sarcoma in the UK and the difference improvements in diagnosis and treatment can make.
This page acts as the central reference point for incidence and survival statistics used across our website and publications.
Sources
- NHS England National Disease Registration Service. Get Data Out programme.
- Requested data from Public Health Scotland and Public Health Wales.
- Northern Ireland Cancer Registry.
For further detail about the statistics or methodology, please contact info@sarcoma.org.uk.
Last updated: December 2025
