Sarcoma is rare. But for the people affected by it, the impact is life-changing.
Over the next five years, Sarcoma UK will work to ensure that people affected by sarcoma are diagnosed earlier, receive better treatment and have access to the support they need.
Our strategy for 2026–31 sets out how we will do this and how we will work with the sarcoma community to close the gap between sarcoma and other cancers.
Why this strategy matters
Around 5,900 people are diagnosed with sarcoma in the UK each year, and between 2026 and 2031 almost 34,000 people are expected to receive a sarcoma diagnosis.
There has been progress. Survival is improving and awareness of sarcoma is slowly increasing.
But progress is not fast enough.
People affected by sarcoma still face:
- Delays in diagnosis
- Unequal access to specialist care
- Limited research investment compared with other cancers
- A lack of tailored information and support
Sarcoma is different from more common cancers. It requires specialist care, coordinated services and focused research.
This strategy sets out how we will help drive that change.
Our vision
Where everyone affected by sarcoma cancer lives longer and better lives.
Our mission
We enable earlier diagnosis, advance treatments, improve care and ensure no one faces sarcoma alone by working with patients, families, researchers, healthcare professionals and policymakers.
What we will focus on
Over the next five years we will focus on five key areas.
Support and information
Everyone diagnosed with sarcoma should know about Sarcoma UK and be able to access high-quality support and information.
We will:
- Reach more people affected by sarcoma so no one faces it alone
- Reduce barriers to accessing support, regardless of background, finances or location
- Provide practical and emotional support for a wide range of needs
- Work with partners to reduce the financial burden faced by many patients
- Improve and expand our information so it reflects the full range of sarcoma subtypes and experiences
Research
Better research means better outcomes for patients.
We will:
- Fund early-stage research that helps unlock larger research funding
- Ensure research is shaped by the needs of patients and healthcare professionals
- Strengthen the UK sarcoma research community
- Support greater access to clinical trials
- Work with national and international partners to accelerate progress
Healthcare professionals
Access to specialist care should not depend on where someone lives.
We will work with healthcare professionals and the NHS to improve how sarcoma is diagnosed and treated across the UK.
We will:
- Support the development of a coherent national sarcoma service
- Help create clearer diagnostic referral pathways so patients are diagnosed earlier
- Educate more healthcare professionals about sarcoma
- Support efforts to attract and retain the next generation of sarcoma specialists
Policy and influencing
Improving outcomes for sarcoma requires change across the healthcare system.
We will work with policymakers, healthcare leaders and the sarcoma community to:
- Raise awareness of sarcoma and the challenges patients face
- Improve access to clinical trials and innovative treatments
- Influence policy to improve care pathways and patient experience
- Strengthen the evidence and data needed to drive change
Strengthening Sarcoma UK
To deliver this strategy we must also strengthen our organisation.
We will:
- Improve how we measure and report our impact
- Grow and diversify our income so we can do more
- Support our staff and volunteers to develop their skills and wellbeing
- Use technology effectively to increase our reach and impact
- Maintain strong governance and secure systems
Our promise to people affected by sarcoma
Everything we do is shaped by the people affected by sarcoma.
Our work is guided by five commitments:
We are shaped and driven by people affected by sarcoma
We listen to and learn from the experiences of patients and families.
We are committed to equity
Everyone affected by sarcoma should be able to access the same quality of care, information and support.
We collaborate to make a bigger impact
We work with healthcare professionals, researchers, organisations and policymakers to achieve more together.
We uphold the highest standards
We use evidence and expertise to push for better care, treatment and research.
We are relentlessly ambitious
Sarcoma is decades behind other cancers. We will use every opportunity to close that gap.
Help us close the gap
This strategy is ambitious because the challenge facing people affected by sarcoma is significant.
With the support of our community, partners and supporters, we believe real change is possible.
You can help by:
- donating or fundraising
- sharing our information
- volunteering your time or expertise
- connecting us with potential partners
- supporting our campaigns
Together, we can close the gap and improve outcomes for people affected by sarcoma.
