Talk to Our Sarcoma Specialists

No question is a silly question. Here are some of the most common ones that we get asked.

What is cancer?

Cancer starts in our cells. Cells are tiny building blocks that make up the organs and tissues of our body. Usually, these cells divide to make new cells in a controlled way. This is how our bodies grow, heal and repair. Sometimes, this goes wrong and the cell becomes abnormal. The abnormal cell keeps dividing and making more and more abnormal cells. These cells form a lump, which is called a tumour.

What is a sarcoma?

Sarcomas are less common cancers that develop in the muscle, bone, nerves, cartilage, tendons, blood vessels and the fatty and fibrous tissues. They can affect almost any part of the body, on the inside or the outside.

What is a MDT?

Anyone with a suspected sarcoma should be referred to a specialist sarcoma team for confirmation of diagnosis and for a treatment plan of this form of cancer. This is a team of experts from a wide range of healthcare professions called a multidisciplinary team (MDT). A sarcoma MDT will be based at a sarcoma specialist centre.  We can help you to find a sarcoma MDT that covers where you live.

How is sarcoma treated?

There are many different types of sarcoma and increasingly they are being treated in different ways.

Can I get written information?

Sarcoma UK has written information that we can post out to you.  The information is to help you understand more about Sarcoma and the treatments used.  You can also see all the information on our website.

Where can I get support from for myself or my family?

Sarcoma UK can help get you in touch with sarcoma support groups. These offer valuable support and information to patients, carers and family members, and provide the opportunity to meet with other people in the same situation.

When you get in touch, you will connect directly with a member of our specialist Support Line team. We are a dedicated group of healthcare professionals and advisors who specialise exclusively in sarcoma.

Here is what you can trust about the person on the other end of your call, text, or email:

Deep Clinical Expertise: Our team thoroughly understands the complexities of sarcoma, including its 100+ different subtypes. We have expert knowledge of medical terminology, current treatment pathways, side effects, scans, and specialist center procedures.

Credibility & Standards: As an independently verified and accredited service, we work to strict clinical safety and quality standards. Our team undergoes continuous training to ensure the information and guidance we provide is accurate, reliable, and up-to-date.

An Understanding Ear: Because we support people affected by sarcoma every single day, you don’t have to spend time explaining the basics of this rare condition to us. We already understand the unique practical hurdles, medical anxieties, and emotional weight that can come with it.

Yes. When you get in touch with us, we don’t share your details with anyone else. We do keep a record of your call or email to help us give you a good service, but this information is kept safe.

Read more about how we keep your information confidential.

Yes. The phone number is free to call from anywhere in the United Kingdom.

Sarcoma UK relies on voluntary donations through your support. Every single donation you give makes a difference to so many people’s lives.

Yes. Our Support Line is open to healthcare professionals, as well as patients, families, and carers.

Because sarcoma is a rare and complex cancer, clinicians- including GPs, specialists, nurses, and allied health professionals -regularly reach out to us.

We can assist healthcare professionals with:

• Patient Signposting: Providing you with high-quality, evidence-based booklets, information packs, and resources to pass directly to your patients.

• Pathways & Support: Discussing available support pathways for patients experiencing complex side effects or emotional distress. You can also make a direct referral on behalf of a patient.

• Referrals: Helping you connect patients and their families with our wider support network, including peer support groups.