As we head into the final week of Sarcoma Awareness Month, we thought we would share what has been happening around the world over the past few weeks.
Sarcoma does not respect borders. It is a rare, complex cancer that affects thousands of people worldwide every year. While we have been busy campaigning here in the UK, a global network of patient organisations, clinicians, and advocates has been working alongside us. Together, we focus on three shared goals: supporting patients, demanding political change, and investing in research.
Here is how our international partners have been taking action this July.
1. Supporting people affected by sarcoma
A sarcoma diagnosis can feel isolating because the disease is rare. International organisations have used July to bring patients together and build support networks.
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In Ireland: Sarcoma Cancer Ireland launched the Big Yellow Picnic, sending out picnic packs to help families, friends, and workplaces host community gatherings. It provided a practical way to raise awareness locally and show patients they have a network of support.
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In India: The patient group Friends of Max focused on Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST). Throughout July, they ran digital storytelling campaigns that shared survivor experiences and connected newly diagnosed patients with peer support networks.
2. Advocating for political and systemic change
Changing policy is a reliable way to improve patient outcomes. Around the world, advocacy groups put pressure on decision-makers this month to fix diagnostic delays.
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Globally: The Sarcoma Patient Advocacy Global Network (SPAGN) addressed late diagnosis by publishing data from their global survey to show healthcare leaders where systems are failing patients. They are using these findings to lobby for faster referral pathways.
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In the US: The Sarcoma Foundation of America (SFA) organised its Sarcoma Advocacy Weekend. They mobilised online supporters to message their representatives, urging them to protect funding for rare cancer research.
3. Investing in research
Finding better treatments requires international scientific collaboration.
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In Germany: The Deutsche Sarkom-Stiftung (German Sarcoma Foundation) funded its mission through its annual Sarkomtour bike race. The funds raised go directly to research grants, and this month they focused on translating complex clinical data into plain language so patients can understand current progress.
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In Australia and New Zealand: The Australia and New Zealand Sarcoma Association (ANZSA) focused on clinical education to prevent diagnostic errors. They used their platforms to help general practitioners and surgeons identify sarcomas early, ensuring patients get correct treatment quickly.
Lighting Up the World
Beyond campaigns and policy, July 24 marked global Light Up for Sarcoma Day. Major landmarks across time zones – including Perth’s Matagarup Bridge in Australia, the CN Tower in Toronto, Niagara Falls, and Boston’s TD Garden – lit up exterior facades in yellow to bring rare cancers into mainstream public view.
Support our UK campaign in this final week
While our colleagues work globally, you can make a direct impact here at home as we finish out July.
This month, we launched our Living with Sarcoma: Life Goes On campaign, sharing the personal stories of people living with sarcoma to highlight the reality of this diagnosis and demand better, faster care. Following our campaign event in the House of Commons, we need your help to keep the pressure on decision-makers.
How you can take action today:
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Read and share the stories of the 10 patients featured in our campaign to help raise awareness across your own social networks.
- Download the Life Goes On supporter toolkit. The toolkit includes ready-to-use social media graphics, captions and resources, as well as information about sarcoma signs and symptoms, what sarcoma is, common myths, and ideas to help you share your story.
- Order an awareness pack. Get your pack which include leaflets, flyers, banners and more. THere’s also a special pack for healthcare professionals.
