Sarcoma Awareness Month – July 1, 2026

Sarcoma Awareness Month
Categories:
Tags:
AwarenessDiseases
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
Every July
Holiday emoji:
🎗️

Sarcoma Awareness Month amplifies the call for research and support every July. This vital observance sheds light on a rare and aggressive group of cancers affecting bones and soft tissues. Take action by learning about early detection, supporting advocacy groups, and sharing information to save lives.

Want to sponsor Sarcoma Awareness Month? Learn how

Expected Sarcoma Awareness Month Deals

Throughout Sarcoma Awareness Month in July, the focus shifts from commercial deals to vital fundraising and awareness campaigns. Organizations like the Sarcoma Foundation of America (SFA) partner with corporations and individuals to drive donations for research and patient support programs. Expect to see social media campaigns emphasizing early detection and treatment advancements. Many healthcare companies and pharmaceutical firms, such as Eli Lilly and Bristol Myers Squibb, often highlight their oncology research and development efforts, sometimes matching employee donations or sponsoring awareness events. Local community groups may host charity runs or educational seminars. We encourage everyone to visit the official websites of leading sarcoma research foundations for direct donation opportunities and verified information.

Platform Guide for Sarcoma Awareness Month

LinkedIn

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #SarcomaAwarenessMonth. Share insights on research breakthroughs or patient care advancements.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #SarcomaAwarenessMonth. Post facts about sarcoma, survivor stories, or calls to action for advocacy.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #SarcomaAwarenessMonth. Share personal stories or resources for support groups and patient education.

Social Media Tips for Sarcoma Awareness Month

Individuals

Wear yellow or gold ribbons throughout July to symbolize support for sarcoma patients and survivors, sparking conversations about awareness.

Creators

Produce educational video series explaining different types of sarcoma, treatment options, or the importance of early diagnosis.

Brands

Launch a month-long donation matching campaign or dedicate a portion of July's sales to a leading sarcoma research foundation.

Organizations & Brands for Sarcoma Awareness Month

  1. Sarcoma Foundation of America (SFA)

    Founded in 2001, the SFA is a national organization dedicated to increasing research and awareness for sarcoma. It funds critical research initiatives and provides patient education and advocacy.

  2. American Cancer Society (ACS)

    Established in 1913, the ACS is a nationwide voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer. It supports research, provides patient services, and advocates for public health policies, including those impacting sarcoma.

  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI)

    Part of the National Institutes of Health, the NCI is the U.S. government's principal agency for cancer research and training. It conducts and supports research into the causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer, including sarcomas.

  4. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

    Founded in 1962 by Danny Thomas, St. Jude is renowned for its work in treating and researching pediatric catastrophic diseases, including various forms of childhood sarcoma. They provide care regardless of a family's ability to pay.

  5. Eli Lilly and Company

    A global pharmaceutical company founded in 1876, Eli Lilly has a significant oncology division focused on developing innovative treatments for various cancers. Their research contributes to advancements in sarcoma therapies.

  6. Bristol Myers Squibb

    Founded in 1887, Bristol Myers Squibb is a leading biopharmaceutical company with a strong commitment to oncology research. They develop and deliver transformative medicines for patients battling cancer, including rare types like sarcoma.

  7. Johnson & Johnson

    Founded in 1886, Johnson & Johnson is a global healthcare giant involved in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and consumer health. Through its various divisions, it contributes to cancer research, diagnostics, and patient support programs.

Sarcoma Awareness Month Hero

Dr. James Ewing

Dr. James Ewing (1866–1943) was a prominent American pathologist who made significant contributions to the understanding of cancer. He is best known for identifying and describing a rare bone tumor, which was subsequently named Ewing sarcoma in his honor. His pioneering work in classifying tumors laid crucial groundwork for modern oncology, helping to differentiate various cancer types and guide treatment strategies.

History of Sarcoma Awareness Month

Sarcoma Awareness Month is held each year during July, and strives to raise awareness about what is considered to be the “forgotten cancer.” The truth is that little is known about sarcomas and efforts to encourage research and drug development are made more challenging due to a lack of awareness and understanding.

Unfortunately, it is not fully understood why some people develop sarcomas while the majority do not. However, researchers have been able to single out some indicators that may play a key role in causing sarcomas by identifying common characteristics in groups with unusually high occurrence rates. Although the causes of sarcomas are unknown, some known risk factors must be taken into account. One of the risk factors is exposure to phenoxyacetic acid in herbicides or chlorophenols in wood preservatives. An unusual percentage of patients with a rare blood vessel tumor have been exposed to vinyl chloride in their work. This substance is used in the manufacture of certain plastics. Another cause of sarcoma is high doses of radiation.

Scientists have focused on genetic alterations that may lead to the development of sarcomas. They have also found that there are a small number of families where more than one member in the same generation has developed a sarcoma. These cases of sarcomas within the same family may be related to a rare inherited genetic alteration. However, sarcomas are a completely random event in a family’s cancer history in the vast majority of cases.

Sarcoma Awareness Month timeline

1900s
Sarcomas are Separated from Carcinomas

During the middle of the 19th century and after the development of cellular pathology, sarcomas are separated from carcinomas based on their tissues of origin.

1911
The Discovery of Rous the Sarcoma Virus

The discovery of the Rous sarcoma virus is reported by Peyton Rous in the ‘Journal of Experimental Medicine.’

1966
Peyton Rous Earns the Nobel Prize

Rous makes his discovery at the Rockefeller Institute — it earns him a Nobel Prize.

2007
Sarcoma Awareness Month

In November, a group of advocates come together in Seattle to gather all the sarcoma non-profits under a single united effort.

Sarcoma Awareness Month FAQs

When is Sarcoma Awareness Month?

Sarcoma Awareness Month 2026 is observed throughout July, from Wednesday, July 1, to Friday, July 31. This period is dedicated to raising public understanding of this rare cancer.

How many types of sarcoma are there?

There are more than 70 distinct types of sarcoma, broadly categorized into soft tissue sarcomas and bone sarcomas. Each type requires specific diagnostic and treatment approaches.

How common is sarcoma?

Sarcoma is considered a rare cancer, accounting for less than 1% of all adult cancers. Approximately 13,000 new cases of soft tissue sarcoma and 3,500 new cases of bone sarcoma are diagnosed annually in the U.S.

What are the common symptoms of sarcoma?

Common symptoms of soft tissue sarcoma include a noticeable lump or swelling that grows over time, often painless initially. Bone sarcomas can cause persistent bone pain, swelling, or a limp if in the leg.

How to Observe Sarcoma Awareness Month

  1. Follow a sarcoma foundation on social media

    This is a perfect day to read the posts of foundations on social media. The main idea is to spread awareness about sarcoma.

  2. Donate to any sarcoma foundation

    A good way to celebrate this day is by donating to help a sarcoma foundation raise funds for vital research. As sarcoma is also known as forgotten cancer, it may be difficult for foundations to raise funds.

  3. Share your story on social media

    You can share your story or a post raising awareness about sarcoma on social media tagging @CureSarcoma and using the hashtag #SarcomaAwarenessMonth. This hashtag will help raise awareness about this strange type of cancer.

5 Important Facts About Sarcomas

  1. Sarcomas are rare

    Sarcomas are rare in adults — approximately 1% of all adult cancer diagnoses are sarcomas.

  2. Sarcoma can develop in any part of the body

    The most common areas of sarcoma tumors are the legs, hands, arms, head, neck, chest, shoulders, abdomen, and hips.

  3. The cause is unknown

    While there are a number of risk factors, the actual cause of sarcomas is unknown.

  4. They’re difficult to detect and diagnose

    Sarcomas are difficult to detect and are often misdiagnosed because they are so rare and can take multiple forms in multiple locations.

  5. Get a second opinion

    With sarcomas, it is important to seek the best possible care to improve your chance of survival — always get a second opinion.

Why Sarcoma Awareness Month is Important

  1. It’s an opportunity to raise funds

    As mentioned, one of the most important aims is to raise funds. This is because the main purpose of these foundations is to raise awareness about this forgotten disease.

  2. It is an opportunity to raise awareness

    Some people don’t know that sarcoma is a type of cancer and others may not even know it exists. So during July, many awareness meetings and events are held to share information about this disease.

  3. It encourages check-ups

    Visit your doctor for a check-up. This is the perfect month to do so.

Sarcoma Awareness Month dates

Year Date Day
2026 July 1 Wednesday
2027 July 1 Thursday
2028 July 1 Saturday
2029 July 1 Sunday
2030 July 1 Monday