MP highlights cancer awareness

East Renfrewshire’s MP is helping to raise awareness of rare cancers.

Kirsten Oswald met with representatives of bone and soft tissue cancer charity Sarcoma UK to discuss the work it is doing to improve the speed at which people are diagnosed.

Sarcomas are uncommon cancers that can affect any part of the body. There are many different types but all subtypes can be grouped into soft tissue sarcomas and bone sarcomas.

Such cancers are very rare, with sarcomas making up less than 2 per cent of all cancers diagnosed in the UK each year.

Two years ago, Sarcoma UK provided recommendations on how to improve the speed at which the disease is diagnosed.

Now the charity is calling for renewed action, with support from Ms Oswald.

She said:“I’m proud to work with Sarcoma UK to help spread awareness of this rare cancer. It is clear to see that more needs to be done to improve the speed and accuracy at which sarcoma is diagnosed so that patients have the best possible chance of survival.

“It’s great to see this charity raising public awareness about sarcoma and its symptoms while funding vital research into better treatments and supporting patients and loved ones through the Sarcoma UK Support Line.”

Bradley Price, Sarcoma UK’s policy and public affairs manager, added: “Despite 15 people in the UK being diagnosed with sarcoma every day, only 25 per cent of the population know what a sarcoma is, with even fewer people recognising its signs and symptoms.

“The greater awareness we have of sarcoma and the importance of early diagnosis, the more chance we have of being able to help people when it will really make a difference.”