Soft tissue sarcoma is a type of cancer that begins in the soft tissues of the body, such as fat tissue, muscle, tissues of the digestive tract, connective tissue (which connects and supports organs and other parts of the body), nerves and others. There are more than 50 different subtypes of soft tissue sarcoma, and nearly any soft tissue in the body can be affected. Some subtypes are much more rare than others.
Soft tissue sarcoma is a rare type of cancer, and finding information about it can take some more work. Here are five online sources of information that may help you learn more about soft tissue sarcoma.
Sarcoma Foundation of America (SFA) The SFA is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for sarcoma patients, increasing awareness about the disease and funding research about soft tissue sarcoma. Their website has a lot of useful information for patients and families living with soft tissue sarcoma, including educational materials about the disease, a database of hospitals and medical centers that specialize in treating STS, a page on clinical trials that are currently seeking participants, and a page with financial assistance resources for patients.
Sarcoma Alliance This non-profit organization was founded by sarcoma patients who wanted to build a community for people who were diagnosed with this type of cancer. The website offers a great way to start learning about what sarcoma is, the various subtypes of sarcoma and treatment guidelines. In keeping with the founders’ goal of creating a community, it has a list of support groups for people living with sarcoma, many of which meet online and are accessible from anywhere. The site also has information about clinical trials and sarcoma treatment centers.
Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative A great starting point for new patients and family members of new patients, this non-profit organization offers information on many subtypes of sarcoma, inspirational stories from sarcoma patients and updates on the latest medical research about sarcoma. Their “Guide to the Sarcoma Universe” covers a wide range of topics, everything from communicating with friends and family about a diagnosis, to organizing medical records, managing emotions and navigating financial issues.
Smart Patients Sarcoma Support Group This online support group and forum offers an opportunity for sarcoma patients and caregivers to connect. It is a place to find support, share stories, ask questions and learn from others’ experience with treatment, diagnosis, symptoms and the many challenges of living with sarcoma.
National Cancer Institute (NIH) If you’re looking for information about a specific type of sarcoma or want further your reading on the topic of soft tissue sarcomas, the National Cancer Institute has pages covering many topics, including diagnostic tests, staging and a breakdown of the different treatment options.
