As a consultant surgical oncologist and specialist in Sarcoma surgery at the Royal Marsden Hospital, Mr Myles Smith supports The Loneliest Cancer Campaign (#TheLoneliestCancer) launched by Sarcoma UK.
Sarcoma is a cancer that few have heard of and, although rare, can have a profound impact on sufferers and their families and friends. Because little is known about it, there are a number of issues which seem unique to sarcoma.
Sarcoma UK has launched its largest sarcoma awareness campaign, illustrating the general lack of knowledge around this cancer and the impact that has on patients. Richard Davidson, Chief Executive of Sarcoma UK, believes sarcoma awareness needs to grow. He says: ‘We know the patient journey can be isolating, frightening and traumatic for many. The unfortunate truth is that people only really become aware of what sarcoma is when it touches their life or those in their family.
Sarcoma UK (@SarcomaUK) invests in research, support and increasing sarcoma awareness in the UK and internationally.
The report issued by Sarcoma UK also finds:
- There has been little progress made in terms of developing successful new sarcoma-specific treatments
- ‘Tumour-agnostic’ drugs like larotrectinib and innovative research projects, including one involving cancer-killing bioactive glass, could prove hopeful
- The opening of the UK’s second Proton Beam Therapy Centre at University College London Hospital could help expand treatment options
