Sarcomas are rare and aggressive cancers that arise in the body’s connective tissues, including bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, nerves, blood and lymph vessels. They can occur anywhere in the body and affect people of all ages, but are most common in children, adolescents and young adults.

One in five childhood cancers is a sarcoma, and around 10% of all adolescent cancers fall into this category. Sarcoma was the leading cause of cancer-related death in Australians aged 15–29 in 2024, and, alongside brain cancer, remains a leading cause of cancer deaths in those aged 0–24.

Despite this, treatment outcomes have not changed in over 40 years, even though diagnoses have risen by more than 300% in that time.

Currently, survival sits around 69%, but this depends on the cancer not having spread. Once metastasised, survival drops to under 20%. Children diagnosed with sarcoma also face a one in five chance of developing a secondary cancer due to the aggressive nature of chemotherapy and radiation still used in treatment.

Sarcomas are frequently misdiagnosed as sports injuries, growing pains or stress-related issues, particularly in adolescents. Biopsy is the only reliable way to confirm a sarcoma diagnosis, as blood tests cannot detect it. If a sarcoma is suspected, it is critical that the patient is referred to a verified multidisciplinary team (MDT) for specialised care.

Despite the severity and rising incidence, sarcoma research remains critically underfunded. Clinical trials in Australia are largely supported through philanthropy. Greater awareness, advocacy and funding are essential if we are to improve outcomes and work towards a future free from sarcoma.