Ashfield MP Lee Anderson has highlighted the work of Sarcoma UK, a charity that is trying to improve the speed at which sarcoma cancer is diagnosed.

Sarcomas are uncommon cancers that can affect any part of the body, on the inside or outside, including the muscle, bone, tendons, blood vessels and fatty tissues  and 15 people are diagnosed with sarcoma every day in the UK.

Lee said: ‘This charity is really important to me. A young lad, Jacob Fradgley, of Skegby, has metastatic ewing sarcoma and I’ve been blown away by him and his determination to live life to the full and never complain. He was diagnosed aged 15 and is an inspiration to all who meet him.

“It’s unbelievable that only 25% of people know what sarcoma is, and I’m proud to work with Sarcoma UK to help spread awareness of this rare cancer. It is also 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 their Sarcoma UK Support Line.”

Richard Davidson, chief executive of Sarcoma UK, added: “Early diagnosis is one of the key drivers for improving survival, and through discussions with supporters and clinicians, academic research and survey results, we have so far found three key challenges to diagnosis: public awareness, healthcare professional awareness, and the diagnostic pathway.

“Sarcoma UK welcomes the support of Lee Anderson MP in boosting public awareness of sarcoma and putting early diagnosis on the agenda.”

It’s essential that if you have any of the signs and symptoms of sarcoma you contact your GP. These are:

• A lump which is growing, changing, or bigger than a golf ball.
• Swelling, tenderness or pain in or around the bone which may come and go and may be worse at night.
• Stomach pain, feeling sick, loss of appetite or feeling full after eating only a small amount of food.
• Blood in either your poo or vomit.

Sarcoma UK is a national charity that funds vital research, offers support for anyone affected by sarcoma cancer and campaigns for better treatments. It is the only cancer charity in the UK focusing on all types of sarcoma.

Call the Sarcoma UK Support Line experts on 0808 801 0401 or email [email protected]