Raising Awareness and Hope: BBQ Girls Honors Sarcoma & Bone Cancer Awareness Month This July
At BBQ Girls, our backyard spaces are places of warmth, togetherness, and community. As we fire up our grills for mid-summer gatherings, we are also taking time to bring attention to a cause that deserves a bigger spotlight: Sarcoma and Bone Cancer Awareness Month every July.
Often called the "forgotten cancer," sarcoma is a rare and complex form of cancer that receives significantly less attention and funding than many other types. This month, BBQ Girls is dedicated to sharing knowledge, supporting affected families, and helping our community recognize the early signs of sarcoma and bone cancers.
Here is what you need to know about sarcoma, why early detection matters, and how you can join us in raising awareness this July.
What is Sarcoma?
Unlike carcinomas, which begin in the epithelial cells lining internal organs, sarcomas develop in the body's connective tissues. These include muscles, fat, nerves, blood vessels, deep skin tissues, cartilage, and bones.
Because connective tissue exists throughout the entire body, sarcomas can appear almost anywhere. They are broadly divided into two main categories:
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Soft Tissue Sarcoma: Arises in tissues like muscles, fat, tendons, and blood vessels. It can develop in the arms, legs, chest, or abdomen.
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Bone Cancer (Osteosarcoma & Ewing Sarcoma): Primary bone cancers originate directly in the bone matrix, most frequently affecting teenagers, young adults, and older adults.
The yellow ribbon is the official ribbon color for Sarcoma and Bone Cancer Awareness.
Key Signs & Symptoms to Be Aware Of
Because sarcomas are rare and can grow deep within tissue, they often go unnoticed in their early stages. Knowing what to watch for can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes:
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Unexplained Lumps or Swelling: A persistent, painless or painful lump—especially one that is growing or located deep within a muscle or limb.
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Persistent Bone Pain: Deep, aching pain in a bone or joint that worsens over time or hurts more at night.
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Reduced Mobility or Limping: Unexplained difficulty moving a limb, joint stiffness, or a sudden limp.
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Unexplained Fractures: A bone breaking easily from a minor injury or normal movement (known as a pathologic fracture).
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Abdominal Discomfort: Fullness, bloating, or deep pain if a sarcoma is located in the retroperitoneum or abdomen.
BBQ Girls Tip: If you or a family member notice a new or growing lump larger than a golf ball—or persistent bone pain that doesn't go away with rest—consult a physician for an accurate evaluation.
How to Support the Cause This July
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Wear Yellow: Show your support by wearing yellow ribbons, apparel, or wristbands during your summer backyard cookouts and community events.
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Spread the Word: Sarcoma accounts for only about 1% of adult cancers, but nearly 15% of childhood cancers. Sharing information helps ensure early symptoms aren't dismissed as simple "growing pains" or sports injuries.
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Support Dedicated Research: Look into organizations such as the Sarcoma Foundation of America (SFA) or local cancer institutes that fund specialized sarcoma research and clinical trials.
Cooking Up Support & Community
At BBQ Girls, we believe in the power of coming together over a great meal to uplift one another. This July, let’s use our platforms and backyard gatherings to spark important conversations, support sarcoma patients and survivors, and champion the search for better treatments.
Stay connected with the BBQ Girls blog for more community spotlights, outdoor living inspiration, and delicious summer recipes!
