Barasch & McGarry Recognizes Sarcoma Awareness Month

July is Sarcoma Awareness Month.

Nearly half a million first responders and people were working, living, and studying in Lower Manhattan on or after 9/11. The 9/11 community has a dramatically higher risk of developing respiratory illnesses and 68 different types of cancer that are presumed linked to the WTC toxins, including sarcoma.

Barasch & McGarry represents many members of the 9/11 community who have been diagnosed with sarcoma.

Sarcoma Awareness Month helps to inform the public about this relatively rare illness, described by the Sarcoma Foundation of Americas as the “forgotten cancer.”

According to the American Cancer Society, about 13,460 new soft tissue sarcomas will be diagnosed in 2021, an estimated 7,720 in men and 5,740 in women.

The major risk factors for soft tissue sarcoma are radiation used to treat other cancers, family cancer syndromes such as neurofibromatosis and Gardner syndrome, a damaged lymph system, and exposure to chemicals such as Ground Zero toxins.

Early detection of sarcoma could substantially improve the likelihood of survival.

People with a high risk of sarcoma – based on family history, radiation during a medical procedure, or toxic exposure – should share this information with their primary health care provider and stay alert to the symptoms. 

Common symptoms include finding a new or growing lump or growth on your body, abdominal pain that does not improve, and blood in stool or vomit.

If you are diagnosed with sarcoma or any other 9/11-related cancers or respiratory illnesses, we can help you access resources through the free World Trade Center Health Program and the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. 

Visit 911victims.com or call 212-385-8000 today.