Honoring Sarcoma Awareness Month: Understanding, Supporting, and Healing
July is National Sarcoma Awareness Month—a time to shed light on a rare and often misunderstood group of cancers. At Align Total Wellness, we believe in not only raising awareness but also standing with individuals and families affected by sarcoma, offering holistic care rooted in compassion, healing touch, and spiritual alignment.
What Is Sarcoma?
Sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that begins in the body’s connective tissues, such as muscles, fat, nerves, cartilage, and bones. Unlike more common cancers that affect organs, sarcoma can develop almost anywhere in the body, making it more difficult to detect and treat early.
There are two primary categories:
Soft tissue sarcomas (more common in adults)
Bone sarcomas (more common in children and adolescents)
Though sarcomas represent only about 1% of adult cancers, their impact is significant especially due to the complex areas of the body they often affect.
Common Symptoms of Sarcoma
Because sarcoma can appear in so many areas of the body, symptoms can vary widely. However, common signs may include:
A painless lump or swelling that increases in size
Persistent pain, especially in bones or joints
Fatigue or unexplained weight loss
Limited range of motion or stiffness in affected limbs
Bone pain that worsens at night
Early detection is key. If any of these symptoms persist, it's important to consult a medical professional.
Challenges Faced by Sarcoma Patients
Sarcoma presents unique physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges:
1. Rarity and Misdiagnosis
Due to its rarity, sarcoma is often misdiagnosed or overlooked, delaying treatment and increasing anxiety for patients and families.
2. Intensive Treatments
Treatment often includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, which can be physically demanding especially when tumors affect mobility or vital structures.
3. Emotional Isolation
The rarity of sarcoma can make patients feel isolated or misunderstood, with fewer support resources than more common cancers.
4. Identity and Body Image Changes
For some, surgery or treatment may involve visible changes to the body or mobility, which can impact confidence, identity, and self-esteem.
How Align Total Wellness Supports the Sarcoma Journey
At Align Total Wellness, our approach to healing is holistic—addressing the needs of the spirit, soul, and body. Through personalized, nurturing care, we walk beside clients on their cancer journey with the following services:
Oncology Massage Therapy
Our oncology massage sessions are tailored to meet the needs of those undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment. With gentle, intentional touch, this therapy helps reduce pain, ease tension, improve sleep, and provide emotional grounding.
Essential Oil Applications for Strength and Calm
Our Sacred Strength for Survivors line includes pure essential oil blends designed to support emotional well-being, ease respiratory distress, and comfort sensitive skin. These products can be used in daily routines to cultivate peace, resilience, and a sense of control.
Transition Doula Support
For individuals with advanced or terminal diagnoses, our Transition Doula services offer emotional, physical, and spiritual support during end-of-life care. This includes presence, comfort touch, guided rituals, prayer, and support for loved ones navigating this sacred passage.
A Safe and Restorative Environment
Our healing space is thoughtfully designed with calming lavender tones, grounding aromatherapy, and a sense of sacred stillness. Clients are welcomed into an environment where they feel safe, nurtured, and truly seen.
Raising Awareness, Offering Hope
As we honor Sarcoma Awareness Month, Align Total Wellness remains committed to being a source of strength, education, and compassionate care. Whether you are living with sarcoma, supporting a loved one, or seeking holistic healing during or after treatment, we are here to walk beside you.
You Are Not Alone
Healing is not a straight line, it’s a journey. At Align Total Wellness, you don’t have to walk it alone.
Explore our services or contact us to learn how we can support you or someone you love through the challenges of sarcoma and cancer recovery.
Let July be a reminder: even in the rarest journeys, there is always hope, healing, and alignment.
