Cancer Society Gisborne East Coast highlighting Sarcoma Awareness Month

From daffodil picking to Daffodil Day with Sarcoma Awareness Month in between ... life is busy for Shay Podjursky and other staff and volunteers at Cancer Society Gisborne East Coast. Photo / Liam Clayton

Winter is a busy time for the Cancer Society Gisborne East Coast.

Staff and volunteers are busy preparing for Daffodil Day, looking for volunteer collectors and supporting other fundraising efforts.

Cancer Society fundraising and events co-ordinator Shay Podjursky says July is also Sarcoma Awareness Month.

Sarcoma is a rare and complex cancer arising from the bone, cartilage or soft tissues such as fat, muscle, connective tissue or blood vessels.

Sarcomas can form anywhere in the body and are frequently hidden deep in the limbs.

Usually forming first as a painless lump (tumour), soft tissue sarcoma is most commonly developed in the thigh, shoulder and pelvis. Sometimes they can grow in the abdomen or chest (trunk).

Cancer occurs when cells multiply uncontrollably, forming growths called tumours. While the causes of most sarcomas are generally unknown, there are several risk factors – radiotherapy, chemical exposure and inherited syndromes such as soft tissue sarcoma from your parents.

Soft tissue sarcomas often have no obvious symptoms in the early stages but can cause symptoms as they get bigger or spread. The symptoms depend on where the cancer develops.

People should see their GP if they have a worrying lump – particularly one that is getting bigger over time or is the size of a golf ball or larger – or any other troublesome symptoms.

The lumps can sometimes be misdiagnosed as a benign (non-cancerous) lump, or as a sporting injury, or growing pains in young people.

Soft tissue sarcomas often have no obvious symptoms in the early stages but can cause symptoms as they get bigger or spread. See your GP if you have a worrying lump.

The main treatments are surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Daffodil Day volunteers needed

The Cancer Society is looking for volunteers to help with the Daffodil Day street collection on Friday, August 30, at Adrian’s Espresso. Gisborne Airport and ANZ Bank.

“Various times are available so reach out today and do your bit for the one in three who will be affected by a cancer diagnosis,” Cancer Society fundraising and events co-ordinator Shay Podjursky says.

“If you’ve never volunteered with us before, but are keen to help, we would love to have you join us this August.

“Send us a private message or email gillian.stevenson@cancercd.org.nz to book a spot today.”

Podjursky thanked sponsors for supporting the Daffodil Day raffle.

“The Daffodil Day raffle has just gone live and it’s filled with five brilliant prizes.

“Thanks to our incredible sponsors, we have five mystery envelopes – the winners and you get to pick an envelope to reveal which prize you’ve won.

“Tickets are $5 each and all money from the raffle stays local.”

Tickets can be bought at https://events.humanitix.com/lucky-dip-daffodil-day-raffle