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You don’t hear much about sarcoma. It doesn’t get the same airtime as breast or lung cancer, and most people couldn’t tell you what it is. That’s exactly why July is Sarcoma Awareness Month, to help raise visibility for a rare but serious group of cancers that can impact anyone, at any age.
At BrightStar Care of Greater Chester County, we work with clients and families navigating complex medical situations every day. And while sarcoma isn’t common, when it does show up, it demands focused care, steady support, and often a lot of coordination between home and hospital. For families in West Chester, Downingtown, Coatesville, Exton, and Kennett Square, understanding sarcoma and knowing how to get help is a powerful first step.
What Is Sarcoma?
Sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that begins in the body’s connective tissues, things like bone, muscle, fat, blood vessels, and nerves. It’s different from most cancers that start in organs like the lungs or liver. There are two broad categories: soft tissue sarcomas and bone sarcomas, with more than 70 subtypes under those umbrellas.
According to the American Cancer Society, about 13,500 cases of soft tissue sarcoma will be diagnosed in the U.S. this year. That may sound small compared to other cancer types, but its rarity makes it more difficult to recognize and treat. Sarcoma can affect anyone, but it’s especially notable for impacting children, teens, and young adults more often than most cancers do.
Symptoms are often subtle. A painless lump. A sore spot that lingers. Swelling that doesn’t go away. Many sarcomas are diagnosed late because people (and sometimes even providers) assume it’s something less serious.
The Local Impact and the Care Gap
Here in Chester County, families facing sarcoma often have to travel to large regional cancer centers in Philadelphia or beyond for specialized care. That creates a strain—not just from a health perspective, but from a time and logistics standpoint.
Cancer doesn’t just affect the person with the diagnosis. It affects their caregivers, their schedule, their energy, and their whole routine.
Sarcoma treatment typically involves surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Depending on the tumor's location, mobility and independence can be major issues during recovery. Managing side effects, staying on top of medication, and preventing infections are all part of the day-to-day challenge.
That’s where strong home support makes all the difference.
How BrightStar Care of Greater Chester County Supports Cancer Patients
At BrightStar Care of Greater Chester County, we help patients and families manage life outside the hospital. Cancer doesn’t pause when you get home—it just changes location. Whether someone is recovering after surgery or going through chemotherapy, our goal is to provide steady, safe, professional care in a familiar environment.
Here’s what we offer:
- Skilled nursing, including wound care, medication administration, and symptom monitoring.
- Personal care services like bathing, dressing, mobility help, and light meal prep.
- Respite care so primary caregivers can rest or attend to other responsibilities.
- 24/7 availability with flexible scheduling that adapts as your needs change.
- Every care plan is developed and overseen by a Registered Nurse for clinical accuracy and ongoing support.
We’re not just a service provider, we’re a local partner. We know the pace of life in Chester County. We understand the back-and-forth to Penn Medicine, Main Line Health, and other cancer centers. Our nurses and caregivers live right here in the community, and we take pride in being reliable and responsive when it matters most.
Why Sarcoma Awareness Matters
Sarcoma may be rare, but it isn’t invisible. Raising awareness this month helps push for earlier detection, more research funding, and better support systems for those navigating this disease. Most of all, it reminds families affected by sarcoma that they are not alone.
We believe that healing is about more than clinical treatment. It’s about dignity, comfort, and confidence in the people around you. Whether you're just beginning treatment or trying to regain strength after a long hospital stay, BrightStar Care is here to help you through it.
Final Thoughts
Sarcoma Awareness Month is a chance to talk about the cancers that often don’t get talked about. It’s a time to support the families carrying extra weight and to remind each other that even the rarest conditions deserve attention, care, and hope.
If you or someone you love in West Chester, Downingtown, Coatesville, or anywhere in Greater Chester County is facing sarcoma or undergoing cancer treatment, reach out to BrightStar Care. We’re here to help you stay safe, supported, and strong at home, where you belong.
BrightStar Care® is Here to Help
At BrightStar Care® Greater Chester County, we offer a wide range of home care and medical staffing services that enrich the quality of life for those who need care from the comfort of their home. We strive to provide the full continuum of care to our community while keeping our focus on offering a higher standard of care. Offering unparalleled support for our local healthcare system while providing a variety of high-quality, compassionate care, we work to give our clients the best lives possible while also strengthening the broader community. Contact us through our website or call 610.857.7790, so that we can help you find the right support to fit your unique needs.