The SPAGN Blog
A research agenda driven by patients – Sarcoma UK to fund £2 million this year
Advances in understanding sarcoma can change the lives of patients – particularly, if the research is result of the efforts and energy of people affected by sarcoma themselves. For Dr. Sorrel Bickley, the Director of Research, Policy and Support of Sarcoma UK, it is crucial to focus on the research that could make the most difference for patients. She lost her mum to a sarcoma, which influenced her career path as research scientist. Sorrel tells us about feeling proud of what the charity has achieved, but even more excited about what’s to come.
ROGER EXPLORES… Natural therapies: Avoid anything promoted as alternative, rely on science instead
As patient advocates, we do not promote non-standard therapies, yet in practice you probably have encountered cases of cancer patients or their family turning to so-called ‘alternative’ natural therapies. They may be desperate, because standard treatments are not working for them or their loved one. Others may be convinced that only ‘natural’ remedies should be used and reject chemotherapy or other medical therapies because they are not found in nature. Roger Wilson scrutinizes some of the approaches marketed in social media and elsewhere although they are not supported by evidence. He also gives examples of natural compounds that are scientifically tested in cancer treatment.
A view from Brazil: Being part of international networks helps improve sarcoma care
Global cooperation is not an abstract ideal, says Dr. Fernando Campos, medical oncologist from Brazil. He describes the positive impact of international exchange projects on the daily practice of sarcoma care in his country. This is why he hopes that the Sarcoma Awareness Month serve not only to raise awareness, but also to bring us closer together. A reminder of our collective commitment.
Breaking Barriers: A rural sarcoma survivor’s mission to overcome disparities in India
July is Sarcoma Awareness Month – a time to not only spotlight a rare and often misunderstood form of cancer but also to amplify stories of resilience, hope and innovation. San¬¬deep Kumar tells his personal story as a bone sarcoma survivor from rural India that has turned into a story of breaking barriers for others. Knowing firsthand what it means to battle cancer in a small town, he endeavored to mobilize technology and experts to bridge the gap between rural patients and quality healthcare.
How to improve quality of life during and after radiotherapy? Sarcoma practice and research in large university clinics in Toronto and Berlin
The winner of this year’s research grant of the German Sarcoma Foundation, Dr. Siyer Roohani, decided to go to Canada to deepen his sarcoma expertise. A soon-to-be radiation oncology specialist for sarcoma in Germany, he currently works and researches as a clinical scholar at one of the largest sarcoma centres in the world, the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, Canada. In a chat with Voices of Sarcoma, he explains why he totally encourages any young scientist to do a work stay abroad, especially those wanting to specialize in sarcoma.
ROGER EXPLORES… Whole Genome Sequencing: Hopes are high, but limitations (still) a reality
Roger Wilson is an eminent figure in the national and international sarcoma patient advocacy world. Diagnosed in 1999 with a soft tissue sarcoma followed by multiple relapses and operations, Roger is recognized for his knowledge in sarcoma matters. He founded Sarcoma UK, has published many articles, shaped patient-led research and advocacy work, and he is the mastermind behind the concept of Sarcoma Intelligent Specialist Networks (SISN). Roger will share with us from time to time his insights and opinions on sarcoma matters in ROGER EXPLORES… He starts off by examining what’s happening with whole genome sequencing and why it is not the answer to everything, yet! A must read!
An award-winning ‘Manifesto against Sarcomas’: ASARGA campaigns against inequality in sarcoma care in Spain
The winner of this year’s Advocacy in Action Award, ASARGA, is fighting for more equitable access to early diagnosis and better care throughout the country in Spain. The Sarcoma Patient Advocacy Care Group mobilized 3000 supporters for their advocacy initiative to lobby policy makers. Natalia Fernández tells us the story of ASARGA and their efforts to include sarcoma care in Spain’s National Health System Cancer strategy.
METÁFORAS QUE IMPORTAN ¿Somos raros? ¿Somos guerreros?
El uso de metáforas está estrechamente relacionado con el cáncer: recurrimos a ellas porque la literalidad a veces es aterradora. Y porque, dentro de la zona de confort del lenguaje, podemos salvarnos (o condenarnos). Natalia Fernández, investigadora del lenguaje de los pacientes con sarcoma, analiza por qué recurrimos a las metáforas y aboga por humanizar nuestro lenguaje.
Why and How should I support SPAGN? Global networking is essential for progress in sarcoma care
The sadness about the death of her 34-year-old sister Paola and the frustration about the few options available for sarcoma patients, instilled – 17 years ago – the wish in Ornella Gonzato to do something to make sarcoma patients less ‘invisible’. In the wake of the forthcoming SPAGN annual conference, the longstanding Board member calls upon patients and patient advocates in getting active to support the global network for sarcoma patients. From her own experience she can tell why it makes a difference to others and oneself and gives tips about how to get started.
Some metaphors that matter – Are we rare? Are we warriors?
The use of metaphors is closely connected with cancer: We turn to them because literalness is sometimes terrifying. And because, within the comfort zone of language, we can save (or condemn) ourselves. Natalia Fernández, researcher into language of sarcoma patients, analyses why we resort to metaphors and pleads for humanizing our language.
Germany’s voice of the sarcoma hotline: A life commitment to volunteering
20 years ago, Karin Arndt was diagnosed with clear cell sarcoma and uncertain perspectives. Grateful for a lucky outcome despite a turbulent journey, she has dedicated her life to patient advocacy for 18 years now. This year, she turns 70. A portrait of a remarkable woman.
Reflecting on 2024: A Special Year for SPAGN
The year of the 15th anniversary of SPAGN has been a great success full of projects and partnerships for the benefit of sarcoma patients. 2024 showcases the wonderful development of the network since its creation. Our Chief Executive Kathrin Schuster looks back at the year with pride and sends a big thank you to all members, supporters and colleagues!
Would you like to submit a text to Voices of Sarcoma?
The blog Voices of Sarcoma covers topics of interest to the wider SPAGN community, which includes patient advocates of our Member Groups, sarcoma patients and caregivers, as well as members of the medical profession. The aim of the blog is to convey information, share experiences and viewpoints, and strengthen the bonds of the international sarcoma community. While Voices of Sarcoma welcomes submissions on a wide range of topics, we ask that you adhere to our Editorial Guidelines. Find out more.
Subscribe to our SPAGN Blog
