The Bone Cancer Research Trust and Sarcoma UK have joined forces to support The National Sarcoma Awareness Project. This initiative is aimed at educating final year medical students and resident doctors about sarcoma, ensuring they are equipped with the skills to spot these cancers and understand how they are managed for whatever career they may pursue.
Would YOU recognise a SARCOMA?
The Bone Cancer Research Trust and Sarcoma UK are united in their mission to improve the time to diagnosis for sarcoma patients.
Both charities hear all too often of patients seeking medical advice for many months, sometimes years, before receiving an accurate diagnosis, with many bouncing between different healthcare professionals; unfortunately, delayed diagnoses, unplanned excisions, and late presentations are a feature of sarcoma clinical practice.
We know that medical students continue to receive limited education on sarcoma during their degree and have limited exposure to sarcoma patients, which means that our doctors of the future may not understand the red flag symptoms, referral pathways, and how the care of these patients is managed. It also means that new doctors may not choose to specialise in this area of oncology.
Background of NSAP
With the aim of improving the diagnostic experience for future patients, Bone Cancer Research Trust and Sarcoma UK teamed up with Mr. Coonoor Chandrasekar, a consultant orthopaedic oncology surgeon at Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in 2013 to fund the National Sarcoma Awareness Project (NSAP).
Over the past decade, NSAP grew with more than 2,250 students and doctors participating in the educational project and 48 funded fellowships were awarded to highly scoring individuals.
What previous participants say:
''The National Sarcoma Awareness Project granted me unparalleled exposure to this rare cancer. I wish ALL doctors had such an opportunity.''
''I think junior doctors, GPs, and any others that may encounter sarcoma need to recognise the main concerning symptoms or red flags.''
''An incredible opportunity to see the management of sarcoma at a different centre and collaborate with experts in the field.''
The Future of NSAP
Now led by Mr Corey Chan (Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust), Ms. Heledd Havard (Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, London), Mr. David Boddie (NHS Grampian), Mr. Ather Siddiqui, and Professor Thomas Cosker (Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust), the National Sarcoma Awareness Project underwent an update in 2024 to promote increased accessibility and participation. Its key goal is to promote awareness and education to doctors/trainees/AHPs to improve early diagnosis.
NSAP is open to all UK medical students and resident doctors, with the annual competition open now until the 30th of September 2025 via the steps below.
If you have any issues or questions regarding the NSAP project, please contact awareness@bcrt.org.uk.
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