Sarcoma UK releases an inspiring film about the experiences of people living with a rare form of cancer of soft tissue and bone, as part of Sarcoma Awareness Week (13-19 June). Sarcomas are rare cancers that develop in the supporting or connective tissues of the body such as muscle, bone, nerves, cartilage, blood vessels and fat. Sarcoma affects 3200 people each year including children and teenagers.
Produced by Papercut Pictures on behalf of Sarcoma UK, the film is a poignant reminder of the reality of this devastating form of cancer. One of the stars of the film is Katherine Stittle, sister of James Stittle, the film's producer. Sadly, Katherine died two weeks before the film's launch. James said, "What she wanted more than anything was to raise awareness of sarcoma and this film is a fitting tribute to my sister and her courage in coping with sarcoma."
The film features real-life stories about people's experiences of living with sarcoma. The footage gives great insight into what it is like to live with a rare cancer that no-one understands or knows about, and the steps people take to live positively when faced with an uncertain future.
Pippa and Stacey are teenagers with an extremely rare form of sarcoma called paediatric GIST (gastrointestinal stromal tumour - a type of soft tissue sarcoma found in the stomach and intestines). Living at different ends of the UK (southern England and Scotland), the girls and their families have formed a strong friendship based on their shared experiences and desire to raise the profile of this little-known cancer. The film gives an insight into their hopes and motivations, and shows the optimism of young people living with a rare cancer.
Roger Wilson, aged 64, was diagnosed in 1999 with myxofibrosarcoma, one of the less-common soft tissue sarcomas. He had surgery, followed by a recurrence treated with further surgery and chemotherapy, and then after a long remission required further surgery in 2007 which entailed amputation of his lower left leg. In early 2011, he received treatment (surgery) for a further recurrence in his upper left leg. In the film Roger talks about how his cancer diagnosis made him determined to help others affected by sarcoma. He explains: "Even after two years I had never knowingly met another patient, so when we started to offer information and develop new lines of contact for others it was also support for us." He founded Sarcoma UK in 2003 to provide support and information, and has recently been honoured with a CBE for his work.
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