National bone and soft tissue cancer charity Sarcoma UK has created a new resource to help the public measure and track a visible lump.

The tool gives them information and pictures to show their GP, enhancing their chances of referral for further tests where necessary and, ultimately, speeding up potential diagnosis.

The video features advice from a sarcoma specialist surgeon who gives expert guidance on how to measure, track and record changes to any lumps. It is important to remember most lumps and pains are not sarcomas.

Sarcomas are uncommon cancers that can affect any part of the body, on the inside or outside, including the muscle, bone, tendons, blood vessels and fatty tissues. Fifteen people are diagnosed with sarcoma every day in the UK – about 5,300 people a year.

Sarcoma UK is the only cancer charity in the UK focusing on all types of sarcoma.

The charity says it regularly hears from patients and supporters about the need for faster diagnosis of sarcomas.

One of the symptoms of sarcoma is a growing lump, and before referral to an expert, visible lumps can change significantly.

It is not uncommon for patients to see multiple different healthcare professionals, who may not record this. And with no standard way of measuring lumps and bumps, any measurements recorded by professionals may not be consistent.

“Despite 15 people in the UK being diagnosed with sarcoma every day, only 25% of the population know what sarcoma is, with even fewer people recognising its signs and symptoms,” says Richard Davidson, Sarcoma UK’s CEO.

“The greater awareness we have of sarcoma, and the importance of early diagnosis, the more chance we have of being able to help people when it will really make a difference.”

The resource is a positive contribution to the charity’s ongoing work on early diagnosis, says Richard.

“If patients can demonstrate to their GPs that their lump is growing, we hope that it will help them get referred faster for further tests. It is important to remember that most lumps and pains are not sarcoma.”

‘Measuring and tracking lumps’ is part of a wider set of initiatives at Sarcoma UK on early diagnosis, which are guided by Sarcoma UK’s Early Diagnosis Expert Steering Group of healthcare professionals, patients, and carers.