A Greenslopes mother’s life turned unexpectedly when she discovered a lump on her foot one summer’s day in 2022. Jacqui Cooper, then 36, was diagnosed with a rare form of sarcoma, a malignant tumour more commonly found in children and adolescents.
The Greenslopes resident was warned that the cancer could have quickly spread to her chest and lungs if left unnoticed.
Ms Cooper, a human resources coordinator, underwent six gruelling rounds of chemotherapy, which severely impacted her physical and emotional well-being. The treatment left her bedridden and unable to care for her two-year-old son, Max, who struggled to understand his mother’s sudden absence.
Despite the immense challenges, Ms Cooper remained determined to overcome the disease. While confined to her bed, she dreamt of future travels and unfulfilled goals, clinging to the hope of a life beyond cancer. After going into remission, she has remained cancer-free for the past year and a half.
Now, Ms Cooper is on the road to recovery, undergoing physiotherapy and counseling to regain her strength and adjust to life after cancer. She has returned to work, resumed walking, and can once again care for her now four-year-old son. Her story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of early detection.
Medical experts warn that both patients and doctors often miss rare cancers like sarcomas until they have progressed significantly. Dr Wayne Nicholls, director of oncology at the Queensland Children’s Hospital, emphasised the need for more research into sarcomas, which can manifest in unusual ways and often deviate from textbook descriptions.
Dr Nicholls highlighted that sarcomas sometimes present as non-specific pain, often mistaken for a sporting injury. This delay in diagnosis can lead to the cancer spreading, making treatment more difficult and reducing survival rates.
The Australian and New Zealand Sarcoma Association (ANZA) is actively involved in sarcoma research, having conducted numerous studies and clinical trials to understand how patients respond to different treatments. The organisation stresses the importance of raising awareness and securing funding for further research to improve outcomes for sarcoma patients.
Dr Denise Caruso, ANZA’s chief executive, pointed out that while sarcomas account for only 1 per cent of adult cancers, they represent 20 per cent of childhood cancers in Australia. Sarcomas are the leading cause of cancer death in children and young adults nationwide, underscoring the urgency for more outstanding research and awareness efforts.
As Sarcoma Awareness Month continues throughout July, ANZA is raising funds to support its vital work. Medical professionals like Dr Vivek Bhadri, a medical oncologist and researcher, echo the call for greater attention to this often-overlooked cancer. Dr Bhadri noted that Ewing sarcoma, a common type of sarcoma, is often misdiagnosed as a sports injury or growing pain due to its presentation as non-specific pain.
Jacqui Cooper’s experiences and medical experts’ warnings highlight the importance of early detection and increased research in the fight against sarcoma. As awareness grows and research progresses, the hope is that more lives will be saved and outcomes improved for those affected by this rare but devastating disease.
Published Date 23-July-2024
