by Tom Adamson, medical student at Newcastle University
As third-year medical students, many of us are focused on exams, placements, and foundation year applications. But there's a challenge in hospitals and communities that needs our attention: sarcoma.
During high school, I became aware of the need when one of our fellow students died from Ewing sarcoma — an aggressive form of bone cancer that none of us really understood, or had ever heard of. Frank was just 11 years old when diagnosed, and had his whole life ahead of him. He died just three years later.
Frank's story stuck with me, and as a third-year medical student, motivated me to engage with the Bone Cancer Research Trust and explore the National Sarcoma Awareness Project.
I wanted to gain a solid understanding of the signs and symptoms, so I was less likely to miss a life-changing diagnosis in the future.
Thanks to the project, I was awarded a fellowship at the North of England Sarcoma Service. The placement enabled me to truly immerse myself in the world of oncology.
I was involved in a six-hour surgery to remove a tumour, and another case where curettage was required to remove a Giant Cell Tumour of the Bone.
Both were operations I would never get the chance to see as a student, or even as a junior doctor.
The fellowship was an invaluable opportunity to get to know the instruments used and see some rare and high-level surgeries up close. I improved my knowledge and now have seen an arthroscopy and inside a knee — which is both interesting and good information for exams!
In clinic, I had the opportunity to hear from patients themselves and witnessed the moment a young girl was given a tumour diagnosis. This was hard to witness, but it gave me a compassionate and empathetic understanding of how to handle difficult conversations.
Additionally, I was invited to the multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting. This was an extraordinary opportunity for any medical student, from which I developed a deep appreciation of how much time and effort goes into each patient by those involved in their care.
I encourage all students and future doctors to be part of this life-saving initiative. Whether you're looking to specialise in oncology, general practice, surgery, or wish to advocate for early diagnosis – we need you. People like Frank need you.
Don't delay. Complete NSAP this Sarcoma Awareness Month to truly make a difference.