How Much Do Healthcare Practitioners Know About Sarcoma?

Sarcoma awareness among healthcare practitioners in our institution was limited, prompting an evaluation of their ability to recognize early presentations and initiate appropriate work-up for soft tissue and bone sarcomas. A structured survey assessed familiarity with key clinical features, recommended investigations, and perceived contributors to diagnostic delay. Overall awareness was modest, but higher among healthcare practitioners with prior sarcoma exposure, oncology-focused training, longer experience, or heavier patient loads; female practitioners and oncology nurses also scored higher. Confidence in identifying red-flag symptoms was strongly linked to familiarity with guideline-based practice. Despite these strengths, notable gaps persisted across specialties and training levels, indicating that exposure alone is insufficient. Targeted education, improved recognition of early warning signs, and clearer referral pathways are needed to reduce diagnostic delays and support timely management of suspected sarcomas.