Sarcomas are malignant tumours of the connective tissue, and may be found anywhere in the body. Connective tissue includes fat, blood vessels, nerves, bones, muscles, deep skin tissues, and cartilage. Sarcomas are divided into two main groups, bone sarcomas and soft tissue sarcomas. They are further sub-classified based on the cell type found in the tumour, sharing certain microscopic characteristics.

Sarcomas can develop in children and adults, however they disproportionately affect children and young adults, accounting for 20% of childhood cancers. Of those patients diagnosed with sarcoma, only two in five will survive. Those who do survive may have long term disabilities from their treatments.

There are over 50 subtypes of sarcomas all requiring a specific multi-disciplinary approach to treatment.