Podcast Show Notes: Sarcoma, Awareness, and What Strength Really Looks Like

 In this episode, Mish speaks with Eve Jelovcan from the Australia and New Zealand Sarcoma Association, followed by a powerful conversation with Sam, who has lived with sarcoma for over 13 years.We start with the facts.Sarcoma is a rare cancer, making up around 1% of adult cancers, but it can develop anywhere in the body—often showing up as a lump, swelling, or ongoing pain that gets brushed off as a training injury. For those working in fitness, that matters. You’re often the ones seeing bodies regularly, noticing changes, and having conversations that others don’t.We also unpack why awareness is low—limited funding, fewer treatment advances, and the reality that many cases are misdiagnosed early on. This is where the Plankathon comes in.A community fitness event designed to raise awareness and funds for sarcoma research. It’s a team-based challenge—because that’s exactly how people navigate treatment: with support around them.Then we hear from Sam.Her story starts with a lump in her leg.It took persistence to get answers.Two weeks after surgery, she was told she had sarcoma. Over the next 13 years, she went through multiple treatments, repeated surgeries, and eventually made the decision to have her leg amputated after running out of options. She now lives with a prosthesis—and with phantom limb pain, where the brain still registers sensation (and pain) in a limb that’s no longer there.What stands out most is how her relationship with fitness has shifted.Movement is no longer about performance—it’s about function, independence, and managing the extra energy demands of everyday life.This episode is a reminder that:Not every lump or pain should be ignored Fitness professionals are often closer to early signs than they realise Strength looks very different depending on the body in front of you Get InvolvedYou can support sarcoma awareness by joining the Plankathon or donating to the cause.Details are in the link below.https://www.sarcomaplankathon.com/ Check out our Personal Trainer Certification Courseshttps://womensfitnesseducation.com.au/