Bone cancer, though less common than many other cancers, impacts many lives. As of 2020, 222 Canadians died from bone cancer.
Staying informed about bone cancer by learning about the risks, signs and impact can help you take the necessary steps to manage your health. Your awareness could improve your chances of early detection and effective treatment.
1) Bone cancer may not cause any signs or symptoms in its early stages
Signs or symptoms of bone cancer typically appear as the tumour grows. The most common symptom of bone cancer is bone or joint pain that doesn’t go away. The pain may get worse at night or by exercising. Other signs or symptoms can include feeling a lump or swelling over a bone, having a hard time moving a limb or breaking a bone because it’s weakened by the cancer.
2) The most cancerous bone tumours found in adults over 30 are found in the legs or arms
These cancerous tumours of the bone are chondrosarcoma and osteosarcoma. Most bone cancers are called sarcomas.
Chondrosarcoma is a cancerous tumour that most often develops in upper arm bone or thigh bone. It is the most common primary bone cancer found in people over 50 years old.
Osteosarcoma most often develops in the ends of knee bones, the shin, leg and upper arm. It is the second most common primary bone cancer found in people in their 60s and 70s.
3) People under the age of 40 often have a better prognosis than people over the age of 40
While age is a factor of bone cancer prognosis and survival, doctors will also consider other factors such as the size and location of the tumour. For example, tumours smaller than 8 cm have a better prognosis than tumours larger than 8 cm. Tumours also have a better prognosis if they are found in the legs or arms than when they are found in the pelvis, chest, skull, or spine.
4) Cancer that starts in the bone is rare
Primary bone cancer – cancer that starts in the bone – is rare in people over the age of 40 and is found more commonly in children and young adults. It’s more common for the cancer to spread to the bone from other parts of the body. This is called bone metastasis. A cancerous tumour of the bone can also destroy nearby tissue.
5) Exposure to high doses of radiation can increase the risk of bone cancer
Bone cancer usually develops between 5 to 20 years after exposure. An example of radiation exposure that could increase your risk for bone cancer is high-dose radiation therapy given to people who had cancer at a young age. Another risk is exposure to radium, such as intravenous radium used to treat people with certain bone diseases. Exposure to plutonium can also be a risk factor for bone cancer, in the case of people who work or live near plutonium production plants.
6) The 5-year survival rate for bone cancer is 62% in Canada
Net survival represents the percentage of people estimated to survive their cancer. This means that 62% of people diagnosed with bone cancer will survive for at least 5 years.
Learning about the risks, signs and impact of bone cancer can help us look after ourselves. By being aware, we can also help other people who could be at risk.
July marks Sarcoma and Bone Cancer Awareness month, a call for support to raise awareness, promote early detection and fund research. Together, can help improve the lives and futures of those affected.