Bone Cancer Risk Factors
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Understanding Primary Bone Cancer
Cancers are named for the site of origin. The naming of bone cancer depends on the type of tissue where the cancerous cells first arise. Primary bone cancer tumors, or sarcomas, originate in the bone tissue or cartilage and are relatively rare. Cancer that has spread (metastasized) from a different part of the body, such as the lung, is called secondary bone cancer.
This is an important distinction for understanding risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment because secondary bone cancer may behave differently. For example, cancer cells from the lung are different than those originating in the bladder, or the bone, and will respond differently to treatments.
Understanding Risk Factors for Bone Cancer
Scientists have not yet identified a cause for primary bone cancers, or sarcomas. Certain diseases and the treatment of other diseases may increase a person's likelihood for developing bone cancer.
Knowledge of risk factors may help with the diagnosis and treatment of the disease, but having one or more risk factors does not mean you will get bone cancer. Many factors are beyond our control. However, some risk factors, like exposure to high doses of radiation, can be managed to promote better overall health.
Note: Myleoma is cancer of the white blood cells. Sometimes these cells will collect within the bone marrow or on the outer part of the bone. Although the bones are involved, myleoma is not a bone cancer. You can learn more about multiple myleoma by visiting our Multiple Myleoma Center.
Bone Cancer Risk Factors
Primary bone cancer affects only about 2,500 people a year. Chondrosarcomas (originating in the cartilage) are the most common form, and are more likely to effect people over age 40. Osteosarcomas (originating in bone cells) are more common in younger adults. Ewing's sarcomas (found either in the bone or soft tissue) are rather rare, and occur more often in children.
Although there is not a clear cause of bone cancer, the factors that may affect a person's risk of developing the disease are as follows:
- Genetic Syndromes: Certain inherited conditions have been associated with an increased likelihood of developing the disease:
- Li-Fraumeni syndrome
- Rothmund-Thompson syndrome
- Inherited Retinoblastoma
- Multiple exostoses (multiple osteochondromas)
- Paget's Disease: Typically affecting adults over age 40, Paget's disease (or osteitis deformans) is a non-cancerous condition that deforms and weakens the bones and may increase the risk of developing osteosarcomas. (Note: Paget’s disease of the breast, a rare form of breast cancer, is medically unrelated to Paget’s disease of the bone.)
- Radiation Treatment: People who have undergone radiation therapy or chemotherapy for other conditions may be at an increased risk for developing bone cancer, particularly younger adults treated with high doses of radiation. Small sources of radiation, like a typical X-ray, do not pose a risk.
NOTE: Anything that increases your risk of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer. Not having risk factors does not mean that you won't get cancer. If you think you may be at risk, you should discuss it with your doctor.
Assessing the Risk Factors of Bone Cancer
There is not a single identifiable cause of primary bone cancer. Having one or more of the risk factors only means that the probability of developing bone cancer may have increased.
For example, if you have received radiation therapy to treat another cancer, you may want to discuss what this means for your individual risk of developing bone cancer with your doctor. Or, if you have been diagnosed with Paget's disease, you and your doctor can work together to manage the risk factors associated with this condition. With knowledge and awareness, you can take charge of your risk factors.
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