Bone Cancer

Bone cancer is a rare cancer that begins in a bone. Bone cancer commonly affects the long bones that can be found in the arms and legs.

There are several different types such as Osteosarcoma (Also known as Osteogenic Sarcoma), Ewing’s Sarcoma, Chondrosarcoma, Spindle Cell Sarcoma, Chordoma, and Angiosarcoma.

About this Cancer

Statistics

  • Bone cancer is one of the rarest types, with the most recent data dating from 2018 and 2020.
  • According to the Canadian Cancer Society, in terms of incidence rate, 285 Canadians were diagnosed with bone cancer in 2018, of which 170 (60%) were men and 115 (40%) were women.
  • In 2020, 222 Canadians died from bone cancer, of which 136 (61%) were men and 86 (49%) were women.

Source: Canadian Cancer Society

Symptoms

  • The following are symptoms of bone cancer:
  • Pain (continues into the night)
  • Difficulty moving around (e.g.: walking with a limp)
  • Fatigue
  • Swelling or redness (inflammation) near the affected area
  • Lump over a bone
  • High temperature (fever)
  • Weakened/fractured bone
  • Weight loss

For more information, check out the Cancer Research UK, the American Cancer Society, or the NHS.

Risk Factors

  • Risk factors for bone cancer depend on the type of cancer and include:
  • Previous radiation therapy or chemotherapy
  • Bone disorders or conditions (e.g.: Paget’s disease of the bone)
  • Genetic conditions (e.g.: Li-Fraumeni syndrome)
  • Older age

For more information, check out the Canadian Cancer Society, the American Cancer Society, or Cancer Research UK.

Diagnosis

  • The following procedures are done to diagnose bone cancer:
  • Health history or physical exam
  • Imaging tests (X-ray, MRI, CT scan, PET scan, bone scan)
  • Biopsy
  • Cell and tissue studies
  • Blood chemistry tests
  • Complete blood count (CBC)
  • Heart function tests
  • Hearing exam

For more information, check out the Canadian Cancer Society, the Mayo Clinic, or the NHS.

Treatment

  • Treatment types and drug combinations vary widely depending on the type of bone cancer.
  • Treatment options include:
  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy

For more information, check out the Canadian Cancer Society or the American Cancer Society.

Stories from Survivors

Bone Cancer Stories

We currently do not have any stories on bone cancer. If you know of any, please share them with us at info@survivornet.ca.

Resources

Bone Cancer Groups

Canada

Sarcoma Cancer Foundation of Canada: Sarcoma Cancer Foundation of Canada is Canada’s national organization dedicated to providing patient support and education while working with Canada’s leading researchers to eradicate the disease.

Visit them at http://sarcomacancer.ca/