How to Prevent Bone Cancer: Effective Ways
Bone cancer is a critical condition that originates in bone cells. It often leads to weakness, affects the skeletal system, and causes other complications.
Primarily, bone cancer originates in the bone cells and rarely can happen when cancer spreads to bones from different organs.
Bone cancer is easier to treat when it is diagnosed at an early stage. There are several treatment options for bone cancer. By understanding the risk factors and preventative measures for bone cancer, you can reduce the chance of getting bone cancer.
Keep reading further to learn the essential facts of bone cancer and preventative measures.
Understanding Bone Cancer
Bone cells constantly divide and grow according to the body’s requirements. Rarely can the control mechanisms of the growth of bone cells fail. This can lead to abnormal development of bone cells, leading to cancer.
This uncontrolled growth affects bone function negatively. It can weaken the bone strength, making them prone to fractures.
Bone cancer is classified into two main types:
- Primary Bone Cancer: This type mainly starts from the bone cells and may spread to other organs in advanced stages. Common forms include:
- Osteosarcoma: usually, teenagers and young adults get this kind of primary bone cancer. The body’s long bones, such as the arms and legs, are affected.
- Chondrosarcoma: This type is more common among individuals above 40. It affects the cartilage cells of the skeletal system. Cartilages support your nose and ears.
- Ewing Sarcoma: It affects the bones and the surrounding tissues. It is found primarily among children and young adults.
- Secondary Bone Cancer: Cancers can spread to different organs in advanced stages. Cancers which occur in other organs can also spread to bones. This kind of cancer is called secondary bone cancer. They can be spread from parts like lung, breast, prostate, etc.
Secondary bone cancer is much more common than primary bone cancer.
Risk Factors Of Bone Cancer
The exact cause of most cancers is not known. However, several risk factors have been identified which are known to increase the chances of getting cancer.
Some risk factors may increase your chances of getting bone cancer. Understanding these risk factors and taking steps to reduce their effects can reduce your risk of bone cancer:
1. Genetic Conditions:
Certain genetic conditions cancer increase your risk of getting bone cancer. When there is some abnormal change in the DNA, it may lead to abnormal function and, in worse situations, cancer. Some inherited genetic conditions like Li-Fraumeni syndrome, retinoblastoma, and others are linked to a high risk of bone cancer.
If your first-degree relative(parent, children, sibling) has had a history of bone cancer or related bone disorders, then you may stand a higher risk of getting bone cancer.
2. Exposure to Radiation:
Radiation therapy is commonly used as a standard treatment option for many kinds of cancers. These high-energy radiations are used to destroy the DNA of cancer cells. Unfortunately, high doses of radiation during other types of cancer can increase the risk of bone cancer.
If you have other disease conditions requiring radiation therapy, you should talk to your doctor to discuss the risks.
3. Bone Diseases:
Bone cancer is the abnormal functioning of bone cells. The likelihood of abnormal mutations in bone cells increases during non-cancerous bone diseases. If you have a history of bone diseases like Paget’s disease, you may have an increased risk of bone cancer. These diseases cause inflammation and weakness in the bones, making them a potential cancer target.
Usually, these risks increase when bone disorders treatment is delayed. Ignoring symptoms of bone diseases can lead to prolonged disease, which can inc When an individual ignores abnormal symptoms of bones, it leads to protracted disease conditions, elevating the risk for cancer.
4. Age and Gender:
Osteosarcoma mainly affects teenagers and young adults, while older adults are at a higher risk of chondrosarcoma.
Gender also plays a role in the probability of getting bone cancer. Men are more likely to develop bone cancers.
5. Lifestyle Factors:
Bad lifestyle choices cause all kinds of cancers. Smoking, alcohol consumption and an imbalanced diet are the major factors which elevate the risk of bone cancer. Physical inability also plays a significant role in cancer pathogenesis.
How to Prevent Bone Cancer?
Preventing bone cancer can be a daunting task if you have some inherited genetic mutations or other disease conditions. Other risk factors, which are mostly lifestyle-related, can be changed. Reducing the risk factors can directly reduce your risk of getting bone cancer.
The following measures have been found useful in several studies which focused on reducing the risk of bone cancer:
1. Regular Medical Check-Ups:
The best way to prevent advanced-stage cancer is a routine check-up. One of the biggest problems with cancer is asymptomatic cases in the early stages. By going to regular check-ups, these minute symptoms can be taken into account.
Even if you are diagnosed with early-stage cancer, there are several treatment options available. Early-stage cancers are comparatively easier to treat.
2. Minimize Radiation Exposure:
Radiation is a significant risk factor for bone cancer. Completely avoid unnecessary radiation exposure. If you are genetically predisposed to be at a higher risk of bone cancer, avoid X-rays and CCT scans when not required. If you need to undergo radiation therapy for another disease condition, discuss the radiation levels and the risks regarding bone cancer with your doctor.
3. Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle:
- Balanced diet: A high-fibre and low-fat diet with all essential nutrients and proteins should be followed. Consuming a lot of highly processed food can increase the risk of all kinds of cancer. Sufficient calcium and vitamin D are essential for healthy bones. Consult a nutritionist if required.
- Exercise: Physical inactivity is a significant risk of bone cancer. Not only bone cancer, lack of exercise is linked to many other kinds of cancers. You need to start exercising daily to reduce the risk of bone cancer. A small but consistent excessive routine can be a key to strengthening your bones. The stronger your bone ares, the lesser your risk of bone cancer.
- Avoid tobacco and alcohol consumption: Smoking or chewing tobacco reduces bone density and weakens them. This leads to increased cancer susceptibility. Individuals who consume large quantities of alcohol show an inability to absorb nutrients.
- Get treatment for bone diseases: If you have been diagnosed with Paget’s disease or osteoporosis, pay extra attention to your bone health. Discuss the risks of bone cancer with your doctor and manage the disease effectively. You may use supportive care, like nutritional counselling, physiotherapy, etc, to reduce your risk of cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Rheumatoid arthritis can increase the risk of bone cancer.
Usually, the doctor uses imaging tests like CT scans, MRIs and X-rays to detect bone cancer. Biopsies may also be performed later to confirm the tumour.
Bone cancers can go undetected for months to years.
References
https://www.cancer.gov/types/bone
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/bone-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html
https://www.hcgoncology.com/types-of-cancers/bone-cancer-prevention/
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/bone-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/prevented.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/cancer-prevention/art-20044816
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/bone-cancer/about/what-is-bone-cancer.html
