Bone cancer is a serious disease that affects about 200,000 people in the United States. While it is less common than most other types of cancer, bone cancer can be a serious problem if it isn’t treated as soon as possible. Here are some risk factors that you may need to be aware of.
Genetic Factors
Many people have certain genes that make them more susceptible to developing bone cancer. Patients that suffer from any of these genetic problems may be more likely to develop bone cancer:
- People with Li-Fraumeni syndrome are at an increased risk of developing any type of cancer. They may want to see an orthopedic doctor if they are suffering from bone problems, because there is a chance that they are suffering from bone cancer.
- Rothmund-Thomson syndrome is another gene mutation that increases the likelihood that somebody will develop bone cancer. People with this disorder tend to be short in stature and suffer from both skin and bone problems.
- People suffering from many forms of eye cancer tend to be at an increased risk of developing bone cancer as well.
Some ethnicities are also more likely to develop bone cancer. The American Academy of Neurological and Orthopedic Surgeons has found that Chinese men in Hawaii are actually the most likely to develop bone cancer. People of Jewish descent also appear to be at an increased risk of developing bone cancer. The prevalence in almost all populations seems to be higher in older adults.
There are many other genetic problems that can lead to bone cancer. It is a good idea to be aware of them to assess your risk of developing the disease.
Exposure to High Levels of Radiation
Some studies show that people who have been exposed to high levels of radiation may be at a higher risk of developing bone cancer. These studies still need to be peer-reviewed, but it is a good idea to understand them.
Medical x-rays don’t have enough radiation to cause any serious risk unless you have received an unusually high number of them. However, the risk is probably a lot higher if you have been exposed to dangerous ionizing materials. If you have come into contact with uranium or another radioactive material then you may want to see an oncologist to find out if you have developed some form of cancer.
Injuries
Some medical professionals believe that there is a correlation between bone injuries and cancer. They have not established a correlation between the two, but many bone cancer patients claim that they injured a part of their bone that developed the cancer.
You don’t need to be paranoid if you have suffered from a bone injury. However, it is a good idea to be aware that a connection may exist and seek a diagnosis if you believe you are suffering from symptoms of bone cancer.
About the author: Kalen shares tips on the health industry. You can find his work on Hive Health Media, Get Holistic Health and other well-known health blogs.
