Bones Cancer in Human Body

Bone cancer is a rare form of cancer. The human body is made of more than 200 bones. Although bone looks and feels quite hard, it contains living cells. These cells can develop tumours, or cancer. The tumour may start in the bone (primary cancer) or may start in another part of the body and spread to the bone (secondary cancer).  Our bones support our body and protect organs such as the heart and lungs. Bones are made of cells called osteocytes, osteoclasts and osteoblasts, which are bound together by a calcium-like material to give the bone its strength. Bones are filled with a spongy material called bone marrow, which makes blood cells.Bone cancer is a rare form of cancer. The human body is made of more than 200 bones. Although bone looks and feels quite hard, it contains living cells. These cells can develop tumours, or cancer. The tumour may start in the bone (primary cancer) or may start in another part of the body and spread to the bone (secondary cancer).  Our bones support our body and protect organs such as the heart and lungs. Bones are made of cells called osteocytes, osteoclasts and osteoblasts, which are bound together by a calcium-like material to give the bone its strength. Bones are filled with a spongy material called bone marrow, which makes blood cells. Primary bone cancer, or cancer that starts in the bone, is quite rare. About 60 people develop bone cancer in Victoria each year. Rates for males and females are very similar.  The most common type of primary bone cancer is osteosarcoma. This cancer usually affects young adults. It can affect any bone but the arms, legs and pelvis are more commonly affected. Other less common forms of primary bone cancer include Ewing sarcoma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma and chondrosarcoma. The causes of primary bone cancer are not known; however, we do know that if you have certain other bone diseases you may be at a higher risk. Some examples include Paget’s disease of the bone or Ollier’s disease. Certain genetic factors can also increase your risk.