“CANCER”.We all are shaken up when we hear this word. Today cancer is spreading like wildfire. The Malwa region of Punjab which is famous for cotton agriculture has recorded the highest number of cancer cases in India. This is mainly due to the overuse of pesticides in farming.

Cancer can affect any region of the body. Bone cancer develops when cells in or near a bone change their DNA. A cell’s DNA holds the instructions that tell the cell what to do. In healthy cells, the DNA grows and multiplies at a set rate, any alteration can increase the cell growth abnormally.

Today with medical advancement most cancers are curable if detected early. However, understanding about a disease is the first step toward a cure. Let us discuss a rare form of cancer-BONE CANCER

Bone cancer is a growth of cells that starts in any bone in the body. It can originate in the bone (primary bone cancer) or spread to the bones from other body parts. It most commonly appears in the long bones of our arms, legs, or thighs. However, it is reassuring to know that most bone cancers are non-cancerous and can be curable.

There are different types of bone cancer:

EARLY SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Looking for early signs and symptoms can help manage the disease better. The symptoms of bone cancer can vary based on the type and location of the tumor. Common symptoms include:

• Pain: Persistent bone pain that worsens over time and may become severe at night.
• Swelling: Swelling in the affected area
• Fractures: Bones weakened by cancer may fracture easily.
• Fatigue: A general feeling of tiredness and lack of energy.
• Weight Loss: Unintended weight loss can occur in some cases.
• Reduced Mobility: If the cancer affects joints, it can lead to stiffness and reduced movement.

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS: The exact cause of bone cancer is unknown, but some factors can increase the risk:

• Genetic Conditions: Certain inherited conditions can raise the risk.
• Previous Radiation Therapy: High doses of radiation from past cancer treatments can increase the risk.
• Paget’s Disease of Bone: A bone condition in older adults that can lead to bone cancer.
• Bone Marrow Transplant: Patients who have had a bone marrow transplant may be at higher risk.
• Most bone cancers cannot be prevented. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables and regularly exercising can prevent cancer and other diseases. Avoid smoking and drinking. It may not prevent bone cancer but reduces the risk of various cancers and improves overall well-being.

HOW IS CANCER DIAGNOSED?

Doctors use different methods to diagnose bone cancer.

• They use simple X-ray scans to check the changes in the bone structure.
• MRI and CT SCANS are used to get a detailed view of the bones and the surrounding tissues
• Bone scans are used to detect any abnormalities in the bones
• Biosopy is done by taking a tissue sample from the affected area. These cells are incubated for a few days and then examined to diagnose the type of cancer. This procedure usually takes 5-6 days.

HOW CAN BONE CANCER BE CURED?

Bone cancer is fatal, but here is the good news is that most of the time it is curable. These are a few treatments that help to cure cancer:

• Surgery is the main treatment for bone cancer. It is done by removing the tumor and some healthy tissue around it.
• Chemotherapy: It is done by inducing drugs that kill cancer cells, This therapy is usually given before the surgery to shrink the size of the tumor cells and after the surgery to kill any remaining cells.
• Radiation therapy: This therapy is usually given along with other medicines. In this therapy, high-energy rays are used to kill cancer cells
• Immunotherapy: This is the latest treatment invented for cancer. It uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer. However, this treatment is still under research and trials.

HOW TO PROVIDE SUPPORT AND CARE?

• Emotional support: Bone cancer, unlike other types of cancer, has no root cause hence it cannot be avoided. Along with medical treatment, the patient needs emotional support from friends and families. Counseling services and therapy sessions help patients and families cope with the emotional impact of cancer.
• Financial support: Long medical conditions can financially drain the patient and his family. Many government NGOs like the Indian Cancer Society(ICS) are helping people with cancer through various programs. They provide free boarding and lodging for poor people and provide financial support. Many private NGOs in India provide financial help to such patients. Some NGOs have therapy sessions like yoga and meditation for patients to cope with the stress of the disease. Yoga has helped many patients to lead a cancer-free life. It works like an alternative medicine.
• Healthcare providers educate the patients about the side effects of chemotherapy so that it helps them to deal with it easily.

Raising awareness about cancer is important so that it can be detected in the initial stage. Regular screening also helps in the early detection of cancer. Notice early signs like pain or swelling in the bones and joints, unhealed fractures, or unintended weight loss.

Be more empathetic towards the patient and the family. A strong support system can help the patient to cope with the impact of cancer. Though the cause of bone cancer is now known, maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle can help avoid any form of cancer.

Vareya Healthcare has the best team of doctors committed to providing world-class cancer treatments. We are well-equipped with the latest cancer diagnosis and treatment technology at an affordable cost. Our team of compassionate doctors will patiently guide you through the treatment process and educate you about the side effects of the treatment.

If you feel pain in the bones or a lump anywhere in your hands or legs, immediately contact us. Book a consultation with our oncologists for early diagnosis of this dreadful disease.

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