Factors that increase the risk of bone cancer
Genetics: If someone in your family has had bone cancer, it is likely to occur due to certain genetic syndromes. For example: Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Hereditary retinoblastoma.
Previous radiation treatment: If you have been given high doses of radiation therapy to treat other cancers, the risk of future cancer in the bones in that area is slightly higher.
Other diseases that affect the bones (Paget’s disease): People with diseases that affect the bones, such as Paget’s disease, are more likely to develop bone cancer in the elderly.
Injuries to the bones: Minor injuries to the bones do not directly cause cancer. However, if there is active cancer, people may mistake the pain in that area for an old injury.
Lack of common causes: Like many cancers, bone cancer does not occur for a specific reason. Bone cells often grow uncontrollably due to unexpected and harmful changes (mutations) in the cells’ DNA.
