How to reduce the chances of Bone cancer
Cancer is any abnormal growth of the cells. Usually, this is caused by faulty genes. Several types of cancer are caused by genetic errors in the genes.
Cancer can develop in different organs of the human body, for example, the prostate in the male, breast in the female, liver in the male and skin in the female. In some cases, such as cancer of the bone, cancers develop because of mutations in the genes.
Symptoms
Often the first sign of cancer is a painless lump or swelling that develops in the bones. If you notice a lump, you should speak to your doctor. Sometimes, the lump may look like a fracture but is actually a separate tumour or cancer. Other times, a tumour may spread around the bones (metastasise), which can make the symptoms of bone cancer appear on other parts of the body.
While it is not known what causes bone cancer, some research shows that low vitamin D levels in the body may play a role. This is believed to be related to a vitamin D-dependent enzyme called methylmalonyl-CoA reductase.
Eating adequate vitamin D-rich foods such as cod liver oil, a dietary supplement, or vitamin D milk may help to prevent and reduce bone cancer risk.
However, evidence does not support the benefits of taking vitamin D supplements for reducing bone cancer risk. A vitamin D blood test may be the only reliable way to monitor a person’s vitamin D levels.It may be difficult to distinguish between bone cancer and other conditions such as osteoporosis, fractures, infection, or anaemia, when they occur at the same site
.If you think that you have an abnormal lesion on a bone, the cancer should be painless and larger than a quarter of an inch.nce, many cases of bone cancer are detected in people whose first sign of the disease is a painless lump in a bone, which can be an indicator of cancer that may spread.
If you notice an unexplained painless growth on a bone that appears to be located in the same area that is already known to be affected by bone cancer, this is an additional symptom to investigate.In some cases, bone cancer may spread from the original tumour to other bones and organs in the body.
For example, bone cancer in the femur, the upper thigh bone, may spread to the pelvis, or the spine.These bones are often the site of painless masses that are not otherwise suspicious. It is important that you are seen by a healthcare professional if you have a painful, hard mass or bump in one or more of these bones that does not resolve after a few weeks.
Other risk factors for bone cancer include:
- smoking
- lack of vitamin D
- genetic conditions such as hereditary high-risk hypophosphatemia
Treatment
Treatment for bone cancer depends on the type and location of the cancer. Most bone cancers are treated with surgery, which involves removing the affected bone and cancer cells. This is a lengthy process, and people with bone cancer may require multiple rounds of chemotherapy or radiation.
People can benefit from pre-surgical treatment, such as targeted radiation therapy. In some cases, a person may need to have their entire femur and arm removed.
Alternative therapies
The American Cancer Society reports that there are no approved, prescription cancer treatments for bone cancer.
However, there is an emerging area of research that uses alternative therapies to treat bone cancer. Many of these alternative therapies work on the principle that cancers grow because of energy-consuming processes called mitochondrial dysfunction.
Several therapies for bone cancer are:
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a common alternative therapy for pain relief, which may be an alternative treatment for bone cancer. Acupuncture is a common alternative therapy for pain relief, which may be an alternative treatment for bone cancer.
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to relieve pain and illness.
Several studies have shown that acupuncture may be a safe and effective treatment for cancer.
A 2018 review concluded that acupuncture was safe and provided a small benefit over other available therapies for people with newly diagnosed osteosarcoma and moderate-to-severe osteoporosis.
However, the review did not explore the benefits of acupuncture against common side effects, such as pain and bruising.
Biopsy
Bone cancer can be identified by a simple blood test. If a person suspects that their cancer is present, they may request a biopsy. A biopsy involves taking a small sample of the cancer tissue, usually through the surgical removal of a large bone fragment.
If a cancer is present in an area of bone that can be removed through surgery, a person should not undergo a biopsy. This is because the surgery may involve cutting into nearby blood vessels or nerves.
Vitamin D deficiency
People who do not have enough vitamin D may be at risk of developing cancer.
Vitamin D occurs naturally in a variety of foods, including:
- cod liver oil
- milk
- eggs
- chicken liver
- egg yolks
- sunlight
- trucker’s latte
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding may help a woman produce enough vitamin D during pregnancy and after childbirth. Breastfeeding is a natural way for a woman to help her body make vitamin D. Breastfeeding is also a good way for a woman to keep up her vitamin D levels if she is not getting enough during pregnancy or after giving birth.
Some benefits of breastfeeding include:
- breastfeeding’s powerful immune-boosting effects
- more regular nursing sessions
- improved milk production
- tighter postpartum elasticity
- breastfeeding may help a woman produce enough vitamin D during pregnancy.
According to the NHS, 4 percent of U.K. women are deficient in vitamin D. This means that 1 in 20 women may not produce enough vitamin D during pregnancy, which increases their risk of developing bone cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society, breastfeeding may help a woman produce enough vitamin D during pregnancy. If a woman is breastfeeding and her vitamin D levels fall, the baby may continue to breastfeed to help increase their mother’s vitamin D levels.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is necessary for healthy skin and eyes, and is also essential for bone and muscle development. A lack of vitamin A can lead to:
- eye disease
- thinning bones
- red, yellow, or orange skin
In 2013, a report from the U.K. National Health Service stated that only 21 percent of the population in the U.K. had enough vitamin A in their diet.
People can get vitamin A from:
- dark leafy vegetables
- red meats
- egg yolks
- fortified orange juice
- Milk
Milk contains vitamin D and calcium, as well as other nutrients. Many different milk products are fortified with vitamin D, such as:
- butter
- butter substitutes
- cream
- butter milk
- cream cheese
- double chocolate ice cream
- puddings and porridge
- Pancakes
One large egg can provide 18 to 35 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin D, the standard recommended intake.
According to the American Cancer Society, consuming more than 1 egg per day is not associated with a higher risk of developing bone cancer.
People can consume egg yolk, but be careful to avoid other additives, such as cholesterol. One large egg can provide 18 to 35 mcg of vitamin D, the standard recommended intake.
People should speak to a doctor before eating more than 18 to 35 mcg of vitamin D. According to Cancer Research U.K., this could increase the risk of stomach cancer.
