Causes of Bone Cancer

The exact causes of bone cancer have yet to be determined. However, bone cancer research has identified certain risk factors -- such as a history of Paget's disease or previous treatment with chemotherapy -- that may act together to increase a person's risk of developing it. Scientists do know that there are no contagious causes of bone cancer -- you cannot "catch" it from another person.

 

Causes of Bone Cancer: An Introduction

No one knows the exact causes of bone cancer, and doctors can seldom explain why one person will get bone cancer and another person will not. However, it is clear that this disease is not contagious and no one can "catch" bone cancer from another person. Bone cancer research has shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop the condition. A risk factor is anything that increases a person's chance of developing a disease. While risk factors do not cause bone cancer, they may act together to increase a person's chances of developing it.
 

Causes of Bone Cancer: Know the Risk Factors

Specific risk factors for bone cancer include:
 
  • Being a child or young adult
  • Previous radiation or chemotherapy
  • History of Paget's disease
  • Family history of bone cancer
  • People with hereditary retinoblastoma.
     

Causes of Bone Cancer: Summary

Bone cancer research scientists are continuing to search for the causes of bone cancer. People with known risk factors and those who are concerned about developing cancer should talk to their doctor about the condition. The doctor's advice will be based on the person's age, medical history, and other factors.
 
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD