Bone Cancer Prevention

When discussing cancer prevention techniques, understand that it is not possible to wholly eliminate the risk of developing bone cancer. Instead, focus on influencing those risk factors that are under your control, acting to decrease the chance of developing bone cancer as much as possible.

Bone Cancer

• Bone cancer is cancer that begins to develop within the bones of the body. It is divided into three types--osteosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma and chondrosarcoma. Symptoms of bone cancer include localized pain within the bones, possibly coupled with the presence of night sweating, chills, fever or unexpected weight loss.

Risk Factors

• According to EMedTV.com, a number of risk factors can result in an increased likelihood of developing bone cancer. These include age (children and adolescents have a higher risk of developing the disease), exposure to radiation or chemotherapy, past bouts with Paget's disease, a family history of the condition or hereditary retinoblastoma (cancer affecting the eye).

Preventing Bone Cancer

• According to EMedTV.com, the only real way to avoid developing bone cancer is to minimize your exposure to risk factors. However, as there is not much that can be done in the way of avoiding the majority of the risk factors listed, avoiding bone cancer appears to be easier said than done. The only real risk factor about which one would have control is exposure to chemo or radiation therapy, but avoiding necessary anti-cancer treatments out of a fear of developing cancer again in the future is illogical.

Dietary Factors

• According to the American Cancer Society, you can take some dietary steps to minimize your chances of developing cancer. Consume a diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables, while minimizing your consumption of saturated and trans fats. While it is impossible to reduce your chances of developing bone cancer through manipulation of specific risk factors for the disease, you can decrease your risk of developing bone cancer by reducing your risk of developing cancer as a whole.

Exercise

• According to the American Cancer Society, regular exercise can act to reduce your overall risk of developing cancer, so consider adopting a healthier lifestyle to avoid developing bone cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends performing at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise at least five times per week to cut your risk of developing cancer, including cancer of the bones.