Since July is Sarcoma and Bone Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Chetan Anchan, Director and Senior Musculoskeletal Surgeon, SSO Cancer Hospital talks about the importance of early detection and early intervention in the treatment of bone and soft tissue cancers. The theme of this year, Raising Awareness to Create Survivors, casts a spotlight on active awareness and access to care which are very important in creating equal opportunities in the survival of cancer patients (sarcoma and bone cancers) in India.
Bone cancers like osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma are aggressive diseases and largely affect children and adolescents. According to Dr. Anchan, who is one of the musculoskeletal oncology leaders in India, early diagnosis not only increases the chances of survival, but also results in more successful limb-sparing surgeries, allowing excellent functional outcome.
Primary Bone Cancers are uncommon but life-disrupting diseases that affect young adults and children. They belong to a group of cancers called sarcoma. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) reports an incidence of 1-2 per 100,000 persons in the country.
The most common bone cancers are:
- Osteosarcoma – Most prevalent among adolescents and young adults. It primarily affects the long bones close to a major joint, the knee region being the most commonly affected site.
- Ewing Sarcoma – It is most commonly observed in children and adolescents, and most often in pelvis, chest wall, or long bones.
- Chondrosarcoma – It is more common in older adults and middle aged individuals. Pelvis is a well-known site for this disease. It can also affect other bones including the long bones.
Besides bone, sarcoma can also occur in the musculoskeletal soft tissues. These are called soft tissue sarcomas. There are more than 70 different types of soft tissue sarcomas. A large majority of them are found in adults. However, some types may affect children and adolescents.
The signs of bone cancer are often confused with regular orthopedic problems thus causing delay in diagnosis. It is advisable to beware of the following symptoms:
- Unexplained pain of a few weeks duration at any site
- Pain which is felt even at rest
- Pain which is worsening
- Often these are ignored as growing pains in children – It is always safer to see your doctor and investigate
- Any unexplained lump or swelling, especially if it is growing
“These subtle signs may appear trivial, but can indicate an underlying tumor. Awareness at the grassroots level is vital,” adds Dr. Anchan.
Diagnosis and Treatment: Timely Action Can Save Lives
The road to diagnosis includes:
- X-rays, MRI, and CT scans to detect any abnormality
- In selected cases, biopsy to diagnose the condition (if indicated).
- Bone scan / PET-CT scan and blood work for staging and planning treatment.
Treatment plans are customized based on type, stage, and location of the tumor, and may include:
- Surgery (often limb-sparing in early cases),
- Chemotherapy for systemic disease control,
- Radiation therapy in select scenarios.
A Call for Nationwide Action
Dr. Anchan urges health authorities, clinicians, and NGOs to focus on:
- Public education campaigns for early symptom recognition.
- Accessible diagnostic services, particularly in semi-urban and rural regions.
- Oncology training for general practitioners, often the first point of contact.
- Policy-level funding for bone cancer research and infrastructure.
“Each survivor starts with awareness. Every family we educate is a life potentially saved,” says Dr. Anchan. “Bone cancer may be rare, but ignorance shouldn’t be the reason for late diagnosis or loss of life and limb.”
