There are around 1,645 new childhood cancer cases in the UK every year. Around 69 of these children will have bone cancer, and will face some of the most brutal treatment options which haven't changed in decades.
Ivie, pictured above, was diagnosed with Spindle Cell Sarcoma of the Bone in July 2023 aged 11.
Initially, Ivie began to experience pain in her leg, predominantly at night. When the pain worsened, her mum insisted that she saw a GP. During an x-ray, doctors discovered a 26cm tumour growing in Ivie's leg.
Ivie's mum, Zoe, is helping us raise awareness of primary bone cancer by sharing her daughter's story, which you can read by tapping below.
Throughout September we will be highlighting the impact primary bone cancer has on children and their families, like Ivie. We will be sharing patient stories, support resources, and ways to get involved with our life-saving work.
With bone cancer accounting for 4% of all childhood cancers in the UK, it is important that as many people as possible are aware of the signs and symptoms of bone cancer to increase speed of diagnosis and improve patient outcomes.
Our graphic highlights the main symptoms of primary bone cancer in children and adults. You can download it here, and by sharing it on social media you will boost awareness and aid earlier detection which can help to save lives.
If you are concerned about symptoms, always seek medical advice from your doctor or GP. For more information, please call our Support & Information Line on 0800 111 4855 (Monday - Friday, 09:00-17:00).
Educate yourself this September...
Primary bone cancer accounts for:
- 1% of all cancer diagnoses in the UK amongst 0-4 year olds
- 4% of all cancer diagnoses in the UK amongst 5-9 year olds
- 10% of all cancer diagnoses in the UK amongst 10-14 year olds
The most common forms of primary bone cancer in children are:
Over 90% of primary bone cancer tumours diagnosed in patients under 19 are osteosarcoma or Ewing sarcoma. Most are found in the extremities of the body; around 70% of bone sarcomas diagnosed in patients under the age of 20 arise in the limbs.
The 5-year survival for children (aged 0-14 years) diagnosed with osteosarcoma is 72% and 64% for Ewing sarcoma - both below the 84% average for all cancers.
Get involved this September...
Raise life-saving funds by taking on one of our exciting Autumn challenges: Bake, Step Up, Yoga, or Dog Walk.
Share your story with us on social media using the hashtag #CCAM or #ChildhoodCancerAwarenessMonth and tag us.
Download and share our information materials, including our children's resources Harry Has An Operation and Abbie Has Osteosarcoma.
Ask friends to visit this webpage to educate themselves on bone sarcoma / primary bone cancer.
Share our posts on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok to help raise life-saving awareness.