Shocking Misdiagnosis Rates
Recent research has revealed that more than three quarters of primary bone cancer cases in the UK are initially misdiagnosed. This alarming statistic highlights the slow recognition of the disease in its early stages, as doctors often dismiss symptoms as minor health problems. However, there are key signs to look out for that could help catch the condition before it spreads.
Spotting Bone Cancer
Bone cancer can be difficult to detect, but there are tell-tale symptoms to be aware of. According to the Bone Cancer Research Trust (BCRT), the five most common signs include:
- Constant or intermittent bone pain, which often gets worse at night
- A lump, swelling, or inflammation over the bone
- Problems with mobility, such as stiff joints or reduced movement
- An unexplained limp or reduced range of motion
- Bruising easily
In addition to these symptoms, patients may also experience tiredness, sweating, fever, weight loss, loss of muscle tone, and bone fracturing.
Misdiagnosis Delays
A study conducted by the BCRT found that a staggering 76% of cases are misdiagnosed initially. On average, it takes eight visits to healthcare professionals before patients are finally referred. Furthermore, a quarter of people wait seven months to be diagnosed, and 13% wait more than a year. Instead, symptoms are often mistaken for growing pains, sporting injuries, arthritis, tendonitis, and pulled muscles.
A Family's Story
Harmony Morgan-Young, from Kent, knows all too well the consequences of a late or misdiagnosis. When she was just eight years old in 2020, Harmony developed a mysterious lump, tiredness, and tingling in her fingers. Despite multiple visits to the hospital, doctors initially believed she had an infection and sent her home with antibiotics. It wasn't until a family friend suggested an X-ray that the true cause of her symptoms, Ewing sarcoma, was revealed. Harmony underwent grueling chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and her arm was at risk of amputation from the elbow. Her father, Aaron, stated that early detection could have put her in the early stages of treatment, ultimately changing their family's life.
The Importance of Early Diagnosis
Early diagnosis dramatically improves outcomes for bone cancer patients and reduces the need for life-altering treatment and surgery, according to the BCRT. Dr Jasmine Parkinson, research and grants manager at Children with Cancer UK, emphasized the importance of taking action to improve bone cancer diagnosis, particularly in young children. She stated that an early diagnosis can be the difference between life and death.
The Types of Bone Cancer
There are four main types of bone cancer:
- Osteosarcoma: the most common type, usually affecting children and adults under 20
- Ewing sarcoma: common in people aged between 10 and 20
- Chondrosarcoma: tends to impact adults over 40
- Chordoma: a rarer form often diagnosed in adults
Treatment Options
Treatment for bone cancer depends on the type and stage of the disease. It often involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, stem cell transplants, radiotherapy, and proton beam therapy.
