Balanced Diet

Calcium, vitamin B12 and protein helps strengthen the bones and improve bone homeostasis/health.

Be Aware And Monitor Symptoms

Recognising symptoms is key, for instance,

• Consistent pain that worsens over time, especially at night or during activity, but does not resolve when resting.
• In children and teenagers, bone pain may start off as harmless during rapid growth in height and weight, but if the pain is localised and worsens with visible swelling. Then they need to see a doctor.
• Swelling near affected area.
• Tenderness near affected area.
• Weakened bone that fractures unexpectedly.

Being aware of inherited genetic conditions

If you or your relatives have a genetic condition that is run by family, it may lead to an increased risk of bone cancer. For instance, Li-Fraumeni, Werner, Rothsmund-Thomson, Bloom, RAPADILINO, DBA, Gardner and Mafucci syndromes.

It is best to speak to your GP to be referred to genetic counselling to determine your likelihood and see what options are available to lower the risk of getting cancer.

Underlying Health Conditions.

Some health conditions increase the risk of bone cancer, for instance, Paget’s disease.

What is Paget’s bone disease?

This is where the bones break down and rebuild, becoming large and breakable; they have a small risk of osteosarcoma, especially in adulthood.

The most common way of treating Paget’s disease is with bisphosphonates that slow the breakdown of the bone (fractures), manage pain, and preserve joint function. However, there is no indication that it can prevent bone cancer.

Therefore, being aware of any changes or continuous bone pain, swelling, or other symptoms is important.

Taking Care At Work

People who work in factories and construction have more of a risk of bone cancer because of the tools, chemicals, gases, and radiation being inhaled, especially over long periods of time or even longer exposure.

Key examples are construction workers, blacksmiths, toolmakers, machine operators, woodworkers, engineers, or even in agriculture where they use pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides.

To lower risk, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment

, safety protocols, and monitoring staff and self is vital.

Lowering Exposure To Radiation Therapy

The higher the dose of radiation therapy, the higher the risk of cancer.

Studies have estimated that the time between radiation and when a bone tumour may appear is about 16 years for adults, whereas for children it is 9.6 years.

How is radiation measured?

Gray (cGy) is a unit measuring absorbed dose.

A dose below 2000 cGy lowers risk of bone cancer.

A dose more than 6000 cGy increases the risk of primary and secondary bone cancers.

This is why radiotherapy or having x-rays and other imaging are only performed when necessary to limit exposure to surrounding bone and tissue.

Periodic imaging is also important to determine if there are any changes over time.

The development of targeted therapy has lowered the potential risk.

How To Lower Bone Pain?

There are various ways to lower bone pain; this can be from gentle exercises and meditation such as walking, swimming, and yoga that help prevent pain, improve flexibility, and strengthen the back muscles and lower limb muscles (hamstrings). The hamstring muscles consist of the biceps femoris, semimembranous and semitendinosus muscles.

To strengthen the spine, especially the lumbar region, abdominal muscles (belly muscles) can help with this.

How do the hamstrings help with lowering pain?

Stretching the hamstrings twice a day can aid in lowering back pain. On the other hand, increased stress on the lower back and sacroiliac joints can tighten the hamstrings and cause more pain.

The RICE technique

Rest – avoid adding weight on the joint and improve posture by trying to sit, lie, lift, and stand properly.

Ice – Add cold packs wrapped in a towel for about 20 minutes. Do not apply ice directly to the affected joint.

Compression: Wrap an elastic bandage around the joint but not too tight.

Elevation: Raise affected joint above heart level. Pain relief such as ibuprofen, aspirin, etc.

Supporting Images for Lower Back Pain

More sleep

Pain can keep people awake; however, it also has its consequences, where less sleep can make the pain worse.

This can be overcome through meditation and performing activities that give happy hormones, “endorphins”. Endorphins are hormones that prevent pain signals from reaching the bone and engaging the brain.

Pain Management Through Cold and Heat Therapies.

Cold therapies lower inflammation and slow the pain signals and nerve impulses. On the other hand, heat therapy, for instance, a hot pack, a water bottle, and a hot bath, can help prevent pain signals from reaching the brain and increase the amount of blood and nutrients reaching the affected area. This helps heal the damaged area and maintains the level of energy in cells to improve recovery. A common area where heat therapy is applied is the lumbar spine on the back, where discs do not receive good blood flow.

Alternative Medicine

Alternative Medicine, otherwise known as complementary medicine, is an alternative to conventional therapy (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy). It aims to use traditional, natural and cultural ways to help minimise symptoms. Some of these treatments are available on the National Health Service.

Hijama (wet cupping)

This is the procedure of using heated cups to improve blood flow and remove toxins.

Endorphins or “happy hormones” are released when negative pressure is applied to the skin to help facilitate recovery.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture originates from China centuries ago and forms part of Traditional Chinese medicine that is known for its strength and improving health.

The procedure involves inserting thin needles in a particular area. There are 2000 points connected by pathways to create an energy flow known as Qi or pronounced “Chee”.

The energy helps to relieve pain by releasing chemicals, for instance, neurotransmittersa and neurohormones.

Chemicals are also released from the natural system where natural opioids are released in the brain to lower pain and improve stress. This helps to increase the flow of endorphins and release immune cells.

Other therapies, for instance chiropractic, massage, osteopathy and cognitive behavioural therapy, also facilitate alleviating bone pain.

Supporting Images And Videos For Preventative Medicine

Performing Wet Cupping (Hijama) By ICAHT Centre Of Integrative Medicine

What’s The Difference Between An Osteopath and a Chiropractor? By Precision Wellbeing

CBT for Chronic Pain: Rewiring the Brain for By Relief Fenan Rassu, PhD

Acupuncture for Easing the Side Effects of Cancer Treatment By Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

References

Biology Insights (2026) How to Prevent Bone Cancer and Reduce Your Risk. Available at: https://biologyinsights.com/how-to-prevent-bone-cancer-and-reduce-your-risk/ (Accessed: 11^th June 2026)

Cancer Research UK (2025) Screening for bone cancer. Available at: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/bone-cancer/getting-diagnosed/screening (Accessed: 11^th June 2026)

Updated July 2026 Next Review July 2028