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Bone cancer is diagnosed more frequently in teens than in patients of any other age group. According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 27 percent of all bone cancer diagnoses are for individuals under the age of 20, and another 15.7 percent are for individuals between the ages of 20 and 34. Bone cancer incidence rates are much lower for all other age groups.

Bone and joint cancers often develop in teenagers when their bodies start to experience the rapid growth that is characteristic of puberty. Teenage boys are more likely to develop bone and joint cancers than teenage girls, although these cancers can develop in patients of both sexes and all ages.

The two most common types of bone cancer that develop during adolescence are:

  • Osteosarcoma, which develops in the cells that are responsible for producing new bones
  • Ewing sarcoma, which develops as a result of an inherited chromosomal abnormality

At Moffitt Cancer Center, we have a great deal of experience in treating these – and other – bone cancers in teenagers and young adults. Patients of all ages are seen by oncologists who specialize exclusively in the treatment of bone and joint cancers, and adolescent and pediatric patients are paired with oncologists who have long-standing experience in treating patients in their age group.

Moffitt also operates an Adolescent and Young Adult Program, which is specially designed to support teenagers and young adults who are facing a cancer diagnosis. Through this program, we help patients cope with the unique social, psychological and emotional challenges of living with cancer, in a manner that’s specially designed for young individuals. And, to help younger patients connect with each other, we offer many of our bone cancer treatments in our Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Lounge. This lounge provides a stimulating and social environment in which patients can receive chemotherapy infusions and other forms of bone cancer treatment.

For more information about our approach to treating bone cancer in teens and young adults, call 1-888-663-3488 or submit a new patient registration form online. Referrals are not required to contact Moffitt Cancer Center.