Experts Confirm: Early Detection is the Most Crucial Weapon in the Fight Against Bone Cancer
During the 86th Awareness Forum of the “Be Strong” Team
The “Be Strong” team, in collaboration with the Women’s Social and Cultural Association, organized the 86th awareness forum, titled “Bone Cancer,” at the association’s headquarters. The event featured participation from a select group of consultants and specialized physicians, aiming to raise community awareness about the disease, highlight the importance of early diagnosis, discuss the latest treatment methods, and provide guidance on managing associated pain.
For her part, Leila Gamal, the awareness ambassador and founder and president of the “Be Strong” team, emphasized that the forum was held in conjunction with July, which is internationally designated as Bone Cancer (Sarcoma) Awareness Month. She noted that the team is committed to organizing specialized medical forums that host leading consultants to educate the public about various types of cancer.
She stated that bone cancer may not receive the same level of community attention as other cancers, despite the critical need for awareness. She pointed out that its symptoms can resemble those of bone pain and rheumatism, making early awareness and screening essential factors in enabling rapid diagnosis and improving treatment outcomes.
Adding that the team’s mission is to instill a culture of healthy living and prevention through continuous awareness, she confirmed the continuation of the awareness program. The forum scheduled for August will focus on blood cancer awareness, highlighting the latest treatments, particularly for children.
For her part, Dr. Fajr Al-Husseini, Treasurer of the Women’s Social and Cultural Association and head of its health program, explained that hosting the forum is part of the ongoing collaboration between the association and the “Be Strong” team to promote health literacy among community members.
She noted that bone cancer is among the diseases that warrant increased public awareness, emphasizing that prevention begins with adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes proper nutrition, regular physical activity, and maintaining overall bodily health, alongside recognizing risk factors and the importance of consulting a doctor when any unusual symptoms appear.
For his part, Dr. Ashraf Youssef, Consultant of Orthopedic and Joint Surgery, affirmed that bone tumors can be either benign or malignant, and their nature can only be determined through medical examination and necessary tests. He stressed that early diagnosis plays a significant role in facilitating treatment and improving its outcomes.
He pointed out that the most common types of primary bone cancer are osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma, while other types are less prevalent. He clarified that primary bone cancers account for less than 1% of all cancer cases.
For his part, Dr. Tarek Rashdi, an orthopedic surgery consultant, clarified that July represents an important occasion to raise awareness about bone cancer and sarcoma, emphasizing that the conference aims to inform the public about early symptoms, diagnostic methods, and treatment options.
He explained that bone cancer is divided into two main types: the first originates in the bones themselves, while the second results from cancer spreading from another organ to the bones. He noted that each type has a different approach to diagnosis, treatment, and recovery prognosis.
Dr. Hussein Bahbahani, a senior anesthesiology and pain medicine specialist at Al-Razi Orthopedic Hospital, stated that his participation in the conference focused on managing pain associated with bone cancer patients. He clarified that the role of a pain specialist extends beyond prescribing painkillers to improving patients’ quality of life and enabling them to carry out their daily activities normally.
He further explained that bone cancer can be a primary tumor arising in the bones, but in many cases, it results from cancer spreading from other organs such as the breast, prostate, or colon. He pointed out that primary bone cancers account for only about 1% of all cancers, whereas bone involvement through metastatic spread is more common.
