Can bone metastases be prevented?

There is no single measure that stops every cancer from reaching bone. The useful approach depends on the cancer type, its stage, previous treatment, scan findings, symptoms and the person's overall health.

Bone metastases form when cells from a cancer elsewhere in the body travel through blood or lymph and grow in bone. They remain the same cancer type as the original tumour; cancer that began in the breast and later reached bone is metastatic breast cancer, not primary bone cancer.

Some cancers, including breast, lung and prostate cancer, are particularly able to spread to bone. Treatment aimed at the original cancer can limit cancer activity throughout the body, while certain bone-targeted medicines can strengthen bone and reduce skeletal problems in suitable patients.

Follow the cancer treatment and monitoring plan, and report persistent new bone pain rather than trying to manage it alone. The oncology team may use examination, blood tests or imaging when symptoms or the cancer pattern suggest possible bone involvement.

Ask whether a bone-strengthening medicine is appropriate and whether dental assessment is needed before it starts. Maintain adequate nutrition, use vitamin or mineral supplements only as advised, avoid smoking, and choose weight-bearing activity that is safe for your bones and current treatment.

Contact the cancer team promptly for new pain that is persistent, worsening, present at night or triggered by movement or weight-bearing. A new swelling, reduced mobility, unusual thirst, constipation, nausea, drowsiness or confusion also warrants timely assessment.

Seek emergency help for sudden severe bone pain or inability to use a limb after a minor injury. New leg weakness, numbness, difficulty walking, loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the buttocks or genitals may signal spinal cord compression and needs immediate assessment.

Discuss whether your cancer has a tendency to involve bone, which symptoms should trigger imaging, whether treatment is helping control disease beyond the original site, and what exercise or daily activities are safe if bone strength is uncertain.