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Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more|.
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A number of different types of treatment can be used to treat people with secondary bone cancer.
The treatment you have will depend on:
The aim of treatment for a secondary bone cancer is to:
Apart from painkillers and other pain relieving drugs|, the main treatment used to relieve symptoms is radiotherapy|. This may be given by a machine (similar to an x-ray machine) as external beam radiotherapy, or as a radioisotope. A radioisotope is a radioactive liquid, usually given as an injection or by a drip into a vein.
Bisphosphonates| (bone strengthening drugs) may be used to reduce the risk of fracture or hypercalcaemia, and to relieve pain.
The type of treatment you have depends on where your cancer started. This is because the secondary cancer cells in the bone have come from where the primary cancer is and will usually respond to the same type of treatment as the primary cancer.
To treat the cancer you may be offered:
In most hospitals a team of specialists will talk to you about the treatment they feel is best for your situation.
This multidisciplinary team (MDT) will include a:
It may also include other healthcare professionals, such as a surgeon who specialises in bone cancers, a palliative care (symptom control) specialist, a dietitian, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, psychologist or counsellor.
The MDT will take a number of factors into account when advising you on the best course of action, including your age, general health, where the cancer started (the primary) and which bones are affected.
If two treatments are equally effective, your doctors may offer you a choice of treatments. Sometimes people find it hard to make a decision. If you are asked to make a choice, make sure that you have enough information about the different options, what is involved and the possible side effects, so that you can decide on the right treatment for you.
Remember to ask questions about any aspects that you don’t understand or feel worried about. It may help to discuss the benefits and disadvantages of each option with your doctor, specialist nurse, or you can speak to us|.
If you have any questions about your treatment, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor or nurse. It often helps to make a list of questions and to take a relative or close friend with you.
Before you have any treatment, your doctor will explain its aims. They will usually ask you to sign a form saying that you give permission (consent) for the hospital staff to give you the treatment. No medical treatment can be given without your consent, and before you are asked to sign the form you should be given full information about:
If you don’t understand what you’ve been told, let the staff know straight away, so they can explain again. Some cancer treatments are complex, so it’s not unusual for people to need repeated explanations.
It’s a good idea to have a relative or friend with you when the treatment is explained, to help you remember the discussion. You may also find it useful to write a list of questions before your appointment.
People often feel that hospital staff are too busy to answer their questions, but it’s important for you to know how the treatment is likely to affect you. The staff should be willing to make time for your questions.
You can always ask for more time if you feel that you can’t make a decision when your treatment is first explained to you.
You are also free to choose not to have the treatment. The staff can explain what may happen if you don’t have it. It’s essential to tell a doctor or the nurse in charge, so they can record your decision in your medical notes. You don’t have to give a reason for not wanting treatment, but it can help to let the staff know your concerns so they can give you the best advice.
Your multidisciplinary team (MDT) uses national treatment guidelines to decide the most suitable treatment for you. Even so, you may want another medical opinion. If you feel it will be helpful, you can ask either your specialist or GP to refer you to another specialist for a second opinion. Getting a second opinion may delay the start of your treatment, so you and your doctor need to be confident that it will give you useful information.
If you do go for a second opinion, it may be a good idea to take a relative or friend with you, and have a list of questions ready, so that you can make sure your concerns are covered during the discussion.
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.