Political Analysis and Global Affairs

  Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are common treatments for cancer. While they can be effective in treating cancer, they can also increase the risk of developing primary bone cancer.  Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays or particles to kill cancer cells. It can cause damage to normal cells, including bone cells, which can lead to an increased risk of developing bone cancer[2][9]. The risk is higher in people who were treated when they were younger, especially as children, and those who were treated with higher doses of radiation. These cancers tend to develop many years, often decades, after the radiation therapy was given[2]. Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to treat cancer. Some chemotherapy drugs, such as alkylating agents, are linked with an increased risk of developing osteosarcoma[3][8]. Chemotherapy can also lead to significant bone loss, which increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures[4][12]. It's important to note that having radiation therapy or chemoth...