60% of bone cancers occur in teenagers and young adults, reveals Mumbai hospital’s study

The study found that the emotional needs of teenage patients are different from those of adult and paediatric patients

As much as 60% of bone cancers occur in teenagers and young adults between 15 and 30, found a study conducted by Tata Memorial Hospital. Doctors revealed their findings during the two-day long 6th national conference on teenage and young adult cancers at THM on Saturday.

An installation at Tata Memorial Hospital depicts what a cancer ward for teenagers and young adults should look like. (HT)

Of 2,100 patients, who were admitted to TMH’s unit for bone-related cancers in 2010, 60% were between 15 and 30. Most were afflicted by Osteosarcoma, followed by Ewing’s sarcoma.

Dr Ashish Gulia, associate professor, orthopaedic oncology, who conducted the study, said the findings indicate the need to look at this age group differently, as against how paediatric and adult cancers are studied. “Of these patients, nearly 40% refused to undergo treatment initially, fearing hair loss and infertility —both of which are common,” he said.

He said these patients should have a special ward, which TMH currently does not have. “The emotional needs of these patients are so different from those of adult and paediatric patients. There is a lack of acceptance this age group. They need to be counselled differently,” he said.