Bone Cancer Research
Help back the next breakthrough
Bone Cancer at a Glance
It's estimated that around 265 Australians were diagnosed with bone cancer in 2025*, making it one of the rarer cancer types in the country.
*Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Continued research is critical to improving outcomes - Cure Cancer supports the work of emerging researchers investigating new ways to detect, understand and treat all cancer types, including blood cancer.
Our Bone Cancer Research
Nathalie views her Cure Cancer funding as an invaluable opportunity to continue her work on preclinical models for advanced cancer in bones. “Personally and professionally, it represents a key milestone, as it enables me to lead and sustain my independent research group, forging my own niche and following my own research ideas.”
- Dr Nathalie Bock, a Cure Cancer grant recipient
Some of our Bone Cancer Researchers
Dr Mark Pinese
Dr Nathalie Bock
Dr Ben Wylie
Why Research Funding Matters
Many of Australia's leading cancer researchers received funding from Cure Cancer at the earliest stages of their careers. Some have gone on to make discoveries recognised around the world.
Emerging researchers drive the breakthroughs that shape how cancer is understood and treated - but early-career funding is scarce and highly competitive. Every donation helps Cure Cancer back the next generation of researchers in Australia, across all cancer types.
How Your Donation Helps
$75
Can help fund an hour of research
$125
Can help fund microscopy imaging to look for immune cells in tumours
$550
Can help fund lab supplies for up to ten vital experiments
$1,000
Can help provide cutting-edge software to analyse cells
Learn More About Bone Cancer
What is bone cancer?
Primary bone cancer is cancer that begins in the bones, and is classed as a rare cancer. It occurs when bone cells multiply rapidly and begin to break down the bone.
Secondary bone cancer, which is a type of cancer that spreads to the bone from another part of the body, is more common.
Cancer in the bones is not sex-specific, although it is slightly more common in people assigned male at birth. It is estimated that more than 300 people were diagnosed with bone cancer in 2022.
What are the types of bone cancer?
There are over 30 different types of primary bone cancer, the most common are:
- Osteosarcoma, which affects cells that grow bone tissue
- Chondrosarcoma, which grows in the cartilage
- Ewing's sarcoma, which affects cells in the bone or soft tissue that multiply rapidly.
What are the common symptoms of bone cancer?
- Swelling/pain around the bone
- Stiffness/tenderness in the bone
- Problems with movement
- Weakened bones leading to breaks/fractures
- Exhaustion
- Unintended weight loss
- Loss of feeling in the affected limb
Although bone cancer is rare, it’s important to visit you GP if you are experiencing these symptoms.
How is bone cancer diagnosed?
A GP will carry out an initial examination before deciding if further tests are necessary.
You may then be referred for an X-ray of the affected area. If this shows any abnormalities, you’ll be referred to a specialist such as an orthopaedic surgeon or a bone cancer specialist.
The specialist may decide to carry out a biopsy, which involves taking a sample of affected bone (either with a needle or via surgery under general anaesthetic) to be sent to a laboratory for testing.
If the results of the biopsy confirm or suggest bone cancer, further tests such as MRI scans, CT scans, bone scans or bone marrow biopsies will be required to assess how far the cancer has spread.
Bone cancer is usually graded as ‘localised’ (the cancer contains low-grade cells; found in the bone in which it started) or ‘advanced’ (the cancer has spread to other parts of the body).
What is the prognosis for bone cancer?
A prognosis depends on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the person’s age and health. Many cases of localised bone cancer have a good chance of being cured.
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