August is Bone Cancer Awareness Month. According to the American Cancer Society, osteosarcoma is the most common type of primary bone cancer. Primary means that the cancer arises in the bone, rather than secondary, which means it has spread to the bones from other sites in the body. Osteosarcoma starts when bone cells become abnormal, growing out of control to form a lump of cancerous tissue known as a tumor. The cancerous tissue consists of abnormal cells that are attempting to make bone. Being able to see this abnormal bone under a microscope helps to confirm a diagnosis of osteosarcoma.

'Osteo' comes from an ancient Greek word for bone and a 'sarcoma' is the name given to cancers that start in connective or supporting tissues, such as bone, fat, cartilage, blood vessels and muscle. It usually starts in the lower thigh, upper shin, or upper arm. It is most common in young people between the ages of 10 and 24. It is thought that the rapid bone growth experienced during adolescence may account for this.

White is the color that represents bone cancer, so put on your white ribbons this month! The PVH Cancer Support Group meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month from 6-7 pm in Conference Room B at Penobscot Valley Hospital. The group is open to both patients and their caregivers. If you are currently or recently have undergone treatment, this may be the group for you! For more information, contact Bill Head, PAC at 794-3321.