Risk Factors
A risk factor is a behavior, characteristic, or condition that raises the possibility of developing a disease. Here are some of the risk factors for developing osteosarcoma:
Age
Teenagers and adolescents who are going through a growth spurt are at the highest risk for developing osteosarcoma.
Gender
Teenage boys are at higher risk for developing osteosarcoma than teenage girls.
Race
African-Americans have a slightly higher risk of developing osteosarcoma than Caucasians.
Height
Rapid bone growth may increase the risk for developing osteosarcoma. Children that are unusually tall for their age may be at an increased risk for osteosarcoma.
Inherited Genetic Diseases
Certain inherited genetic diseases such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Rothmund-Thompson syndrome, Retinoblastoma, and osteochondromas may increase the risk of developing osteosarcoma.
Prior Radiation Therapy
Those who were previously treated with radiation therapy for a different form of cancer may be at an increased risk for developing osteosarcoma.
