What causes Ewing sarcoma?

Likeother types of bone cancer, the exact cause of Ewing sarcoma isunknown.

As thecondition tends to predominantly affect older children and teenagers, one theory isthat it may be related to fast-growing bones.

The rapid growth spurt thathappens during puberty may in some way make bone tissue more vulnerable to cancer.

Research has also found babies born with an umbilical hernia are three times more likely to develop Ewing sarcoma.

However, the increased risk is still small as only 1 in 110,000 children with an umbilical hernia will go on to develop the condition.

The Cancer Research UK website has more information about the risks and causes of bone cancer .

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018