Bone cancer is a rare but serious condition that starts in the bones, often causing pain and other complications. Though it can affect anyone, it's most common in children and young adults. This World Cancer Day, we've put together everything you need to know about bone cancer – and how to look out for the early warning signs.

Bone cancer symptoms can vary depending on the size of the cancer and where in the body it is. There are also two types of bone cancer to be aware of – primary and secondary bone cancer.

Primary bone cancer is a rare type of cancer that begins in the bones and around 550 new cases are diagnosed each year in the UK.

Secondary bone cancer is when cancer cells spread to the bone from a primary tumour elsewhere in the bone. Most people who develop secondary bone cancer already know they have a primary cancer and is most commonly developed by people with cancer of the breast, kidney, lung, prostate or thyroid.

"Primary bone cancer is unique in that it can affect anyone, at any age and that is why knowledge of the signs and symptoms is so important – because it could help to save lives,”says Zoe Davison, Director of Research and Support at the Bone Cancer Research Trust.

Primary bone cancer is very rare. It is much more likely that something else is the cause of the symptoms below, but if you are concerned about any changes in your body you should always consult your GP.