If prostate cancer has spread to your bones, you could feel pain in places like your back, hips, or chest. It’s not bone cancer, but prostate cancer bone metastases. This type of metastatic prostate cancer occurs in 85% to 90% of patients, according to the Prostate Cancer Foundation. You’ll feel pain in your bones because the cancer deteriorates the health of the bones.
Your treatment team will suggest drugs to alleviate the pain and help heal the bone. Bisphosphonates (such as zoledronic acid) are infusions given every three weeks to prevent or delay any complications related to your bone health. Injections such as denosumab work in a similar way. While being treated with either drug, your treatment team might have you take calcium and vitamin D supplements to avoid certain issues related to your bones, such as osteonecrosis of the jaw. Prostate cancer bone metastases could also be treated with radiation therapy for one to two weeks.
