No, bone cancer is not common in young adults. In fact, bone cancer occurs most often in children, teenagers, and young adults under the age of 20. It is the third most common type of cancer in children under the age of 14.
In the United States, the overall incidence rate of bone cancer in adults between the ages of 20 and 39 is less than 1 in 100,000 people per year. This is compared to the overall incidence rate of bone cancer in children under the age of 20, which is about 3 in 100,000 people per year.
The most common type of bone cancer in young adults is osteosarcoma, which accounts for about 4 out of 5 cases of bone cancer in this age group. Other types of bone cancer that can occur in young adults include Ewing's sarcoma, chondrosarcoma, and chondroblastic osteosarcoma.
The risk factors for bone cancer in young adults are not well understood, but genetics may play a role. People with certain inherited genetic conditions such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Rothmund-Thomson syndrome, and familial retinoblastoma are more likely to develop bone cancer than those without these conditions.
In general, bone cancer is very rare in young adults. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, you should see a doctor right away: persistent pain in the bones or joints, swelling or lumps in the bones or joints, and fatigue or weakness. Early diagnosis and treatment of bone cancer can help to improve outcomes.