Five warning signs of bone cancer following the death of Strictly star Len Goodman

Bone cancer, although rare, kills hundreds every year in the UK and thousands more in the US.

The disease can occur at any age and can cause fatigue, broken bones and difficulty walking.

Here, MailOnline reveals the warning signs of bone cancer following the death of Dancing with the Stars judge and Strictly Come Dancing legend Len Goodman, who died at the weekend after battling bone cancer.

Len Goodman, pictured here in 2010, was a fan favorite during the dance competition

leg pain

Persistent bone pain is one of the most common symptoms of bone cancer.

Starting with a feeling of tenderness in the affected leg, it can gradually progress to constant or intermittent pain, according to the NHS.

This pain often lasts at night and at rest and can worsen with physical exertion.

It usually develops in the long bones of the legs or upper arms, but it can develop in any bone in the body.

According to cancer charity Macmillan, this symptom in children is often mistaken for growing pains or a sprain.

The NHS adds that some adults also often mistake the pain for arthritis.

If you have unexplained leg pain, see your GP for a check-up, say experts.

problems with moving

Difficulty moving or limping is another common sign of bone cancer, according to Cancer Research UK.

This is because the cancer can affect a joint, which can then limit movement in the limbs, says Macmillan.

They may also walk with a limp if the affected bone is in the legs.

But Macmillan explains that this limited movement is not just caused by a tumor in the legs.

It can also be caused by a tumor in the spine, which can press on nerves.

This is called spinal cord compression and can cause numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms or legs.

Bone cancer can cause pain and movement problems. This can be caused by a tumor in a joint that makes movement difficult, or weakened and broken bones

broken bones

Bone cancer can also cause fractures in some cases.

These so-called pathological fractures can be caused by the cancer weakening the structure of the bone itself.

This can cause the bone to break suddenly and without warning, says Macmillan.

The fracture can also be the result of what is usually considered a minor fall or accident.

A high temperature

Another less common symptom of bone cancer is a high temperature.

Cancer Research UK says excessive sweating, especially at night, can also be a sign of cancer.

Sweating can be caused by a variety of changes that the body undergoes, for example as a result of cancer, hormonal changes or infections.

Fever and sweats are another sign of bone cancer, according to experts

fatigue

Feeling more tired than usual despite a good night’s sleep is another possible sign of bone cancer.

This fatigue can be caused by the physical leg pain that makes people feel exhausted.

The chemical and hormonal changes caused by cancer itself can also play a role in causing fatigue.

This is partly why people with advanced cancer are more likely to experience worsening fatigue.

This may be because more advanced versions of the disease cause more of these changes in the body, making a person feel increasingly tired.

A person with cancer may also feel generally tired, for example because they are sick, eat less, are less active or take medication to relieve symptoms.