I would like to bring awareness about a cancer that we don’t really hear alot about. Also the reason I’m speaking about it is I met Congressman Turner when he was a state rep for Houston, then when he was our mayor. I use to attend alot of events that he and the late Sheila Jackson Lee attended. They both were fabulous people who cared deeply about the people that they represented whether at the state level or federal level. I myself have always been interested in the betterment of individuals health and lifestyle as a young girl growing up in a active church. So today I want to bring awareness to, Bone cancer is a rare malignancy originating in the bone’s cells. It can develop in any bone but frequently affects the long bones of the arms and legs. Primary bone cancers, or bone sarcomas, include types such as osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, and Ewing sarcoma. These cancers are distinct from secondary, or metastatic, bone cancers, which spread to the bones from other body parts. cancer.org my.clevelandclinic.org nhs.uk
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Common symptoms of bone cancer encompass persistent bone pain, swelling, and fractures due to weakened bones. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies like X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans, and is confirmed through a biopsy, where a tissue sample is examined microscopically.
Treatment Options
Treatment strategies for bone cancer depend on the cancer type, location, and stage, as well as the patient’s overall health. Options may include surgery to remove the tumor, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Advancements in medical research continue to improve these treatments, offering hope for better outcomes. (Mayo Clinic). (Icancer.gov)
In Memoriam: Sylvester Turner
The recent passing of U.S. Representative and former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner has brought attention to bone cancer. Turner, who succumbed to health complications on March 5, 2025, at the age of 70, had been publicly known to undergo treatment for bone cancer in his jaw in 2022.
Born and raised in Houston’s Acres Homes neighborhood, Turner overcame early hardships to achieve academic success, graduating from the University of Houston and Harvard Law School. He served 27 years in the Texas House of Representatives, earning a reputation for budget expertise and bipartisan collaboration. In 2015, after two previous attempts, Turner was elected mayor of Houston. His tenure was marked by leadership during significant challenges, including Hurricane Harvey and the Covid-19 pandemic. His administration achieved notable accomplishments in pension reform, police reform, and community investments.
After leaving the mayor’s office in 2023, Turner won a congressional seat in 2024, despite his ongoing battle with osteosarcoma. Colleagues remember him as a dedicated public servant with a tireless work ethic and deep community ties. (Houston Chronicle)
Legacy and Awareness
Turner’s life and career serve as a testament to resilience and dedication to public service. His battle with bone cancer also highlights the importance of awareness and early detection of this rare disease. As research advances, continued support for cancer research and patient resources remains crucial in the fight against bone cancer.
