Cancer occurs when the cells in a certain area of your body divide and multiply too rapidly. This produces a lump of tissue known as a tumour.
The exact reason why this happens is often not known, but certain things can increase your chance of developing bone cancer, including:
- Age
- previous radiotherapy treatment
- other bone conditions, such as Paget’s disease of the bone
- rare genetic conditions, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome
- a history of certain other conditions, including retinoblastoma and umbilical hernia
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Age
Like most cancers, the risk of bone cancer increases with age. But for some types of bone cancer, younger people have a higher risk.
Osteosarcoma is more common in adolescents (10 to 19 years). It seems to be linked to the growth of the bones during puberty. Ewing sarcoma usually develops in children (0 to 14 years) and adolescents. But it can occur in adults. Chondrosarcomas and spindle cell sarcomas tend to occur in adults between the ages of 30 to 60. Chordomas are more common in adults over 50 years of age.
Radiotherapy treatment
Previous exposure to high doses of radiation during radiotherapy may cause cancerous changes in your bone cells at a later stage, although this risk is thought to be small.
Bone conditions
Some non-cancerous (benign) conditions affecting the bones may increase your chances of developing bone cancer, although the risk is still small.
- Enchondroma or osteochondroma: Enchondroma or osteochondroma are non cancerous (benign) bone tumours. If you have these tumours, you are at an increased risk of getting a type of bone cancer called chondrosarcoma. This is very rare.
- Ollier’s disease: Ollier’s disease is a rare condition. It is also called enchondromatosis. People with this condition develop many non cancerous (benign) tumours in their bones. These tumours can become cancerous and can turn into chondrosarcoma.
- Paget disease: People with Paget disease have an increased risk of getting osteosarcoma. Paget disease is a condition where new bone replaces old bones at a faster than normal rate.
Genetic conditions
People with a family history of bone cancer may be at a higher risk of developing the condition.
- Li-Fraumeni syndrome: A condition called Li-Fraumeni syndrome runs in families. It is caused by a gene fault inherited from your parents. If you have Li-Fraumeni syndrome, you have an increased risk of several cancers, including osteosarcoma.
- Hereditary retinoblastoma: There is a type of eye cancer also caused by faulty genes. It is called hereditary retinoblastoma. Children with this gene fault also have an increased risk of osteosarcoma.
Other conditions
- Retinoblastoma: People who had a rare type of eye cancer called retinoblastoma as a child may be more likely to develop bone cancer, because the same inherited faulty gene can be responsible for both conditions.
- Umbilical hernia: Research has also found that babies born with an umbilical hernia are 3 times more likely to develop a type of bone cancer called Ewing sarcoma, although the risk is still very small.
- Werner syndrome
- Rothmund–Thomson syndrome
- Bloom syndrome
Injuries and knocks
People often think that a knock or injury to a bone can cause bone cancer. But research studies do not support this. It’s more likely that an injury causes swelling, which when it’s investigated, shows up a cancer that is already there. Or a bone affected by cancer may be weakened and so is more likely to become broken (fractured) in an accident. Doctors may then spot the tumour when they investigate your fracture.
It’s important to note that most people with these risk factors do not develop bone cancer, and many people who do develop bone cancer do not have any known risk factors. Having any of these risk factors does not mean that you will definitely develop cancer.
Student Loans in South Africa: How to Apply and What to Expect
For many young South Africans, accessing higher education is a dream that often comes with a financial challenge. Fortunately, several student loan optionsstrong> are available in South Africa to help fund university, college, or TVET studies. Whether you’re looking for a government loan like NSFAS or a private student loan from a bank, understanding the process is essential for success.
What Are Student Loans?
Student loans are a form of financial aid provided to eligible students to help cover tuition fees, books, accommodation, and other study-related expenses. In South Africa, these loans can come from government institutions like NSFAS or private banks such as Nedbank, Standard Bank, FNB, and Absa. Most loans offer repayment flexibility and low-interest options until you graduate.
Types of Student Loans in South Africa
- NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme): A government-funded loan/grant program for students from low-income households. Covers tuition, housing, transport, and meals.
- Bank Student Loans: Offered by most major banks. These are credit-based and require a guardian or parent as a co-signer.
- Private Loan Providers: Companies like Fundi offer educational loans covering various costs such as school fees, gadgets, and textbooks.
Requirements to Qualify for a Student Loan
Each provider has its own criteria, but most South African student loans require the following:
- Proof of South African citizenship or permanent residency
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a recognised tertiary institution
- Parent or guardian with a stable income to co-sign (for private loans)
- Completed application form with supporting documents (ID, proof of income, academic records)
How to Apply for a Student Loan
To apply for a student loan in South Africa, follow these steps:
- Identify your loan provider: Choose between NSFAS, a bank, or a private lender.
- Gather necessary documents: ID copies, academic transcripts, acceptance letters, and income statements.
- Complete the application form online or at a branch.
- Await approval: Some banks offer instant decisions, while NSFAS can take a few weeks.
- Receive disbursement: Funds are typically paid directly to the institution or your account, depending on the lender.
Loan Amounts and Repayment
The loan amount you can receive depends on your chosen lender and financial need:
- NSFAS: Covers full tuition, residence, books, and a personal allowance. The loan becomes a bursary if you pass all your courses.
- Banks: Can provide up to R120,000 or more annually, depending on tuition costs and credit history.
Repayment usually starts after graduation or once you start earning an income. Bank loans may require interest-only payments during your studies. NSFAS repayment only begins when you earn above a specific income threshold.
FAQs on Student Loans in South Africa
1. Can I apply for a student loan without a parent or guardian?
For government loans like NSFAS, yes. But most banks require a financially responsible co-signer, especially for students without an income.
2. Is NSFAS a loan or a bursary?
NSFAS starts as a loan, but it converts to a bursary if you meet academic performance requirements. This means you may not have to pay it back.
3. What is the interest rate on student loans?
Private banks offer competitive rates between 5% and 12%, depending on the applicant's credit profile. NSFAS charges a much lower interest rate, usually linked to inflation.
4. What happens if I fail my courses?
If you’re funded by NSFAS and fail, your loan won’t convert into a bursary, and you’ll need to repay the full amount. Banks may continue charging interest, and your co-signer may be held liable.
5. Can I use a student loan to pay for accommodation and laptops?
Yes. Both NSFAS and many bank student loans cover costs beyond tuition, including housing, meals, textbooks, and electronic devices like laptops or tablets.
Final Thoughts
Student loans in South Africa offer a much-needed financial lifeline to thousands of students every year. Whether you're applying through **NSFAS** or a private bank, ensure you understand the **terms, interest rates, and repayment conditions** before signing any agreement. Make informed decisions today to secure your academic and financial future tomorrow.