The bone marrow is the spongy material in the centre of some of our bones which produces blood cells. If you have secondary cancer in the bone, this may affect how the bone marrow works and may lower the number of cells in your blood. If you have a low level of red blood cells (anaemia) you may be breathless and get tired more easily. Low levels of white blood cells may make you more likely to get an infection, and a low platelet count will increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

It may be possible to raise the number of red blood cells in your blood by giving you a blood transfusion. This may need to be repeated. Less commonly, platelet transfusions may also be given. Antibiotics can be given to treat any infection.