BONE cancer awareness will be raised at Guiseley AFC on Saturday as part of a week that aims to highlight the disease.

The Horsforth-based Bone Cancer Research Trust (BCRT) will be the club's matchday guest to mark the penultimate day of its awareness week.

The charity has teamed up with Guiseley AFC's Academy teams to sponsor their home kit this season and educate young people and the community about primary bone cancer.

BCRT spokesman, Chantal Spittles, said they were delighted to be working in partnership with Guiseley AFC to encourage young footballers to talk about bone cancer on their home turf.

"We’re a national charity but fiercely proud of our West Yorkshire roots, and working with Guiseley AFC is a fantastic opportunity to educate footballers and fans to raise vital awareness," she added.

"Patients know their own bodies better than anyone. If you have any unexplained lumps or pain, don't hesitate to discuss the possibility of primary bone cancer with your doctor – at least to rule it out."

Guiseley AFC head of youth development, Dave Currie, said: "This partnership been a great opportunity for BCRT, the club and the lads themselves to learn more about bone cancer and raise awareness in the community."

Although primary bone cancer affects anyone at any age, osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma are more common in people aged ten to 24.

The main symptoms of swelling or bone pain can often be mistaken for sporting injuries or growing pains, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment.

BCRT has teamed up with the Royal College of GPs to devise the e-learning course, equipping doctors with new information about symptoms.

Since its launch in 2014, GPs taking the online course saw a 32 per cent increase in their knowledge of vital red flags for primary bone cancer symptoms.

To mark Bone Cancer Awareness Week, which runs until Sunday, the charity is calling on people to take an action pack to their GP surgery to help doctors and patients spot the symptoms sooner.

Craig Gerrand, consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hospitals, said prompt diagnosis helps gives patients the best chances of treatment and survival.

He added: "Primary bone tumours are rare, but highly malignant tumours that can occur in anyone.

"Making the diagnosis promptly and getting patients to the right place for treatment are critically important if we are going to improve outcomes for those affected. Increasing awareness is a vital part of this process."