What Breast Cancer Survivors Should Know About Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a silent disease in which bones become porous and weak, thus becoming more likely to fracture. Osteopenia means that there is less bone loss than osteoporosis. However, if you have ostopenia, you are more likely to develop osteoporosis. Bones in the pelvis, spine, hip, wrist and the arm are most vulnerable. There are usually no symptoms until after being diagnosed post fracture. It is better to know about it to prevent it!

Women who have had breast cancer may be at higher risk due to several factors such as early menopause, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapies. Chemotherapy drugs such as doxorubicin and methotrexate can cause early menopause. With early menopause, estrogen levels decrease. Since estrogen has a protective effect on bone, reduced levels can lead to bone loss. In addition, breast cancer stimulates cells that break down bone called osteoclasts.

Hormonal drugs such as Tamoxifen have been shown to decrease bone density in post menopausal women.Furthermore., some studies have shown that Aromatase Inhibitors such as anastrozole or letrozole may lead to bone loss. Other risk factors include having a small frame, using certain medications, not getting enough calcium, advancing age, family history, cigarette smoking, sedentary lifestyle and alcohol use. Here are some tips to get you started on teh right track:

Lifestyle Management

Your physician may prescribe several medications which include calcitonin or SERMS. However, we will focus on other approaches for this article.

Osteoporosis testing

Ask your doctor if you are a candidate for a DEXA exam which measures your bone density at different spots in the body including the hip and lumbar spine. This will determine if you are at risk and where. This is important to know especially to establish a baseline for comparison.

Improve your general health

Stop smoking and limit alcohol intake which will help to improve your general well being.