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Breast Cancer Related
OSTEOPOROSIS


spine��OSTEOPOROSIS

Osteoporosis is a debilitating bone disease that occurs as a result of decreased bone mass due to the aging process. The thinning and weakening of the bones is caused by calcium loss.

Bones are constantly changing and building. As we age, our bones break down faster than new bone tissue can be formed. They become fragile and more likely to break or fracture. Any bone in the body is at risk but fractures mostly occur in the hip, spine or wrist. Spinal or vertebral fractures can cause loss of height, humped back, discomfort and debility.

Osteoporosis can occur at about age forty-five years or anytime after. It is especially important for women undergoing treatment for breast cancer to be informed about the risk factors, detection and prevention of osteoporosis.



spine��RISK FACTORS

  • family history of osteoporosis
  • normal aging
  • female sex
  • normal or early menopause due to natural aging
  • surgical or medical induced menopause
  • Caucasian/Asian women more frequently than African/Hispanic women
  • small bone structure
  • low body weight
  • smoking
  • drinking
  • certain medications, e.g. steroids
  • inactivity
  • low calcium intake


spine��DETECTION

  • your doctor will take a lifestyle and medical history
  • family history of osteoporosis
  • bone density test to detect, predict and monitor osteoporosis


spine��PREVENTION

  • build strong bones before the age of thirty years
  • follow a healthy lifestyle
  • adequate calcium (1000-1500 mg./day) and vitamin D (400 units/day)
  • Estrogen Replacement Therapy for women at high risk
  • exercise at least three times/week - walk, jog, hike, aerobics, stair climbing etc.

Women diagnosed with breast cancer - please see your physician, oncologist, gynecologist or endocrinologist if you have any of the risk factors associated with osteoporosis.



spine��TREATMENT

  • prevent fractures
  • adequate calcium intake (1000-1500 mg./day) and vitamin D (400 units/day)
  • exercise
  • walk with caution up or down stairs
  • avoid excessive strain on bones
  • avoid lifting heavy objects
  • Estrogen Replacement Therapy for women at high risk
  • Calcitonin may be prescribed (injection or nasal spray slows bone loss and increases spinal bone density)
  • Bisphosphonates may be prescribed (taken orally with water to increase bone density and decrease risk of fractures)


spine��RESOURCES

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Last updated on July 26, 2006
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