Note about osteoporosis after breast cancer treatment

Women who have been treated for breast cancer may have an increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
When osteoporosis occurs, the bone is weakened or thinned. Because the bones become fragile, they can break even when there is no force or very small force. People often do not detect osteoporosis until the occurrence of a fracture. Osteoporosis is not curable but can be treated to try to keep it strong and less broken.

Women who have not gone through menopause and women who have gone through menopause (after menopause) are at risk for osteoporosis associated with breast cancer treatment.

Valence

Chemotherapy can affect ovarian function, cause premature menopause in some women and may reduce bone density. Women under 45 who have had menopause for at least one year because chemotherapy may be at risk for osteoporosis. When you have your period, you may still have osteoporosis.

Treatment for breast cancer increases the likelihood of osteoporosis. (Illustration)

Suppression of ovaries

Ovarian suppression means that the ovaries stop working temporarily or permanently. That means having less estrogen in the body, reducing bone density.

For premenopausal women, taking drugs containing tamoxifen may slightly reduce bone density. For menopausal women, taking pills containing tamoxifen will slow down bone density and may reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

In addition, Aromatase inhibitors (including anastrozole, letrozole and exemestane) are mainly used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women, reducing circulating estrogen in the body, leading to osteoporosis.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle to avoid osteoporosis

People with breast cancer should pay attention to diet, exercise and activities to prevent osteoporosis. Diet plays a role in reducing the risk of osteoporosis. You should eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D such as: low-fat milk, dark green vegetables, leafy greens and calcium-fortified foods and beverages.

Exercise makes bones and muscles stronger and helps to slow the process of osteoporosis. Go for a jog, do a light bike ride or do some aerobics. You should also avoid stimulants such as alcohol, beer, cigarettes ...