Losing bone density is a natural part of ageing. But, for cancer patients, the treatments and the disease can worsen this issue.
10-15% of cancer patients experience bone loss during treatment. The main reasons are chemotherapy and hormonal therapies, which significantly impact bone health and can lead to osteoporosis and an increased risk of fractures.
When it comes to cancer treatment, there are many aspects to consider. While the focus is on fighting the disease and managing its symptoms, it’s essential not to overlook its impact on bone health. Understanding the risks, signs, and preventive measures is necessary for maintaining bone health during and after cancer treatments.
This is all we’ll talk about in this article. We’ll learn about people who are more at risk, how cancer treatment leads to bone loss, and what to do to prevent it.
Who is at risk?
Cancer treatment itself comes with bone loss, but certain people are more at risk:
– Women: Postmenopausal women are especially susceptible to bone loss due to hormonal changes.
– Breast and Prostate Cancer Patients: Hormone-affecting drugs are used for the treatment. These drugs lead to bone density loss.
– Childhood Cancer Survivors: Limited physical activity and specific treatments during childhood can impact bone development.
Cancer Treatments and Bone Loss
– Chemotherapy: Drugs like doxorubicin and cisplatin reduce calcium levels, increasing the risk of bone loss.
– Aromatase Inhibitors: Commonly used in breast cancer treatment, these drugs can cause bone loss, especially in premenopausal women.
– Radiation: Radiation treatments can lead to delayed bone loss and increased fracture risk.
– Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplants: Treatments received during transplant procedures can increase the risk of bone loss.
– Steroids: Medications used for nausea can interfere with calcium absorption. This can lead to bone density loss, further developing into osteoporosis.
Signs and Screening for Bone Loss
– Bone Density Scans: Regular screenings are essential, especially for those who’ve had treatments causing bone loss or unexplained fractures.
– Signs: Unfortunately, bone loss often goes unnoticed until a fracture occurs. Being proactive with screenings is vital for early detection.
Protecting Your Bones
Your likelihood of developing osteoporosis, a condition that weakens and makes bones brittle, is influenced by the amount of bone mass you acquire by the age of 30 and how quickly you lose it afterward.
If you have a higher peak bone mass, you have more bone “in reserve,” reducing the risk of developing osteoporosis as you grow older. Of course, all of this is nothing in front of the cancer treatment. There are several ways to reduce the risk of bone loss during cancer treatment:
– Diet: Calcium-rich foods (cheese, yoghurt, broccoli) and vitamin D sources (orange juice, milk, pasta) are essential for bone health.
– Nutrition Counseling: Seek guidance from clinical dietitians for personalized nutrition plans.
– Maintaining a Healthy Weight: Being underweight increases the risk of bone loss; dietitians can assist in weight management.
– Exercise: Moderate physical activity stimulates bone and muscle growth, reducing the risk of falls and fractures.
Conclusion
Understanding cancer patients’ challenges in bone health is essential for detection and prevention.
By following a well-rounded and healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and keeping up with routine screenings, you can take essential steps towards maintaining your overall health and well-being. Patients can take steps to protect their bones and well-being during and after cancer treatments.