Osteoporosis, or porous bone, is a condition characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and an increased risk of fractures. According to the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, the number of adults 50 years and older with osteoporosis or low bone mass will increase by 17.2 million (32%) from 2010 to 2030. Women comprise 80% of Americans diagnosed with osteoporosis. Women have a much higher risk of developing osteoporosis as they typically have smaller, thinner bones than men and lose bone density faster due to the changes with menopause. Breast cancer treatments, medications, and surgery have a considerable impact on bone health, and patients may experience a loss of ovarian function, or may go through menopause earlier. Fortunately, there are ways to combat breast cancer related bone loss. A recent study published by the Osteoporosis International Journal, assessed the effects of resistance training on improving bone health and body composition in prematurely menopausal breast cancer survivors. The results revealed that impact and resistance training effectively combat bone loss and worsening body composition in premature menopause in breast cancer survivors. In addition to exercise, pharmacologic intervention (prescription medicines) can be used as a means to effectively manage osteoporosis and osteopenia (weak bones) in breast cancer survivors.
Winters-Stone, K.M., Dobek, J., Nail, M., Bennett, J.A., Leo, M. C., Torgrimson-Ojerio, B., Luoh, S.W., Schwartz, A. (2013). Impact and resistance training improves bone health and body composition in prematurely menopausal breast cancer survivors: a randomized controlled trial. Osteoporosis International; Vol 24.
