Preventing bone loss during cancer treatment

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 Endocrinologist, discusses bone loss prevention in patients undergoing cancer treatment.

 Endocrinologist, discusses bone loss prevention in patients undergoing cancer treatment.

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Video transcript

Dr. Akshay Jain, MD, FRCPC, FACE, CCD, ECNU, DABIM, DABOM, Clinical and Research Endocrinologist, discusses bone loss prevention in patients undergoing cancer treatment.

Presenter: Dr. Akshay Jain, Endocrinologist, Surrey, BC

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Taking care of bone health when on cancer treatments ( 9 participated.)

Bone loss prevention in cancer patients

Questions
 
True
False
1

Some cancer treatments for prostate cancer can increase bone loss in men with prostate cancer and in women with breast cancer..

Explanation:

The treatment of certain cancers such as prostate cancer or breast cancer may require the use of treatments that can affect hormone levels in men and women respectively. These cancer treatments may lead to bone loss. Bone loss is typically associated with the use of anti testosterone therapy in men with prostate cancer, such as leuprolide, or goserelin, as well as anti estrogen therapy such as letrozole, and astrozole, or exemestane in women with breast cancer.

2

There are very few risk factors when considering bone loss when being treated for certain cancers.

Explanation:

People on these medications may experience ongoing bone loss, and some individuals are at risk for more rapid bone loss than others. Risk factors associated with bone loss include being over 65 years of age, history of fractures occurring with minimal trauma such as a fall from standing height, previous history of use of steroid medication such as prednisone, having a parent who had a hip fracture, being a smoker, consuming three or more units of alcohol every day, low body weight or having medical conditions such as overactive thyroid or parathyroid gland activity, rheumatoid arthritis or malabsorption.

3

Taking Vitamin D and Calcium to strengthen bones, as well as regular weight bearing exercises can help prevent bone loss.

Explanation:

Cancer treatment induced bone loss and fractures can be minimized by supplementing diet with vitamin D and calcium, combining this with weight bearing exercises which may strengthen your bones. Some of the common weight bearing exercises include brisk walking, low impact activities such as yoga or even fun activities such as dancing or sports like tennis.

4

Having a bone density scan or 'DEXA' can help diagnose bone loss in patients.

Explanation:

Individuals at risk for cancer treatment induced bone loss may be required to undergo a bone density or DEXA scan. This scan is often helpful in estimating the amount of minerals in the bone and checks for bone loss conditions such as osteopenia or osteoporosis, as well as help estimate the risk of bone fractures. Your doctor may require you to get bone density at regular intervals, especially while on cancer treatments that can lead to excessive bone loss.

5

A bone density scan or 'DEXA' is the only way to help diagnose bone loss or a persons risk for fractures.

Explanation:

Your doctors may also utilize specific imaging techniques such as a nuclear bone scan, CT scan of the body, MRI or PET scans.

6

This content is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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