Is it true that cancer survivors face increased risk for osteoporosis?
Yes, depending on the type of treatment used, some cancer survivors do seem to be at increased risk for osteoporosis, the disease in which bones become weaker. So who’s most likely to be affected? Survivors of certain childhood cancers seem to have a greater risk of developing osteoporosis as adults. Men treated for prostate cancer with hormone deprivation therapy (also called androgen deprivation therapy) also face increased risk. Women treated for breast cancer can have an increased chance of developing osteoporosis due to decreased estrogen levels following chemotherapy or surgery, or as a direct side effect of some types of chemotherapy or even the cancer itself. Extended treatment with glucocorticoid medication, (as part of cancer treatment or for other conditions) also increases risk. Besides these cancer-related influences, developing osteoporosis is more likely for those who are small-boned, have a family history of osteoporosis, lack adequate calcium and physical activity, smo
