Bone Loss and Bone Pain
Cancer and its treatments can cause bone loss and damage, resulting in bone pain and fractures. Your health care provider may order a bone density scan, also known as a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan, before treatment begins to get a baseline measurement of your bone mass that can be compared with measurements taken later. Let your health care provider know if you are already getting regular DEXA scans for other reasons as the history may be helpful.
What causes bone loss?
Bone destruction can be caused by cancer that has spread. Certain drug therapies may cause thinning of the bones. In addition, chemotherapy can reduce calcium levels in the body, which can lead to bone loss. Steroids can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb calcium, which could result in bone loss. Some hormone therapies, such as aromatase inhibitors, can cause it for women depending on their menopausal status. Men being treated with hormone therapies are also at risk. Radiation therapy can result in bone loss to the part of the body being treated. Inactivity, or a lack of physical activity, can also contribute.
When does bone loss typically occur?
Cancer treatment often increases the risk of osteopenia (mild bone degeneration) or osteoporosis (severe bone loss); however, the rate of bone loss depends on your unique characteristics, including age, bone health before diagnosis, family history of osteoporosis, menopausal status and type of treatment. Radiation therapy typically does not immediately affect bone health. Deterioration can take several years, making it important to keep follow-up appointments.
How you can manage bone loss
You are encouraged to maintain a consistent follow-up schedule for tests that can detect bone problems and choose healthy habits such as these:
- Eat foods rich in vitamin D3 to help your body absorb calcium.
- Maintain a healthy body weight. Being underweight increases bone loss risk.
- Walk, jog or perform other weight-bearing exercises to help stimulate cells that help grow bones and build muscle.
- Do not smoke or use tobacco products.
- Limit your alcohol consumption.
- Take safety precautions to prevent falls.
When to call your health care provider
Report pain or broken or fractured bones as soon as they occur.
