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- Breast Cancer Patients- Strengthen Your Bones Now-
Breast Cancer Patients- Strengthen Your Bones Now-
Adjuvant bisphosphonates were found to reduce bone recurrence and improve survival in postmenopausal patients with nonmetastatic breast cancer
The study linked and excerpted below is saying three things about breast cancer (BC) patients. First and foremost, strengthening the bones of BC patients reduce the risk of bone recurrence. Let me stress this point. If you strengthen your bones there is less risk of your BC recurring in your bones.
Secondly, and you have to read between the lines a bit, postmenopausal BC patients who have undergone chemotherapy may have weaker bones than younger pre-menopausal women.
Thirdly, bisphosphonate therapy can cause osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). Therefore the recommended dose of bone strengthening therapy is relatively low to reduce the risk of this side effect.
I am a long-term survivor and cancer coach. Bisphosphonate therapy is standard for patients diagnosed with my cancer, multiple myeloma. While there are side effects of this therapy, they are mild and can be managed.
I am against toxicity, from any therapy, for any cancer. However, bone strength can be critical to the cancer patient. I also recommend evidence-based, non-toxic bone therapies.
Scroll down the page, post a question or a comment and I will reply to you ASAP.
thank you,
David Emerson
- Cancer Survivor
- Cancer Coach
- Director PeopleBeatingCancer
Recommended Reading:
PeopleBeatingCancer Side Effects Program
Use of Adjuvant Bisphosphonates and Other Bone-Modifying Agents in Breast Cancer: A Cancer Care Ontario and American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline
“Purpose-To make recommendations regarding the use of bisphosphonates and other bone-modifying agents as adjuvant therapy for patients with breast cancer…
Results– Adjuvant bisphosphonates were found to reduce bone recurrence and improve survival in postmenopausal patients with nonmetastatic breast cancer… Absolute benefit is greater in patients who are at higher risk of recurrence, and almost all trials were conducted in patients who also received systemic therapy…
Recommendations- It is recommended that, if available, zoledronic acid (4 mg intravenously every 6 months) or clodronate (1,600 mg/d orally) be considered as adjuvant therapy for postmenopausal patients with breast cancer who are deemed candidates for adjuvant systemic therapy…
Risk factors for osteonecrosis of the jaw and renal impairment should be assessed, and any pending dental or oral health problems should be dealt with prior to starting treatment…”
How to Keep Your Bones Strong as You Age
“It’s true that we lose bone as we age. Bone loss can cause osteoporosis, where bones can become so thin that they break. Fractures from osteoporosis are a leading cause of disability. The good news: Osteoporosis isn’t a natural part of aging — there’s plenty you can do to keep your bones strong and healthy.
2 Critical Nutrients for Bones: Calcium and Vitamin D
Calcium is a crucial building block of bone tissue. Vitamin D helps the body absorb and process calcium. Together, these two nutrients are the cornerstone of healthy bones.
The Institute of Medicine recommends 1,000 mg of calcium a day for most adults and 1,200 mg/day for women after menopause and men after 70. Milk and other dairy products are excellent natural sources of calcium. You’ll hit the mark by eating three servings of dairy products a day. Other good food sources of calcium include calcium-fortified orange juice, leafy green vegetables, and broccoli. If you don’t eat those foods regularly, talk to your doctor about calcium supplements.
Researchers believe that most Americans fall short on vitamin D, a critical nutrient. Your body makes it naturally when your skin is exposed to sun. “In many parts of the country, especially during the winter months, the sun is too weak to generate vitamin D,” says Zelman. Older people especially are at high risk of vitamin deficiency. The reason: the body becomes less efficient at producing vitamin D as we age.
Vitamin D deficiency is common in all ages and few foods contain vitamin D. Milk and some brands of yogurt are fortified with D. Vitamin D deficiency is defined as a 25(OH)D below 20 ng/ml and vitamin D insufficiency as a 25(OH) D of 21–29 ng/ml.
Adults need at least 600 IU of vitamin D per day for bone health, but some people may need up to 2000 IU to increase blood level of 25 (OH) vitamin D consistently above 30ng/ml. Adults 70 years and older need 800 IU of vitamin D a day to prevent falls and fractures….”