According to a report by Canadian researchers, postmenopausal women who have survived early breast cancer face a higher than average risk of osteoporosis. The higher risk is a result of their breast cancer treatments, particularly chemotherapy and aromatase inhibitors.

Dr. John R. Mackey from University of Alberta, Edmonton and Dr. Anil A. Joy reviewed medical trials looking at the bone health of postmenopausal breast cancer patients. Their finding are reported in the International Journal of Cancer.

Two large trials that evaluated the use of tamoxifen for breast cancer prevention showed no significant differences in the incidence of fractures in the tamoxifen and placebo groups, they found. Not so for aromatase inhibitors, however. These drugs include Arimidex (anastrozole), Femara (letrozole), and (Aromasin) exemestane, which are used to suppress estrogen in women whose tumors are hormone driven.

Bottom line: all postmenopausal women should have baseline bone density testing (DXA). Researchers feel that those on tamoxifen probably don't need aggressive repeat DXAs unless their bone mineral density is very low and they require more than calcium, vitamin D, and exercise. Breast cancer patients with known osteoporosis should be on bisphosphonate therapy (bone building drugs such as Fosamax) and repeat DXA every 2 years or so.

Full text article available here.