WEST PALM BEACH,FL--Barbara Finley is undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Her doctor explained that an increasing number of patients are cured or live long enough to experience complications from their cancer treatment. One problem that has been increasingly identified is chemotherapy-related bone loss or osteoporosis.
Barbara Finley, survivor: "My doctor suggested that I have the bone density test because I'm in the middle of my chemo. He thought that would be a good idea, and so did I."
Dr. Simon: "For patients that have had breast cancer, if they undergo chemo therapy they have a three times greater chance of having bone loss or osteoporosis. So it is very, very important for anyone undergoing chemotherapy to watch the calcium in their bones."
In younger women chemotherapy may induce premature menopause and estrogen loss, which in turn adversely affects bone tissue. One of the chemotherapy drugs Barbara was given was Methotrexate. That drug, and others, such as Ifosfamide, have been shown to have negative effects on the skeleton.
Dr. Simon: "The two greatest areas of morbidity are fractures of the hip and spine, so those are the areas we monitor. We do that with bone density or DEXA studies."
Early intervention with osteoporosis therapy can strengthen any weakness in Barbara's bones and keep her the lively, vibrant woman that she always has been.
