Osteoporosis: a concern for cancer survivors.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the risk factors, prevention, diagnosis, management, and impact of osteoporosis on the lives of women who have survived breast and endometrial cancer.


METHODS
Journal articles, selected textbooks, prescribing information, and conference proceedings.


RESULTS
Women who have not been able to have estrogen-replacement therapy (including women who have survived breast and endometrial cancer) are at higher risk for developing osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is associated with significant medical costs and can have a detrimental effect on long-term quality of life (QOL) as well as increased mortality. Recently, significant advances have been made in the ability to detect and manage osteoporosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Thorough assessment, appropriate evaluation, and treatment of osteoporosis can reduce the complications of this condition and ultimately improve the QOL for women surviving cancer.


CONCLUSIONS
Oncology nurses should include assessment of risk for osteoporosis into their practice. Education about the prevention of osteoporosis should be included with other wellness education. Women at higher risk for the development of osteoporosis should be referred for a diagnostic evaluation. Oncology nurses can provide women with osteoporosis with education about treatment as well as psychosocial support.
Mahon
S M
SM
Deaconess Cancer Screening Center, St. Louis, MO, USA.
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology