Cancer treatment can impact many aspects of health, including bone strength. For some patients, this may lead to osteoporosis– a condition where bones become weaker and more prone to fractures.

Statistics – A study in 2019 (Management of Osteoporosis in Survivors of Adult Cancers With Non-metatastic Disease) estimated worldwide prevalence of osteoporosis was 200 million!

Whether you are a cancer survivor or currently undergoing treatment, protecting your bone health is crucial to your overall well-being.

What is Osteoporosis and Why Are Cancer Patients At Risk?

In very simple terms: Osteoporosis is loss of bone density “porous bone”. As you can see from the picture above the framework inside the bones gets thinner. 

In Cancer Patients– some of the treatments like chemotherapy, hormone therapy and radiotherapy (more site specific), can affect bone health. Reduced activity during treatment may also contribute to bone loss as can nutritional deficiency due to side effects of treatment.

Who Might be Affected

• We know that women and older people are more likely to experience osteoporosis in general, especially after the menopause.

• Men with prostate cancer undergoing androgen deprivation therapy (hormone therapy) are also at risk.

• It is worth mentioning the younger cancer patient as they may not think about bone health. We build strong bones when younger. Peak bone mass is reached around age 30.

How to Protect Your Bones

Nutrition: It would be lovely if every cancer patient had access to a nutritionist and homeopath. You can look on the Royal Osteoporosis Society website for some key tips. You may also be given supplementation by your medical team.

Exercise: Keep moving. Walking is great, you need to do lots of weight-bearing and resistance exercises to help maintain healthy bones. It would also be best to join sessions that are set up specifically for cancer patients, during treatment and recovery. These specialised oncology -specific sessions will not only keep you safe you will be exercising with people on the same journey.

Massage and Scar Therapy

Oncology massage and scar therapy can help support your overall health and help you manage pain or stiffness. These gentle touch therapies by specialist trained and experienced therapists can improve your mobility, and empower you to move more.

Medical Management

Your medical team will often discuss bone health with you and may suggest screening and prescriptive medication to help.

Support Your Bone Health

• It is never too late to start looking after your bones

• Get moving. You can walk with us at 5K Your Way: Move Against Cancer. We meet each month on Clacton Seafront.

   • Seeking some professional support in the form of gentle touch and exercise can be valuable and give you some control during your treatment.

I know bone health might not be top of the list of things to think about during cancer treatment. Strong bones really is an important part of overall health and well-being to stay strong and resilient. You can be proactive in protecting your bones.

Would you like to know more about specialised exercise programmes and oncology massage? You can join one of my online movement sessions or book an oncology massage to help support your recovery.

 Get in Touch

fi@therapyinmotion.co or call Fi on 07767384983