Increased fracture rate in women with breast cancer: a review of the hidden risk
2011

Increased Fracture Rate in Women with Breast Cancer

Sample size: 352 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Jean-Jacques Body

Primary Institution: CHU Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium

Hypothesis

Women with breast cancer have an increased incidence of fractures due to accelerated bone mineral density loss.

Conclusion

Women with breast cancer are at a higher risk of fractures, especially when undergoing certain treatments.

Supporting Evidence

  • Women with breast cancer have a higher incidence of fractures than age-matched controls.
  • Fracture risk increases significantly with recurrent disease.
  • Clinical trials show that bisphosphonates can help preserve bone mineral density during treatment.

Takeaway

Women with breast cancer can break bones more easily than women without it, especially when they are getting treatment.

Methodology

The study reviewed existing evidence on bone mineral density loss and fracture risk in women undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

Potential Biases

Potential underestimation of fracture risk due to patients taking medications that affect bone density.

Limitations

The study may not account for all individual health factors affecting fracture risk.

Participant Demographics

Women with breast cancer, including those diagnosed at a relatively early age.

Statistical Information

P-Value

<0.0001

Confidence Interval

95% CI = 9.1, 57.1

Statistical Significance

p<0.0001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2407-11-384

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