TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance is shouting it from the rooftops: Blessties, it’s time to start thinking about your bones.
When you’re going through breast cancer treatment, your bones might not be the first thing on your mind — and that’s totally understandable. But it’s important to know that some treatments can quietly take a toll on your bone health. Understanding this can help you stay one step ahead and protect your bones along the way.
Why Bone Health Matters During Breast Cancer Treatment
Some breast cancer treatments, especially hormone therapies and chemotherapy, can lead to bone loss. That’s because they can lower estrogen levels in your body — and estrogen plays a big role in keeping your bones strong.
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For example, treatments like aromatase inhibitors are commonly used in hormone-positive breast cancers. These drugs are great at blocking the fuel for cancer growth — estrogen — but they also reduce the amount of estrogen that helps keep bones dense and strong. The result? A higher risk of osteopenia (bone thinning) or osteoporosis (more severe bone loss), which can lead to fractures down the line.
If you’re premenopausal and go through chemotherapy, there’s also a chance your periods might stop — temporarily or permanently. This treatment-induced menopause can lower estrogen levels quickly, which again puts your bones at risk.
What You Can Do About It
The good news? There’s a lot you can do to help protect your bones, even while going through treatment.
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- Get your bone density checked. A DEXA scan can show how strong your bones are, which can give you and your doctor a clear picture of how best to protect your bones.
- Get moving. Weight-bearing exercises like walking, light strength training, dancing, or yoga can help keep bones strong. Find some movement that you like and start working it into your daily routine (even if only for 10 minutes!).
- Focus on calcium and vitamin D. These nutrients are essential for bone health. You can get them through the foods you eat (dairy, dark leafy greens, fish, etc.) and through supplements.
- Talk about medication. There are drugs specifically designed to protect your bones during and after breast cancer treatment. Talk to you doctor to see if any of these medications may be a good fit for you.
- Limit smoking and alcohol. Nicotine and alcohol can weaken your bones over time.
Don’t Let Bone Health Slip Through the Cracks
While breast cancer treatment is the priority, keeping your bones healthy is part of the bigger picture. If you’re starting or already on treatment, it’s a great idea to bring up bone health at your next appointment. Small steps now can make a big difference down the road! And don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected] with any questions!
