Osteoporosis is one of the most debilitating diseases but also one of the most preventable and treatable. It robs the bones of mass and can result in weakened bones and a high risk of fractures. Holy Name's Breast Center provides bone density screenings for women and men, interpreted by a board-certified rheumatologist. Your scan and results will be mailed to your referring physician. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 201-833-7100. A physician's referral is required.
Call the Holy Name Breast Center at 201-833-7100 for more information about osteoporosis or to schedule a bone density screening or mammogram. You may also use the online form to schedule a bone density test. A physician's referral is required.
Osteoporosis and Breast Cancer: Not Just for Women
Breast cancer and osteoporosis do not just attack women. Approximately 1,700 men in the United States are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Two million American men have osteoporosis, and another 12 million are at risk for the disease.
Because men have larger, stronger bones than women, osteoporosis affects fewer men than women. But osteoporosis in men remains underdiagnosed, underreported, and inadequately researched, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation.
The risk factors for osteoporosis in men include:
- prolonged exposure to certain medications, such as steroids used to treat asthma or arthritis, anticonvulsants, certain cancer treatments, and aluminum-containing antacids
- chronic disease that affects the kidneys, lungs, stomach, intestines, and hormone levels
- lifestyle habits (smoking, excessive alcohol use, low calcium intake, inadequate physical exercise)
- age (Bone loss increases with age.)
- heredity
- race (White men are at greatest risk, but men from all ethnic groups DO develop osteoporosis.)
How is osteoporosis in men prevented and treated?
- Recognize and treat any underlying medical conditions that affect bone health. Identify and evaluate the use of medications that are known to cause bone loss.
- Stop smoking and the excessive use of alcohol.
- Take vitamin D supplements of at least 400 IU but not more than 800 IU daily if your exposure to sunlight (at least 10 minutes per day) is inadequate.
- Do weight-bearing exercises regularly (walking, jogging, racquet sports, stair climbing, and team sports). Lifting weights or using resistance machines appears to help preserve bone density. If you have already been diagnosed with osteoporosis, have your doctor evaluate your exercise program before you begin. Twisting motions and impact activities may need to be stopped depending on the severity of your condition.
- Medications such as alendronate (Fosamax) and risedronate (Actonel) are approved for use in men with osteoporosis. Physicians may prescribe testosterone replacement therapy for men with low testosterone levels. Calcitonin, given by injection or nasal spray, may be helpful.