Bone Health Management in Men Commencing Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Prostate Cancer and Women Commencing Anti-Oestrogen Therapy for Breast Cancer

Background: Survival of patients with prostate and breast cancer, the commonest cancer in men and women, respectively, has markedly improved with advances in early diagnosis, treatment and multi-disciplinary care by the oncology and surgical community. However, the use of increasingly potent endocrine therapies may cause bone loss, resulting in secondary osteoporosis. Review: This review summarises the current management of cancer treatment-induced bone loss in this group of patients at high risk of osteoporotic fractures with their attendant morbidity and mortality. Conclusion: Bone health is an increasingly important part of cancer survivorship. Radiation and medical oncologists, urologists, bone health experts, general practitioners, healthcare professional bodies and bone health and cancer consumer organisations should increase awareness of the potential adverse effect of endocrine therapy on bone health. While this should never delay cancer treatment, bone health should be part of routine care for men and women receiving endocrine therapy for prostate and breast cancer.