Age and calcium intake in breast cancer survivors: an additional risk factor for osteoporosis?

Abstract

Women who survive breast cancer show an increased risk of osteoporosis due to the effect of cancer chemotherapy and the non-utilization of hormone replacement. The current study aims to investigate whether age and dietary calcium intake are additional risk factors for the development of osteoporosis in a group of female breast cancer survivors. A total of 59 women were studied in public mastology services in Fortaleza, Ceará State, Brazil. Age 45 years or older and calcium intake less than 100% of recommended daily intake (RDI) were considered potential risk factors. According to the results, age (mean 49.14 years) and low calcium intake (detected in 86.44% of the group) appeared as contributing factors to the development of osteoporosis. In conclusion, breast cancer survivors need educational support to increase their intake of dietary calcium as a strategy to reduce osteoporosis risk factors in this group.