The US National Cancer Institute reports that along with skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer. It usually develops very slowly. All ages are at risk for prostate cancer, but most men diagnosed with it are over 65. As we age, the risk of developing another disease, such as osteoporosis, increases. Osteoporosis is of particular concern to men with prostate cancer. Recent research has shown a strong link between hormone therapy, which is one of the methods used to treat prostate cancer, and osteoporosis. Hormone therapy, also called androgen deprivation therapy, deprives cancer cells of male hormones (androgens). Cancer, in order to develop and grow, “feeds” on these hormones. Osteoporosis Facts Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become weaker, less dense and more brittle. It is a disease that can weaken the bones over the years without any obvious symptoms. Many people, even some doctors, consider osteoporosis to be a female disease, but millions of men also suffer from it. In addition to hormone-deprivation therapy for prostate cancer, there are other risk factors for the development of osteoporosis: Family history of the disease. Use of certain medications such as glucocorticoids. Insufficient amount of calcium in the body. Low physical activity. Smoking. Drinking too much alcohol. Link Between Prostate Cancer and Osteoporosis Studies show that men who undergo hormone replacement therapy for prostate cancer have an increased risk of developing osteoporosis and broken bones. Hormones such as testosterone protect against bone loss. So once these hormones are blocked, bone breaks down more easily. Hormone-deprivation therapy is one of the treatment options available for men with prostate cancer. This therapy was mainly used to treat cancer that had spread to other parts of the body. But because men today are more prone to prostate cancer, most of them prefer to be treated with this therapy earlier in the course of the disease. There are several basic methods to reduce the risk of osteoporosis or to relieve symptoms in those who already have it. They are related to: 1. Nutrition Some studies point to a link between a high-fat diet and prostate cancer. However, it is not yet clear which foods or supplements may play a role in reducing the risk of prostate cancer. When it comes to bone health, a well-balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D is recommended. Sources of calcium are dairy products, green leafy vegetables, calcium-fortified foods and drinks. Dietary supplements or multivitamins can also be taken as long as they meet the body’s daily requirement of calcium. However, other evidence suggests that high calcium intake may trigger the development of prostate cancer. But the studiesthat produce these findings are not conclusive. It is currently recommended that men aged 19-70 consume 1,000 mg of calcium per day, and those over 70 consume 1,200 mg per day. 2. Vitamin D Vitamin D plays an important role in calcium absorption and bone health. The recommended daily intake of calcium is 600 to 800 IU (international units) each day. 3. Physical activity Like muscles, bones are living tissue that, if exercised, become stronger. The best exercises for bones are weight-bearing exercises that force us to work against gravity. Some examples include walking, climbing stairs, dancing, and more. Regular walking can help prevent bone loss and provides many other health benefits, such as reducing pain, relieving stress, and making cancer treatment easier. 4. Healthy lifestyle Smoking is toxic to the bones as well as the heart and lungs. In addition, smokers absorb less calcium, which is related to their diet. Studies have also found that alcohol abuse, in addition to harming overall health, weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures. NEWS_MORE_BOX 5. Bone mineral density test A bone mineral density (BMD) test is the best way to determine the health of our bones. BMD tests can identify osteoporosis, determine the risk of fractures (broken bones), and monitor osteoporosis treatment. The most widely recognized BMD test is dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA test). The test is painless. Something like an X-ray is done, but with much less radiation exposure, and the bone density of the femur and spine can be measured. 6. Medications There are some medications that are FDA-approved for men with prostate cancer. Although there are no specific medical documents specifically for treating men with bone problems caused by hormone-deprivation therapy for prostate cancer, there are several clinical trials for them.as well as easier cancer treatment. 4. Healthy lifestyle Smoking is toxic to the bones as well as the heart and lungs. In addition, smokers absorb less calcium, which is related to their diet. Studies have also found that alcohol abuse, in addition to harming overall health, weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures. NEWS_MORE_BOX 5. Bone mineral density test A bone mineral density (BMD) test is the best way to determine the health of our bones. BMD tests can identify osteoporosis, determine the risk of fractures (broken bones), and monitor osteoporosis treatment. The most widely recognized BMD test is dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA test). The test is painless. Something like an X-ray is done, but with much less radiation exposure, and the bone density of the femur and spine can be measured. 6. Medications There are some medications that are FDA-approved for men with prostate cancer. Although there are no specific medical documents specifically for treating men with bone problems caused by hormone-deprivation therapy for prostate cancer, there are several clinical trials for them.as well as easier cancer treatment. 4. Healthy lifestyle Smoking is toxic to the bones as well as the heart and lungs. In addition, smokers absorb less calcium, which is related to their diet. Studies have also found that alcohol abuse, in addition to harming overall health, weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures. NEWS_MORE_BOX 5. Bone mineral density test A bone mineral density (BMD) test is the best way to determine the health of our bones. BMD tests can identify osteoporosis, determine the risk of fractures (broken bones), and monitor osteoporosis treatment. The most widely recognized BMD test is dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA test). The test is painless. Something like an X-ray is done, but with much less radiation exposure, and the bone density of the femur and spine can be measured. 6. Medications There are some medications that are FDA-approved for men with prostate cancer. Although there are no specific medical documents specifically for treating men with bone problems caused by hormone-deprivation therapy for prostate cancer, there are several clinical trials for them.