The management of bone loss in patients with breast or prostate cancer.

Osteoporosis is a disease that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, much of which can be prevented with available therapy. The risk for osteoporosis is increased in individuals with some types of cancer, especially in women with breast cancer and men with prostate cancer. This is caused by several factors, including premature ovarian failure and systemic antihormonal therapy in women, androgen ablation therapy in men, and potential direct effects of chemotherapy and of cancer on bone metabolism. With continual increases in the incidence of breast cancer, earlier detection and treatment, and improvements in survival for both patients with breast and prostate cancer, the importance of appropriate screening for and management of osteoporosis is evident. We review the evidence supporting an increased risk for development of osteoporosis in individuals with breast or prostate cancer, and strategies for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in these patients.