It has been found that older people who are cured of cancer are more likely to suffer a fracture later in life.
According to a press release reported by Medicalnewstoday, a study conducted by Dr. Erica Ris Punia, chief scientist for epidemiological and behavioral research at the American Cancer Society, found that older adults who were diagnosed with cancer were more likely to live longer than those who did not have cancer for several years. It was confirmed that they were more likely to suffer a fracture. Specifically, this risk was 57% higher within the first year of diagnosis.
Meanwhile, the results of this study were published in JAMA Oncology, a journal of the American Medical Association.
The research team conducted a study on cancer survivors, and their average age was 69.4 years old, with a total of 92,431 people. The study found that older cancer survivors diagnosed with cancer 1 to 5 years ago had a 112% higher risk of fracture than participants without a history of cancer.
In addition, it was found that the spine and hip joint were most likely to fracture, and Schwartz said in an interview with the media, “The fact that elderly cancer survivors have an increased risk of fracture for a long time following treatment ends is not surprising. It tells you that you need treatment,” he said.
Dr. Schwartz then further explained the mechanism of why the elderly are more prone to fractures. There are several reasons why the fracture healing period is delayed in elderly cancer survivors, including age-related changes in the inflammatory response, osteochondral There is a decrease in the quantity and quality of stem cells.
The research team also found that smokers and chemotherapy given during cancer treatment increased the chance of fractures. “Cancer survivors may be at higher risk for fractures due to low muscle mass, high rates of osteoporosis, potentially chemotherapy-related balance problems and unexpected changes in gait,” said Dr. Erica Rhys Punia.
“The findings of this study may help motivate older cancer survivors who are currently smoking to quit smoking,” said Dr. Schwartz. “More research is needed to prevent fractures in cancer survivors.” “he said.
