Anti-Cancer Drug Weaken Bone Density

Anti-cancer drug for women weakens bone density

February 08, 2012

After two years, women taking a drug used to prevent breast cancer had a high loss of bone density at a common fracture point in the wrist called the distal radius, and also at the lower end of the tibia, compared with their counterparts on placebo. – shutterstock.com

PARIS, Feb 8 – A drug tipped for widespread use to prevent breast cancer in post-menopausal women also accelerates loss of bone density, thus potentially boosting the risk of fractures, a study published today said.

Exemestane – brand name Aromasin – is part of a drug class called aromatase inhibitors, which lower levels of the oestrogen that some breast cancers need in order to grow.

Canadian bone specialists took a look at a group of patients who had taken part in a study into the effectiveness of exemestane among 4,500 healthy women with a worrying family history of breast cancer. Overall, the big study showed that the drug was highly effective, reducing the risk of breast cancer by almost two-thirds.

The bone sub-study looked at 351 women who had been taking either exemestane or a dummy lookalike pill and whose bone density was measured with hi-tech scanners.

After two years, women taking exemestane had a high loss of bone density at a common fracture point in the wrist called the distal radius, and also at the lower end of the tibia, compared with their counterparts on placebo.

The exemestane users also had an eight-per cent decline in the thickness of cortical bone, which comprises the protective outer shell of the bones.

That finding in particular is worrying because nearly four out of every five fractures in old age occur in cortical bone. These accidents are a huge source of disability.

“Women considering exemestane for the primary prevention of breast cancer should weigh their individual risks and benefits,” says the study, headed by Angela Cheung of the University Health Network in Toronto. “For women taking exemestane, regular bone monitoring plus adequate calcium and vitamin D supplementation are important.”

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13 Healing Power of Lemons

by Michelle Schoffro Cook 

1. Bowel-Cleansing: 

The bitter taste of lemon gives these fruit the ability to increase peristalsis–a pumping-motion in the bowels–which helps to eliminate waste from the bowels and improve regularity. Add the juice of one lemon to warm water and drink first thing in the morning. 

2. Cancer:  

Lemons contain 22 anti-cancer compounds, including limonene—a naturally-occurring oil that slows or halts the growth of cancer tumors in animals. Lemons also contain a substance called flavonol glycosides which stop cell division in cancer cells. 

3. Colds and Flu:  

Lemons are rich in vitamin C and flavonoids that work in conjunction for a serious punch against infection. 

4. Liver: 

Fresh lemon juice added to a large glass of water in the morning is a great liver detoxifier.

5. Nutrition: 

Lemons contain vitamin C, citric acid, flavonoids, B-complex vitamins, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and fiber. 

6. Balances Body Chemistry: 

While lemons are acidic they interact with the body’s metabolism to have an alkalizing effect on the bodily fluids helping to restore balance to the body’s pH. 

7. Allergies:  

Lemons contain the phytonutrient hesperetin which has been shown in studies to alleviate allergic symptoms. 

8. Brain and Nervous System Disorders: 

Containing the potent phytonutrient tangeretin in the peel, lemons have been proven to be effective for brain disorders like Parkinson’s disease. 

9. Eye Disorders: 

Rutin, found in lemons, has been shown in research to improve the symptoms of eye disorders, including diabetic retinopathy. 

10. Anti-Viral: 

In addition to being effective against cold and flu viruses, terpene limonoids found in lemons have proven anti-viral effects on other types of viruses. 

11. Diabetes: 

In addition to improving eye problems linked with diabetes, lemons contain hesperetin which lowers blood sugar levels (when they are high). 

12. Gall and Kidney Stones:  

The citric acid found in lemon juice helps to dissolve gallstones, calcium deposits, and kidney stones.  

13. Anti-Aging:  

The vitamin C found in lemons helps to neutralize free radicals linked to aging and most types of disease. 

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