Everyday, millions of women around the world ask for routine screening to look for breast and other cancers. Many countries even have national programs to invite women for a mammogram or a pap smear. But did you know that osteoporosis is more common than breast and cervical cancer combined? An estimated 200 million women are living with osteoporosis worldwide today compared with approximately 6.9 million for breast cancer and 1.5 million for cervical cancer.^1,2 Not many people know this fact. Let’s find out why.

Osteoporosis is a silent disease

If you have osteoporosis, your bones break down over time, making them weaker and more likely to break. In fact, 1 in 3 women aged over 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis.¹ But you can’t feel your bones becoming weak so for many, a broken bone is often the first sign.

What would happen to my mum if she has osteoporosis?

A fracture can be painful, require a long rehabilitation and make it difficult for her to carry out her day-to-day work or activities and make her less independent – and not just for the short term. One year after a hip fracture, 60% of people still need help feeding, dressing or bathing; 80% struggle to drive or shop; and 25% will have died.^3-5 So that means that one osteoporotic fracture could affect your mum and her whole family.

How can I check if my mum has osteoporosis?

Just like breast and cervical cancer, there are tests available to identify if you are at risk. You and your mum should be asking for an osteoporosis assessment too. Start today!

• Go online to riskcheck.osteoporosis.foundation and take the osteoporosis risk test

• Click here to read more about osteoporosis and fractures on this website

• Take your mum to visit her doctor and ask for an osteoporosis assessment today