1 in 3 people are likely to be affected by osteoporosis
The number of women in the UK experiencing osteoporosis related hip fractures is amongst the highest in Europe and all because we simply don't recognise the risks
Osteoporosis affects as many as 3 million people in the UK, with 1 in 3 women likely to be affected by it by the time they are 50. The lifetime risk of a hip fracture, due to osteoporosis is greater than the lifetime risk of breast cancer; however, despite these startling statistics only around a third of people possibly at risk of osteoporosis are being offered scans which can measure bone density.
Prevention is a pre-requisite for the optimal management of osteoporosis. However, this is hampered by two major hurdles; many patients and their doctors are unaware of the disease and DXA scans, to detect the disease, are not routinely offered by the NHS.
It is vital that women become more aware of the risks and seek to identify their risk. Osteoporosis is a silent disease and impossible to detect without a DXA scan. As a result the first symptom often experienced by sufferers is a fracture. This can cause significant personal distress as well as being incredibly costly for the taxpayer. The 75,000 hip fractures which occur each year due to osteoporosis cost the NHS £1.4billion.
Next Monday is World Osteoporosis Day and its aim is to provide a focal point for raising awareness of the condition. People are also being urged to 'Share the Knowledge' with those who might be at risk. By encouraging friends and family members to consider their risk of osteoporosis it is estimated that between half and two-thirds of the fractures, which typically result from osteoporosis could be prevented.
Dr Chris Steele, resident doctor of ITV's This Morning programme, who is supporting the campaign said: "It is vital that women become more aware of osteoporosis and seek to identify their personal risk. Osteoporosis is a silent disease and virtually impossible to detect without a DXA scan. As a result the first symptom often experienced by sufferers is a fracture. Wider screening would help reduce the burden of this disease and enable women to take control of their own health; without waiting for a fracture to occur. At this stage the condition is far more difficult to manage."
Dr Ian Smith, Medical Director of Synexus said: "The purpose of this campaign is not to be alarmist and spread fear amongst women, but to convey the message that, osteoporosis is both preventable and treatable. Synexus has the largest collection of DXA machines outside of the NHS and currently provides free DXA scans to local GP surgeries. This screening campaign enables us to expand that service and offer many more women the opportunity to identify their risk of osteoporosis."
As part of the campaign free DXA scans will be offered to women over the age of 65 at one of seven centres around the UK between now and January 2009.