1. Osteoporosis is a Woman’s Disease.

  • Osteoporosis strikes men too. Worldwide it affects one in five men versus three Women.
  • Osteoporotic fractures in older men (> 50 Years) are common and associated with considerable mortality and morbidity, including reduced function and mobility, pain, hunch back and respiratory compromise. The result is diminished quality of life and loss of Independence.
  • Following hip fracture, men are twice as likely to die when compared to women.
  • The lifetime risk of a man suffering an osteoporotic fracture is greater than his likelihood of developing prostate cancer.
  • One-third of all hip fractures worldwide occur in men.

2. Osteoporosis is a natural part of ageing and you can’t prevent it. 

  • Breaking a bone after a minor fall or bump is NOT normal at any age.   
  • There are actions that can be taken early in life to reduce the risk of getting osteoporosis.  Adopting a bone-healthy lifestyle at all ages is the first step to prevention. 
  • Risk Modifiable risk factors that can be addressed are : eating food rich in bone-healthy nutrients , including Calcium and Vitamin D ; avoiding negative life style habits    e.g. :excessive use of alcohol and smoking; getting regular weight-bearing and muscle strengthening exercise.

3. Osteoporosis is not an urgent health concern and an immediate action is not necessary.

  • Worldwide, populations are ageing rapidly and life expectancy in men is increasing steadily. From 1950 to 2050 there will have been a 10-fold increase in the number of men aged 60 years or over –the age group most at risk of osteoporosis.
  • In Europe the total number of fractures in men will increase by 34% from 2010 to 2025. In some other regions of the world the numbers of men with osteoporosis and fracture is escalating at a far greater rate.
  • Healthy, active ageing must be prioritized so that men and women can lead active, independent lives as they age. Without effective prevention strategies, an enormous increase in fractures will place a heavy burden on individuals, families and communities as well as on health –care budgets.

 4. Osteoporosis cannot be diagnosed or treated.

  • Simple tests exist to help identify those with osteoporosis as well as fracture risk, and effective treatments are available.
  • Men over the age of 50 years who have had a previous fracture are at double the risk of subsequent fracture compared to those who haven’t fractures. A prior fracture is a clear sign that men must talk to their doctor, get tested and treated appropriately.
  • Taking the IOF-One –Minute Osteoporosis Risk test is a good way to identify personal risk factors. In men two common risk factors are hypogonadism (Testosterone Deficiency) and long term corticosteroid use, among others.
  • Men with risk factors discuss their bone health with their doctors. The doctor may order a dual-energy- x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) test to measure Bone mineral Density and/or assess future fracture probability using the FRAX calculator. Following a clinical assessment, medication may be prescribed.

5. Osteoporosis has a minimal impact on men and the family unit.

  • Men play a critical role in families as fathers and sons, providing care and support to other family members. Worldwide, a significant number of working days and productivity is lost due to fractures (e.g. Spinal) in men between the ages of 50-65 years.
  • Healthy ageing and maintenance of independence is important to older men and their families. After sustaining a hip fracture, approximately 10-20% of formerly community dwelling men will require long term nursing care.
  • Men have a lower life expectancy than women so hip fractures cause them to lose a greater proportion of the number of years of life left than they do in women.
  • Improving the health of men through early detection of osteoporosis and timely treatment can result in reduced morbidity and mortality resulting in benefits for men, families and Society.