Osteoporosis, often known as the 'silent epidemic', is a systemic disease causing bones to become porous and more susceptible to fractures, especially in areas like the spine, hip and wrist.

According to Tereza Hough, CEO of The National Osteoporosis Foundation of South Africa (Nofsa), "osteoporosis is not an illness just for old ladies, as we now know conclusively that osteoporosis can also affect young individuals and both genders".

The current global statistic is that one in three women and one in five men have a chance of developing this disease. This translates into a potential four to six million South Africans who are at risk of developing the disease.

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis literally means 'porous bone'. This silent but lethal disease often only makes itself known when the first fracture occurs. The density and quality of bone are reduced, the loss of bone occurs progressively and as bone becomes more and more porous and fragile, the risk of fracture is greatly increased, particularly at the hip, spine and wrist. The incidence of these fractures increases with age in both women and men.

A common myth is that osteoporosis is a disease that generally affects post-menopausal women, and should simply be seen as a normal part of ageing.

While it is indeed true that in women over 45 years of age, osteoporosis accounts for more days spent in hospital than may other diseases, including diabetes, myocardial infarction and breast cancer, men and children are also at risk.

One in three women, and the one in five men will be affected by osteoporosis — at different stages and for different reasons — in their lifetimes.

The good news is that osteoporosis is now a largely treatable condition and, with a combination of lifestyle changes and appropriate medical treatment, many fractures can be avoided.

Fast facts about osteoporosis

• More than one-third of women over the age of 50 and nearly half of those over age 70 are affected by this disease.
• Osteoporosis in men is on the increase, and one in five men will develop this disease.
• In most cases the patient is 50-70 years old before osteoporosis is diagnosed. It can however, affect women and some men in their mid — thirties or even earlier.
• Without appropriate preventative therapy, one out of every three White and Asian post-menopausal women will have a spine fracture.
• A woman's risk of sustaining a hip fracture is equal to the combined risk of developing breast, uterine and ovarian cancer.
• Up to 20 percent of hip fracture victims die within one year; 15-25 percent will require institutionalisation and less than half will regain full functional capability.
• In developed countries (including SA), spinal osteoporosis is six times, and hip fractures two to three times more common in women than men. Although less common in blacks, osteoporosis occurs in all population groups and recent evidence suggests that its prevalence is increasing.
• Although treatable, the prevention of osteoporosis is much more effective. This requires an understanding of predictive factors so that the likelihood of osteoporosis may be judged, an awareness of methods to measure bone mass, knowledge of lifestyle adaptations and drugs available to prevent further bone loss.
• Recent advances in treatment options have resulted in a 50-70 percent reduction in the rate of osteoporotic fractures.

Treatment of osteoporosis

The treatment of osteoporosis offers a variety of drugs for postmenopausal osteoporosis. Research has proven that treatment decreases the risk of vertebral fractures by 30-65 percent and 16-53 percent in non-vertebral fractures. The success of the treatment relies on the drugs used, the patient population and level of compliance to treatment.

Treatment of conventional osteoporosis can be cost-effective irrespective of age and the effective therapies offer important value to healthcare payers, providers and patients.

One minute self test for osteoporosis

To assess whether you could be at risk of developing osteoporosis consists of a 60 second test, taken in the comfort of your home. This can be done by using the self test as provided on the National Osteoporosis Foundation of South Africa website and below.

To assess whether you are at risk, check each applicable number in Category A, B or C. At completing the test, add up your numerical score.

Category A

1. Previous fracture after minor injury [10]
2. Hormonal, gut, malignant or eating disorders [10]
3. Recent or progressive loss of height [10]
4. Regular steroid (cortisone) use [10]

Category B

5. Over 70 years old [5]
6. Women with family history of osteoporosis [5]
7. Regular, heavy alcohol use [5]
8. Menopause before age 45 / other causes of low sex hormones [5]
9. Regular use of anti-seizure medicine [5]

Category C

10. Over 50 years old [3]
11. Female [3]
12. Small body frame (below 55kg) [3]
13. No regular exercise [2]
14. Poor calcium intake [2]
15. Smoker/ex-smoker [2]
16. White, Asian Mixed race [2]
17. Childless [1]
18. No breastfeeding [1]
19. Fair complexion [1]

You could be at risk if you:

Checked one or more boxes in Category A. Two or more boxes in Category B or The numerical score exceeds 13 points.

For more information, please visit the National Osteoporosis Foundation of South Africa at www.osteoporosis.org.za