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I am a 73-year old woman in fairly good health. I hear many reports about the risks of breast cancer and brittle bones for aging women. Which one of these is more likely to happen to me?

A woman’s risk of breast cancer during her life is one in eight chances. Her risk of hip fracture from osteoporosis (brittle bones) is equal to the risk of breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer all added together.

Both of these conditions are concerns. However, your chances of having osteoporosis are greater and more easily prevented. Diet, exercise, and supplements (calcium and vitamin D) are key to preventing bone loss.

Reference: 

Tony S. Keller, PhD, et al. Prediction of Osteoporotic Spinal Deformity. In Spine. March 1, 2003. Vol. 28. No. 5. Pp. 455-462.

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