Osteoporosis Basics Copy

Facts & Statistics

  • Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become thin and porous, decreasing bone strength and leading to increased risk of breaking a bone.
  • The most common sites for osteoporotic fracture are the wrist, spine, shoulder and hip.
  • No single cause for osteoporosis has been identified.
  • Osteoporosis is often called the ‘silent thief’ because bone loss occurs without symptoms unless one has fractured.
  • Osteoporosis can strike at any age.
  • Osteoporosis affects both men and women.
  • More women than men have osteoporosis and low bone mass.
  • Osteoporosis is a pediatric disease with geriatric consequences.
  • The best defense again osteoporosis is to build strong bones during childhood and adolescence as it protects developing osteoporosis at a later age.
  • Peak bone mass is achieved at an early age, age 16-20 in girls and age 20-25 in young men.
  • Women and men alike begin to lose bone in their mid-30s; as they approach menopause, women lose bone at a greater rate, from 1.5-3 percent per year.

Prevalence

  • Approximately 2 million Canadians are affected by osteoporosis
  • at least one in three women and one in five men will suffer a fracture from osteoporosis during their lifetime
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