Archives of Hellenic Medicine

Last update:

28-Nov-2016

Arch Hellen Med, 33(6), November-December 2016, 820-825

ORIGINAL PAPER

Assessment of osteoporosis as a latent public health priority for oncological patients

E. Papadopoulou,¹ P. Xenophontos,¹ P. Manolopoulos,² G. Lavranos^1,2
¹Department of Health Sciences, European University Cyprus, Egkomi, Nicosia,
²School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Egkomi, Nicosia, Cyprus

OBJECTIVE Study of the emergence of bone pathology as a latent health need in the population of cancer patients in Cyprus.

METHOD A pilot quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted with a casual sample of 107 oncological patients from the service of the Cyprus Anticancer Society nursing home and the Oncology Day Care Center of the Bank of Cyprus.

RESULTS A higher proportion of women had not undergone bone density testing, and women run a greater risk of fracture. The women had an average bone density of 13.04 (TA=12.3) and men 13.04 (TA=12.53).

CONCLUSIONS Health professionals play a critical role in the identification of patients with cancer who are at risk of bone loss. Reduction of the risk factors and prevention of fractures have a huge impact on the quality of life of these patients.

Key words: Bone health, Cyprus, Oncology patients.