25/11/2024
✨Top tips✨ for supporting bone health with cancer 🦴
1. Exercise regularly: weight bearing is an essential aspect of bone health, as it stimulates bone regeneration in order to maintain density. Exercise routines should incorporate aerobic and resistance training. If you have bone pain, bone metastases or fractures, you will need to adjust your physical activity to reduce the impact through your bones, therefore getting advice from a qualified professional will be essential.
2. Optimise your calcium and vitamin D intake: diet and spending time in the sunlight are the most accessible ways to ensure you are getting the right vitamins for bone health. Speaking to your doctor or a qualified dietitian for personalised advice may also help to optimise your diet, lifestyle and medications.
3. Avoid substance abuse: Alcohol and smoking are both known to negatively impact the normal function of bone regeneration, therefore minimising your consumption can help optimise bone health. If helpful, speak to your GP or any trusted health professional who can signpost you to cessation support.
4. Take bone treatments (if applicable!): Your medical team will let you know if there are any medications that will be beneficial for your bone health, particularly if you have certain cancer diagnoses or are undergoing certain treatments. Bisphosphonates (such as zoledronic acid) targeted therapy (such as denosumab) and supplements (such as calcium) can help to maintain balanced bone regeneration.
5. Manage any contributing conditions: Taking into account any other health conditions you may have is important. Some conditions may directly impact bone health, such as hypothyroidism or diabetes. Other conditions may have a more indirect impact, such as Crohn's Disease reducing absorption of calcium, vitamins or medications.
If you have any other tips, advice or questions, please comment below or DM me!
