1826P - Risk factors and incidence of osteoporosis in patients with breast cancer according to gender

Background

The global incidence of breast cancer is increasing, highlighting the need for attention not only to treatment but also to long-term survivorship issues. Osteoporosis, an age-related bone disorder, presents a significant concern for patients with breast cancer due to its potential impact on morbidity and mortality. This Korean nationwide cohort study aimed to investigate the occurrence and risk factors of osteoporosis among patients with breast cancer, with a specific focus on gender disparities.

Methods

Using data from the Korean National Health Insurance claim database, we identified individuals diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ or breast cancer as their primary diagnosis between 2009 and 2015. Patients diagnosed with osteoporosis were determined based on ICD-10 codes (International Classification of Disease) and medication prescriptions. Propensity score matching was performed to minimize confounding variables.

Results

Among 299 male and 80362 female breast cancer patients, a higher prevalence of osteoporosis was observed in females (n=13423(16.7%) vs n=15(5.0%)). Endocrine therapy was associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis, particularly among females (HR 6.37, 95%CI, 3.74-10.89, p<0.001). Age, steroid medication use, and comorbidity burden were also identified as significant risk factors for osteoporosis. Adjusting other variables, females diagnosed with osteoporosis had a higher incidence of only hip or vertebral fractures compared to males (HR 3.96, 95%CI, 1.24-12.64, p=0.020). While overall fracture incidence was higher in males before matching, gender differences were not significant after propensity score matching.

Conclusions

In conclusion, our study highlights the importance of proactive screening and management of osteoporosis in breast cancer patients, with a focus on gender-specific risk factors. These findings emphasize the necessity of comprehensive bone health assessment and preventive measures to improve long-term outcomes and quality of life for breast cancer survivors. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of gender differences in osteoporosis risk and evaluate the effectiveness of targeted interventions in this population.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

The authors.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.