Amgen is proud to sponsor Coaches vs. Cancer as part of our ongoing commitment to support patients living with cancer. Since 1993, Coaches vs. Cancer has been devoted to educational efforts and fundraising activities in support of the American Cancer Society® and their mission to provide help and hope to all people facing cancer.
Amgen strives to serve patients living with cancer by advancing the science of biotechnology. We are committed to researching compounds that fight against cancer and its destructive consequences on bone health.
Bone loss and destruction can occur in patients with different types of advanced cancer, as a result of the cancer treatment or from the cancer itself.1 If you (or a loved one) have been diagnosed with breast cancer or prostate cancer, read on to learn more about these diseases and their potentially damaging effects on the bone.
Breast Cancer, Prostate Cancer, and Bone Health
Besides skin cancer, breast cancer is the number one diagnosed cancer among women. Women in the United States have a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer during their lifetime. In 2008, over 250,000 new cases of breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed.2 The good news is that through advances in treatment options, thorough screening, and increased disease awareness, survival rates continue to increase.3
Besides skin cancer, prostate cancer is the number one diagnosed cancer among men. Men in the United States have a 1 in 6 chance of developing prostate cancer within their lifetime.3 In 2003, there were approximately 221,000 cases of prostate cancer diagnosed.4 Due to better treatment options and/or early detection tests, prostate cancer survival rates have increased and may result in a better outlook for recently diagnosed patients.3
It is also important to discuss with your doctor specific cancer treatments or medications that can cause a decrease in bone density. It is common for prostate cancer and breast cancer patients to receive cancer therapies that decrease the levels of specific hormones. These therapies can lead to a decrease in bone mass and subsequent increased risk of fractures. For an estimated 1 in 4 men, bone loss caused by cancer treatments can cause skeletal complications such as fracture within 2 years.5,6 For women, this cancer treatment–induced bone loss is associated with osteoporosis and fracture risk related to estrogen deprivation.7
Unfortunately, as breast and prostate cancer progress, cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body, most commonly the skeleton.8 This results in lesions called bone metastases. Bone metastases can interfere with the body’s natural process of bone “remodeling,” where old bone is removed from the skeleton and new bone is added. When bone metastases begin to interfere with the normal remodeling process, it can have serious consequences for the health and strength of the bones.9
When cancer metastasizes to the bone, it begins a process of bone destruction that can be painful.8 On a microscopic level, the bone begins to disintegrate, resulting in a decrease in bone density and a weakening in bone integrity. This deterioration can lead to serious bone complications, such as fracture or surgery to the bone, which can significantly impact a patient’s everyday life.1
Understanding the Signs and Symptoms
By recognizing the signs and symptoms of breast and prostate cancer, patients and their physicians may be able to catch the disease in its early stages, increasing the likelihood of treating the cancer before it spreads.3
If you are suffering from any of the following symptoms associated with prostate cancer, you should consider consulting with your physician immediately3:
If you are suffering from any of the following symptoms associated with breast cancer, you should consider consulting with your physician immediately3:
For patients that have been diagnosed with either breast or prostate cancer, it is possible you may be experiencing symptoms that are a direct result of the bone metastases. If you are suffering from any of the following symptoms, you should consider consulting with your physician immediately1,3:
It is important to tell your doctor about any bone pain, even if you believe it is due to some other problem, such as arthritis, stiffness, muscle pain, or osteoporosis.
What Actions Can Patients Take?
According to the American Cancer Society®, people at high risk of developing cancer, or those whose cancer has already been diagnosed and are experiencing symptoms potentially related to bone metastases, should promptly contact their doctor.3
According to the American Cancer Society®, it is recommended that men get screened for prostate cancer starting at age 50. Your doctor will likely perform one of two screening tests: a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test or a digital rectal exam (DRE).3
The American Cancer Society® recommends that women have a mammogram performed for breast cancer starting at age 40 and continuing every year as long as the person is in good health.3 Breast self exams are also important for women starting in their 20s.3
In regards to bone metastases from breast or prostate cancer, there are several procedures that may be used to detect these conditions. A test commonly referred to as a “bone scan” is usually the first method of finding bone metastases. Other testing, such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or positron emission tomography (PET) scans, can also help pinpoint areas of bone destruction and possible fracture “hotspots”.3 You may also want to talk with your doctor about specific treatments or medications that may cause a decrease in bone density.
As always, it is important to speak with your healthcare professional about any questions or concerns that you may have.
Amgen’s Commitment to Continued Scientific Advancement
Amgen discovers, develops, and delivers innovative human therapeutics. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen was one of the first companies to realize the new science’s promise by bringing novel medicines from the lab, to the manufacturing plant, to the patient. Amgen therapeutics have changed the practice of medicine, helping millions of people around the world in the fight against cancer, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and other serious illnesses. With a deep and broad pipeline of potential new medicines, Amgen remains committed to advancing science to dramatically improve people’s lives.
To learn more information about available support services for patients with cancer, you may want to visit:
The American Cancer Society®
http://www.cancer.org
National Prostate Cancer Coalition
http://www.pcacoalition.org
Us TOO® International Prostate Cancer Education & Support Network
http://www.ustoo.com
Breast CancerTM Network of Strength
(Formerly Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization)
http://www.networkofstrength.org
© 2008 Amgen All rights reserved.
