Türk Osteoporoz Dergisi (Apr 2024)

Osteoporosis Awareness and Knowledge in Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Survivors

  • Songül Keskin Kavak,
  • Lale Aktekin,
  • Engin Eren Kavak,
  • Burcu Sevingül,
  • Merve Önoğul

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4274/tod.galenos.2023.69335
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 30, no. 1
pp. 30 – 36

Abstract

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Objective: To determine the awareness and knowledge levels of osteoporosis in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors (PBCS) who have completed adjuvant chemoradiotherapy, are under hormonal therapy, or are being monitored, and to examine potentially related factors. Materials and Methods: Between March 2022 and December 2022, 73 breast cancer patients with clinically and biochemically proven menopause were included in the study. The demographic characteristics and clinical findings of the patients were recorded. The participants’ osteoporosis knowledge level (OKL) regarding osteoporosis was evaluated with the osteoporosis knowledge test and their osteoporosis awareness level (OAL) was evaluated with the osteoporosis awareness test. P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the patients was 59.8±9.4 years (minimum-maximum: 32-75). Their OKL’s were categorized as follows: 9.6% poor, 58.9% moderate and 31.5% good. Nutrition knowledge level (NKL) was distributed as follows: 9.6% poor, 37.3% moderate and 52.1% good. Exercise knowledge level (EKL) was distributed as follows: 13.7% poor, 31.5% moderate and 54.8% good. As the patient’s age increased, it was observed that OAL, OKL, NKL and EKL decreased. A statistically significant correlation was found between higher education level and higher OAL (r=0.246, p=0.036). There was a significant inverse correlation between menopausal duration and OKL (r=-0,280, p=0.017). There was no significant difference in OAL, OKL, NKL and EKL between patients who received hormone therapy and those who did not. Conclusion: Our study, which assessed the awareness level of osteoporosis for the first time in PBCS, indicates the need for further research on the development of patient education programs for osteoporosis prevention and the improvement of methodological approaches specific to measuring awareness and knowledge levels in cancer patients.

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