THE BIG O - OSTEOPOROSIS
Osteoporosis is a bone condition that affects over 1.39 million Australians.1 If left untreated it can lead to loss of mobility.2 It’s often referred to as the silent disease because there are usually no symptoms until a person breaks or fractures a bone.3
Don’t wait for a fall to see if you have it. Osteoporosis is serious, but treatable.3 Ask your doctor about a bone density scan.
Are you at risk?
Osteoporosis often affects women over
the age of 50, but men are at risk
too. If you’ve broken a bone in a
minor bump or fall, you could have
osteoporosis.3 There are
many factors that can increase your
risk of osteoporosis; including,
family history, low calcium or
vitamin
D levels, having some chronic
conditions and lifestyle.3
DIAGNOSIS IS QUICK AND PAINLESS
A bone density scan or a DEXA scan is a special type of
X-ray that is used to diagnose
osteoporosis and you may be eligible
for a rebate.
Make an
appointment and ask your doctor about
a bone density scan.

Make an appointment with your doctor, either in-person or by telehealth.

If your doctor thinks you're at risk, ask them to organise a DEXA scan to measure your bone density.

A standard X-ray may suffice if you’ve suffered a recent break.
What if I have osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is serious but it is treatable.3 Management of osteoporosis involves simple lifestyle changes and your doctor may recommend starting a prescription medication. Prescription medicines exist to help strengthen bones and reduce the risk of fractures. 3
You screen for The Big C, now scan for The Big O - Osteoporosis.
You already get pap smears and mammograms, you should be getting bone density scans too.
Early diagnosis is important. A bone density scan is quick, painless and you could be eligible for a rebate.


Do you know the signs of a breaking spine?
Did you know that spine or vertebral fractures are the most common type of fragility fracture...read more

Let’s talk about the treatment of osteoporosis
For many, the first sign of osteoporosis is a fracture. For others, taking action early can prevent the first fracture...read more

Osteoporosis - affecting millions of australians
Everyone needs to be aware of their bone health as they age. Osteoporosis is a chronic health condition...read more
References:
- Watts JJ, et al. Osteoporosis costing all Australians - A new burden of disease analysis 2012 to 2022. Osteoporosis Australia, 2013.
- Cooper C. AM J Med 1997; 103:12S-17S.
- Osteoporosis Australia. What you need to know about osteoporosis. Consumer guide. 2017. www.osteoporosis.org.au. [Accessed 1 October 2020]
- Svensson HK, et al. Osteoporos Int 2016; 27:1729–36.
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2019. Cancer in Australia 2019. Cancer series no.119. Cat. no. CAN 123. Canberra: AIHW.