One of Three Women Suffers From Osteoporosis Worldwide

Geneva, Oct 19, 2000 (EFE via COMTEX) -- The Osteoporosis World Day will kickoff with a warning that one of every three women worldwide suffers from osteoporosis, characterized by pain and bone fractures.

      The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) said Thursday that the disease is one of the most prevalent among menopausal women, but the illness is relatively unknown, rarely diagnosed and poorly treated.

      After age 50, women have a 40 percent chance of suffering from osteoporosis, Rene Rizzoli, a University of Geneva professor and IOF member, said.

      Osteoporosis is marked by a loss of bone mass, due to a lack of calcium, with bones becoming extremely susceptible to fractures from a minor blow or even a therapeutic massage.

      Some 2.3 million osteoporosis-related bone fractures occur each year in the United States and Europe, with 27 million dollars spent on treatment.

      The most common fractures involve the hip and vertebrae, Rizzoli said, adding that, such fractures are not usually detected when they occur.

      Although osteoporosis does not just affect women, they run the greatest risk of suffering from the illness, because men''s bone density is greater and men do not suffer the hormone loss associated with menopause.

      Currently, much more is known about the disease, and it is easier to identify patients at risk of developing osteoporosis, perform early bone density measurements and administer treatment, Rizzoli said.

      Osteoporosis is expected to become more widespread as life expectancy rates rise, increasing the need for prevention strategies, Rizzoli said.

      Osteoporosis is predicted to grow in developing countries, where detection and treatment measures are limited.

      By 2050, women in Latin America and Asia will account for one of every two hip fractures reported worldwide, according to the IOF.

      Although symptoms can be alleviated, osteoporosis is incurable, and prevention - including exercise, a healthy diet rich in calcium and salts and adequate medical attention - remains the best alternative.