FED: Thousands of women have undiagnosed osteoporosis: study

AAP General News (Australia)
08-09-1999
FED: Thousands of women have undiagnosed osteoporosis: study

A study has found more than 170,000 Australian women could be suffering from undiagnosed
osteoporosis, exposing them to a higher risk of fatal complications.

The study, released at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, says nearly 10 per cent of
all women aged over 60 suffer a probable osteoporotic fracture but are not receiving
treatment.

It says just one-in-four women with a diagnosed or probable osteoporotic fracture is
receiving treatment to prevent further breaks.

Garvan Institute bone and mineral research program director JOHN EISMAN says the cost of
treating osteoporosis is increasing exponentially as Australia's population ages.

He says treatment of the disease now costs $1 billion annually in Australia.

AAP RTV pwa/tsm/rsm/rp

KEYWORD: FRACTURES (SYDNEY)

1999 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.