Strong Bones, Strong You: What Breast Cancer Treatment Means for Your Bone Health

Our bones are the quiet heroes of our bodies—keeping us standing tall, moving with ease, and living actively. But here’s something many people don’t realise: certain breast cancer treatments, like chemotherapy and letrozole (a hormone therapy), can also take a toll on bone health.

The good news? Once you know what to look out for, you can take simple, powerful steps to protect your bones. Let’s break it down together.

Key Takeaways at a Glance

1. Chemo & Bone Loss: Chemotherapy can quietly weaken bones, speeding up bone loss without obvious signs. That’s why regular monitoring is so important.
2. The Letrozole Link: Letrozole lowers estrogen—a hormone that naturally protects bones. With less estrogen, bones are more vulnerable.
3. Movement Matters: Exercise, especially strength training and weight-bearing activity, is your best ally against bone loss.
4. Proactive Care: DEXA scans, vitamin D, calcium, and support from your healthcare team can help you stay ahead of bone health challenges.

How Chemo Affects Your Bones

Chemotherapy is tough and effective—but it doesn’t just target cancer cells. It can also harm the cells that keep bones strong. Researchers have found that chemo increases the activity of bone-breakdown cells (osteoclasts) while slowing down bone-building cells (osteoblasts). The result? Faster-than-normal bone loss that can last even after treatment ends.

You may not feel this happening until a fracture or pain shows up. That’s why early bone checks, like routine DEXA scans, are your best safeguard.

The Double Impact of Letrozole

Letrozole helps fight hormone-sensitive breast cancer by lowering estrogen. That’s crucial for treatment—but estrogen is also essential for bone protection. Without it, bones become more fragile.

When combined with chemotherapy, letrozole can create a “double hit” on bones. Doctors usually recommend close monitoring, and sometimes preventative medication or supplements, to counteract this risk.

Think of it this way: just as your cancer treatment plan is personalized, your bone care deserves the same attention.

Exercise: Your Natural Defense

If there’s one habit that truly makes a difference during treatment, it’s exercise. Weight-bearing workouts (like walking, dancing, or hiking) and resistance training (like light weights or resistance bands) both encourage bones to stay strong.

Even gentle movement helps—yoga, stretching, or short walks can protect against fractures, improve balance, and boost your mood. The key? Start where you are and build gradually.

Spotting the Signs Early

Bone loss doesn’t usually announce itself loudly. Subtle signs include:

1. Loss of height over time
2. A stooped posture
3. Back or hip pain
4. Fractures from minor falls

If you notice any of these, bring them up with your doctor. With the right scans and blood tests, you can catch issues early and take action.

Steps You Can Take Right Now

1. Ask your doctor about DEXA scans to track bone density.
2. Check your vitamin D and calcium levels.
3. Stay consistent with safe, regular exercise.
4. Eat a bone-friendly diet with leafy greens, dairy, nuts, and fish.
5. Keep open communication with your care team.

The Bigger Picture

Breast cancer treatment comes with challenges, but your bone health doesn’t have to be one you face unprepared. With knowledge, daily habits, and the right medical support, you can take control.

Your bones carry you through life let ’s make sure they stay strong enough to carry you through recovery and beyond. We’d love to hear from you: Have you tried any strategies to keep your bones strong during treatment?