An Evaluation Of Bone Density Screening In Premenopausal Women
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$175,046.00
Summary
Fractures due to osteoporosis are a major public health problem. Bone density is one of the major predictors of these osteoporotic fractures and is the result of the amount of bone gained in early life (i.e peak bone mass) and subsequent bone loss. Cigarette smoking, physical inactivity and inadequate calcium intake are widely regarded as risk factors for osteoporosis (as well as for other common diseases). Despite this information being widely available and actively promoted, the prevalence of ....Fractures due to osteoporosis are a major public health problem. Bone density is one of the major predictors of these osteoporotic fractures and is the result of the amount of bone gained in early life (i.e peak bone mass) and subsequent bone loss. Cigarette smoking, physical inactivity and inadequate calcium intake are widely regarded as risk factors for osteoporosis (as well as for other common diseases). Despite this information being widely available and actively promoted, the prevalence of these risk factors in the population remains unacceptably high suggesting that education alone at the public health level is not sufficient to modify these behaviours. In women (mean age 33) taking part in a study of the determinants of bone mass in children, we recently reported substantial change in these behaviours at 12 months follow-up when women received an information leaflet and individualised bone density information. These women were highly selected and it is unclear if this response is representative of all women. The aims of this study are, therefore, to test hypotheses in a random electoral roll sample of 400 women aged 25-44 from metropolitan Hobart relating to the effect of different types of educational programs and low initial bone mass on both lifestyle changes and changes in bone density over two years. This study will lead to accurate information about how best to target osteoporosis prevention programs in the younger age groups. Furthermore, as risk factors for cardiovascular and other diseases are often similar to those for osteoporosis, it is likely to provide insights into the prevention of these diseases and, as a result, have much greater potential for decreasing disease in the community.Read moreRead less
Cognitive Effects Of Adding Ovarian Function Suppression To Adjuvant Hormonal Therapy In Premenopausal Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$301,431.00
Summary
There is mounting evidence that potentially curative treatment for breast cancer might, in some women, have an adverse effect on their subsequent cognitive function i.e. their memory and ability to think clearly. Thus it is important that when new treatments are being tested, the testing includes collecting information on the effect of the new treatment on a woman's cognitive function. There is currently an ongoing large international study examining whether suppressing ovarian function (and thu ....There is mounting evidence that potentially curative treatment for breast cancer might, in some women, have an adverse effect on their subsequent cognitive function i.e. their memory and ability to think clearly. Thus it is important that when new treatments are being tested, the testing includes collecting information on the effect of the new treatment on a woman's cognitive function. There is currently an ongoing large international study examining whether suppressing ovarian function (and thus decreasing oestrogen levels) in women having treatment for breast cancer will improve their outcomes. However,it is known that oestrogen is important for normal cognitive functioning in premenopausal women so there is some concern that dropping the oestrogen levels in this way might cause impairment in cognitive function. In this sub-study we will compare the cognitive function of women having ovarian function suppression with those who do not, to determine if there are any differences. We will also examine how this might affect quality of life.Read moreRead less