A retrospective study on screening and management of osteoporosis in breast cancer women treated with aromatase inhibitors in Libya

Negative health effects of aromatase inhibitors (AI) treatments on bones such as osteoporosis are evidenced. This impact of the aromatase inhibitors on bone. This study aimed to improve the medical assistance given to patients under AI treatment to minimize secondary osteoporosis. Fifty Libyan postmenopausal women treated with AI to fight breast cancer were selected from attendants Tripoli Medical Center (TMC), Oncology Department during year 2014. A closed questionnaire was requested from each women including data about age, age at AI therapy, and types of AI, age at bone densitometry measurement, onset and symptoms of osteoporosis, treatment of osteoporosis and measurement of vitamin D and calcium supplement given. The study revealed a poor consideration given to apply the recommendation in cases suffering osteoporosis events. Our results suggest an active implementation of the guidelines concerning the high corporation levels that should be done between oncologist, specialist in osteoporosis, and patients to offer reliable diagnostic and post-therapy follow up.