Occurrence of fractures in invasive breast cancer raises the possibility of cancer-induced impairment in bone quality, according to a study of 422 women with invasive breast cancer. Researchers found:

• 79 women sustained fractures during the observation period.

• 27 women sustained fractures at multiple skeletal sites, with a total of 116 fractures.

• Incidence of fractures was 40 per 1000 person–years.

• Women who sustained fractures were mostly white and had family history of osteoporosis or history of prior fracture.

• Fractures occurred a median 4.0 years after cancer diagnosis.

• Fracture cases fell within the low bone mass range.

• Fractures usually occurred in lower extremities, vertebral, and wrist sites.

• Hip fractures accounted for 11% of fractures, occurring at a median age of 61 years.

Citation: Edwards BJ, Gradishar WJ, Smith ME, et al. Elevated incidence of fractures in women with invasive breast cancer. [Published online ahead of print August 21, 2015]. Osteoporos Int. doi: 10.1007/s00198-015-3246-3.