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Osteoporosis International

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01-12-2008 | Original Article

Incidence of fractures compared to cardiovascular disease and breast cancer: the Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study

Authors: J. A. Cauley, N. S. Wampler, J. M. Barnhart, L. Wu, M. Allison, Z. Chen, S. Hendrix, J. Robbins, R. D. Jackson

Published in: Osteoporosis International | Issue 12/2008

Abstract

Summary

To compare the absolute risk of fracture to the risk of other conditions by race/ethnicity, we studied 83,724 women, aged 70–79. The projected number of fractures was similar to or exceeded the combined number of cardiovascular events and breast cancers. Osteoporosis prevention efforts should target women of all ethnicities.

Introduction

The relative risk of fracture is lower in non-white compared to white women but the absolute risk of fracture in comparison to other common chronic conditions is uncertain.

Methods

We performed a prospective cohort study of 83,724 women, age 50–79 years. Cardiovascular disease (CVD), invasive breast cancer and all fractures were identified over an average of 7.7 ± 2.6 years.

Results

The incidence of fracture, breast cancer, stroke and CVD varied across ethnicity. The annualized (%) incidence of fracture was greatest in whites (2.4%) and American Indians (2.8%) and lowest among blacks (1.3%). The majority of hip fractures occurred in white women. The projected number of women who will experience a fracture in one year exceeded the combined number of women who would experience invasive breast cancer or a broad category of CVD events in all ethnic groups except blacks. In 10,000 black women, an estimated 153 women would experience CVD, and 35 women, breast cancer compared to 126 women expected to fracture in one year.

Conclusion

The annual risk of suffering a fracture is substantial in women of all ethnicities. Osteoporosis prevention efforts should target all women irrespective of their race/ethnic backgrounds.

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Title: Incidence of fractures compared to cardiovascular disease and breast cancer: the Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study
Authors: J. A. Cauley
N. S. Wampler
J. M. Barnhart
L. Wu
M. Allison
Z. Chen
S. Hendrix
J. Robbins
R. D. Jackson
Publication date: 01-12-2008
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Osteoporosis International / Issue 12/2008
Print ISSN: 0937-941X
Electronic ISSN: 1433-2965
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-008-0634-y

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Incidence of fractures compared to cardiovascular disease and breast cancer: the Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study

Abstract

Summary

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Summary

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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