Dexa Scan

[DominoLover51]

Hi, was just wondering if anyone could advise me please. I had breast cancer two years ago and I’m on Tamoxifen. For context I had radio but not chemo and I’m 51 tomorrow. One of my friends has suggested that I get one done, partly cause I am allegedly high risk and partly cause I’ve lost a bit of height. Wondering if it would be best to go through my GP or approach a breast care nurse at the hospital where I had my treatment, I’m still under the radar having annual mammograms. Thanks

Why not do both and see which one supports the idea of a DEXA.
DEXA without a prior fracture are really hard to get so be very insistent on loss of height. Mention car seat, kitchen cupboards even hanging the washing being all different.

GP should be able to refer you to the relevant clinic. I had one after a fracture and have osteopenia, dm has osteoporosis diagnosed after radiotherapy for bowel and breast cancer but possibly preexisting.

Your GP should definitely be able to refer you for a Dexa scan. Incredibly important for all women of menopausal and post meno age to have them. Good luck.

Thanks

I think your history of breast cancer alone would be enough for a GP to refer you. Some women are scanned during treatment and I thought all those on Tamoxifen were?

mine refused. No clinical indication.

Try a different GP. Sorry that you have to battle for this.

I had breast cancer, chemo leading to early menopause at 42, radiotherapy then Tamoxifen. History of osteoporosis in family - my dad, not my mum. No Dexa scan until I had an unexpected ankle fracture in a silly accident at 49, then only scanned because a consultant at the hospital was conducting research and was asking for all women over 40 with 'odd' fractures to be sent for Dexa scan.

Guess what - I had osteoporosis and 15 years on still take medication weekly. No further fractures thank goodness, but follow exercise regime to strengthen my bones.

So ask your GP, even if the worst is confirmed it means you can take positive action to prevent fractures. Good luck!

My GP was happy to refer me for a DEXA
scan as I’m on medication that increases the risk of osteoporosis and my mum was recently diagnosed.

I have been on Anastrazole since being diagnosed with breast cancer 4.5yrs ago. I had a DEXA scan when I started taking the drug then one 2 yrs later. I think that bone density loss occurs mostly in the first couple of years then steadied to normal rate seen post menopause. My last DEXA showed a decrease in bone density but I’m still within the normal levels seen in average 30yr old so not deemed high risk.
I may ask GP if I need another one but family history and results from previous scans suggest I’m not high risk.
I do take supplements and tend to eat a healthy calcium rich diet.

My GPs have always been happy to refer for a DEXA after my BC, I was on tamoxifen for 5 years and had a couple, especially when I had quite a few aches and pains! I’d go to your GP and maybe speak to your BC nurse as well.

Took it to the practice manager.
It’s their policy.

@DominoLover51 im not sure you would be classed as high risk because of your age at cancer diagnosis/ treatment…being over 45 and being pushed into menopause is different to those ( as previous posters) who were under 45 when they had their cancer treatment. I’ll attach something that shows some of the wider considerations….for someone your age it’s often factors from earlier in your life that determine your risk of osteopenia / osteoporosis…..and if you have lost height then that is what I would be checking with your GP / Dr. https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/pages/diabetes-and-endocrinology/dual-energy-x-ray-absorptiometry-measurement/clinical-indications-for-bone-densitometry

I got a referral and I’m going for a scan tomorrow

Good luck, I hope you get good support and advice whatever the result 🙏

Best of luck with scan, op