Bone mineral density screening among women with a history of breast cancer treated with aromatase inhibitors.

BACKGROUND

Understanding adherence to bone mineral density (BMD) screening after breast cancer (BC) treatment with aromatase inhibitors (AI) is an important first step in preventing or treating BC-related osteoporosis.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study assessed receipt and adherence to BMD screening among 342 women diagnosed with BC who were at high risk for osteoporosis after BC treatment with AI between 2004 and 2007. Nonadherence to baseline and annual BMD screening (recommended by 2003 American Society of Clinical Oncology Guidelines) was assessed using descriptive statistics and Poisson regression models accounting for length of AI use and follow-up.

RESULTS

In the year before AI initiation, 16% of women received BMD screening. Fifty-six percent had no BMD screening in the 14 months after a minimum of 9 months of continuous AI use, and 75% and 66% failed to have BMD screens during the second (14.1-26 month) and third (26.1-38 month) annual time periods after continuous AI use for at least 23 and 35 months, respectively. Overall, 24% had no BMD screening after 35 months of continuous AI use. Statistically significant predictors of nonadherence included predominant exemestane use, BMD screening before AI initiation, and diabetes mellitus history. Postcollege education, geographic region of primary care clinic, and never smoking were associated with a reduced risk of nonadherence.

CONCLUSIONS

A significant proportion of breast cancer patients treated with AI did not receive guideline-recommended BMD screening. Findings should raise awareness of the importance of BMD screening and targeting women at increased risk of screening nonadherence.