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Osteoporosis services are in a ‘chronic state’
When over-fifties fracture bones from minor falls, scanning could show if they have this debilitating condition, and steps can be taken to treat it. Major delays and lack of scanners means this isn’t happening properly, writes RUTH HUNT
10 - Bone density scan

IF THERE was just one thing a political party should focus on in a general election year, it would be the services for the millions who are at risk of developing osteoporosis or who already have the condition.

Osteoporosis affects 3.5 million people a year in Britain with over half a million broken bones. Fractures, particularly in those over 50 can be very damaging and as many people die of a fracture-related cause as those from lung cancer or diabetes.

Yet, it’s a condition that with timely intervention can be treated, with further fractures prevented. That needs to be stressed, because, at the current time, services are in a “chronic state” as noted by the all-party parliamentary group (APPG) in December 2023. This means those with the condition are being severely let down.

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