Seniors surviving breast cancer have more risk of falling

Women who are seniors and breast cancer survivors, appear to fall more than their peers. Combined effects of chemotherapy and endocrine therapy may increase the risk of bone fractures. Researchers asked post-menopausal breast cancer survivors whether they had fallen in the past year and tracked their falls over a 6 month study period. Researchers used a comprhensive set of neuromuscular and balance characteristics. The study findings suggest that the balance problems may have been related to changes in the vestibular system that is associated with chemotherapy. The vestibular system begins in the inner ear and is responsible for balance and posture,and also regulates locomotion and other movements. This study is to consider how breast cancer treatment may increase your fall risk and by exploring mediators of the treatment/falling relationship.