Bisphosphonates: Bone Drug Could Increase Cancer Chances – A common bone drug, bisphosphonates, which is used to treat osteoporosis, has been found to double the risk of cancer of the oesophagus in those who have been taking it for five years or more. Researchers who conducted the study admitted that the results produced from the study were worrying. However, they also added that it did not mean that patients taking the medication should stop taking it, or that doctors should stop prescribing it to those who suffer with osteoporosis.

One of the researchers said that although the results were concerning, this study was only one observational study, and that there would be more to follow up. She also added that although the medication can double the risk of cancer of the oesophagus, this type of cancer is not common anyway, so the risk isn’t actually that great. Many people in the United Kingdom are suffering with osteoporosis, and many of these patients are being prescribed bisphosphonates for the disease.

It is understandable that many of these patients are going to find this information very worrying. However, as the researchers have said, the particular type of cancer in question is a fairly low risk cancer, so even though the medication can double the risk, the risk is still going to be fairly small.

This is why it is important for those taking the medication for whatever reason to not worry, as the risk is not significant enough to stop prescribing the medication.