Hi. I am on letrozole and Adcal D3 which I started taking in February this year. I was told I would need a DEXA scan but I’ve not had it yet. I’ve checked with my GP who says one was requested in February. I asked the GP in July to chase it for me but still nothing. Is this normal? I’m really worried about this and feel like I’m stuck because I can’t book the appointment or chase it up myself. Any advice you can give would be much appreciated ![]()
Hi @dondy,
Thanks for posting.
Letrozole reduces the amount of the hormone oestrogen made in the body, this can reduce bone density and lead to osteoporosis over time, as well as an increase in the risk of fractures.
Because of this, a bone density (DEXA) scan is usually performed to check your bone density as a baseline around the time you start taking the treatment. For some people this may be before they start it, for others it may be within a few months of starting treatment. The scan is then be repeated after 2 or 3 years of you taking letrozole to look to see if any change has taken place.
It’s understandable you are worried that you have not yet had scan as expected. As the request was sent back in February, it sounds as though it would be a good idea to contact your breast care nurse or treatment team or GP again to ask them to follow this up and check when you might expect to get an appointment for the DEXA scan. They may also be able to give you a number for the hospital radiology department so you can contact them to ask this.
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