Hongkongers need more education about ‘silent disease’ osteoporosis, expert warns

HKU-developed screening software finds 29.4 per cent of 5,771 interviewees above age of 50 at ‘high risk’ of developing bone disease

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The condition makes bones more fragile and increases the risk of fractures. Photo: Edmond So

Published: 4:26pm, 6 Oct 2024Updated: 12:11am, 7 Oct 2024

A Hong Kong researcher has called for more public education about osteoporosis after a new survey found nearly 30 per cent of residents over 50 were at high risk of developing the condition and most respondents had never been screened for it.

Cheung Ching-lung, an associate professor at the University of Hong Kong’s Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, on Sunday also called for wider use of the Chinese osteoporosis screening algorithm (COSA) he helped to develop.

“The survey highlights a critical lack of awareness about osteoporosis among the elderly in Hong Kong,” said Cheung, who is also the president of the Osteoporosis Society of Hong Kong.

“Very few individuals undergo bone density testing. Early risk assessments are essential for preventing and managing the disease, increasing bone density and reducing the risk of fractures.”

The condition results in bones becoming more fragile, greatly increasing the likelihood of painful and disabling fractures, according to the International Osteoporosis Foundation.

Osteoporosis was often referred to as a “silent disease” as most people were unaware they had it until they suffered a break, the foundation said.