“If I hadn’t taken the Great British Bone Check, I may not have been so lucky” - Kate's story

My mum died in her early 80s following a stroke. Six months earlier, she’d suffered a hip fracture, from a small trip when out walking her dog at night. She’d never received a formal osteoporosis diagnosis.

Around the time of my menopause, I went to my GP and asked whether it would be possible for me to have a DXA scan to look at my own bone density. I was told that there wasn’t any reason for me to have one and basically sent away. I knew I could pay privately, but never got round to arranging it.

A few years ago, my sister, Sarah, told me about the and how I could take the results to my GP to help with discussions about my bone health.

I completed the check, which said that I was at medium risk, and made a doctor’s appointment. Unfortunately, they still refused to refer me for any further scans or tests.

I turned 70 last year and decided to try again. This time my doctor agreed to do a fracture risk assessment (FRAX), after which I was given a DXA scan in December.

A couple of weeks later, on Christmas Eve, the doctor phoned me to confirm that I had osteoporosis.

I was dismayed – despite being aware of the family history of the condition I didn’t want osteoporosis and certainly didn’t want to be fearful of broken bones and risking my mobility. I cycle, and while I haven’t fallen off in a long time, I became concerned about breaking my hip if I was to come off the bike.

Fortunately, it’s been picked up early, and I’m now able to take preventative measures. I’ve been prescribed a bone-strengthening medicine called alendronate and a calcium and vitamin D supplement. I also run, walk, work out with weights, and have a good, balanced diet.

If I hadn’t had the confirmation that I was potentially at risk, and continued to push for a bone health assessment, there’s a chance that I wouldn’t have been so lucky with receiving an early diagnosis.

Your bones. Your future. Your call.

Take charge of your bone health today and take the Great British Bone Check for personalised results in less than three minutes.