osteoporosis

Definition of osteoporosis

osteoporosis (OS-tee-oh-puh-ROH-sis): A condition in which there is a decrease in the amount and thickness of bone tissue. This causes the bones to become weak and break more easily. Osteoporosis may be caused by older age, hormone changes, taking certain medicines, and not eating enough foods with calcium and vitamin D. It may also be caused by certain types of cancer and cancer treatment. It is most common in white and Asian women.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms