Women often get bone density tests to screen for osteoporosis, yet many men don’t even realize they are at risk until they suffer a major fracture, according to a survey commissioned by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center for Men's Health Awareness Month (June).

“It’s a silent disease, and it’s silent until it makes some noise, and how it makes noise is with a fracture,” said Paul Lewis, MD, an interventional radiologist at Ohio State who often treats patients with spinal and pelvic fractures.

The National Spine Health Foundation estimates that 2 million men have osteoporosis, while another 16 million men have low bone mass known as osteopenia.

The survey found that cancer (32%) is the number one concern when it comes to men’s health, followed closely by heart disease (30%). Other top concerns include obesity (18%) and sexual health (8%).

With so many other pressing medical concerns, men often are surprised to learn they have osteoporosis. The disease, which means porous bones, causes a gradual loss of bone density and strength, which puts individuals at higher risk for broken bones, even from minor falls.

A fracture for an older adult can be deadly, which is why prevention is key, Lewis said.

 “If you don't participate in resistance training as early as 30 years old, 40 years old, you can start losing up to 3% of your bone mass per year." However, it is possible to build back bone density with exercise, nutrition and by not smoking or drinking alcohol excessively.

“If we maintain more active lifestyles longer in life, we do anticipate less bone loss,” Lewis said. “We're treating more than just a fracture; we're treating the whole person. They'll be more active and they'll be more independent. They won't be as isolated because of this pain and staying at home or staying in a chair.”