Video: Osteoporosis in men a growing problem

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Osteoporosis usually it affects older women, but now it's becoming a growing problem for men.

Harry Raupp is getting a dexscan to check for osteoporosism a disease that causes bones to break easily, even in men.

"It's 80 percent female, 20 percent male, but recently we've seen an increase in the male population come in for the scan," said Robert Krone, radiology technologist.

The most common reason men get osteoporosis?

"Some men undergoing treatment for prostate cancer are treated with medications that lower the testosterone level and that can put them at risk also for fractures," said Dr. Jose Canales, endocrinologist.

"Now that men are living longer, we're seeing more men with prostate cancer on Lupron. I think we're starting to see more of these men coming through," said Patricia Gallo, P.A., healthy bones program at Kaiser.

A DEXA scan will tell you if you have osteoporosis, but there are no other symptoms.

"I have no pains or anything like that, but I would like to know where I stand," said Raupp.

KING

The DEXA scan takes less than 10 minutes, and it's covered by insurance.

Over time, a diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, supplements and, when required, medicine, can prevent and even reverse osteoporosis.

The DEXA scan takes less than 10 minutes, and it's covered by insurance. Raupp says step up to the plate and protect your bones.

"It's cake! You just do it. It's like nothing," said Raupp.

A bone density scan is recommended for men over age 70, and for younger men who have prostate cancer or who smoke or drink heavily.