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IOF World Congress on Osteoporosis to be held for first time in Asia

Second announcement now available online

For the first time, the IOF World Congress on Osteoporosis (IOF WCO) will be held in Asia. The congress will be held in Bangkok, Thailand, from December 3-7, 2008.

The 2nd Announcement for the IOF WCO was released today, and is available at http://www.iofbonehealth.org/wco/2008.html

As the leading global congress covering all aspects of osteoporosis and related bone diseases, the IOF World Congress on Osteoporosis offers clinicians and scientists from around the world an overview of the most recent developments and cutting edge research in the pathophysiology, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of osteoporosis as well as policy-related issues such as health economics.

"We decided to hold this important event in Asia partly because of the enormous projected growth in osteoporosis in the region," noted IOF Chief Executive Officer Daniel Navid, who pointed out that in 2050 one out of every two osteoporotic fractures will occur in Asia. "Asia also has a large number of committed health care professionals who want to meet with their colleagues from around the world to learn the latest in diagnostics and treatment."

Congress highlights

Research scientists, practitioners and other clinical health professionals can benefit from the numerous Meet the Expert Sessions as well as twelve plenary lectures by global experts, special nutrition session, Asian Osteoporosis Audit, oral presentation of selected abstracts, poster sessions and nine satellite symposia which complete the thought-provoking program.

"We have expanded the opportunities for specialist physicians, particularly in the fields of orthopaedics and gynaecology, to meet global experts to discuss specific clinical challenges and learn how best practice is applied in different regions of the world," said Professor Cyrus Cooper, chairman, IOF Committee of Scientific Advisors and chairman, IOF World Congress on Osteoporosis 2008 Scientific Committee.

Important dates

Register before May 22, 2008 to benefit from reduced registration fees. Abstracts – on-line submission opens April 1, 2008, deadline June 2, 2008.

Who should attend

Rheumatologists, gynaecologists, endocrinologists, internal medicine specialists, orthopaedic surgeons, radiologists, nurses, rehabilitation professionals, public health personnel, epidemiologists, pharmacists, pharmaceutical industry representatives and media professionals.

Osteoporosis, in which the bones become porous and break easily, is one of the world's most common and debilitating diseases. The result: pain, loss of movement, inability to perform daily chores, and in many cases, death. One out of three women over 50 will experience osteoporotic fractures, as will one out of five men1, 2, 3. Unfortunately, screening for people at risk is far from being a standard practice. Osteoporosis can, to a certain extent, be prevented, it can be easily diagnosed and effective treatments are available.

The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) is the only worldwide organization dedicated to the fight against osteoporosis. It brings together scientists, physicians, patient societies and corporate partners. Working with its 175 member societies in 86 locations, and other healthcare-related organizations around the world, IOF encourages awareness and prevention, early detection and improved treatment of osteoporosis.

Melton U, Chrischilles EA, Cooper C et al. How many women have osteoporosis? Journal of Bone Mineral Research, 1992; 7:1005-10 Kanis JA et al. Long-term risk of osteoporotic fracture in Malmo. Osteoporosis International, 2000; 11:669-674 Melton LJ, et al. Bone density and fracture risk in men. JBMR. 1998; 13:No 12:1915

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