Normal bone is dense, somewhat like a new sponge or honeycomb.
Osteoporosis is a major public health threat for 25 million Americans. In fact, a woman's risk of hip fracture alone is equal to the combined risk of developing breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer. Osteoporosis occurs when the amount of bone loss is greater than the amount of bone that's formed. Throughout life, bone is continually renewed. During youth, bone renewal and growth is usually greater than bone loss.