Why is it important to take care of your skin during cancer treatment?
Each year, in Europe and the United States, more than 3 million patients undergo radiotherapy.
Breast cancer, which accounts for 1 in 4 new cancer cases among women worldwide, is the most common. More than 800,000 new diagnoses per year are already recorded, with an estimated increase of +7.5% by 2040.
In Europe and the United States alone, nearly 500,000 women diagnosed with breast cancer receive radiotherapy each year.
60 %
This is the percentage of cancer patients who will undergo radiotherapy 1,4,5
95 %
This is the percentage of patients who may develop a skin problem following treatment 1,2,3,6
With significant consequences:
- pain / chronic pain
- significant reduction in quality of life
Up to 30% of patients delay or discontinue their treatment. 8
The effects of radiotherapy on the skin
Radiotherapy can make the skin particularly sensitive in the exposed area. It may then become dry, prone to tightness and redness, sometimes accompanied by itching or slight flaking (peeling skin).
These skin reactions often appear gradually, giving the impression of fragile skin, similar to that which has been exposed to intense sunlight.
How to take care of sensitive skin?
When the skin is exposed to external aggressions or becomes particularly sensitive, prevention remains the best ally to preserve comfort and well-being.
Simple daily gestures can help soothe and protect fragile skin:
– Choose gentle products, free from soap and fragrance, to avoid any irritation.
– Gently pat the skin dry with a towel instead of rubbing.
Appliquer un soin hydratant au moins deux fois par jour, idéalement dans les minutes qui suivent la douche, pour nourrir et renforcer la barrière cutanée, mais jamais moins de 4 heures avant une séance de radiothérapie (l’idéal étant de se laver avant pour éviter toute interaction avec les rayons).
Protect your skin during and after radiotherapy
In 2022, BioSelvans conducted a use study with individuals experiencing fragile skin during radiotherapy. This experience highlighted the ability of its technology to provide comfort, soothing, and improvement of the skin’s condition, even in situations of great sensitivity.
DQ5® can support you during this phase of treatment.
1 Porock D & Kristjanson L. European Journal of Cancer Care 1999;8:143-153
2 Kedge E. Radiography 2009;15:247-257
3 Wells M et al. Radiation skin reactions. In: Faithfull S et al.Supportive care in radiotherapy. London: Elsevier; 2003. p. 135-159
4 Naylor W & Mallett J. European Journal of Oncology Nursing 2001;5(4):221-233
5 López E, Nuñez MI, Guerrero MR, et al. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2002;73(2):127
6 Spalek M. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology 2016;9:473-482
7 Russo G et al. The Oncologist 2008;13:886-898
8 Marta GN et al. Sao Paulo Med J. 2011;129(2):116-117 “In 10% to 30% of [breast cancer patients] cases, radiodermatitis leads to temporary interruption of treatment delivery, which negatively affects our understanding of radiobiology.”