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Are improvements needed in the management of severe acute skin reactions following completion of breast radiotherapy? A discussion of some possible service options

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 March 2009

J. Cumming  and
D. Routsis
J. Cumming*
Affiliation:
Pre-treatment Radiographer, Department of Oncology, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge University NHS Trust, Hills Road, Cambridge, UK
D. Routsis
Affiliation:
Research Radiographer, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge University NHS Trust, Hills Road, Cambridge, UK
*
Correspondence to: J. Cumming, Box 193, Department of Oncology, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge University NHS Trust, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK. E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Radiotherapy is a critical component for many patients undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Most patients develop some degree of acute radiation skin reaction as a result of the treatment. Acute skin reactions range from faint erythema to moist desquamation and often peak within 1 month after completion of treatment.

The emphasis of radiotherapy skincare advice is often during treatment with less attention paid to post-radiotherapy skincare. This article highlights this gap in service provision at one radiotherapy centre and demonstrates the difficulties encountered when there is an inadequate support system. Possible options are discussed for the management of skin reactions after radiotherapy and the potential implications of adopting these strategies. The pragmatic solution introduced to Addenbrookes’ Hospital was to amend patient information providing a supplementary section for health-care professionals overseeing patient care after completion of treatment. This has gone some way to addressing this issue but still has limitations.

Provision of timely and consistent skincare advice and support is vital to provide high-quality patient care. This article emphasises the importance of standardisation of radiotherapy skincare and providing an effective support network for patients after completion of radiotherapy.

Keywords

Acute skin reactionsskincarebreast cancerradiotherapy
Type
Original Article
Information
Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice , Volume 8 , Issue 1 , March 2009 , pp. 11 - 16
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2009

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