INTRODUCTION
In 2024, an estimated >200,000 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in Nordic Europeans. Apart from non-melanoma skin cancer, the 4 most commonly diagnosed cancers are prostate, breast, lung, and colorectal cancer, accounting for about half of all cancer diagnoses.1-3
Although cancer incidences seemingly continue to rise, ongoing advancements in cancer therapy have simultaneously contributed to improved survival. Nordic survival studies from the past decades have shown clear trends of improved 1- and 5-year survival across different cancer types. Between 2018 and 2022, the relative 5-year cancer survival percentage of males and females in the Nordic countries was between 70 to 78% and 73 to 76%, respectively.1 In anticipation of longer life spans with earlier diagnosis and improved treatment approaches, more patients will come upon a cancer diagnosis and treatment in their lifetime. Thus, as more Nordic Europeans are living with or surviving cancer, more patients will be affected by adverse events (AEs) or sequelae to their cancer and treatment. Prevention, identification, and management of adverse events are important for patient quality of life (QoL) during and after cancer treatment, as some treatments may present substantial adverse events that negatively affect the patient’s daily activities and adherence to treatment regimens.4-5
Cutaneous adverse events (cAEs) are a common but rather overlooked negative effect of several cancer therapies that need addressing. The negative impact of cAEs has been reported to be substantial and, in up to 67% of patients, worse than anticipated or even unanticipated altogether. Both treatment adherence and satisfaction may be negatively affected by cAEs due to substantial impact on the patient's appearance, physical or emotional well-being, and body image.4-5 Targeted cancer therapy comprises a palette of novel, effective treatment approaches, and a concise update on the specific cutaneous side effects described in the literature has been lacking.6-9
