INTRODUCTION
In Nordic European countries, the annual incidence of new cancer cases between 2018 and 2022 was 642.4 per 100,000 in males and 520.3 per 100,000 in females, with a lifetime risk of developing cancer before age 75 estimated at 32.0% for males and 28.6% for females.1 In 2022, the four most commonly diagnosed cancers in Europe were breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate, accounting for almost half of all cancer diagnoses.2 While cancer incidence continues to rise, advancements in cancer treatment have significantly improved survival rates. Age-standardized death rates in Nordic European countries have declined over the past decade, decreasing annually by 1.9% for males and 1.4% for females.1 However, as cancer care evolves, so does the challenge of managing treatment-related toxicities.
Hormonal therapies used in the treatment of breast and prostate cancer patients have been associated with numerous skin toxicities.3-8 Although healthcare providers (HCPs) may consider cutaneous adverse effects (cAEs) of hormonal cancer therapy an inevitable occurrence that does not need to be addressed, these side effects can significantly reduce quality of life (QoL) and may be burdensome enough for some patients to discontinue their cancer treatment or forego them altogether.3,9
Skincare remains an underrecognized and underused modality for mitigating these adverse events. Although cAEs are a common consequence of cancer treatment, most guidelines do not include skincare measures, highlighting the gap in skincare recommendations in the literature. The aim of this algorithm is to improve patient comfort during/after cancer treatment, to reduce the incidence and severity of hormonal therapy-related cutaneous adverse events, and to promote healing of affected skin areas by using prescription medication and skincare.
Project Update
The Nordic European Cutaneous Oncodermatology Management (NECOM) project aims to improve cancer patients' and survivors' QoL by offering tools to support HCPs treating oncology patients in preventing and managing cAEs. This includes a broad range of
Hormonal therapies used in the treatment of breast and prostate cancer patients have been associated with numerous skin toxicities.3-8 Although healthcare providers (HCPs) may consider cutaneous adverse effects (cAEs) of hormonal cancer therapy an inevitable occurrence that does not need to be addressed, these side effects can significantly reduce quality of life (QoL) and may be burdensome enough for some patients to discontinue their cancer treatment or forego them altogether.3,9
Skincare remains an underrecognized and underused modality for mitigating these adverse events. Although cAEs are a common consequence of cancer treatment, most guidelines do not include skincare measures, highlighting the gap in skincare recommendations in the literature. The aim of this algorithm is to improve patient comfort during/after cancer treatment, to reduce the incidence and severity of hormonal therapy-related cutaneous adverse events, and to promote healing of affected skin areas by using prescription medication and skincare.
Project Update
The Nordic European Cutaneous Oncodermatology Management (NECOM) project aims to improve cancer patients' and survivors' QoL by offering tools to support HCPs treating oncology patients in preventing and managing cAEs. This includes a broad range of
