Assessment of Pattern of Acute Radiation Dermatitis and its Influencing Factor in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy

Background: Breast cancer remains a significant global health concern and radiation therapy plays a vital role in reducing disease-related mortality and recurrence rates. However, Radiation Dermatitis (RD) is a common adverse effect experienced by breast cancer patients undergoing Radiation Therapy (RT). This study assessed the prevalence of acute radiation dermatitis and its influencing factors in breast cancer patients receiving radiation therapy and observed the response to treatment for acute radiation dermatitis. Materials and Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Radiation Oncology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (DU). A total of 87 patients were recruited for the study, of which 51 patients developed radiation dermatitis. Results: Nearly, 58.6% of the breast cancer patients who received radiation therapy developed radiation dermatitis. The majority of the patients had Grade 3 radiation dermatitis. Radiation dermatitis was completely healed for the majority of patients. Influencing factors like type of clothing, texture of cloth, use of lukewarm water, soft soap, bed sheets, electric razor and avoidance of heating pads/ice packs were improved after counseling and distribution of patient information leaflet. Conclusion: Among various grades of acute radiation dermatitis, majority of the patients (44.82%) had grade 3 radiation dermatitis. The counseling sessions appear to have influenced various factors related to clothing and skincare. Influencing factors like type of clothing, texture of cloth, use of lukewarm water, soft soap, bed sheets, electric razor and avoidance of heating pads/ice packs were improved after providing counseling and distribution of patient information leaflet.