Psychological stress associated with skin marking during radiotherapy on breast cancer patients

This study aimed to further understand the psychological distress associated with skin marking during radiotherapy among patients with breast cancer. The potential benefits of skin mark-free radiotherapy were also explored. The study population included female breast cancer patients scheduled for radiation therapy and skin marking. A 12-item survey was administered, encompassing demographics (age, treatment site and mode, and duration of hospital visits), awareness of skin marking, stress induced by skin marking in various life contexts, and perceived advantages of a skin mark-free alternative. Responses were recorded on a 5-point Likert scale. The survey was completed by 107 patients, of whom 90 (84%) underwent whole breast irradiation, 15 (14%) received breast/chest wall and supraclavicular lymph node irradiation, and 2 (2%) were unspecified. The common sources of stress were from the presence of skin markings (33%), bathing (41%), clothing selection (25%), and skincare (30%), whereas 17 patients (16%) were not stressed by any of those factors. Meanwhile, 73% of patients reported taking precautions to prevent the skin marks from fading. Most patients (63%, n = 76) expressed preference for a skin mark-free radiotherapy option, with many willing to spend extra finances and time for this. A significant proportion of female breast cancer patients experience stress from skin markings in various aspects of their daily lives. A preference for skin mark-free radiotherapy was noted among many patients, that next-generation technologies, such as surface-guided radiotherapy, could alleviate patient stress. The need for permanent or temporary skin markings in the era of state-of-the-art imaging technology should be reconsidered. Cette étude visait à mieux comprendre la détresse psychologique associée au marquage de la peau pendant la radiothérapie chez les patientes atteintes d'un cancer du sein. Les avantages potentiels d'une radiothérapie sans marques cutanées ont également été explorés. La population étudiée comprenait des patientes atteintes d'un cancer du sein qui devaient subir une radiothérapie et un marquage cutané. Une enquête en 12 points a été menée, comprenant des données démographiques (âge, site et mode de traitement, et durée des visites à l'hôpital), la connaissance du marquage cutané, le stress induit par le marquage cutané dans divers contextes de vie, et les avantages perçus d'une alternative sans marquage cutané. Les réponses ont été enregistrées