Only 1 in 3 cancer patients protect their skin from the sun every day of the year

Although 63% of cancer patients are aware of the importance of protecting their skin from the sun throughout the year, only 1 in 3 use protection every day of the week. This is one of the main conclusions of the 'Merck Survey: Cancer, Sun and Skin Care', promoted by the science and technology company Merck, whose results are released to coincide with World Skin Care Day.

Certain cancer therapies can cause the skin to become drier, more fragile, reactive and sensitive. For this reason, experts stress the need to use extra protection both during and after treatment and regardless of the time of year. The most common changes include redness, rashes, dryness, flaking and itching, and even changes in skin color.

As Dr. Patricia Ramírez, oncologist at the Puerta del Mar University Hospital in Cádiz, explains, "these side effects are relatively frequent and can affect 60% of patients. Therefore, patients undergoing oncological treatment should take extreme precautions, take proper daily care of their skin and be especially cautious with sun exposure. It is essential that when we first assess a patient who is about to start treatment, we explain in detail the impact that sun exposure can have".

The 'Merck Survey: Cancer, Sun and Skin Care' shows that 8 out of 10 patients consider that protecting their skin from the sun is very important, but half of them do not use sun protection on a daily basis, the average being 3 days a week. Added to this is the fact that cancer patients tend to abandon the sun protection habits acquired 5 years after the end of their treatment, but it is important to bear in mind that their skin will never be the same and to stress the need to continue protecting it from the sun to prevent irreversible negative effects.

"With Merck’s Survey we want to raise awareness among people with cancer, and in society, about the importance of skin care in the sun. We know that, during and after cancer treatment, the skin becomes more sensitive and reactive to sun exposure. As part of our commitment to the well-being of these patients, beyond the development of innovative therapies, we are concerned about minimizing the impact that the disease has on their lives, always hand in hand with the healthcare professionals who treat and care for them during the process," points Marisa García-Vaquero, Director of Market Access & Corporate Affairs at Merck in Spain.

It is worth noting that, although 7 out of 10 people with cancer were informed by their oncologist about the effects that the treatment would have on their skin, 54% are unaware of the consequences. Of those who say they know about them, they point to dryness, spots, and burns as the main effects. On the other hand, the oncologist was the main source of information for 69% of patients and the dermatologist and nurse for 37% of them. The main advice they received was to avoid the hours with the highest incidence of sunlight, limit exposure time and use sunscreen.

False beliefs: "In winter there is no need to protect yourself from the sun"

The survey, carried out on 1,323 people between 30 and 75 years of age, shows that cancer patients and the Spanish population in general have a broad knowledge of sun protection and only a small percentage have some "false beliefs", the most widespread being that sun protection is not necessary in winter: 22% of patients believe this, compared to 17% of the general population.

On the other hand, 19% of oncology patients (15% of Spaniards) believe that if they use high SPF sunscreens, they will not get a tan; 17% say that on cloudy days they cannot get sunburnt (14% of Spanish respondents) and 16% believe that if they apply sunscreen in the morning they are protected throughout the day (13% of Spaniards). By sex, the report shows that men believe slightly more in these false myths than women.

In words of Ms. Begoña Barragán, president of the Spanish Cancer Patients Group (GEPAC), "although society has achieved greater information on skin protection habits, there is still a long way to go. In the case of people with cancer, many of those who have undergone surgery think that they are already cured, and, on occasion, they neglect check-ups and stop considering themselves patients. For this reason, this type of initiative is so important because it raises awareness of what it means to live with the disease and demonstrates that information is the best tool for maintaining a better quality of life".

In the 'Guide for Skin Protection and Care against the Sun', promoted by Merck, with the endorsement of the Andalusian Cancer Society (SAC) and the Spanish Cancer Patients Group (GEPAC) and under the supervision of Dr. Patricia Ramírez Daffós, you can find advice and more information on skin care for cancer patients.