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GLENEAGLES Medical Centre, Penang HOC monthly newsletter

There will be a break in September. Next support group meeting will be in October 2006.

Prepared by the

Haematology – Oncology Centre, GMC Penang

17th August 2006. Dr. Aloysius Raj, Clinical Oncologist/ Radiotherapist, gave a detail talk on side effects of radiotherapy. Although there are side effects, it is important to understand that radiotherapy is extremely beneficial for patients with cancer. Radiotherapy together with chemotherapy and surgery, remains an integral part of cancer therapy. In general, radiotherapy kills cancer cells preferentially. Although normal cells are damaged in the process, they are able to recover. Radiotherapy is usually given over many sessions (fractions) to achieve a total dose of radiation. Dr. Raj highlights that the side effects of radiation is usually localized within the area where radiotherapy is applied. For example, radiotherapy for breast cancer involves the chest wall..

September 2006

Slide on reducing side effects to the mouth The main side effect is skin changes over the chest wall For patients with nasopharyngeal cancer (cancer of the back of the nose), radiation is given over the neck and lower part of the face. This will result in soreness of the mouth, difficulty swallowing, loss of saliva and loss of taste. This in turn will result in poor diet and weight loss. All patients will recover from this over weeks to months. In the

MOS 2006 in Penang 1-3, Sept 2006. The Malaysian Oncological Society (MOS) Annual Scientific Meeting was held for the first time in Penang at the Bayview Beach Hotel. All the oncologists in Penang, under the direction of Dato Dr Zaatar, organized the meeting. The event was officiated by the Honourable Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek. At least 7

foreign speakers gave interesting lectures on cancer and cancer related topics. More than 15 of our nursing staff attended the meeting.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, there will be no support group meeting in September. The next meeting will be in October 2006.

GLENEAGLES Medical Centre, Penang HOC monthly newsletter

Back Page, September 2006

SKIN CARE DURING RADIOTHERAPY This is extracted from the NCCS booklet on radiotherapy. It can be downloaded from the NCCS website or ask us for a copy. There is also a Mandarin version.

DO’s There will be a break in September. Next support group meeting will be in October 2006.

Prepared by the

Haematology – Oncology Centre, GMC Penang

Do wear clothing of soft material. Some of the dye markings may rub off on your clothes. It’s best to wear loose soft garments. Do protect the treatment area from the sun. Always cover your treated sk in with light, close-weave clothing before going outdoors. Ask your doctor about using a sunscreen (SPF 15+ Broad Spectrum). Do inform your doctor at once about changes in your skin such as cracks, blisters, skin peeling, moist skin, rashes, signs of infection or any changes to your nails .

DON’TS Don’t rub, scrub or scratch treated skin or any sensitive spots. Do not scrub off the treatment markings on your skin after your treatment. Let them wear off gradually. Don’t use any soaps, creams, deodorants, medicines, perfumes, cosmetics, talcum powder or other substances on the treatment area without the doctor’s approval. Many over-the-counter skin products, such as lotions and petroleum jelly, leave a coating that can interfere with radiation therapy. Don’t put very hot or cold items such as a hot water bottle or ice pack on the treatment area. Bathing or showering with hot water can also injure your sensitive skin. Use only lukewarm water. Don’t use a razor on the treatment area. If you must shave, use an ele ctric shaver but first check with your doctor or nurse.

Radiotherapy affects the skin just like sunburn. It occurs gradually and insidious. When radiation starts, the above precautions should be adhered to. There is always darkening of the skin (picture) that will recover over months just like sunburn. This patient looked after his skin well and has no skin problems except for pigmentation and dryness. Radiotherapy was given to the area behind the nose and neck for nasopharyngeal cancer (cancer of the back of the nose) THE HUMAN SIDE Facing Cancer by Dr Leong Kin Wah Full Color, 24 true stories. 186 pages. Price RM 30. Available in GMC Penang. 50% discount for Dr Leong’s patients..