Breast cancer treatments impact skin health and require specialized care

Breast cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy, can cause significant dermatological side effects. These manifestations include dryness, redness, scaling, itching, sensitivity, and pigmentation changes. For patients with higher melanin concentrations, inflammatory processes may trigger lasting changes in skin tone.

Specialists emphasize the importance of integrating dermatological care into the oncology journey to maintain skin integrity and patient self-esteem. Recommended precautions include using gentle, fragrance-free products, applying repairing creams, using sun protection with SPF 50 or higher, and taking quick, lukewarm baths.

The National Cancer Institute (INCA) estimates that Brazil will record approximately 78,610 new cases of female breast cancer annually during the 2026–2028 triennium.