GLENEAGLES Medical Centre, Penang

HOC monthly newsletter September 2006

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
There will be radiotherapy is extremely
a break in
beneficial for patients with
September.
cancer. Radiotherapy together Slide on reducing side effects
Next support
with chemotherapy and surgery, to the mouth
group remains an integral part of cancer
meeting will therapy. In general, radiotherapy The main side effect is skin
be in October kills cancer cells preferentially. changes over the chest wall For
2006. Although normal cells are patients with nasopharyngeal
damaged in the process, they are cancer (cancer of the back of the
able to recover. Radiotherapy is nose), radiation is given over
usually given over many sessions the neck and lower part of the
Prepared by the
(fractions) to achieve a total dose face. This will result in soreness
Haematology of radiation. Dr. Raj highlights of the
– Oncology that the side effects of radiation is mouth, difficulty swallowing,
Centre, GMC usually localized within the area loss of saliva and loss of taste.
Penang where radiotherapy is applied. For This in turn will result in poor
example, radiotherapy for breast diet and weight loss. All
cancer involves the chest wall.. 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
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.
There will be Do protect the treatment area from the sun. Always cover your
a break in treated sk in with light, close-weave clothing before going
September. outdoors. Ask your doctor about using a sunscreen (SPF 15+
Next support Broad Spectrum).
group Do inform your doctor at once about changes in your skin such as
meeting will cracks, blisters, skin peeling, moist skin, rashes, signs of infection
be in October or any changes to your nails .
2006. 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,
Prepared by the cosmetics, talcum powder or other substances on the treatment
Haematology area without the doctor’s approval. Many over-the-counter skin
– Oncology products, such as lotions and petroleum jelly, leave a coating that
Centre, GMC can interfere with radiation therapy.
Penang 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..