🎗️ As Pink October celebrates its 31st anniversary in 2024, we at KER SUN are keen to raise the subject of breast cancer, which affects so many people every year. We want to highlight the skin problems encountered by patients during treatment, particularly when exposed to the sun.
Breast cancer is now the most common cancer in France and the leading cause of cancer-related death in women. According to a study available on the Santé publique France website, in 2023, almost 61,000 new cases will have been diagnosed in France.
According to the French National Cancer Institute, there are 3 main risk factors for developing breast cancer:
- Age: almost 80% of breast cancers develop after the age of 50.
- Lifestyle: certain behaviours are thought to encourage the development of cancer. Limiting alcohol and tobacco consumption, getting regular exercise, watching your weight and adopting a balanced diet could all reduce the risk of women developing cancer, including breast cancer.
- Personal and family history: certain illnesses (in particular other types of cancer) are thought to favour the development of breast cancer, as is having had breast or ovarian cancer in the family.
Even if there are no risk factors, it is advisable to undergo screening at least once a year, and to work with your GP, gynaecologist or midwife to determine the most appropriate course of medical treatment for you. Remember that the earlier breast cancer is detected, the better it is treated and cured.
Breast cancer treatments and photosensitivity
When it comes to breast cancer treatments, it's important to consider an aspect that is often overlooked: photosensitivity, which is an excessive reaction of the skin to sunlight linked to certain treatments.
People with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy or hormone treatments may find that their skin becomes more sensitive to UV rays, which can sometimes lead to painful or even serious side effects.
Photosensitivity linked to chemotherapy and hormone treatments
Certain chemotherapies and targeted therapies can cause skin disorders (dryness, rashes, redness, etc.). The fragile skin of people undergoing these treatments is therefore more prone to sunburn-type reactions when exposed to UV rays.
Other molecules used in the treatment of hormone-dependent breast cancer are also associated with increased sensitivity to UV rays, exposing patients to a higher risk of skin lesions.
As Cancer Solidarité Vie points out, patients are strongly advised to avoid exposure to the sun for the duration of their treatment and for several days after stopping it.
The cutaneous effects of radiotherapy
According to the French National Cancer Institute, radiotherapy sometimes causes skin erythema (redness similar to sunburn) and hyperpigmentation of the irradiated area. These reactions are more frequent with radiation to the breasts, head and neck.
Exposure to the sun can exacerbate these effects, leading in some cases to severe burns and the risk of skin fibrosis. In order to limit the appearance of erythema or reduce its intensity, it is recommended that the treated area should not be exposed to the sun for the duration of the treatment or for a year afterwards.
UV clothing, a shield for fragile skin
As we all know, the sun has the power to improve our mood. So during breast cancer treatment, spending a little time outdoors every day can be good for your mood. But to be on the safe side, you need effective UV protection for your skin, whatever the season.
For this, UPF 50+ certified UV clothing is a good solution:
- Firstly, because they block a very high percentage of ultraviolet rays, preventing your skin from becoming even more sensitive and painful.
- Secondly, because sun protection garments are designed to be comfortable to wear in hot weather, and generally come in loose-fitting cuts that don't stick to the skin and cause less rubbing. What's more, they are often gentle on the skin, especially those made from cotton.
- And last but not least, because UV clothing provides good coverage. Our one-piece UV swimwear, for example, protects a large area of skin, including the chest area.
UV clothing and accessories, as well as SPF 50+ sun cream, also help to protect the scars of surgical patients. According to Cancer Solidarité Vie's advice, during the first few months after the operation, the scar should not be exposed to the sun, both to avoid lasting effects (thickening, hyperpigmentation, etc.) and to avoid increasing the risk of developing skin cancer. Even when the scar becomes white, it remains more prone to sunburn than the rest of the skin.
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Some of our customers affected by breast cancer regularly wear our UV garments to protect their skin, which has been weakened by treatment, for all kinds of activities: walking, swimming, sporting activities, etc.
Read Louise's story below:
I'm writing to tell you how pleased I am with the KER SUN products and the way they've listened to me. After a mastectomy and chemotherapy, I was able to go to the seaside during the summer without fear, thanks to the UV clothing, and I was even able to go swimming.
Don't hesitate to contact our team, by phone or e-mail, and we'll be delighted to give you personalized advice on how to protect your skin effectively from the sun. In all cases, we would urge you to follow the recommendations of the medical team accompanying you.
Sources :
- Santé publique France : https://www.santepubliquefrance.fr/maladies-et-traumatismes/cancers/cancer-du-sein
- Cancer Solidarité Vie : https://www.cancersolidaritevie.fr/fr/effets-secondaires/se-proteger-du-soleil-pendant-et-apres-les-traitements-pourquoi_-r.html
- French National Cancer Institute : https://www.e-cancer.fr/Patients-et-proches/Se-faire-soigner/Traitements/Radiotherapie/Effets-secondaires/Peau
- The Paris Breast Institute : https://www.idsein.fr/blog/pourquoi-eviter-le-soleil-apres-une-radiotherapie/
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