World Cancer Research Day: alumna examines how radiotherapy affects patients of different skin tones

Published: 24 September 2024

Tuesday 24 September is World Cancer Research Day. Recent Radiotherapy and Oncology graduate, Alfa Marks, was awarded a prize by the Society and College of Radiographers for her dissertation looking into why those with darker skin are more likely to have a severe skin reaction to radiotherapy by comparison with those with lighter skin. We spoke to Alfa about her research project, the importance of cancer research more generally and her reflections on studying at St George’s.

On her dissertation topic, Alfa says, “The idea behind my own research began when reading in a patient leaflet that people with darker skin were likely to have a more severe skin reaction to radiotherapy than their white counterparts. I wanted to know why this was so I undertook a review of the existing literature before distributing a questionnaire to all UK radiotherapy departments to gain a deeper understanding of the issue.

“Despite the documented evidence, only 59% of responding departments were aware that people of colour had an increased risk of severe radiation induced skin reaction (RISR) and just one department responded that their skincare protocol was reflective of this fact. 81 % of responding departments stated that staff were trained to identify RISR but just 23% said that this training covered the way in which RISR presents differently on black and brown compared to white skin.

“The fact that this research project was awarded best therapeutic pre-registration student dissertation by the Society of Radiographers gives me hope that there is genuine interest in addressing the issue despite it being just one small aspect of health inequity which persists within our healthcare system today.”

Addressing the importance of cancer research more generally Alfa adds, “Cancer research is imperative to improving outcomes for patients. Research highlights inequities within the cancer landscape without which problems cannot be addressed. For example, data collated by Cancer Research UK in 2020 showed that there are 20,000 more cancer diagnoses annually within deprived areas of the UK compared to those living in more affluent areas, particularly cancer types associated with smoking and obesity. This research evidences the need for public health spending directed at smoking cessation services and education/access to healthy eating habits accessible to those in the most deprived parts of the UK.

“Research in cancer biology can give insight into the processes by which different chemical, physical and biological influences can have a carcinogenic impact on our cells. Identifying and understanding these risk factors allows for implementation of safety standards to reduce exposure to toxins and can direct public education on best behaviours and lifestyle habits to empower people to take control of their own health. For example, it was only through research that the correlation between smoking and cancer was discovered, knowledge which in turn empowers people to make informed choices.

“Marking World Cancer Research Day is important because research will always be the pathway towards improvement for the one in two of us that will become cancer patients in our lifetime.”

Reflecting on her experience studying at St George’s, Class of 2024 alumna, Alfa says, “St George's provided a very nurturing environment to study, I started the course with a 10-month-old baby, and I finished with a three-year-old and a two-month-old baby! My lecturers were so supportive of my situation, and I was given the support I needed to graduate within the standard three-year timeframe. For example, having a young family, I was given the choice to underake my clinical placement closer to home.

“I also enjoyed that our campus was within the hospital where you are fully immersed in the healthcare setting even during academic sections of the course. I was also attracted to the clinical placement sites associated with the course at St Georges and feel lucky to have undertaken the clinical aspect of my course at the Royal Marsden who are world leaders in cancer research.”