Breast Cancer Canada was proud to see Canadian research presented on the world-stage at ASCO in June. Congratulations to Dr Edward Chow in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and his team for their significant work on Mepitel Film — you’re making headway for the prevention of acute radiation dermatitis in breast cancer. During his session, Dr. Chow shared that Mepitel Film, an adhesive silicone skin dressing, proved to be more much effective than standard care for preventing moderate to severe radiation dermatitis. His study was conducted in patients with breast cancer who had undergone mastectomy or lumpectomy before radiotherapy. Progress is improving radiation treatment for patients.
Mepitel Film, a type of bandage, reduced the risk of skin problems by 80% during and after radiation therapy for breast cancer, according to a study.
Read the abstract of “Mepitel Film for the prevention of acute radiation dermatitis in breast cancer; A randomized multi-centre open-label phase 3 trial.”
Skin side effects of radiation therapy External radiation therapy commonly causes skin changes in the treated area. The reaction is much like a sunburn, with redness and possible itching, burning, soreness, peeling, blistering, or darkening of the skin. These changes usually happen gradually throughout your treatment and typically only in certain areas.
You’re more likely to have significant skin side effects if you had mastectomy or chemotherapy before radiation or if you have:
- fair skin
- larger breasts
- certain health conditions that affect skin healing, such as a connective tissue disorder
Radiation therapy is often an essential component of breast cancer treatment, but the skin side effects can be distressing. Mepitel Film has emerged as a game-changer in managing skin reactions. This silicone-based film bandage-type skin covering is designed to be gentle on fragile and sensitive skin. What sets Mepitel Film apart is its waterproof and conforming nature, making it ideal for shielding the treated area during radiation.
With Mepitel Film, patients can face their radiation treatment with less discomfort and significantly reduced skin-related concerns.

















