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WOUND CARE
the essence of collaborative teamwork (Buchsel & Yarbro, 2005). The multidisciplinary team
includes radiation oncologists, physicists, dosimetrists, radiation therapists, radiation oncology
nurses and supportive staff. This research study is at the juncture between nursing and radiation
therapy professionals, in the aspect of wound care during radiotherapy.
In 2013, an estimated 187,600 new cases of cancer, as well as an estimated 81,700 new
cases of non-melanoma skin cancers (basal and squamous), are expected to be diagnosed in
Canada; increases in the number of new cancer cases are mainly due to a growing aging
population (Canadian Cancer Society, 2013). Complex cancer treatment decisions are based on
the pathology, the patient’s preference and the latest evidence based guidelines. Depending upon
the type and stage of disease, treatments may be used in a number of different ways. The stage
and the extent of disease at initial presentation, is the largest determinant of outcomes in cancer
and is a major determinant of the choice of treatments. Treatment is often multi-modal so that
individual patients may be recommended to consider surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. In
some cases, there may be different treatments of approximate equal efficacy. Patient choice will
therefore play a larger role in determining the pattern of treatments received. Treatment may be
offered with the curative intent, or at least a significant prolongation of life, or may be offered in
a palliative way to alleviate symptoms, when the chance of cure is rare (British Columbia
Regional Cancer Report, 2011). Treatment may also be prophylactic to treat high risk areas to
prevent the progression of cancer and palliative radiation treatments are given to manage
symptoms associated with malignant disease (Halperin, Perez, & Brady, 2008). Approximately
60% of patients with cancer receive radiation therapy at some point during their cancer trajectory
(Newton, Hickey, & Marrs, 2009).
