#Japan #Cancer Care #Naha #FANCL #Nagomi time

The Importance of Preventive Skincare in Cancer Treatment

In recent years, the incidence of cancer has increased, with one in two Japanese people expected to be diagnosed at some point in their lives. Alongside advancements in cancer treatments such as radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery, there has been significant progress in improving outpatient care environments. This has led to higher five-year survival rates for cancer patients, many of whom continue to work while undergoing treatment. However, the side effects associated with these therapies can lead to visible changes in appearance—such as hair loss and skin or nail issues—that adversely affect patients' quality of life (QOL).

In response to this need, FANCL Corporation has partnered with Naha West Clinic in Okinawa, which has established a system to support appearance care for cancer patients. This initiative includes information dissemination and consultation about appearance-related changes for both patients and their families. Starting on November 4, 2025, the clinic will implement a support system for appearance care, bolstered by FANCL’s resources, including a comprehensive online platform titled "Nagomi time" that provides information on appearance changes and care methods during cancer treatment.

As a part of this partnership, a research study was designed to assess whether preventive skincare guidance before the onset of chemotherapy can reduce the incidence of skin disorders and improve the QOL of patients starting their treatments, specifically focusing on 50 breast cancer patients at Naha West Clinic.

The Research Objectives

The primary aim of this research is to evaluate the effectiveness of preventive skincare interventions on reducing skin damage and enhancing QOL for patients undergoing chemotherapy. The study will focus on:

• - Primary Evaluation Items:

- Frequency and severity of skin disorders
- Impact on quality of life as measured by the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and EORTC-QLQ-C30 (Japanese version)

• - Secondary Evaluation Items:

- Photographic documentation of skin condition during treatment (including images of the face and nails)

The study will be conducted after obtaining approval from the ethics committee, and it is expected to span from mid-February 2026 to December 30, 2026.

Study Methodology

Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. The Appearance Care (AC) group will receive preventive skincare instructions before starting their chemotherapy regimen. Conversely, the Standard Care (SC) group will follow their regular skincare routine without the preventive guidance prior to commencing chemotherapy. After completing two courses of chemotherapy, the groups will crossover, allowing each group to receive both types of care.

FANCL’s contribution will focus purely on providing materials for the study, and the company will not engage in any direct medical activities or analysis.

Supporting Cancer Patients

Through this research, FANCL aims to establish the significance of appearance care in easing the distress caused by changes in appearance among cancer patients. By addressing the impact of chemotherapy on skin health, the study seeks to affirm the value of preventive skincare guidance in improving the overall treatment experience and outcomes for patients. The effort underscores a commitment to creating a supportive healthcare environment that prioritizes the needs and well-being of those battling cancer.

As the landscape of cancer treatment evolves, it is vital that supportive measures, such as appearance care, are integrated into patient care frameworks to enhance both physical and emotional well-being.

References:
1. Misaki Watanabe and Akiko Yoshida: Nursing Care for Adult Female Cancer Patients: An Approach to Changes in Feelings about Appearance, Kochi Gakuen University Journal, 2024, Vol. 54, P.91
2. Keiko Nozawa: Required Appearance Support in Medical Settings, Cancer Nursing, 2015, Vol. 19, Issue 5, P.489
3. National Cancer Center: What is Appearance Care? https://www.ncc.go.jp/jp/ncch/division/appearance/010/index.html