La Roche-Posay has partnered with the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) to help close the “representation gap” in cancer care for diverse skin tones.
The L’Oréal-owned skin care brand’s grant will enable the ONS to build the Skin of Color Skin Toxicity Photo Repository – a digital database specifically designed for oncology nurses to help identify and manage dermatological toxicities across all skin tones.
It will serve as a “comprehensive, evidence-based educational resource” integrated into ONS platforms to “provide more equitable care”, ensuring that skin toxicities are correctly identified and treated regardless of the patient's skin tone.
The Photo Repository focuses on how cancer treatment-related side effects, such as radiation dermatitis, targeted therapy rashes and hand-foot syndrome, manifest on diverse skin tones.
This will help address a “critical” disparity in cancer care, said both organisations in a joint statement.
While approximately 80% of oncology patients experience skin toxicity side effects due to treatment, only 4.5% of medical educational materials feature diverse skin tones.
This is despite the fact that more than 40% of the US population identifies as people of colour or non-white.
"By partnering with the ONS to build this repository, we are providing a functional, clinical solution tailored to the nursing workflow to ensure nurses have the resources to provide proper care for all patients with all skin types and tones," said Rachelle Mladjenovic, General Manager, La Roche-Posay, USA.
"When we looked at the data, it was a clear call to action for the brand.
“Only a small fraction of medical materials had shown what these side effects look like on darker skin tones.
“And now with the integration of the Skin of Color Skin Toxicity Photo Repository within the ONS platform, we are proud to provide the best level of care for all cancer patients across all skin tones."
Jessica Macintyre, Board of Directors President, ONS, said the partnership with La Roche-Posay will enable it to address “a significant educational gap by equipping clinicians with the largest, first-of-its-kind library” focused on treatment-released skin toxicities, including those affecting skin of colour.
Macintyre added: “Strengthening early identification and intervention through this resource is essential to improving patient outcomes and ensuring every person impacted by cancer receives the highest standard of care.
“This announcement, strategically timed between World Cancer Day and Black History Month, underscores La Roche-Posay's commitment to authentic, purpose-driven action by leaning into its core scientific mission to improve skin health equity for all."