Addressing dermatologic toxicities in gynecologic cancer: development and evaluation of a patient education pamphlet

Cancer patients commonly experience distressing dermatologic changes as a result of their cancer therapy. Patient education on managing these side effects remains limited and inadequately represents diverse skin tones, especially in gynecologic cancer. We aimed to create an educational pamphlet to inform gynecologic cancer patients across skin tones about potential dermatologic changes during cancer therapy.

To develop and pilot an inclusive educational pamphlet to improve dermatologic toxicity knowledge in gynecologic cancer patients.

An educational pamphlet about dermatologic changes during cancer therapy was designed using representative images and information appropriate for skin of color and non-skin of color patients. Feedback and pre/post knowledge surveys were distributed to patients with a diagnosis of gynecologic cancer via the ResearchMatch platform and via MyChart and in-person at the Smilow Cancer Hospital infusion center.

Forty-six individuals participated in this study. Among respondents, most identified as female (96%) and were predominantly White (63%) or Black (21.7%). Mean age was 67.3 (range 40-83). All participants had attained at least a high-school education. Our educational intervention led to a significant increase in knowledge regarding potential skin, hair, and nail changes from cancer treatments: participants reported a subjective increase in knowledge (P < .001) and improved accuracy on 3 out of 4 related quiz questions (P < .001). Additionally, most respondents agreed, somewhat agreed, or strongly agreed that the pamphlet was easy to understand (96.7%).

Small sample size, single-center recruitment, and limited racial and ethnic diversity, which restricted subgroup analyses.

This pilot study highlights the effectiveness of an educational pamphlet tailored to dermatologic changes during gynecologic cancer therapy, emphasizing inclusivity across skin tones. Future research should evaluate its long-term impact on patient outcomes and expand its application to broader cancer populations.