How many people are get treatments for cancer?

Here is a breakdown of patient populations facing cancer treatments:

1. Approximately 650,000 people per year receive chemotherapy
2. About 1.2 million people per year will receive radiation treatments
3. Estimates that about 300,000 to 500,000 people will receive Immunotherapy
4. 22,000-25,000 people per year will receive stem cell transplants

According to data from the American Cancer Society and other medical sources, approximately 1.2 million people in the United States undergo radiation therapy treatment each year. Here are some more details:

• Radiation therapy is used to treat over half of all cancer patients at some point in their treatment process.
• It is estimated that around 60% of all cancer patients will receive some type of radiation therapy during their course of treatment.
• In 2022, there were around 1.9 million new cancer cases diagnosed in the U.S.
• Applying the 60% statistic, this suggests approximately 1.14 million cancer patients received radiation treatment in 2022.
• Additionally, radiation is sometimes used to treat non-cancerous conditions like arteriovenous malformations, thyroid disorders, etc. These could account for another 50,000-100,000 patients per year.

So while the exact number fluctuates yearly based on new cancer cases, most studies indicate that between 1.1 million to 1.3 million patients in the United States undergo external beam or internal radiation therapy annually.

This sizable patient population experiencing the side effects of radiation, including skin problems, further highlights the market demand for specialized skincare products targeting their specific needs during treatment.

Immunotherapy is a newer type of cancer treatment that has been gaining increased usage in recent years, but comprehensive data on the total number of patients receiving immunotherapy each year in the United States is limited. However, here are some estimates based on available information:

• A study published in JAMA Oncology in 2021 estimated that around 207,000 patients in the U.S. received immunotherapy drugs called immune checkpoint inhibitors in 2019.
• Immune checkpoint inhibitors are just one type of immunotherapy treatment. Other types include monoclonal antibodies, cancer vaccines, and non-specific immunotherapies.
• The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2022, around 90,000 patients in the U.S. were treated with monoclonal antibody immunotherapies.
• For cancer vaccines and other immunotherapies, data is more scarce, but estimates suggest these likely account for tens of thousands more patients annually.
• Overall, expert estimates suggest the total number of U.S. patients receiving some form of immunotherapy treatment in 2022 was likely between 300,000 to 500,000 individuals.
• This is still a smaller number compared to chemotherapy and radiation, but immunotherapy usage is growing by around 15-20% annually as more indications are approved.

The following tips will help decrease skin irritation and breakdown. About 2 to 3 weeks after your first radiation or chemo treatment, you may notice redness and/or irritation  For Radiation it may look like sunburn. For Chemo or radiation your skin may be itchy, dry, red or sore. These changes are an unpleasant but are a common part of your treatment. Most skin reactions will go away a few weeks after treatment is fnished. Before, during and after treatment, there are simple and practical things you can do to keep skin problems under control.

Be extra kind to your skin.

Do not scratch, rub or scrub your skin. For radiation, skin the treatment area will be more sensitive and can be harmed easily. Use Recovery Skin Relief- Radiation & Chemotherapy to help maintain hydrated and healthy skin. Recovery Skin Relief- Radiation & Chemotherapy: • not greasy, fast penetrating and not sticky. Lasts from 4 to 6 hours • helps skin regain & maintain natural suppleness • Is not a steroid • No scent, dye or paraben • used successfully for over 20 years in hospitals & oncology centers • helps relieve itching and burning associated with radiation & chemotherapy treatments (when used consistently through the course of treatment).

Here is a list of things to do!

 Keep your skin clean and dry.  Wash skin with lukewarm (not hot) water and a mild soap, such as Dove®, Neutrogena, or a baby soap. Avoid rubbing with a washcloth or bath sponges. Use the palm of your hand to gently wash the skin in the treatment area.  Using a soft towel, pat dry gently and don't rub your skin.

Avoid extreme hot and cold temperatures in contact with your skin, for example: heating pads, hot water bottles, ice, etc. Avoid direct sun exposure. If you must go outside, wear loose fitting clothing and use a sunscreen preferably with micronized minerals not chemical sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher. For the rest of your life, you must use sunscreen on treated skin. Skin that has received any radiation will be more sensitive and burn easily.