Structural racism in radiation induced skin reaction toxicity scoring

Abstract

Racially motivated biases are often implicit and can go unnoticed, especially if your normal is white and adjustments are required to cater for ‘others.’ Current consent forms and grading tools within radiotherapy are not inclusive of all skin tones. This commentary highlights gaps in care within radiation induced skin reactions (RISR) assessment for people of colour. Healthcare professionals and patients are directed to look for visual cues such as redness for RISR, but this is not always visible on people with pigmented skin. Their skin may go darker than their normal or changes across the colour spectrum. The lack of understanding of these fundamental differences are leading to people of colour being oppressed through structural racism and racialised myths. Using inclusive terminology will allow for moving away from the current view of healthcare that white skin is the norm. People of colour deserve more than are currently offered in RISR toxicity assessment.