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research spotlight

of patients with cancer during chemotherapy benefits of therapy with minimal discomfort.
is in progress.
AWARENESS ON LIFESTYLE-RELATED
ORAL CRYOTHERAPY: PREVENTION CANCER RISK FACTORS AND
FOR ORAL MUCOSITIS AND PAIN HEALTH-PROMOTING BEHAVIOURS
DURING CHEMOTHERAPY? AMONG NURSES
An experimental study was conducted to Nurses as role models for healthy living are
evaluate the effect of oral cryotherapy on often expected to be aware of the cancer
the prevention of oral mucositis and pain risk factors and translate health-promoting
among colorectal cancer patients undergoing behaviours into own self-care. The team
fluorouracil-based chemotherapy. The findings found that the awareness of lifestyle-related
of the study reveal that 30 minutes of oral cancer risk factors among nurses remained
cryotherapy during chemotherapy followed alarmingly low. They adopted a moderate
by sodium bicarbonate mouthwash (3 times health-promoting lifestyle. The highest score
daily) post-chemotherapy until the next was in spiritual growth subscale while the
cycle can improve its efficacy for preventing lowest score was on physical activity subscale.
and managing oral mucositis. This finding This finding has provided a useful insight into
supports the use of oral cryotherapy which the current health behaviours of nurses. It can
is cost-effective and has few side effects be used as an important indicator as to where
as a preventive strategy. Prevention of oral education and supportive services may need
mucositis can help patients adhere to optimal to be targeted.
chemotherapy dosages and reap the full

Specific cancers are represented by one or
more ribbon colours to raise awareness. Some
common examples are as follows:

Lavender: All cancers
Pink: Breast cancer
Purple: Pancreatic cancer
Light blue: Prostate cancer
Grey: Brain cancer
White: Lung cancer
Black: Melanoma
Yellow: Sarcoma, bone cancer
Gold: Childhood cancer
Orange: Leukaemia, kidney cancer
Teal & white: Cervical cancer

Image: Sewcream/Shutterstock.com
*Specific cancer may be represented by more than one ribbon colour. Some ribbon colours may also be shared by different cancers.

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