La Roche-Posay and ONS Launch Oncology Skin Database

In honor of both today’s World Cancer Day and Black History Month, skin-care brand La Roche-Posay has announced a landmark partnership with the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) to address a long-standing gap in how skin of color is represented in cancer care.

As of today, through a dedicated grant, La Roche-Posay will help fund the creation of the first-ever skin of color skin toxicity photo repository. This first-of-its-kind digital database is specifically designed for oncology nurses, giving them the resources they need to properly identify dermatological issues across all skin tones.

“When we looked at the data, it was a clear call to action for the brand,” says La Roche-Posay general manager Rachelle Mladjenovic. “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.”

Here’s why it matters: While an estimated 80 percent of oncology patients experience adverse skin effects during cancer treatment, only 4.5 percent of medical educational materials feature diverse skin tones. This is the case despite the fact that more than 40 percent of the U.S. population identifies as a person of color.

“The Oncology Nursing Society is committed to excellence in oncology nursing and the transformation of cancer care,” says Jessica Macintyre, Board of Directors President, ONS. “This partnership with La Roche-Posay enables ONS 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 color.”

The result? Nurses will be able to use this information to provide more equitable care and ensure correct identification and treatment of skin concerns, regardless of the patient’s skin tone. “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,” says Macintyre.

Though long overlooked in patient care, this initiative between La Roche-Posay and ONS marks an important step in giving skin of color greater clinical visibility.