An audit of radiation-induced mucositis in a tropical cancer centre: the importance of adhering to a mouth care regimen

In order to reduce the incidence and severity of radiation-induced oral mucositis in patients with head and neck cancers, an oral gel product was added to the mouth care regimen in a regional northern Australian facility. An audit of the medical records of 20 patients who underwent radiation therapy was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of this more comprehensive mouth care regimen. All patients in this sample developed oral mucositis by the end of their radiation treatment: 21% had a low grade, 79% progressed to the higher Grade III. All patients who did not adhere with the full mouth care regimen experienced a Grade III oral mucositis; only half of the patients who adhered with the full mouth care regimen experienced the more severe Grade III mucositis. It is imperative that nurses actively support patients to follow the prescribed mouth care regimens to minimise oral complications associated with radiation therapy.