They told how the pain and discomfort from skin reactions had emotional consequences as it made them irritable and impatient. It also impaired sleep as they found it difficult to find a comfortable position. Skin changes were also a
public and visible sign of their illness that altered their body image and might need explaining to others. The study found that skin reactions can have a negative effect on physical, functional and emotional wellbeing. It provides valuable insights into the experiences of women receiving radiotherapy for breast cancer. Further researchis needed to explore the consequences of skin reactions in other treatment sites.