Perceptions of occupational exposure and adherence to safety measures of handling systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) among oncology nurses at the national cancer institute, Sri Lanka.

This article focuses on oncology nurses’ perceptions of occupational exposure and adherence to safety measures when handling Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) at the National Cancer Institute in Sri Lanka. Nurses primarily administer chemotherapy and rely on clinical experience and senior guidance for learning, with common use of surgical gloves and masks but inconsistent adherence to chemotherapy-specific personal protective equipment (PPE). Dermal contact and inhalation are recognized as main exposure routes, with nurses reporting acute adverse effects such as headaches, skin irritation, hair loss, and reproductive issues including miscarriages. Factors influencing exposure and safety adherence include increased patient load, staffing shortages, complex treatment regimens, limited PPE availability, discomfort with PPE, and knowledge gaps, highlighting the need for expanded facilities, advanced training, and ongoing occupational health measures.