Staying Safe in the Summer Sun: 5 Tips for Cancer 病人

When the days are beautiful and the sun is out, it’s incredibly tempting to spend a good deal of time outside. That’s especially true in a beautiful location like ours. The heat of summer, however, may bring special challenges for cancer patients. 那些接受 癌症治疗 will want to take a few precautions to stay safe and healthy.

阅读更多: 成为癌症幸存者

How Summer Weather Can Affect Cancer 病人

The intense summer sun can be difficult for anyone to handle at times, but it’s especially challenging for cancer patients and survivors. 在低地地区, we’re faced with a combination of high temperatures and excessively high humidity.

“Both cancer and its treatments can affect how your body handles heat and sun exposure,” says Dr. 迈克尔Porrazzo, board-certified radiation oncologist at 澳门永利在线赌场移动官网 New River Cancer Center 在Okatie. “Even if you typically spent hours of every day out in the sun before your cancer diagnosis, 你现在要小心了.”

With some basic precautions, you can still get out and enjoy your summer! There’s no need to hide indoors unless you simply want to bask in the air-conditioned glory.

阅读更多: Others With Cancer Provide Help and Healing

5 Tips for Safely Enjoying the Summer

Looking ahead to the hot days of summer? These tips for cancer patients are a good place to start.

1. 注意液体摄入量. Cancer treatments as well as treatment side effects, including diarrhea and vomiting, can increase the risk of dehydration. Staying hydrated is especially important as the days heat up. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Sip water continuously throughout the day, especially when spending time outdoors, and talk with your care team about whether an electrolyte-replenishing drink could be helpful.
2. 保护你的皮肤不被太阳晒伤. You probably know that sun exposure can increase your long-term risk of skin cancer. 在任何时候都是这样, but the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can be especially potent when you’re going through 癌症治疗. Some types of chemotherapy and other medications can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Before going outdoors, dress appropriately. Wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and long pants and a broad-brimmed hat. Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 to exposed skin. Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours while outdoors or more often if swimming or sweating.
3. Talk with your doc before swimming. Whether you’re a pool floater or a lap swimmer, check in with your care team before going swimming. 一些类型的治疗, 包括放射治疗, can make your skin more sensitive to chemicals in pool water. Swimming in open bodies of water may also be unsafe. 在癌症治疗期间，你的 免疫系统减弱. Dangerous bacteria can lurk in the warm waters of lakes and ponds, so it’s a good idea to avoid them.
4. 注意你的体温. In addition to being more sensitive to the effects of the sun’s UV rays, your body may also be more sensitive to the heat the sun emits. Stay inside during the hottest time of the day. When you’re outdoors, seek shade as much as possible and wear cool, loose-fitting clothing. 如果你戴着假发, you may want to consider switching it out for a light headscarf instead when outdoors.
5. 实践食物安全基本知识. 食源性疾病 is more common during the summer because it can be difficult to keep foods at an appropriate and safe temperature. Since cancer patients have a diminished immune system, this can be especially dangerous. When cooking and eating outdoors (at a backyard barbecue, 例如), reduce your risk of illness by making sure that food is cooked to a safe temperature, then properly chilled or otherwise stored shortly after the meal.

澳门永利在线赌场移动官网 offers support to patients and their caregivers at our cancer centers 在Okatie and Beaufort. 联系 癌症护士导航员 了解更多.