In recent years we have been experiencing unusually high temperatures and whilst this may be welcomed by some, if you have cancer the heat can affect you differently to normal. The side effects of treatment can make it harder to keep hydrated or to regulate your body temperature, and can make it especially difficult to cope with the heat. You may feel more tired than usual, or dizzy, so it’s important you do all you can to keep your cool.
Macmillan have created some top tips on keeping cool when the temperatures soar.
- Keeping your home cool – Keeping windows and blinds shut during the heat of the day will help retain the cooler air inside your home. In the evening when the temperature drops you can open your windows and let the cooler air in. You can use a fan or make use of public spaces such as shopping centres and libraries as they often have air conditioning.
- Adjust your routine – try to stay inside or in the shade during the hottest part of the day (usually between 11am and 3pm) and leave essential activities and chores for later when the temperature drops. Rest as much as possible and take cool but not cold showers.
- Stay hydrated – cancer and its treatment can make you more dehydrated, so it’s important to drink regularly. Drinking cold drinks and avoiding caffeine and alcohol will help. You may not feel like eating so try having small regular meals to make sure you are getting the nutrition your body needs.
- Protect your skin – everyone should be protecting their skin during a heatwave, but side effects from cancer treatment can make your skin more sensitive to the sun and make you burn more easily than you did before, increasing your risk of skin cancer. It’s important to stay in the shade as much as possible, cover up with a t-shirt and wide brimmed hat and apply a suncream with a high SPF (over 30) and 4 or 5 stars. Suncream should be used generously and reapplied regularly.
- Seek advice if you feel unwell – people with cancer have a higher risk of developing heat exhaustion or heat stroke, so if you start to feel unwell during a heatwave, it is important to seek medical help. Look out for the following symptoms: –
Heat Exhaustion
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea (feeling sick or vomiting)
- Excessive sweating, pale or clammy skin
- Cramps in arms, legs or stomach
- High temperature
- Being thirsty
- Feeling irritable
If someone is showing signs of heat exhaustion they need to be cooled down and given fluids.
Heat Stroke
- Very high temperature
- Hot skin without sweating
- Fast breathing and a fast heartbeat
- Confusion and restlessness
- Seizure (fit)
Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Get immediate medical help if someone has the symptoms of heatstroke.