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  • With Mayo Clinic nurse educator

    Sheryl M. Ness, R.N.

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  • Living with cancer blog

  • July 14, 2012

    Tips for cancer survivors to keep cool in the summer heat

    By Sheryl M. Ness, R.N.

10 comments posted

Living With Cancer

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Summer is one of my favorite times of the year. Gardens in full bloom and long days filled with sunlight and warm temperatures. However, as the temperature rises it's good to keep a few things in mind in order to stay safe and healthy in the summer sun and heat.

Here are a few thoughts to keep in mind as you enjoy the summer:

  • Protect your skin from sun exposure by wearing protective clothing and hats.
  • Use sunscreen with SPF of 30 or more if you must be exposed to direct sunlight.
  • Don't forget your sunglasses — important for your eye health.
  • Choose early morning and evening hours to walk or exercise.
  • Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.
  • Wear loose fitting, cotton-based clothing.
  • When enjoying time outside, choose a shady spot such as a screen porch or under an umbrella.
  • Use a light moisturizer to keep skin hydrated and protected.

As a cancer survivor, keep in mind you may be at an increased risk for dehydration and sunburn as a result of treatment or medication side effects. Cool down with tepid showers and frequent breaks for water if you are out gardening or exercising.

Keep your meals fresh and light. Choose summer fruits and vegetables such as melons, peaches, pears, cucumbers and tomatoes. Enjoy fruit sorbet or smoothies for extra cool treats.

How are you staying cool and enjoying the summer? Follow me on Twitter at @SherylNess1. Join the discussion at #livingwithcancer.

10 comments posted

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  • July 25, 2012 12:26 p.m.

    I'm a 'Newby' to cancer being afflicted with Marginal Zone Lymphoma in my right leg. Hydration is super important, and my treatment center is always open for me to get watered up.I can walk in anytime and they immediately check me over and hook up my port and pump me up. Check with your center. I'm sure they'll take care of your dehydrated problem.

    - Steve

  • July 21, 2012 2:11 p.m.

    Well this all makes since to me now, why I am so hot all the time. Even to touch my skin, it feels like it's sunburned. It has been over a year since my last chemo treatment, and I could not understand why I have been so hot. I live in Florida so we are use to the heat, but this summer seems to be so bad for me

    - Debbie

  • July 20, 2012 11:52 p.m.

    I live in Minnesota and it has been very very hot. I myself is a cancer survivor of 3 years. I have never ever liked to drink water but now I am. I got myself to the point where I got dehydrated and got very sick. I started to feel sick while I was driving home with my grandson. I did make it home got inside the house and ran straight to the bathroom. Thank goodness my oldest son got home from work to where he was able to help me. That was the scariest moment of my life. I now drink water all the time. About 8 to 10 bottles.

    - Cindy

  • July 20, 2012 10:35 p.m.

    Marcia, I too am in remission for a year from Multiple Myeloma and am on Dexamethasone for maintenence. This causes me more problems then the chemo did as I am diabetec and this makes my blood sugar zoom way up, which requires more and more insulin. Also, my vision is affected by the high blood sugars. What maintenence are you on?

    - Marge

  • July 20, 2012 10:31 p.m.

    ich have carcenoid syndrom and i have to consider a lot about my every day living. Sunshine does not agree with me anymore . Hat and long sleeves is a must for me in the summertime.

    - susann

  • July 20, 2012 2:24 a.m.

    thank you for some thoughts of reminders,i have been diagnosed with breast ca stage 2,after that i have a lot of things to consider about my health.I need to take care of my self for my family.

    - maria

  • July 19, 2012 6:03 p.m.

    Ihad breast cancer surgery in May It was caught early, so had no chemo or radiation. I feel good and am blessed. Only I get cold real easy now, have to wear sweater in air conditioning. And not looking forward to winter.

    - marlene

  • July 19, 2012 5:38 p.m.

    I live in AZ, too, Dan. We certainly know about drinking water and staying hydrated. To keep cool, I stay by the air conditioning and try to do my grocery shopping and other errands in the morning. However, I have neuropathy, so I tend to feel better with the heat. I have been to CA twice which has brought me the greatest relief of all. This summer my body seems to tolerate the temperatures better. I used to wrap up in a blanket I would feel so cold. I am a multiple myeloma survivor of 3 years and under maintenance treatment. Showering at night helps immensely, too. Thankful to be alive and living a good quality of life. Just wish our doctors/scientists would figure a way to rid us of the side effects. Be blessed everyone!

    - Marcia

  • July 19, 2012 2:14 p.m.

    I was diagnosed in 2006 and I have been NED ever since.One of my lasting SE's has been the intolerance to heat.It limits all aspects of my life as well as my husbands and childrens.

    - Lisa

  • July 19, 2012 1:31 p.m.

    Living in Az. Hydration is always an issue. I did not know that my chemotherapy was making the problem worse. Thanks for the info!

    - Dan

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