Summer Tips For Cancer Patients

June 22nd, 2024 | Cancer

Addressing the Summer Risks

The best season of the year is finally upon us! We can finally ditch heavy clothes and spend all day outside, basking in the summer heat. Unfortunately, this season may not be enjoyable for everyone. More specifically, summer can be quite hard for cancer patients, especially those who are currently undergoing treatment. The heat can cause all kinds of issues like dehydration and even strengthen the effects of chemo nausea. That’s why we’ve prepared a list of summer safety tips for cancer patients. By being mindful, your condition won’t stop you from having the best summer ever!

Hydration Is Key

Once temperatures start to rise, spending one second outside is enough to make you sweat like a person working in a warehouse with no air conditioning. This may not seem like a big deal for most people, but the heat is felt somewhat differently when you’re undergoing cancer treatment. In other words, if you’re dehydrated, conditions like chemo nausea, fatigue, and dehydration may become more frequent and can put quite a number on you.

With that in mind, remember the number one tip for cancer patients – always stay hydrated! Water helps regulate your body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. Additionally, some chemo drugs are filtered out in the kidneys, so it’s important your body has enough water to go through the process properly.

You should always keep a bottle of cool water by your side, but if you’re not a fan of the regular taste, you can always add fruit, cucumbers, or celery to it. However, you should avoid caffeine and alcohol as much as possible, since they can severely dehydrate your body. Also consider looking at our Queasy Hydration to help stay hydrated during hot weather.

Be Wary Of Heat Exposure & Swimming

Staying away from heat is a summer tip for cancer patients. We can’t stress this enough. We already mentioned how water loss affects your body, and this also applies to heat. To that end, there’s no point in going outside if you don’t absolutely need to, especially in the afternoon.

Moreover, some cancer patients may be tempted to go for a dip in the water when the heat gets too much to bear. Before you do this, however, you should advise your healthcare professional. Radiation therapy can make the body more sensitive to pool chemicals, while natural bodies of water can pose a risk to people with wounds, as they can become infected. So, as part of summer safety for cancer patients, never do anything without first consulting with your doctor.

Protect Yourself At All Costs

As our final summer tip for cancer patients, we advise protecting yourself at all costs. Firstly, never leave the house without applying sunscreen and a pack of our Queasy Drops. Nausea and dizziness may strike unexpectedly, so preparing beforehand is better. Also, don’t forget about protecting your eyes and head. Sunglasses are necessary, and you should opt for summer hats for chemo patients instead of wigs. They’ll keep your head properly ventilated and won’t cause too much heat. Finally, opt for light, breathable clothing in neutral colors that won’t attract the sun too much.

With these tips for cancer patients, summer can be the most fantastic time! Conditions like nausea and queasiness may arise, but there’s nothing our Queasy Products can’t fix. Check out our store, and don’t let your treatment stop you for a second!