For most people, summer means fun in the sun. If you've been undergoing cancer treatment, you may be dreaming of spending time outdoors, especially in the summer. Lounging around in the sun is, for many people, a very relaxing and appealing activity. When undergoing cancer treatment, however, it is more important than ever to protect yourself from overexposure to the sun. To be safe, you might have to adjust your outdoor plans, but you need not abandon them.
Sunlight contains two types of invisible ultraviolet rays that penetrate the skin: UVA rays penetrate more deeply and sometimes cause a delayed tanning response; UVB rays cause a more immediate burning. Both types of rays can be harmful for anyone, and everyone should be cautious with sun exposure.
Some cancer treatments can increase the skin's sensitivity to the harmful effects of sunlight. Therefore, cancer patients must be even more cautious than others when spending time outside. Some chemotherapy drugs cause an increased sensitivity to the sun, called photosensitivity. Patients with photosensitivity burn more easily when they are exposed to the sun, even for short periods of time. Chemotherapy-related photosensitivity is temporary and usually subsides when treatment ends.
Radiation therapy, on the other hand, can cause changes to the skin that increase the risk of sunburn and skin cancer indefinitely. Cancer patients who have undergone radiation therapy must always be vigilant about sun exposure to the areas of skin that received radiation, even if their radiation therapy occurred years ago.
As summer approaches, it's important to evaluate your cancer treatment and determine whether you should be concerned about chemotherapy-related photosensitivity or the long-term effects of radiation. Below are some suggestions for preventing sun damage and ensuring a safe summer:
- Get informed. Read package inserts and talk with your doctor and your pharmacist about all of your medications and the potential for photosensitivity.
- Avoid direct sun exposure.
- Avoid the peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Wear long-sleeved, protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats.
- Limit direct sun exposure to less than 1 hour total per day.
- Avoid tanning booths.
Most important, be aware of your sun exposure. You may not think you're getting much sun, but your neck, arms, and ears receive a lot of exposure, which may be reduced, but not eliminated, by protective clothing You may experience just as much sun exposure while gardening, mowing the lawn, or walking as you would if you were sunbathing on a beach. And remember: UV rays are present even on overcast days and in the winter. However, through a careful understanding of your specific circumstances and treatments, it is possible to safely enjoy the outdoors and the positive benefits of being in sunshine.