Hot weather and cancer: 5 tips for coping in a heatwave

Staying safe in hot weather is important for everyone, but especially for people living with cancer. High temperatures can affect you differently if you are living with cancer. The side effects of treatment might make it difficult for you to stay hydrated and regulate your body temperature. 

In this blog we look at five top tips to help you cope during the warmer days ahead.

Most houses in the UK do not have air conditioning. There are still ways you can help to keep the temperature down at home:

• Keep your windows and blinds closed during the day.
• Open them in the evening once the outside temperature feels cooler than the inside temperature - this lets the colder air in.
• Use a fan if the temperature is less than 35C but do not aim the fan directly at yourself.

If it is still too uncomfortable at home take advantage of public spaces, such as shopping centres and libraries. They often stay cooler than our homes, and some will have air conditioning.

The Government website has more tips on preparing your home for hot weather.

The heat can intensify some common side effects of cancer and cancer treatment so it is important to be aware of this. You may feel more tired than usual, and be more likely to feel other effects of the heat such as dizziness and dehydration. Try to adjust your routine to help you keep cool by trying the following:

• Rest more than you usually would.
• Plan essential activities and chores for cooler parts of the day if you can.
• Stay in the shade during the hottest parts of the day (usually this is between 11am and 3pm).
• Take cool, but not cold, showers.

We have more information on coping with treatment including chemotherapy side effects and radiotherapy side effects.

Cancer and cancer treatment can make you become dehydrated more quickly. You may also find that you do not feel like eating as much.

To make sure your body still gets the nutrition it needs:

• Try to eat and drink cold things.
• Avoid anything which might increase dehydration, like caffeine or alcohol.
• Try to eat lighter, more regular meals.

Some cancer treatment can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. You might get sun burnt more easily than you did before, or be at a higher risk of developing skin cancer.

You can protect your skin by:

• Staying in the shade.
• Covering up.
• Using high factor sun cream.

If you feel unwell during the heatwave it is important to speak to a doctor. This is because people who have cancer are more at risk of developing heat exhaustion and heat stroke.  The NHS website has more information about heat exhaustion and heat stroke. 

If you or someone else has symptoms or you need advice you can call NHS 111 or get help from NHS 111 online.

This information has been written, revised and edited by Macmillan's Digital Content Editor team. Learn more about our Digital Content Editors and how we produce our cancer information. 

Accurate information helps you make informed choices. Look for trustworthy, reliable sources such as Macmillan Cancer Support, the NHS and your own healthcare team. 

We have more information on how to find reliable health information online and understanding cancer misinformation.