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.

It can help to keep your windows and blinds closed during the day. You can then open them in the evening once the outside temperature feels cooler than the inside temperature to let in the colder air.

Using a fan will not reduce the air temperature but it can help you feel cooler if the temperature is less than 35C. You should not aim the fan directly at yourself.

Public spaces, such as shopping centres and libraries, often stay cooler than our homes, and some even have air conditioning. You can make use of these spaces to stay cool. 

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

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 and checked by Macmillan's Cancer Information Development team.

Learn more about our Digital Content Editors and how we produce our cancer information.