You may need to avoid sunlight if you have cancer or are recovering from treatment
People who have cancer or are recovering from treatment are being warned over the risk of sunlight. If you have been diagnosed with cancer and are currently going through treatment, the people looking after you will tell you what you should do and avoid.
And one thing that you have likely been told is to stay away from direct sunlight on your skin if at all possible as some treatments can cause sensitivity. In particular, avoiding the sun at its hottest – between 10am and 3pm – is important.
Cancer experts from Maggie’s – a charity offering expert care and support to people with cancer and their loved ones in centres across the UK and online – have said that the reason for this is all to do with the sun’s rays. It can also be down to medication you are taking.
They explain: “Sometimes people can develop photosensitivity, which is when your skin becomes more sensitive to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. It can be brought on by certain medications and medical conditions.”
Treatments that can cause photosensitivity include:
- chemotherapy
- radiotherapy
- certain antibiotics
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- some anti-sickness medications
The charity warns that every individual with cancer is different and your tolerance to sun after treatment may differ from person to person. However, even if you usually tolerate sunlight with no issue, you may be at risk and not realise it.
Do I need to see my GP?
The experts say: “If you get sunburnt or develop blisters or a rash from the sun, get in touch with your GP and cancer care team. You may need antibiotics to protect you from developing an infection.”
Does sunlight affect me if I am having chemotherapy?
The effects of the chemotherapy can make people sensitive to sunlight. This can occur both during your treatment as well as a few months after you have finished.
Does sunlight affect me if I am having radiotherapy?
Yes. Radiotherapy can cause skin sensitivity, with the charity urging: “Protect any radiated areas in particular. This may be the case for the first few years post radiotherapy treatment. Occasionally your skin sensitivity may be permanent. It’s advisable to cover the area with loose clothing, or wear a high factor sunscreen.”
Do you have lymphoedema?
The NHS state that lymphoedema is a long-term (chronic) condition. It causes swelling in the body’s tissues and can affect any part of the body.
Often this develops in the arms or legs and anyone who had this following their treatment for cancer will have likely been told to avoid getting sunburnt on the affected area. You should also avoid getting insect bites on the affected limb.
Is there anything I need to avoid if I am having cancer treatment?
In addition to avoiding the sun and reducing your risk of being sunburnt, Maggie’s has said there are a number of things you can to do help protect you and your skin. You should try to:
- Avoid the sun is at its hottest which is between about 10am and 3pm
- Be careful during cloudy days as as ultraviolet light can be present too
- Wear at least SPF 30
- Don’t just swear sunscreen. You should also wear a wide-brimmed hat and long-sleeved, loose-fitting clothing
- Get sunscreen for your lips too (there’s specific ones available to buy) and protect them just like you would your skin
- Find a place in the shade under a tree or sit under an umbrella.
- Wear sunglasses with UV protection
- Keep hydrated
- If you go swimming, be sure to have a shower straight after as pools with chlorine can cause sensitivity. In fact, you may have been told not so swim during treatment and if so, avoid the pool
- Avoid perfume and chemical products – these can make your skin more sensitive
