Be Safe in the Sun

 

It is a common belief that a holiday in the sun “does you good”.  There is no doubt that a break from your normal routine is beneficial, however, for cancer patients exposure to the sun can cause problems.  You need to take special care in the following instances:

 

You have undergone a course of chemotherapy

• Some chemotherapy drugs can make all of your skin sensitive to the sun. This can last for some time, even for several years following treatment. Ask your Doctor if you need to take care in the sun. If you need to take special care to protect your skin, please follow the sun safety steps outlined.

 You have had radiotherapy treatment

• Following radiotherapy the area of the skin that was treated will remain sensitive to the sun for many years.  You need to take extra care to keep the treated area completely covered.  Please follow the sun safety steps outlined

Sun Safety Steps  

• Protect your head, neck and face by wearing a wide brimmed hat.
• Wear sunglasses that guarantee 100% ultraviolet light filtration
• Use a high protection factor sunscreen (SPF).  An SPF of 15-30 or above is recommended, follow the instructions on the bottle
• Wear clothing that is made of closely woven fabric such as cotton or other natural fibres
• Seek out shade during the hottest part of the day.  This is usually between 11.00 am and 3.00 pm
• Avoid letting your skin burn
• Use fake tanning products to get a tan rather than sunbathing or using a sun bed