Updated July 03, 2014.
Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.
Not much can compare to a sunny day! There are health benefits to sun exposure -- improved mood and vitamin D, as well as warmth. But many people don’t realize that radiation therapy, as well as chemotherapy, can cause sensitivity to the sun. Your skin may burn more easily after you have had treatment for leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma. There are a few things you should know about staying safe in the sun after cancer treatment.
Be Sunscreen Savvy
- Use a sunscreen product with at least SPF 30.
- Check the expiration date on the lotion.
- Reapply often at least every 2 hours, or more often if you are swimming or sweaty.
- Use about an ounce, or a full palmful, of sunscreen to cover the exposed parts of an adult.
- Apply sunscreen before makeup or bug repellent.
- Don’t forget your ears, face, feet, hands, and the back of your neck when applying.
- Apply a lip balm with SPF.
Timing is Everything
If possible, try to avoid the sun at times of the day when the rays are strongest, usually between 11 am and 4 pm. If you must go out during these times, make sure you dress for the occasion, or park your lawnchair in a nice shady area.
Did you know that you are also at risk of sunburn during the winter or on cloudy days? Wearing sunscreen on exposed skin is a good idea year-round.
What to Wear?
- Loose-fitting clothing with breathable fabric. If you can see light through the fabric, the rays of the sun can penetrate it!
- Long pants, skirts, and sleeves if you are out when the sun is at it’s brightest
- Hats with a wide brim (2-3 inches) or a sport hat with fabric that covers the back of the neck are good choices
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Clothing with SPF fabric
Looking to Get Your Glow On?
If you are missing your summer glow, don’t be tempted by indoor tanning beds! Sunlamps can cause the same damage to your tender skin that the sun can, so this won’t be a good option. However, “spray tan” and sunless tanning technology has come a long way in the past few years. There are some great products out there that won’t leave you looking and feeling like a slimy orange peel.
Dusting your skin with a light bronzing powder and wearing bright colors can give women and men a pick-up. Ladies may also choose a colored lipstick or gloss with sunscreen to brighten things up.
Sun Summary
While nobody can deny that a beautiful day in the sun can feel great, the negative consequences to your health can outweigh the benefits. Skin sensitivity to the sun is a common side effect, and is usually temporary following chemotherapy, but may be permanent after radiotherapy.
While it is best to avoid the sun when it is at it’s hottest, using a high SPF sunscreen and appropriate clothing can help reduce the risk of dangerous exposure.
Sources:
Iwamoto, R. “Radiation Therapy” in Varricchio, C. ed(1997) A Cancer Source Book for Nurses, 7th ed American Cancer Society Sudbury, MA (pp. 91- 103)
Maher, K. “Radiation Therapy: Toxicities and Management” in Yarbro, C., Frogge, M., Goodman, M., Groenwald, S. eds. (2000) Cancer Nursing: Principles and Practice 5th ed Jones and Bartlett. Sudbury, MA (pp.323-352)
Skin Cancer Prevention. American Cancer Society. Accessed May 28, 2011. http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/CancerCauses/SunandUVExposure/SkinCancerPreventionandEarlyDetection/skin-cancer-prevention-and-early-detection-u-v-protection
Sunscreens. American Academy of Dermatology. Accessed May 28, 2011. http://www.aad.org/media-resources/stats-and-facts/prevention-and-care/sunscreens/sunscreens