Cancerwise

Summertime can be exciting. Think: trips to the beach, backyard barbecues and baseball games. But the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can be harmful, especially if you’re undergoing cancer treatment.  

So, how can cancer patients and survivors stay healthy while still enjoying the sunshine? Dermatologist Hung Doan, M.D., Ph.D., and radiation oncologist Pamela Schlembach, M.D., shared these three tips on UT MD Anderson’s Cancerwise podcast.

1. Hydrate, hydrate and hydrate some more

When you’re in the sun for a long time, the heat will cause your body to sweat as a way to cool you down. But those fluids need to be replenished in your body to avoid dehydration. Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy can also cause dehydration. You may experience a loss of fluids from side effects like sweating, diarrhea or vomiting.

That’s why it’s so important to drink plenty of water, especially when you’re out in the sun.

“A lot of people don’t drink enough water, and that can lead to symptoms like fatigue and headache,” says Schlembach. “People often don’t realize that drinks like coffee, tea, soda and alcohol can actually make dehydration worse. So, it’s best to hydrate with water.”

If you’re not crazy about the taste of water, try adding fruits or vegetables. Or, you could mix one-quarter cup of juice with a pitcher of water. Whatever it takes to get your water intake!