Endometrial cancer (EC) can make you more sensitive to heat and sun. Its treatments can, too: Surgical menopause, radiation, chemotherapy and their related side effects can all reduce your body’s resistance to the heat. Over the summer months, you’ll need to take extra precautions to stay safe.
Endometrial cancer and its treatment can make you sensitive to the heat
Living with EC puts a strain on your body, causing changes in hormone levels. This results in a range of potential physical effects, such as fatigue, insomnia, hot flashes and night sweats. It may also affect your ability to sweat, which can lead to discomfort during the day in hot weather.
Treatment for endometrial cancer can also increase your sensitivity to hot weather.
Surgery is the most common treatment of endometrial cancer and may involve the removal of both the uterus and the ovaries. If this is the case, menopause is triggered, causing symptoms such as night sweats and hot flashes that are exacerbated by warm temperatures.
Chemotherapy is often used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells and prevent the cancer from recurring. It can cause side effects that lead to dehydration, such as vomiting, diarrhea and a general feeling of nausea. A drop in blood pressure can cause dizziness and also affect your ability to cope with the heat.
Hormone therapy is used to treat low-grade endometrial cancer and slow or stop the growth of cancer cells. It can cause hot flashes and sweating, which creates discomfort in hot weather.
Radiation therapy is often used after surgery to shrink tumors and kill cancer cells. Radiation can irritate the skin; the sun’s UV rays can exacerbate this damage.
Learn more about EC treatment and care
Ways to stay safe over summer while in treatment for uterine cancer
- Rest more when it’s hot. Your body will become tired more easily with the heat. Lie down and let your body recuperate, even if you don’t sleep.
- Stay hydrated. Maintain your fluid intake throughout the day. Keep it interesting by drinking water with added natural flavors, like lemon or lime. If you have mouth sores from treatment, try sipping through a straw.
- Wear natural fibers. If you’re sweating more easily, choose natural cotton and linen that are more breathable and allow you to better self-regulate your body temperature.
- Stay out of the sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Limit your exposure to the sun as you will be more sensitive to the sunlight if you are undergoing radiation or chemotherapy. Wear a hat and, protect your skin with sunscreen and avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day.
- Create a cool and comfortable home environment. Install air conditioning, have a fan by your bed and wet a towel to place on your forehead when you feel hot. Ice cubes and popsicles can help cool you down and provide extra hydration.
Sign up here to get the latest news, perspectives, and information about EC sent directly to your inbox. Registration is free and only takes a minute.
