As the saying goes, It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity. And while trends show the temperature in Georgia is increasing year over year, the state’s humid, sub-tropic climate can make it seem even hotter as your body struggles to cool itself in the thick, muggy air of summer. Dehydration- and heat-related health issues are more likely in such extreme conditions, and cancer patients, in particular, need to be cautious as the mercury rises.
“Patients with cancer need to be vigilant in the heat for a number of reasons,” says Anthony Perre, M.D., New Patient Intake Physician at City of Hope® Cancer Center Atlanta. “Cancer treatments can often make it more difficult for patients to regulate body temperature, and that can lead to a higher incidence of heatstroke.”
Both chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatments can exacerbate dehydration and sun sensitivity, and other unique circumstances, including immunosuppression, can put cancer patients at higher risk than the general population during heatwaves.
In this article, we’ll explain:
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer and is looking for a second opinion, call us 24/7 at 877-524-4673.
Why Humidity and Heat Impact Cancer Patients
High temperatures cause people to sweat as their body tries to cool itself. Because of Georgia’s high humidity, the sweat the body produces doesn’t evaporate as quickly, meaning you can feel hotter and the body’s cooling process may even be hindered.
For most people, if they’re attentive to staying hydrated, this loss of fluids can be easily replaced and does not cause a health issue. But cancer patients, especially those undergoing chemotherapy treatment, need to be especially vigilant in the heat.
“A cancer patient may be predisposed to the effects of dehydration,” Dr. Perre says. “For example, several chemotherapy options can affect kidney function, which can be further exacerbated if the patient is dehydrated. Electrolyte changes can also be affected by heat and dehydration.”
Dehydration may have serious health consequences, including heart arrhythmia and neurological problems.
Side effects from chemotherapy drugs, such as vomiting and diarrhea, also may contribute to fluid loss, heightening hydration needs. Exposure to hot, ambient temperatures can make dehydration even more acute.
Another top concern: Patients exposed to heat may find that the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs may be impacted. “Heatwaves can also alter [how the body interacts with the medication] via reductions in blood volume distribution, increasing the likelihood of adverse drug reactions, delays in medication absorption, elimination, and distribution might translate into limited effectiveness and increased toxicity,” according to researchers quoted in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Radiation and “many chemotherapy drugs can make a person more sensitive to sunburn,” Dr. Perre says, adding that “staying out of the sun as much as possible and wearing sunblock when exposed to the sun are important ways to protect your skin.”
If cancer or its treatment has caused the patient’s immune system to be suppressed, it’s also important to avoid exposure to bacteria that may be lurking in swimming pools, freshwater lakes or the ocean. If immunosuppression is a factor, try to resist the temptation to take a cool dip. If the pool water is not properly treated, it could harbor harmful organisms. And for those whose skin may be sensitive due to radiation treatment, the chlorine used to eliminate the bacteria could cause irritation.
It's better for those who are immunocompromised to cool off with a wet washcloth on the neck or forehead and/or a fan.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer and are looking for a second opinion, call us 24/7 at (877) 524-4673.
7 Tips for Navigating Georgia’s Heat and Humidity
Given the added dangers that high temperatures and heatwaves pose for cancer patients, what can be done to mitigate the risks?
The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency offers a list of Georgia-specific resources and information on preparing for heatwaves.
Here are some expert tips on how cancer patients can manage Georgia’s heat.
1. Talk to Your Health Care Team
- Check with your doctor to find out which precautions you should take based on your particular cancer treatment.
- Do the chemotherapy drugs increase your risk of kidney conditions that may make dehydration more serious? Are you experiencing vomiting or diarrhea?
- Check with your dietitian, who can provide tips on how to stay hydrated when your usual beverage choices may not be appealing.
2. Stay Hydrated
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
- Avoid beverages with alcohol or caffeine, which are diuretics.
- If you’re vomiting and can’t drink a lot of liquid, try popsicles.
- Adding mint leaves to water may help relieve nausea and make it more palatable.
3. Protect Your Skin
- Cover your skin with light-weight, loose-fitting clothing. Unbleached cotton is particularly comfortable, and thin, satiny polyesters and silks help reflect the sun’s rays. Hold the material up to a bright light, and if the light doesn’t come through, it likely will offer some protection. Special sun-protective clothing also can help protect you from harmful ultraviolet light.
- Cover all exposed skin in sunscreen. Ask your care team for a recommendation on which type is most effective and won’t cause irritation.
- Wear a hat that fully covers your head. A large-brimmed hat also may protect your neck. Or wear a scarf or bandana to shield the sensitive back of your neck.
- Seek out shady spots or use an umbrella to escape the sun’s powerful UV rays. Try to avoid the hottest, sunniest times of day, which usually are from around 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
4. Stay Indoors as Much as Possible
- Stay in indoor spaces cooled by air conditioning.
- If you don’t have an air conditioner, spend at least some time in an environment with A/C like a shopping mall or public library or with friends or relatives who have air-conditioning.
5. Avoid Strenuous Activity
- Strenuous exercise, especially outdoors in high temperatures, can make staying hydrated more difficult.
- Maintain moderate activities that do not strain your system.
6. Avoid the Sauna and Steam Room
- While your routine may include a sauna or trip to the steam room, these may add unnecessary stress to your body during heatwaves.
7. Be Aware of Heat-Related Illness Symptoms
- Be familiar with the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and, even more dangerous, heat stroke.
- The symptoms of heat exhaustion include sweating, dizziness, nausea, headache, muscle cramps and a rapid pulse.
- If you have these symptoms, move to a cooler place, rest and drink fluids. If the symptoms don’t resolve, seek medical help.
- Heat stroke, when the body’s temperature exceeds 104 degrees Fahrenheit, is more severe and can be life-threatening. Other markers of heat stroke include confusion, nausea or vomiting and loss of consciousness. Get emergency medical help immediately if you experience these symptoms, and until help arrives, apply ice packs and cool water to try to lower your body temperature.
Talk to Your Georgia Cancer Experts
It’s important to speak with your cancer care team to get personalized strategies on how to deal with the summer heat and humidity. At City of Hope Atlanta, our experts can work with you to develop heat prevention tips based on your diagnosis and treatment plan.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer and are looking for a second opinion, call us 24/7 at (877) 524-4673.