Historically, doctors encouraged patients, particularly those with respiratory ailments, to move to Arizona for its sunny, dry climate. The state certainly offers plenty of opportunities for healthy outdoor activities, although from May to September, temperatures now hover increasingly in the triple digits, making dehydration- and heat-related health issues more likely. Cancer patients, in particular, need to be cautious as the mercury rises.
“As a general rule, I often tell cancer patients that ‘if something wasn’t good for you before you were diagnosed with cancer, it probably remains so or becomes even more important during your treatment,” says Stephen F. Lynch , M.D., medical staff president and associate clinical professor at City of Hope® Cancer Center Phoenix.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatments can exacerbate dehydration and sun sensitivity, and unique circumstances like immunosuppression can put cancer patients at higher risk than the general population during heatwaves.
In this article, we will discuss:
- How do high temperatures affect cancer patients?
- Tips for managing Arizona’s summer heat
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.
How Do High Temperatures Affect Cancer Patients?
High temperatures cause us to sweat as our body tries to cool itself. People who are attentive to staying hydrated can easily replace this loss of fluids so that it does not cause a health issue. But cancer patients, especially those undergoing chemotherapy, need to be especially vigilant in the heat.
“Things such as eating in a healthy manner, remaining physically active, getting good sleep and maintaining hydration are all important, even more so in the summer heat. I’m fairly certain we can all think of a parental figure saying, ‘Make sure you drink a lot of fluids. You have to stay hydrated,” says Dr. Lynch. “Of course, this is even more important for cancer patients. Many malignancies carry with them an increased risk for fluid imbalance. This can be related to increased fluid loss or diminished intake due to symptoms. Additionally, treatments such as chemotherapies can accelerate this fluid loss. When we factor in the extreme heat of Arizona summers, dehydration can become a life-threatening phenomenon.”
Cancer and chemotherapy treatment can alter kidney function, which has an impact on how the body processes fluids. If kidney function is impaired, dehydration due to the heat 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 high temperatures can make dehydration even more acute.
Signs of dehydration include “darker urine or diminished urine output, light headedness, racing heartbeat and/or dry mouth,” Dr. Lynch says, advising patients to seek help immediately if any of these symptoms occur.
The effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs also may be altered when the patient is exposed to heat. As researchers reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology: “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.”
Certain cancer medications and radiation treatments increase sun sensitivity. Protecting your skin from the intense Arizona summer sun is crucial, experts say.
If cancer or its treatment has caused the patient’s immune system to be suppressed, it also is important to avoid exposure to bacteria in swimming pools, freshwater lakes or the ocean. Patients at risk of immunosuppression should avoid taking a cool dip, since pool water could harbor harmful organisms if it’s not properly treated. And those experiencing sensitive skin after radiation treatment may find that the chlorine used to eliminate the bacteria causes irritation.
Instead, consider cooling off with a wet washcloth on the neck or forehead and/or a fan.
Tips for Managing Arizona’s Summer Heat
Given the added dangers that high temperatures and heatwaves pose for cancer patients, what can be done to mitigate the risks?
Below are some expert tips on how to manage Arizona’s heat.
Keep Consuming Fluids
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.
Because of Arizona’s dry heat, you may not be visibly sweating since the moisture may evaporate more readily. Know that, even if you don’t feel tremendously sweaty, you’re still likely losing fluids and should be drinking regularly to replace them.
Cover up
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. To test whether your clothes provide sun protection, hold the material up to a bright light. If the light doesn’t come through, it likely offers some. Special sun-protective clothing also can help protect from harmful ultraviolet light.
It's also smart to cover all exposed skin in sunscreen. Ask your care team for a recommendation on what type is most effective and won’t cause irritation.
Protect your scalp, face and neck, too. Wear a hat that fully covers your head, or a large-brimmed hat that may also protect your neck. Or wear a scarf or bandana to shield the sensitive skin on the 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.
Keep Activities Light
Strenuous exercise, especially outdoors in high temperatures, can make staying hydrated more difficult. Maintain moderate activities that don’t strain your system.
Skip the Steam Room
While your routine may include a sauna or trip to the steam room, during heatwaves, these may add unnecessary stress to your body.
Stay Inside if Possible
On the hottest days, stay inside with air-conditioning and/or a fan. If you do not have A/C, the Arizona Department of Health Services offers a list of cooling and respite centers as well as hydration stations. See the department’s list of resources.
You can also sign up for the ADHS’ heat warning alerts to be prepared for any heat wave.
Monitor for Signs of Heat-Related Illness
In addition to the dark-urine, light-headedness, dry mouth and racing heart mentioned by Dr. Lynch, be familiar with the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and the 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.
Check with Your Care Team
Check with your doctor to find out whether you should take any precautions based on your particular cancer treatment. Do the chemotherapy drugs put you at greater risk of kidney issues 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 regular beverages may not be appealing.
Talk to Your Arizona 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 Phoenix, our experts can work with you to develop heat-prevention tips based on your diagnosis and treatment plan.
“Cancer patients by default will often have less reserve in terms of their energy levels, strength and overall endurance. As such, they need to be even more acutely aware of these risks,” Dr. Lynch says. “These rules apply for cancer patients everywhere, but the extreme heats of our summers place an extra stress on our patients. Monitoring for and responding to signs of dehydration are critical to staying safe. The best medicine, as always, is prevention!”
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.