Sun Protection and Cancer Treatment

With June comes summer, and with summer months comes the sun. It can be easy to get distracted by the warm light and forget to protect our skin, and while nobody can deny that a beautiful day in the sun can feel great, the negative health consequences can outweigh the benefits. Burning is not the only downside as tanning is a form of sun damage as well. It is best to avoid the sun altogether when it is at its hottest. 

Certain chemotherapies are known to increase the damage the sun’s rays can do. Skin sensitivity to the sun is a common side effect and is usually temporary following chemotherapy, but it may be permanent after radiotherapy. Beyond standard avoidance, it is especially important to avoid direct exposure to the sun during chemotherapy. That doesn't mean you have to spend the summer in the house avoiding the outdoors, but it does mean that using sunscreen and wearing skin-covering clothing is important.

Make sure to use a sunscreen product with at least SPF 30, and remember to reapply often. Most modern sun products are not greasy or sticky, and wearing should not feel or look unpleasant. They do lose effectiveness over time though, so remember to check the expiration date on the lotion. With a little bit of planning ahead, having a sunny but UV damage -free summer can be incredibly easy and rewarding. 

(https://www.verywellhealth.com/staying-safe-in-the-sun-after-cancer-treatment-2252324)