Staying safe during hot weather: a guide for cancer patients

Hot weather can be challenging for everyone, but if you’re receiving cancer treatment, the summer heat requires extra attention and care. Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy can affect how your body responds to high temperatures, making you more vulnerable to heat-related complications.

Understanding how heat affects your body during treatment can help you stay safe, comfortable, and in control of your wellbeing throughout the warmer months.

Why cancer treatment makes you more sensitive to heat

Cancer treatments work hard to fight your condition, but they can also impact your body’s natural ability to regulate temperature. Chemotherapy puts your body into what doctors call a hypermetabolic state – meaning you burn energy faster and need more fluids than usual. This increased demand, combined with hot weather, can quickly lead to dehydration.

Immunotherapy and other cancer treatments can also affect your kidneys and make you more sensitive to temperature changes.

Many treatments can also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing your risk of burns even with brief sun exposure. That’s why it’s important to protect your skin whenever you’re outdoors. Wear high-factor SPF sun cream, even on cloudy days, and reapply regularly. These effects mean that staying cool isn’t just about comfort – it’s an essential part of managing your treatment safely.

Recognising the warning signs

Knowing what to watch for can help you take action before heat becomes dangerous. The signs of heat exhaustion in cancer patients can develop quickly and may be more severe than in healthy individuals.

Watch for headaches, dizziness, or feeling confused. You might notice you’re sweating excessively or, conversely, that you’ve stopped sweating altogether. Feeling sick, experiencing muscle cramps, or having an unusually fast heartbeat are also warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored.

Dehydration symptoms include feeling extremely thirsty, producing less urine than usual, or noticing that your lips are dry and cracked.

If you experience any of these signs, move to a cool place immediately, remove excess clothing, and sip cool fluids slowly.

Contact your healthcare team or call 111 if symptoms persist or worsen.

Essential cooling strategies for your home

Creating a cool environment at home is your first line of defence against summer heat. Even without air conditioning, you can significantly reduce indoor temperatures with some simple strategies.

During the day, keep curtains and blinds closed to block out the sun’s heat. Open windows only when the outside temperature drops below your indoor temperature, usually in the evening or early morning. This helps create a cross-breeze that can cool your home naturally.

Electric fans are particularly effective when temperatures stay below 35°C. Position fans to create airflow throughout your living space, but avoid pointing them directly at yourself for extended periods. You might also try placing a bowl of ice in front of a fan to create an improvised air conditioning effect.

Smart hydration and nutrition during treatment

Staying properly hydrated becomes even more critical when you’re receiving cancer treatment. Your increased fluid needs, combined with hot weather, mean you’ll need to drink more than usual – often before you feel thirsty.

Keep a large bottle or jug of cold water within easy reach throughout the day. Sip regularly rather than waiting until you feel parched. If plain water feels unappealing, try adding slices of cucumber, lemon, or mint for flavour without extra sugar.

Unless advised otherwise by your clinical team, cold drinks and foods can help you stay cool and refreshed but some chemotherapies can cause cold sensitivity. If this is a known side effect of your treatment, speak to your healthcare team about the safest approach.

Avoid drinks that can actually increase dehydration, including those with caffeine, alcohol, or high sugar content. Instead, focus on water, herbal teas served cold, or diluted fruit juices.

Your appetite might decrease in hot weather, which is normal, but try to eat regular, smaller meals to maintain your nutrition and energy levels. Cold foods like salads, yoghurt, or chilled soups can be more appealing and help keep your body temperature down. Frozen fruits make excellent snacks that provide both nutrition and cooling relief.

Adapting your daily routine

Heat can intensify common side effects of cancer treatment, including fatigue, nausea, and dizziness. Adjusting your daily routine can help you manage these effects more effectively.

Plan essential activities for the cooler parts of the day – typically before 11am or after 3pm. This might mean shifting your normal schedule, but it can make a significant difference in how you feel. Consider adopting a Mediterranean-style approach: rest during the hottest hours and become more active as temperatures cool.

Take cool (not cold) showers or baths throughout the day. The temperature change can provide immediate relief and help regulate your body temperature. Keep the water lukewarm rather than icy, as extreme temperature changes can shock your system.

When you do need to go outside, stay in shaded areas as much as possible. Wear loose-fitting clothes made from natural fibres like cotton, which allow your skin to breathe and sweat to evaporate naturally.

When to seek professional support

Your healthcare team is your most important resource for staying safe during hot weather. Don’t hesitate to contact them if you’re feeling unwell or if heat seems to be worsening your treatment side effects.

If you develop a fever, experience severe nausea or vomiting, feel unusually weak or dizzy, or notice any significant changes in how you’re feeling, contact our dedicated Oncology Triage Line immediately at 0800 090 2435 and press option 1. NHS heatwave alerts specifically recommend that vulnerable patients, including those receiving cancer treatment, avoid unnecessary travel during extreme heat warnings.

If you aren’t a Lloyds Clinical patient and you can’t reach your usual healthcare provider, NHS 111 is available 24/7 for non-emergency medical advice. For emergencies, always call 999.

Your treatment team can also provide personalised advice about managing your specific treatment side effects in hot weather. They might recommend adjusting medication timing, increasing fluid intake targets, or other specific strategies based on your treatment plan.

The benefits of receiving care at home during hot weather

For nearly 30 years we’ve pioneered the delivery of specialist cancer care services out of hospital, in patients’ homes.

Receiving cancer treatment at home through Lloyds Clincial offers significant advantages during heatwaves and hot weather periods. When temperatures soar, avoiding travel to hospital appointments and staying in your controlled home environment can be both safer and more comfortable.

Care at home allows you to maintain your preferred temperature, stay properly hydrated with your own supplies, and rest in familiar surroundings. You won’t need to worry about hot car journeys, crowded waiting rooms, or being caught outdoors during peak heat hours.

Our highly trained oncology nurses and clinical nurse specialists deliver 1-2-1 clinical treatment at home, adhering to the highest standards of safety and governance, helping patients adapt their treatment routines to suit hot weather conditions. Our specialist nurses understand how to adjust care plans when temperatures rise, ensuring your treatment remains effective while keeping you safe and comfortable. With 24/7 support available, you always have expert guidance just a phone call away, whether you need advice about managing heat-related symptoms or adjusting your care routine.

Treatment at home also means your family can support you more easily, helping with hydration monitoring, recognising warning signs, and maintaining the cool, comfortable environment that’s so important during your treatment journey.

Remember, staying safe in hot weather while receiving cancer treatment isn’t just about surviving the heat – it’s about maintaining your quality of life and treatment progress. With proper preparation, awareness, and support, you can stay comfortable and safe throughout even the warmest summer days.

Take care of yourself, listen to your body, and never hesitate to reach out for professional support when you need it. Your health and comfort are our priority, and we’re here to help you navigate every aspect of your treatment journey.