Earth Today | Rising temperatures pose added risks for cancer patients

SUMMER IS progressing and the heat is intensifying – a clear reminder of a changing global climate and the need for actions that safeguard health, including for persons in treatment for cancer.
“Cancer patients should be a little more careful during hot weather. Many cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, target therapies, and some immunotherapies, can make the skin much more sensitive to the sun,” noted Dr Nadine Dietrich Badal, consultant medical and radiation oncologist and head of radiotherapy at the Kingston Public Hospital.
“The heat can also cause dehydration more quickly and, because some treatments weaken the immune system, patients may be more vulnerable to infections and heat-related illnesses,” she told The Gleaner. 
The main concerns, she explained, are “too much sun exposure, dehydration, and overheating”. 
“Some patients can develop severe sunburn after only a short time outdoors. Others may lose fluids more quickly, especially if they are already experiencing side effects like vomiting or diarrhoea. The heat can also make fatigue worse, leaving patients feeling weak, dizzy, or exhausted,” Dietrich Badal explained.
In 2024, there were some 7,552 new cancer cases in Jamaica, according to the Global Cancer Observatory. Some 3,930 were among females while 3,622 were among males. The leading cancers by cases were prostate cancer and breast cancer.
According to Diretrich Badal, there are a number of simple steps that cancer patients can take to “make a big difference” in the heat. 
They include drinking plenty of water throughout the day, staying out of the sun during the hottest hours (between 10 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.), together with wearing sunscreen, a hat, and lightweight clothing, for those who will need to be outside.
NO DELAY
Ultimately, Dietrich Badal said, summer does not mean that cancer patients have to stop living their lives or delay treatment.
“It simply means taking a few extra precautions. Stay hydrated, protect yourself from the sun, listen to your body, and never hesitate to reach out to your healthcare team if something doesn’t feel right. We are here to help you through every season,” she encouraged.
As for healthcare providers, she said, “our role is to make sure patients know what to expect and how to stay safe. We should remind them about the importance of hydration and sun protection, identify those who may be at higher risk, and encourage them to report any concerning symptoms early”.
“Sometimes a simple conversation can prevent a serious complication,” the doctor noted.
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