This week, parts of the UK will reach record-breaking temperatures. It's nice to be able to enjoy the summer weather, but wherever you are and whatever your plans are, we hope you manage to stay cool and be safe in the sunshine.
This blog can be used as a useful resource if you're looking for some guidance on keeping cool in the heat. If you have any tips that you'd like to share, there's a comment box at the bottom of the page. Click here to add your comment.
The heat may affect you in different ways when you’re living with cancer. You may find that the side effects of treatment are making it difficult for you to stay hydrated and regulate your body temperature. On the Community, there are people who understand what you’re going through, so we’re sharing some tips to help you stay cool during this heatwave.
There’s been lots of discussions on the Community over the past few days and below are some of the suggestions members have for staying cool.
“I’m four days post-surgery and had not managed to sleep much thanks to the heatwave and return of hot flushes. A very kind friend dropped off a medium sized dog cooling mat for me. I asked my husband to put it in the freezer and apart from a brief misunderstanding when I found our dog lying on it I’ve been using it and managing to sleep.”
Community member, ‘Cheap cooling idea’ discussion thread- Womb (uterus) cancer forum
“When I was getting hot flushes during menopause I used an Evian atomiser spray. Spray the face, throat and chest and leave to evaporate. Worked for me… Cold flannels also help.”
Community member, Prostate cancer forum
“I do find washing my hands in cold water helps a bit if you haven’t already tried that.”
Community member, Living with incurable cancer forum
“I don't think I would like the wet or cold clothes myself.... but if it helps..... I do often change my clothes during the day. I suppose that's a similar effect.”
Community member, Breast cancer forum
“Blinds and windows closed, put a fan on if you got one...drink warm drinks, not hot and not cold.”
Community member, Living with incurable cancer forum
“Hope you and everyone else cope O.K. with the 41 degrees. Even here in Adelaide that is a very hot day and we keep our heads down and stay inside in the air conditioning and drink plenty of water… We 'slip, slop, slap' here and stay in the shade. That is, we slip on a shirt, slop on some sunscreen, slap on a hat when out in the sun.”
Community member, Waiting for reconstruction discussion- Head and neck cancer forum
Put hot water bottle in freezer and use to cool yourself down. Wet flannels on head when needed.”
Community member, 'Coping with the heat' discussion- Living with incurable cancer forum
“I keep like a glass of water in the fridge. That’s lovely especially when it’s hot as I know it’s there chilling and the glass alone keeps me cool”
Community member, Ileostomy, colostomy and stoma support forum
“An easy tip is when you get up for the toilet in the night, turn your pillow over so you get the cool side.”
Community member, Prostate cancer forum
“I always use factor 50 on my neck it’s routine and factor 30… I wear my hat as well. My gazebo went up this afternoon so I will be in the shade with my book and water.”
Community member, Head and neck cancer forum
“When you using your fans place a freezer pack or frozen bottle of water in front of air flow to cool the air even further.”
Community member, Breast cancer forum
