May 6th-12th was Sun Awareness week in the UK and as many of us are self-isolating, furloughing or working from home, it’s a good time to remind ourselves to stay safe in the sun.
Although it’s unlikely any of us living in the UK will come into contact with foreign climates over the next few months, many will end up spending more time outside. Whether you’re taking the time to relax or work in your garden; taking a walk instead of the gym, if the sun is out, please do stay aware.
Staying safe in the sun can reduce your risk of some cancers. It can also be particularly important for people going through some cancer treatments to stay out of the sun.
'...when I was on chemo one of the nurses said to stay out of the sun. And then when I had my radiotherapy planning meeting they said of course you know about staying out of the sun. But other than slapping on lotion what should I actually be doing and for how long? Anyone know?"
Member ‘NiceCuppa’ came to our Community cancer forum to ask for advice about protection from the sun following chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment for breast cancer. Please click here if you’d like to read the full thread and advice from other members.
Our skin cancer group members are often in the know about sun protection:
"The first summer after I was diagnosed with Melanoma was the hardest, as I used to enjoy sitting in the sun with a book. However, it's surprising how quickly you adapt and I now have a selection of hats to choose from when I go out. I also decided that I now need a whole new wardrobe.
So every cloud has a silver lining!"
Community Champion ‘latchbrook’ offers some handy tips - You can read the full discussion here.
"I leave a hat permanently in the car so if I forget to take one with me, I know I'll have one. Leaving a tube of suncream in the glove compartment is a good idea too. It's not about not going outside at all but just about being sun safe."
Questions about looking after your skin following treatment have often been posed in our ‘Ask the Expert’ sessions. For example, our volunteer Radiographer, Kate, helped member ‘levisurfer‘ with some advice around keeping safe after a course of radiotherapy and chemotherapy following major surgery for the removal of a cancerous growth to a Parotid Gland.
"I was wondering what kind of headwear or other protection I could wear."
Kate had some suggestions for ‘levisurfer’ around hat choice and sunblock, which they thought others might find useful too. You can read the full question and answer by clicking here.
If you’re currently going through treatment, you should always follow your clinical team’s advice, but as the weather heats up, there are things everyone can do to help make sure their skin does not burn.
Protect your face and neck with a wide-brimmed hat.
Wear sunglasses with a guaranteed ultraviolet (UV) light filter.
Use a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (at least SPF 30).
If you have had radiotherapy, keep the treated area completely covered.
Stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day, usually between
11am and 3pm.
Find out more 
click here.
