Hi, I would really appreciate your advice. I finished my treatment (lumpectomy, chemo and radio) 4 weeks ago and I don't have BCN at the moment. Can I resume going to Turkish baths, Steam Rooms and/or Saunas? My breast is "tanned"/darker and sensitive but it doesn't feel sore and the skin didn't break down
Thanks in advance,
Maria
Dear Guida,
Thank you for getting in touch with us at Macmillan. My name is Penelope and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists. I hope that you are recovering well after your treatment.
I am sorry to hear that you do not have a breast care nurse at present. As we do not have access to any of your medical information, we would usually signpost back to the breast care team. I have included some general information below which might be helpful for you. As you don’t have a breast care nurse there may be a nurse or radiographer in the radiotherapy department that can advise you about radiotherapy after care. Alternatively, you may be able to contact a doctor within the breast care team through your consultant’s secretary.
The reasons some people are advised to avoid Turkish baths, steam rooms or saunas are due to the risk of infection during or after treatment, concerns about lymphoedema or the risk of damaging skin that has been made more sensitive by radiotherapy.
Our general information on infection suggests avoiding a public pool or spa. If you have recovered well from your chemotherapy this may no longer apply to you, but it is always best to check.
It is recommended to avoid exposure to very hot or cold temperatures during radiotherapy treatment due to possible side effects of radiotherapy. As you mentioned that the skin is still sensitive, we would suggest speaking to someone about your individual circumstances before using any type of steam room or sauna.
With regard to the risk of lymphoedema this information from Breast Cancer Now states that there is no evidence using a hot tub increases the risk of lymphoedema. The information is at the bottom of the linked page under the heading ‘other precautions’.
I hope that the above links are helpful. It can be challenging adapting to life after cancer treatment, so please do ask for further support if you need it. I can see that you have joined the life after cancer forum. I hope you find it useful and supportive. You may also like to look at our information on beginning to recover.
Best wishes
Penelope, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
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