From Cardarelli in Naples advice to cancer patients for heat waves

The fourth and final video in the YouTube miniseries from Cardarelli Hospital in Naples, "Summer in Health – Tips for Feeling Well," is dedicated to cancer patients, with advice from Raffaella Ruocco, medical director of the Oncology Department, on how to behave on vacation and how to cope with the high temperatures of these days.

When asked whether it is possible to go to the beach and expose yourself to the sun, the specialist reminds us that "it is possible" but "making a distinction".

Patients who have completed therapy, whether chemotherapy or biological treatment or radiotherapy, are allowed to sunbathe as long as they have at least factor 50 protection, which of course is only a starting point because it can then vary based on skin type”.

For patients who are still undergoing therapy, exposure to sunlight is not recommended "because some treatments can be photosensitive and therefore cause the onset of spots".

“In this case – explains the oncologist – it is possible to swim and stay on the beach but avoiding sunbathing especially during the hottest hours, therefore favoring shaded areas”.

A piece of advice for patients with breast problems who are undergoing radiotherapy: “Wear a cotton T-shirt even when you are in the water, to avoid exposing the area to the sun’s rays”. Even those who have a central venous catheter can go to the beach and swim but “using waterproof films to place around the area”.

As for going out and free time, there are no restrictions, except for the recommendation to avoid the hottest hours of the day and to carry a protective sunscreen even if you are walking in the street. On nutrition, the oncologist at Cardarelli recommends first of all correct hydration, "at least two liters of water a day but at room temperature".

“You can take showers but always with warm water and it is recommended to help yourself with food – he concludes -, favoring fruit and vegetables. And always yes to the Mediterranean diet”.