Dr. Lecturer Member Meltem Topalgökçeli Selam said, "With the right precautions, patients undergoing chemotherapy can also have a safe holiday in the summer."
While holiday plans gain momentum with the arrival of the summer months, the most frequently asked questions of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment are "Can I swim in the sea?" and "Can I go out in the sun?" and "Will going on vacation negatively affect my treatment?" It's coming. Liv Hospital Ulus Medical Oncology Specialist Dr. Lecturer Member Meltem Topalgökçeli Selam stated that patients undergoing chemotherapy do not need to stay away from social life completely during the summer months and said, "Receiving chemotherapy does not prevent them from going on holiday. However, due to summer heat, sun rays and the risk of infection, simple but vital precautions to be taken are of great importance for the safety of the treatment."
Stating that chemotherapy can affect not only cancer cells but also healthy cells, Dr. Lecturer Member Meltem Topalgökçeli Selam said that especially the immune system, skin and fluid balance become more sensitive during the treatment process.
Dr. Lecturer Member Meltem Topalgökçeli Selam said, "High temperature, intense sun exposure and changes in hygiene conditions may increase some risks for our patients in the summer months. However, these risks can be largely controlled by correct planning and following doctor's recommendations. We do not want our patients receiving treatment to be detached from life, but to protect their quality of life by acting consciously."
"Sun protection is not only comfort, it is also a part of the treatment"
Emphasizing that some chemotherapy drugs cause serious sun sensitivity on the skin, Dr. Lecturer Member Meltem Topalgökçeli Selam stated that even short-term sun exposure can cause severe burns and permanent skin spots.
"In the summer months, sunscreen with a protection factor of at least SPF 50 and providing UVA and UVB protection should be used about half an hour before going out and should be renewed every two hours," said Dr. Lecturer Member Meltem Topalgökçeli Selam continued as follows: "One should not be outside as much as possible, especially between 10.00-16.00, when the sun rays are most intense. Wide-brimmed hats, UV filtered sunglasses and thin-textured cotton clothes also provide effective protection."
Stating that the body loses more water than normal in the summer heat, Selam pointed out that chemotherapy drugs can also aggravate this situation.
Dr. Lecturer Member Meltem Topalgökçeli Selam said, "Not drinking enough fluids can negatively affect kidney functions and increase fatigue and low blood pressure. Unless your doctor makes a different recommendation, be careful to consume 2-2.5 liters of water daily. Darkening of the urine color is one of the important indicators that the body is dehydrated."
"Clean sea should be preferred instead of a pool"
Dr. says that preventing infections during the chemotherapy process is one of the most important steps of the treatment. Lecturer Member Meltem Topalgökçeli Selam warned against crowded pools. Dr. Lecturer Member Selam continued as follows: "Since the immune system is suppressed, swimming pools may pose a significant risk of bacteria and fungi. For this reason, we do not recommend our patients undergoing chemotherapy to enter the pool. Patients with appropriate blood values can swim in clean seas after the evaluation of their oncologists. After swimming, they should take a shower immediately and should not stay in wet swimsuits for a long time. Patients with a port or catheter should definitely consult their physicians."
"One should be more careful about food poisoning in summer"
Stating that food spoils much faster in the summer, Selam stated that even a seemingly simple food infection can have serious consequences in patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Dr. Lecturer Member Meltem Topalgökçeli Selam explained, "Foods sold openly, buffet products that have been kept for a long time, foods with mayonnaise and unsafe dairy products should be avoided. Vegetables and fruits should be washed with plenty of water and, if possible, consumed with their skins peeled. Not keeping cooked meals at room temperature for a long time will also reduce the risk of infection."
Dr. states that the skin may become dry and sensitive due to chemotherapy. Lecturer Member Meltem Topalgökçeli Selam drew attention to the importance of proper skin care in the summer months and continued as follows: "You should take a shower with warm water and avoid using scrubs and hard washcloths. After the shower, moisturizers that do not contain perfume and alcohol should be used, and products suitable for sensitive skin should be preferred instead of cosmetic products containing intense chemicals."
Dr. stated that in some cases, patients receiving chemotherapy treatment should consult a health institution without wasting time. Lecturer Member Meltem Topalgökçeli Selam made the following warnings: "Fever of 38 degrees and above, severe headache, dizziness or confusion, findings suggestive of sunstroke, uncontrollable diarrhea or vomiting, sudden widespread redness on the skin, rash or severe sunburn."
Emphasizing that cancer treatment is not just about medications, Selam concluded his words as follows: "The fact that our patients receiving cancer treatment feel good both physically and spiritually is one of the important factors that support the success of the treatment. It is possible to have a holiday, get sea air or spend time with their loved ones. The important thing here is that the person acts in accordance with the treatment plan, takes into account the recommendations of his oncologist and does not expose himself to unnecessary risks. With the right precautions, the summer season can be safe and enjoyable for cancer patients, too." - ISTANBUL