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The Importance of Sun Care

Protecting your skin during radiation and other forms of cancer treatment requires some extra care, especially when it comes to sun exposure. Here are some important tips to help you stay safe while enjoying time outdoors.

Sun Care and Safety during Cancer Treatment

Radiation and chemotherapy treatments, as well as some medications, can increase your susceptibility to sunburn and skin damage. Sun care is especially important when you are undergoing treatment.

Receiving Radiation? 

As a general rule, no sun exposure is a good idea when you’re receiving radiation treatment if the site of the treatment is exposed skin. Your doctor may not want you to put sunscreen or any cream on while you’re receiving radiation treatment as the skin is prone to injury at that time.

Important!

Always check with your radiation oncologist before applying sunscreen and exposing a treatment area to the sun.

Sun Safety During Treatment

Apply sun protection daily and liberally – a dollop about the size of a golf ball – to all exposed skin, such as the lips, ears, scalp, sides, and back of neck

Get in the habit of applying sun protection every morning, about 20 to 30 minutes before going outside, and reapply often – about every two hours

Remember that you’re still exposed to UVA/UVB rays even in shady areas. If you’re indoors, windows do not protect against UVA rays

Stay inside during the intense-sun hours of 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wear clothing especially formulated with SPF when you have to go out into strong sun.

Don’t forget to wear a hat…

preferably one with a wide brim of about three inches.

Don’t forget your eyes…

they need protection too. Wear sunglasses with UVA/UVB protection.

Have more skin-related questions?

Find practical answers in our Shaving & Men’s Skincare Workshop.

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