Extreme Heat & Cancer Care: What Patients Need to Know to Stay Safe

• Cancer patients are highly vulnerable to extreme heat due to physiological strain from treatments like chemotherapy and radiation.
• Treatments can impact the immune system, energy levels, and the body’s ability to regulate temperature, increasing dehydration risk.
• Side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea exacerbate fluid loss, making patients more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.
• Warning signs like dizziness, fatigue, headaches, and increased heart rate should be recognized and addressed promptly.
• Preventive measures include regular hydration, avoiding peak heat hours, wearing loose clothing, and staying in cool, well-ventilated spaces.