Hope some of you ladies can advise. Finished rads in Feb. At the weekend it was so nice to sit in the garden, & I got a bit of sun on my arms, but not on any of my treated area, which stayed covered up. But now my work colleagues are telling me THEY thought I wasn’t allowed to get the sun at all !
I must add that none of them have had cancer as far as I know - however they may have experience with friends or relatives.
I really thought it was just the zapped area I had to protect, but have I got that wrong? Need to find out before we get any more sunny days (unless that was summer for this year), so hoping you can help.
I was only told to cover the treated area when I went to spain 6 weeks after my rads finished in may 08. Enjoy the sun!
My chemo finished in July and I went to Portugal in the September. I asked the onc if this was ok and she told me to use high factor sun cream all over as the effects of chemo in your body can make you burn more easily. So just be careful, plenty cream, plenty fluids and cover up in the really hot times of day. I did all she told me and had a great holiday. I returned to Portugal in March of the following year and didnt use as high a factor cream as I thought it wasnt as hot and my arms burned and came out in a horrid rash. When I went to the chemist in Portugal the pharmacist said I had had a reaction because my sun cream wasnt high enough. So 3 years down the line I find I colour very easily even though I always wear cream factor 30 or more,I even had my granddaughters facotr 50 plus on at the weekend and my arms were still going pink.
Take care enjoy the sun everyone but put plenty cream on and cover up.
Carolyn x
Sorry I was only commenting regarding rads as didnt have chemo.
Yes, I was told the same as Carolyn. Skin is much more sensitive after treatment and I was advised to use a high factor (50) on face and body for at least 6 months after the end of treatment. There are some really good deals around at the mo so stock up, and enjoy the sunshine - if it lasts that is! x
Oh my goodness I hadn’t even thought about the chemo. Once again I’m glad of this site.
I have always used a very high factor as I burn very easily. I don’t go anywhere hot very often as I suffer in the heat and I always try to keep my head, neck and the upper part of my arms covered. I’m very envious of people who can enjoy heat and the sun as I don’t 
I’m so glad someone has posted athread regarding sunshine. I’ve noticed that my arms have taken on a rash and caught the sun ( not fair kept the ‘rads’ area covers) but also my face is taking on a high colour too and feels burnt and it’s day 5 since I sat in the sun so should be recovering by now! I also thought that it was just the treated area but just to clarify for dimmies like me What do I cover with high factor suncream BCN please advise.
Hi LazyDaisy1
I have referred your question on suncream to our team of nurses who will reply as soon as they have an answer for you.
take care
June, moderator
Hello
I’m posting this on behalf of the nursing team.
The recommendations regarding being out in the sun following radiotherapy are to keep the skin covered when you are out in it. Even when treatment has finished, it may be more sensitive to the sun. As Carolyn has mentioned, it’s sensible to either keep the treated area covered or regularly apply sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF), and to continue using a high factor sun cream until at least one year after treatment. Chemotherapy drugs can also affect the way your skin reacts in the sun, so whilst undergoing chemo and for some time afterwards, your skin might be more sensitive and burn more easily. It’s always a good idea to avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day (11am-3pm), to use a high factor sun cream and to keep covered with light clothing and a hat.
Many thanks for quick response -Stephanie
Just wanted to share with you a great deal available at Sainsburys for UVA skin protection.
As featured in 'Easy Living" Garnier’s Ambre Solair Light and Silky Protection Mist - Factor 30 but it does come as a 20 too. They are selling it about half price 7.50 ish normaly 13 .50.
I’ve used it under makeup and it isn’t greasy and absorbs well.