Protect Yourself from the Sun After Breast Cancer
- M.R. Grigsby
- May 23
- 4 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Somerset, KY--Michael R. Grigsby, May 23, 2025, 17:29 EST
One of the most overlooked areas of attention during cancer recovery is the attention to after-treatment sun exposure. Sun protection is an integral part of cancer recovery and prevention.
What to know about cancer and the sun
Many cancer treatments cause photosensitivity or sensitivity to light.
These can include:
otherapy
radiation
steroids
pain relievers
nausea medications
antibiotics
This can lead to a heightened response to UV rays, known as photoallergies. It can also cause burns, rashes, and blisters, known as phototoxicity. Surgery and port scars are also sensitive to light. They heal better when protected from the sun. hormone therapy drugs that suppress estrogen, like Tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors, can make skin prone to dryness, itchiness, and early aging.
Why add the damage sun exposure can cause?
The best defense against sun-damaged skin is to avoid the sun altogether. Using sunscreen, donning protective clothes, and avoiding the sun during the midday hours when UV rays are at their greatest are other safeguards. Retinoids, lightening agents, chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing, dermabrasion, and fillers are some of the treatment options available to restore damaged skin.
Look out for harmful chemicals
Avoid products containing harsh chemicals. These can include:
Concerns have been raised regarding these substances' safety. In order to ensure that customers have access to safe and efficient sun protection products, the FDA regulates sunscreens, which are nonprescription medications. In recent years, there have been a number of changes to the laws governing sunscreen.
How to stay sun safe before, during, and after cancer
One of the best all-day, year-round sun protection is Dime’s Beauty’s Wonderscreen SPF 30. It is best apply it to your face, neck, and chest every morning.
Blue Lizard is water resistant, and it has ingredients that are easy on the ocean’s ecosystem.
Keep an eye on your eyes, too. Look for sunglasses that are 100% UV or UV400 protection. These block both UV-A and UV-B rays. Lily-Lark makes chic parasols with UV-blocking material. Or try this compact option from Amazon.
Do remember your lips. Burt’s Bees Coco Loco SPF 30 lip balm smells great! UV Arm sleeves are handy when you’re wearing a tee. Slip them on and off to cover up without changing into or layering on other long-sleeved clothing.
Tips for getting the most from your sun protection
Stock up
You should always have extras on hand so you can use them when needed. This covers makeup bags, backpacks, vanities, handbags, and entryway tables. Before you travel, apply sunscreen to your hands and arms using the sunscreen that you keep in your vehicle.
Think about your scalp, ears, and neck
Learn to protect not just your scalp during chemotherapy, but also your ears and the back of your neck, which were previously hidden by any long hair before the treatment.
Zoom in on the details
Applying sunscreen to port scars and other scars that can be seen in bathing suits or other bare clothing requires extra care. They are quite sensitive!
Pay attention to delicate skin
Like most, you might have had radiation therapy to nodes close to your clavicle. You will discover after therapy that this location is exposed to sunlight every day. You probably did not give it much thought until you noticed that any area that received the radiation may be severely burned by the sun. The skin becomes permanently more susceptible to UV light after it has been exposed to radiation. Regardless of whether you usually burn or not, it needs protection.
Takeaways
After undergoing treatment for breast cancer, you may feel and look completely different. But following beauty routines tailored to an evolving body's needs can do more than improve your self-image and appearance in the midst of treatment uncertainty and navigating survivorship. In addition, those self-care activities provided you with much-needed control during a stressful and hectic period.
People with chronic illnesses frequently hear sayings like "look on the bright side" or "stay positive." Despite its good intentions, this recommendation frequently has the unintended consequence of rejecting a person's feelings about their disease. By admitting the challenging aspects — and their challenging emotions — they might even be suggesting that they're making things worse.
On the other hand, the ideal method to not only ameliorate the results of illness but also to find calm in the midst of it may be to practice neither pushing away nor reaching for another experience. There are strong emotions associated with chronic illness that can be challenging to manage. Although mindfulness might be helpful, emotional repression can have a significant negative influence on physical health.
Call your doctor or emergency services immediately if you are experiencing a medical emergency. Reliance on any information this article provides is solely at your own risk.
The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options.
Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read in this article. The views expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any medical organization or institution.
Author Michael R. Grigsby, one of the news editors for LCTI, LLC. Michael is passionate about the outdoors, photography, strength sports, and powerlifting, and he is dedicated to bringing you accurate and insightful news reports on a wide range of topics. He loves connecting with readers and is always happy to answer any questions you may have. If you have any questions about this news article, please feel free to contact Michael at lctillc@outlook.com or by leaving a comment below.
Copyright 2024 LCTI, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without attribution to the author. If you use any quotes from this article, please credit LCTI, LLC.
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