How Is Cancer Treatment Affected By The Change Of Seasons?

External radiotherapy- Female patient listening to doctor

Whilst everyone has a different opinion of the seasons, the first bloom of spring can be extremely meaningful to many people undergoing cancer treatment, but it can also require some changes not only to treatment plans but also to mindset.

The fundamentals behind state-of-the-art external radiotherapy treatment will not typically change, but how you may feel about the treatment and the types of aftercare that are most appropriate often will, managing the physical and emotional effects of the seasons.

In particular, the two equinoxes, which signify the beginning of spring and autumn, can bring a lot of changes to your everyday life and cancer treatment, some of which may affect the body, whilst others affect the mind.

Our wide-reaching, holistic approach to cancer treatment understands the power the seasons can have, and with that in mind, here is how the change of seasons might affect your treatment and what your cancer team will do to help.

Why Does The Change Of Seasons Have Such An Effect On Cancer Care?

In general, the effects of the seasons on cancer care have very rarely been studied outside of attempting to determine the positive effects of vitamin D.

Any cancer treatment that is available to you will work at any time of the year; cancer is not seasonal, and neither are oncologists.

However, the change from winter to spring and spring to autumn can affect how cancer treatment feels, with the increased sunlight that comes at the start of spring and the early autumnal chill each having both physical and emotional effects.

Whilst for some people it can be an added motivation or allow for a chance to reflect, for others it can manifest as a form of seasonal affective disorder, and it is important to accept these feelings as a natural part of your cancer journey.

How Does Spring Affect Cancer Treatment?

If your radiotherapy or chemotherapy treatment plan continues through the spring equinox, it can create a new set of sensations and challenges, as the longer days and increased sunlight can feel more intense whilst undergoing treatment.

Physical Impacts Of Spring

  • Sun Sensitivity – Radiotherapy can affect the sensitivity of your skin around the targeted area, so it is important to wear loose clothes made of natural materials, as well as a hat or scarf and a high SPF sunscreen to protect your skin on brighter days.
  • Dehydration – Radiotherapy and chemotherapy can cause your body to burn more calories and process more water, so you may need more fluids and electrolyte drinks.
  • Swimming – Swimming is a wonderful exercise, but the chlorine in swimming pools can potentially irritate your skin. Ask your cancer team and make sure to shower soon after swimming to wash off the chlorine.

Emotional Impact Of Spring

  • The first bloom of spring can be inspiring to some people, but at the same time, it can feel at odds with others if they are feeling fatigued.
  • There can be an implicit pressure to recover or put on a happy face to match the weather.
  • There can be a sense of guilt in not feeling as positive and grateful as other people when spring finally blooms.

How Might Treatment Change During Spring?

  • Your cancer team may encourage additional hydration strategies to maximise recovery.
  • They may also suggest treatments that can help with seasonal-specific issues such as hayfever.
  • They can encourage additional holistic care, such as gentle exercise in the sun with a physiotherapist, light and nutritious meals with a nutritionist, and mental health support with a therapist or counsellor.

How Does Autumn Affect Cancer Treatment?

Conversely, the autumn equinox in September, when the weather starts to cool and autumn begins to feel like autumn, can also have a powerful effect on cancer treatment.

Physical Impacts Of Autumn

  • Cold sensitivity – Cancer treatments can often cause people to feel colder, and can increase the risks of hypothermia.
  • Peripheral Neuropathy – Conversely, certain cancer treatments can cause the extremities to feel less sensitive, which can not only cause difficulty judging temperature but can also affect balance.
  • Viral Infections – Autumn and winter bring many seasonal illnesses, which need to be managed whilst your immune system is more stressed.

Emotional Impact Of Autumn

  • More time spent indoors due to the shorter days can have an impact.
  • The pressure of family gatherings can itself discourage people from discussing how they feel.
  • Many people feel more isolated due to the cold weather.

How Might Treatment Change During Autumn?

  • Your cancer team may encourage vaccinations and a winter diet to boost your immune system.
  • There may be changes to scheduled treatments to work around your needs and family gatherings.