Cancer and Cold Weather: 5 Things Patients Should Know

Winter is difficult for all of us, but cold weather may be more challenging for patients with cancer. Many patients and their relatives are particularly concerned about influenza and colds.

Cold Weather During Chemotherapy

Oxaliplatin and some other chemotherapy medicines may increase sensitivity to cold. We recommend that patients receiving oxaliplatin protect themselves from cold drinks and cold weather on treatment days and for the following 2 days. In addition, treatment for patients traveling long distances may sometimes be delayed for a few days because of adverse weather. Do not worry in this situation; a delay of a few days will not adversely affect your treatment.

Patients with Cancer Can Also Get Influenza

Because of both cold weather and immune systems weakened by treatment, patients with cancer may get influenza. Developing an infection is not something that must never happen, nor something for which patients or their relatives should blame themselves. Many patients with cancer can be protected against influenza through vaccination. If you have not been vaccinated, or develop influenza despite vaccination, take your symptoms seriously and inform your oncology team. The two most important ways to prevent common winter illnesses such as influenza and colds are washing hands more frequently and trying to avoid sharing spaces with people who have influenza. I would like to note that we do not recommend routine mask use except in patients with blood and bone marrow cancers (leukemia and lymphoma).

- Can patients with cancer receive influenza or pneumonia vaccines?

Beware of Falls

In many parts of our country, cold weather brings snow and ice. Icy roads increase the risk of slipping and falling for everyone from 7 to 70. Due to cancer itself or treatment-related fatigue and medicines being taken, patients with cancer are more vulnerable to falls. For example, anastrozoleis a medicine taken by patients with hormone-positive breast cancer that may reduce bone density. Falls may be more dangerous for patients taking medicines that affect bone or those with bone metastasis . You can take precautions against this risk by walking with an assistive device or a loved one’s help, or by maintaining an active lifestyle through indoor exercises during this period.

Numbness and Pain in the Hands and Feet

Some cancer treatments may cause peripheral neuropathy , a side effect involving reduced sensation or abnormal sensations in the hands and feet. Patients with this side effect, which may disappear over time, are more prone to frostbite because of reduced sensation. Patients living in particularly cold regions of our country should pay attention to this.

Patients with numb feet are also at greater risk of falling. In addition to numbness, people with peripheral neuropathy may experience pain that can worsen in the cold.

- Is pain in a patient with cancer really impossible to manage?

Trust Yourself

Simple winter precautions will help patients with cancer get through this period comfortably. A little extra care is what matters. Let us remind you again that washing hands is the most effective way to avoid influenza and colds.