SOUTH FLORIDA — A new study revealed how extreme heat impacts daily routines and medical care for cancer patients in South Florida. The findings were published on June 9, 2026, in the journal Environmental Research: Climate.

Investigators from Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, and the School of Nursing and Health Studies at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine led the research. The qualitative study involved interviews with 20 adults from 18 South Florida ZIP codes who had a history of cancer diagnosis or treatment. The interviews were conducted in English and Haitian Creole.

Kilan C. Ashad-Bishop, lead researcher, said that heat affected nearly every part of people's routines. Ashad-Bishop said, "What we heard was that heat touches nearly every part of people's routines. It affects when people go outside, whether they adhere to medical advice, how connected they feel and how much they spend just to stay safe and comfortable."

Some study participants reported delaying or skipping medical appointments to avoid exposure to high temperatures. Individuals with cancer reduced their physical activity, social interactions, and essential errands due to heat conditions. Participants adapted by limiting outdoor activities, scheduling errands during cooler hours, staying indoors, and using air conditioning.

Researchers found that heat strain affects long-term health through incremental compromises rather than sudden crises. "We saw people making calculations as constant as heat stress in South Florida. They're weighing comfort against care, safety against necessity. Those decisions add up." Ashad-Bishop said.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency defines extreme heat as periods that are hotter and often more humid than the historical average for a specific location and time.

Sophia George, senior study author, said, "This isn't just about weather advisories. It's about recognizing heat as a health stressor and helping patients plan for it as part of everyday care."

No independent assessment was available for this report.