Top Tips for Travelling with Cancer

More and more people are surviving cancer, as treatments become ever more effective. But cancer treatment can be physically and mentally draining, and you’ll probably never need a break more than when you’ve finished a course of treatment.

Having cancer certainly shouldn't mean you'll never get away with family and friends again. But cancer, and treatment for cancer, can definitely take a toll on your energy levels, your ability to fight off infections and more. However, with the right timing and the correct precautions, there is no reason why you shouldn't be able to enjoy time away with your loved ones.

When Not to Travel

While you may think the time you most need to get away from it all is when you're recovering from treatment, it may not be safe to travel too soon after surgery. In addition, it can take some time to recover from the side effects of radiotherapy or chemotherapy after you finish a course.

If you’ve recently been going through cancer treatment, your team may recommend that you wait before travelling. Possible reasons include:

Recent surgery. You can usually fly within 1-2 days of having keyhole surgery. But you’ll advised to wait longer if you’ve had ‘open’ surgery that involves a surgical scar – how long depends on the type of surgery.

Bone marrow or stem cell transplant. After these procedures, your risk of getting a serious infection is increased for some months. You’ll also need regular follow-up and blood tests and may need blood transfusions. You’ll usually be advised to avoid foreign travel for at least 6 months – and sometimes for 12 months, by which time your blood counts should be back to normal.

Suppressed immune system. Many forms of chemotherapy make you more vulnerable to infection. Your doctor will advise that you avoid travelling abroad until your immune system, which helps you fight off infection, is strong enough.

Anaemia. Abnormal levels of cells in your blood, including red blood cells (anaemia) and platelets (which help your blood to clot).

Shortness of breath. Oxygen levels are lower on planes above 5000 feet (many flights involve flying up to 8000 feet above sea level). This isn’t a problem for most healthy people. But if your treatment or medical condition means you’re already short of breath at ground level, it may not be safe for you to fly.

Timing is Everything

Even if your medical team do say you’re fit to travel, you may need to take special precautions or avoid certain destinations. And there may be a ‘window of opportunity’, once you’ve recovered from one course of treatment and before you start the next, which would give you the maximum chance of a trouble-free break. Always check with your medical team before you book anything.

Ask your medical team if there are certain climates you should avoid. For instance, some radiotherapy and cancer drugs can make you more sensitive to the sun. And do take into account the availability of medical care at your destination, just in case you become unwell while you’re away

If you're taking medication that might increase your risk of infection, you should probably avoid travelling to developing countries or anywhere outside Western Europe, the USA or Australasia. You should certainly not aim to travel to remote locations where it could take a long time to reach medical help. Clearly, if the risk is very high, you should avoid travelling until your team advises it's safe.

Vaccinations

If you've had a transplant or have had chemotherapy in the last six months, you probably won't be able to have any live vaccines, such as those for yellow fever, BCG, MMR or oral typhoid vaccinations. It's essential not to risk a trip without having all the correct vaccinations – speak to your pharmacist or visit fitfortravel for the latest guidance on any destination you're considering.

Food & Drink

Think about what the food is like at your destination. You may be suffering from nausea or problems swallowing or digesting food: it's important to have access to a wide range of foods you know will not disagree with you.

In many developing countries, there’s a much higher chance of food poisoning than there is in the UK. If your immune system isn’t working on top form due to your cancer or treatment for it, you could be at higher risk of getting seriously unwell.

If you’re not 100% sure about food safety at your destination, follow the mantra ‘boil it, peel it, cook it or forget it’. Food cooked fresh to order and served straight to you is safest – and be aware that seafood is a common cause of food poisoning. If you’re in any doubt about the water, stick to boiled, bottled or sterilised drinks – including when you brush your teeth. Don’t forget that ice in your drinks can also be contaminated.

Likewise, if you're not eating or drinking as well as usual, you may be at higher risk of dehydration if you get a tummy bug. These are more common in developing countries and staying at a smart hotel doesn't guarantee protection – flies that carry germs don't care how expensive the resort is.

Long Haul Travel

Long haul travel can increase the risk of a clot on the leg, called a deep vein thrombosis or DVT. This clot can break off and travel to the lungs, leading to a life-threatening pulmonary embolus or PE. Unfortunately, some cancers and cancer treatments can also increase this risk.

Speak to your medical team in advance about whether you should limit the distance you travel and any precautions you should take (such as ‘flight socks’ – elasticated compression stockings to reduce the risk of a clot forming). When you're sitting in a plane, get up regularly and move around, keep well hydrated and avoid alcohol. If travelling by car, stop regularly to stretch your legs.

Other top tips

If you're likely to need assistance at the airport, contact your travel agent or airline well in advance. This could include transfer from the car park, a wheelchair inside the terminal, assistance at security or a specific seat on the plane.

Order medication well in advance and check the regulations for travelling with certain medications. For instance, you may be taking strong opioid painkillers – bringing these into certain countries is illegal. Read our article on carrying medication abroad for the full low-down.

Do make sure you have the right travel insurance – you will need to declare any cancer you've ever had. If you don't, it could invalidate your insurance. You can find out more below:

• Cancer Travel Insurance
• Breast Cancer Travel Insurance
• Lung Cancer Travel Insurance
• Lymphoma Travel Insurance
• Prostate Cancer Travel Insurance
• Skin Cancer Travel Insurance

Having cancer or cancer treatment can really take its toll on your energy levels. Plan activities with plenty of space in between to recover, and don't be afraid to duck out if you're feeling too tired. Be kind to yourself and don't overdo it.