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General Information

If you have Cancer and want to take a holiday you will need to plan. For many, travelling will have little or no effect on their condition however, for others the situation may be different. It is therefore essential that you discuss your plans with your health specialists, doctors and/or nurses to agree the best options for you. Initially you must obtain confirmation from your Doctor that you are fit to travel. You may prefer to postpone your holiday until your treatment has finished. Think carefully about the destination, and your physical needs which may alter dependent upon your stage of treatment. For example:

You may feel more tired following treatment.

You may be more susceptible to infection.

You will be more sensitive to the sun following radiotherapy or certain drugs.

You may suffer from nausea.

You may have to cope with physical changes following surgery.

That said, don’t let these issues deter you from making plans. A holiday can be an excellent boost to your recovery.

Be sure to contact your airline or tour operator to ensure your practical requirements are met such as early boarding, provision of wheelchairs, assistance, dietary needs and oxygen.

Ensure you have sufficient medication for the entire duration of you trip, and if possible, subject to security restrictions, carry medication in your hand luggage. Take a list of your medications which includes both the generic and brand names of each, together with respective dosages. Whilst travelling, keep the list separately from the medications themselves.

Certain cancer drugs may leave you susceptible to infection for some weeks after treatment. Those who have undergone more intensive treatment such as bone marrow or stem cell transplant will be more at risk. This should therefore be taken into consideration when selecting your holiday destination. Whilst you are away:

Only drink bottled water (ensuring the seal has not been tampered with)

Eat fresh, thoroughly cooked food

Eat peeled fruit

Avoid salads, raw vegetables and ice in drinks

Avoid eating food from street sellers.

Minimise skin infections by avoiding insect bites. Use plenty of insect repellant. Carry a first aid kit and treat any cuts or grazes immediately. Check with your doctor what medication you can safely take in the event of a tummy bug

Good planning will ensure all your needs are met and you reap the benefits of a relaxing stress free holiday.

Climate

Everybody should protect their skin from the harmful effects of the sun. Excessive exposure to the sun’s rays can be extremely damaging. Certain cancer treatments leave the skin more sensitive to the sun than would otherwise be the norm. Skin may become drier and be more sensitive to chemicals including chlorinated swimming pools. Following treatment, such as radiotherapy, the skin will remain sensitive for some years, so be sure to keep yourself covered/protected. Wear loose cotton clothes with long sleeves and trousers. Wear a wide brimmed hat to shade your face and neck. Avoid the sun between the hours of 11am and 3pm, the hottest part of the day and always use a high factor sun cream.

Altitude and Depth

If you have cancer and are considering travelling to an area of high altitude or at the other extreme perhaps you have had cancer treatment and wish to scuba dive, you should first discuss your intentions with your health specialist. Chemotherapy and radio therapy can have a significant impact on your energy levels and it can take a good year before you have returned to your usual levels of fitness. Treatments, surgery and medications can have a huge effect on the body. No two people are alike and your individual circumstances will need to be taken into account before embarking on such activities.

For example, someone who has been treated for breast cancer, who has had a long period of recuperation to rebuild strength and stamina may well be deemed fit to dive once more. Conversely a person whose treatment involved higher potency drugs, causing toxic effects/damage may find they are unable to take part in this sporting activity.

Loss of flexibility and strength in lung tissue increases the risk of injury to the lung such as a collapsed lung or pneumothorax, which if experienced whilst diving, could prove fatal. Nevertheless, many who have good lung function and are otherwise considered fit and healthy are able to resume diving post breast cancer.

Always consult your health specialist to discuss your personal circumstances.

Air Travel

Your doctor will confirm whether you are fit to fly. There are certain circumstances when you should not fly, for example :

If you have undergone any surgery in the last 10 days including laparoscopy

If you have had bowel or chest surgery in the last 4 weeks

If you have had surgery for a brain tumour in recent months

If your intracranial pressure ie the pressure within your skull could be higher than normal due to a brain tumour.

If you have had high dose chemotherapy or bone marrow or stem cell transplant in the last year.

If you have low level platelets in your blood

Always discuss your personal circumstances with your health specialist as the needs of individuals vary widely.

Some people with cancer are at greater risk of developing blood clots or DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) this can be due to a variety of factors such as :

People with cancer have more of the proteins and platelets which help the blood to clot

Some hormone therapies can increase risk of DVT

You may have had surgery in the last few months

You may be less active/mobile.

To minimise the risk of DVT whilst flying wear flight socks to improve circulation and exercise by walking up and down the aisles of the plane every half hour or so. Stretch and move your legs and feet whilst seated. Avoid alcohol which can cause dehydration but drink plenty of water

Ideally all medication should be carried within your hand luggage just in case checked in luggage goes astray or medications are damaged in the hold. However you should always comply with airport security regulations. Contact your departure airport or visit their website for up to date information. You should also carry supporting documentation from your doctor or other healthcare professional.

Always check with your airline on current restrictions regarding the carriage of medicines in hand luggage.

In summary...

DO

Take out adequate travel insurance to cover your condition. Please visit www.allcleartravel.co.uk

• Take sufficient supplies of medication and carry some in your hand luggage (subject to airport security restrictions).
• Plan well in advance
• Organise special assistance requirements well in advance.
• Take a list of all your medications and dosages and keep them separate to your medications.
• If travelling across time zones ensure you know when you should take your medications

DON'T

• Travel to destinations where there is inadequate medical assistance.
• Go out in the sun without adequate protection.
• Travel without insurance which covers your condition. Please visit www.allcleartravel.co.uk