Tips, Safety, and Precautions When Traveling With Cancer

Medical Records

It's a good idea to bring a copy of your most recent medical records with you when you travel. Asking a healthcare provider to complete a summary of your care before leaving can make it easier for a healthcare provider unfamiliar with your history to get on board quickly if needed.

If you have been treated with chemotherapy, bring a copy of your most recent lab tests. If you are using oxygen, pack a copy of your latest oximetry readings. Ideally, you will be traveling with a companion who knows you well. If not, consider purchasing a medical alert bracelet with information on your diagnosis, and numbers to call in case of an emergency.

It's a good idea for your companion to either know where you have the records you brought or to have their own copy.

Health Insurance

Check with your insurance company (if you have one) before traveling out-of-state or out of the country. Will your insurance cover medical care at your destinations? Are there preferred hospitals and healthcare providers under your policy? If your insurance will cover you, are there limitations, such as a higher copay?

Pack a copy of your insurance policy and keep your insurance cards in your wallet. In some cases, you may need to purchase travel health insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally.

The best bet is to call your insurance company before leaving to see what is covered and what they would recommend if you should need care at your destination. It's a good idea, as well, to write down the name of the person you speak with or to ask for the information they share in writing.

Medications

Make sure to bring enough medications with you to last the duration of your trip, and ask a healthcare provider to prescribe a few extras to cover you in case of a delay.

Pack your medications in your carry-on bag in case your luggage is lost. Medications should be kept in their original packaging. Keep a list of all of your medications handy. If you are traveling internationally, make sure you have the generic name of your drugs listed as well as the brand name, since these can vary from country to country.

Medications and International Travel

If you will be traveling internationally, it's important to carefully review your medications for other reasons. Some medications, even over-the-counter medications are illegal in countries outside of the United States. For example, pseudoephedrine (present in Sudafed) and Adderall are illegal in Japan. Codeine is illegal in Hong Kong and Greece.

Medical Marijuana

Medical marijuana may still be illegal, even with a healthcare provider's note. While the TSA does not search specifically for marijuana, if found they will refer you to local law enforcement. When traveling internationally, rules may be much stricter. Make sure to review the laws before leaving home.

Medical Care at Your Destination

Locate healthcare providers and hospitals (including addresses and phone numbers) near your destinations before you depart. An oncologist may have recommendations about healthcare providers or hospitals at the destination to which you will be traveling.

Make sure to bring an oncologist's number with you in case you need to contact them. The healthcare providers at your destination may also wish to talk to the oncologist who handles your care (if you have one) before deciding on any treatments you need.

Air Travel

If you have any health needs, check with the airlines before you travel.

Items such as syringes for medications, and FAA-approved portable oxygen concentrators (on flights carrying over 19 passengers) can be carried onboard if they are deemed medically necessary and you carry a note from a healthcare provider (a special form may be required). Learn more about the rules for traveling with oxygen on airplanes.

Discuss the ambient air pressure in air cabins with a healthcare provider. Many small aircraft are not pressurized, and commercial cabins are pressurized to around 5000 to 8000 feet above sea level. For people with compromised lung function, significant discomfort may occur if supplemental oxygen is not readily available. Take advantage of the help the airline offers such as wheelchairs and early boarding.

General Travel Health

Getting adequate rest and eating a balanced diet is important when traveling, but a few special precautions should be considered as well:

• Chemotherapy can affect your immune system and predispose you to infections that otherwise might not be a problem. Choose bottled water if only well water is available or you are uncertain if the water is safe. Avoid ice cubes. Learn more about lowering your risk of infection on chemotherapy.
• Both chemotherapy and radiation therapy can make you more sensitive to sunlight. Pack protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Minimize exposure during midday, especially in tropical climates. Learn more about sun sensitivity during cancer treatment and what medications might predispose you to sunburns.
• If you have anemia, flying and changes in elevation can worsen your symptoms. Discuss this with a healthcare provider prior to traveling.

Coping During Travel

Many people return from vacation saying they need another vacation!

Keep in mind that travel can be extra tiring when you are living with cancer. Pace yourself. Leave time in your schedule so you don't feel guilty if you skip a day of exploring to rest. Discuss alternatives to your planned activities before leaving home, and write a list of the things you absolutely wish to see so that you can prioritize.

Try to be flexible and be ready to change your plans if needed. Going into your trip with the attitude that you may need to make changes may make it easier to accept these changes if needed.

Too many of us race through vacations trying not to miss anything. This might be a good time to learn to stop and smell the roses.

Blood Clot (DVT) Prevention

Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis) occur far too often among travelers, and a diagnosis of cancer raises the risk. Some tips to reduce your risk include:

• When traveling by plane, stand up at least once an hour and walk around. Many international flights actually offer a video on leg exercises to do to lower the risk of blood clots. Choose an aisle seat if possible, and ask if bulkhead seats (more legroom) are available when you make your reservations.
• Stay well hydrated. Consider purchasing a water bottle after you go through security and drinking from it regularly during your flight. If traveling by car, keep a water bottle on hand and sip from it frequently. This may result in more stops, but more frequent stops can also reduce your risk of blood clots.
• Ask an oncologist if you should wear compression stockings during flights and long car rides. A healthcare provider may recommend that you take aspirin or receive a single injection of low molecular weight heparin as a preventative measure.
• If you develop pain, tenderness, redness, or swelling in either of your calves or legs, seek medical care right away.

International Travel

Talk to a healthcare provider if you will be traveling internationally. A few things to consider before overseas travel include:

• Make sure the food you eat is cooked thoroughly. Peel fruits. Avoid ice, skip the raw fish and shellfish, and stick with bottled water.
• You may need a letter from a healthcare provider if you are taking narcotic pain medications. You will also want to make sure these are legal in the countries to which you will be traveling.
• Keep a list of a few important words and phrases with you such as your diagnosis, and how to ask for emergency help.
• Talk to a healthcare provider about any immunizations that are recommended for those traveling to your destination. This can also be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Website. People who are immunosuppressed due to chemotherapy or the presence of cancer in their bone marrow should avoid live vaccines due to the risk of infection. Learn more about immunizations for people with cancer, what is recommended, and precautions to take.

Bottom Line on Traveling With Cancer

Traveling with cancer can be a great way to check off items on your bucket list and take your mind off of treatment. Yet taking a moment to plan ahead can help ensure your visit goes as smoothly as possible.