Safety and Precautions for Cancer Patients When Traveling

Cancer is among the primary causes of death worldwide, with about 10 million lives succumbing to this disease in 2020. Lack of physical activity, low vegetable and fruit intake, and tobacco and alcohol use are among the causes of one-third of these cancer-related deaths.

These factors suggest that cancer patients should consider a lifestyle change to help manage their disease and its symptoms. Aside from eating healthy, another change to consider is to travel and see new sights.

Some cancers like breast, lung, and colon cancer occur more frequently than others. But there are also rare cases like mesothelioma. Being well-informed about your condition is particularly helpful, especially if you are considering traveling.

Visit The Mesothelioma Group’s website to learn more about mesothelioma and its symptoms, stages, and treatment.

If you’re a cancer patient, what safety tips are relevant to your condition when planning to travel? How do you keep yourself safe during the trip and after arriving at your destination?

This article discusses how cancer patients can prepare for their trip to keep themselves safe, given their condition. It also discusses what cancer patients can do to ensure their safety throughout the trip.

Safety Tips for Cancer Patients Before the Trip

Before you travel, consider the following safety tips while planning and preparing for your trip:

Consult your doctor to determine whether you’re fit to travel: Depending on the diagnosis, some people with cancer may be unable to travel or find it challenging to do so.

For example, flying at specific altitudes can cause air pressure and oxygen level changes. These alterations can trigger swelling in the arms, legs, or other body parts, especially for people with their lymph nodes removed.

Your doctor can recommend wearing a compression garment to help with pressure changes or suggest other precautions to help you travel safely.

Check and notify your travel facilities and destination of your needs: Find out whether your destination has the amenities and services you need, like a clinic or nearby healthcare facility.

If you’re traveling by plane, ship, or car rental service, notify the travel facilities’ staff if you have any special requirements.

For instance, book your flight early so you can reserve a seat with extra legroom or one beside the aisle if you use the lavatory frequently.

If you’re staying at a hotel, notify the staff for special requests like a room on the first floor or a handicap-accessible elevator.

Bring your medications and medical records: Pack all your medicine in your carry-on instead of your check-in luggage for easier access.

In case you forget to bring your medications, bring a copy of your prescriptions so you can purchase your meds at a pharmacy or hospital near your destination.

Some drugs may be prohibited for travel. So check the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) website to know what you can and cannot bring while traveling.

Aside from your medications, bringing medical records can help, especially during an emergency.

Such records can contain a list of medications, dosages, and any allergies you may have. This information can be helpful to healthcare providers at or near your destination should you need their assistance.

Get travel insurance or notify your insurance provider: If you plan to travel outside your state or country, ask your insurance provider whether you have coverage in your destination.

If you’re covered, list the healthcare facilities that accept your insurance in your travel area. Even if you don’t have coverage, having a list of nearby clinics or hospitals can save you time and trouble.

If you don’t have insurance, consider getting temporary travel insurance, such as those provided by airlines. This insurance costs a small amount and can cover you for the duration of your travel.

How Cancer Patients Can Keep Safe During the Trip

Once you arrive at your destination, consider the following things to ensure your safety:

Request for assistance: Some airports, especially international ones, are large and can be exhausting for cancer patients. You’ll likely need assistance, especially when checking your baggage before departure or claiming them from the carousel upon arrival.

Ask the airport staff for someone who can help push your baggage cart or trolley. If you need a wheelchair, ensure you make arrangements with the airline beforehand.

Eat healthy foods and keep yourself hydrated: Cancer patients can experience unexplained weight changes and eating or bladder problems. Ensure to bring snacks that you can lightly eat while traveling and carry a water bottle so you can drink water regularly.

If you have nausea from chemotherapy, consider avoiding dining out at places with strong food scents.

Keep your skin protected: Some cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause side effects to your skin, making it more sensitive.

For instance, chemotherapy can lead to skin dryness or color changes.

Bring a hat, sunglasses, a long-sleeved shirt, and sunscreen to help protect your skin.

When using sunscreen, choose ones with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher. SPF 30 filters about 97% of the sun’s ultraviolet-B rays that can harm the skin, while SPF 100 filters up to 99%.

Maintain cleanliness: Cancer and cancer treatments can cause changes to your immune system that controls your body’s defenses, leaving you at high risk for infection.

When traveling, your mode of transportation, like airplanes, ships, buses, and cars, contains germs. You can minimize or prevent infection by taking a shower or washing your hands frequently.

Keep yourself physically active: Prolonged sitting or bed rest can increase your risk of blood clots. When you’re inside a plane, where sitting for extended periods is almost unavoidable, especially on long trips, consider doing leg exercises or stretches to keep your blood flowing.
Don’t ignore your symptoms: You can experience cancer symptoms anytime during your trip. These symptoms include headaches, fever, nausea or vomiting, fatigue, or appetite changes.

If you encounter these symptoms, take a break and contact your oncologist or cancer doctor. If necessary, head to the nearest clinic or hospital to have yourself checked.

To learn more about how to keep an individual with cancer safe while traveling, consult an oncologist or contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345.