Travelling with Cancer: Travel tips from Dr Handford

Be prepared

• Take a supply of your mediations with you, and keep some in your hand luggage so that if your bags got lost in transit, you wouldn't be without your medicines. Take a copy of your repeat prescription and the packaging from your medicines, in case you need replacements whilst abroad.
• Ask your GP for a print out of your medical records summary- and take a recent letter from your GP or hospital specialist summarising your diagnosis and treatments so far. If you do need medical attention overseas, this will be really helpful for the doctors looking after you.
• It is a good idea to take a letter from your GP detailing the medications you will need to carry with you and stating that you are fit to travel.

Staying healthy

• Some cancer treatments reduce your immune response, making you more vulnerable to infections. Take care not to become dehydrated, which increases the risk of urine infections. If you damage your skin, make sure the wound is cleaned and covered. Drink bottled water and eat well cooked meat and peelable fruits- diarrhoea and vomiting can ruin your trip and may make you more unwell than usual. If you are particularly prone to certain infections or illnesses, speak to your GP and take some 'just in case' medicines with you — for example, dioralyte for an upset tummy, or antibiotics for urine or chest infections.
• If you are worried you are becoming unwell on holiday, make sure you see a doctor sooner rather than later- often early treatment can prevent you becoming more unwell.
• When travelling, ensure you stay mobile as much as you are able, walking around every hour to help prevent blood clots in the legs. If you find walking difficult, do some lower leg movements and ankle rotations as often as you can during your journey. Flight socks can be bought from most chemists, and these can also help to prevent clots.

Some careful planning before your trip can mean the holiday of a lifetime is possible. Talk to your GP or hospital specialist doctor about your plans, and you can plan sensibly to make you're your holiday goes smoothly.

About Dr Handford

Dr Ruth Handford is a GP with over 10 years' experience of working in both hospital and primary care. She is particularly interested in caring for the elderly in the community, child health, and family planning. Ruth lives and works in a rural community, and is kept very busy by her job and young family.

Important Information: These travel tips are intended to provide general information for those with cancer and do not replace a visit to your doctor. If you are planning a holiday you should consult your doctor to ensure that you are fit to travel and discuss any specific health requirements you may have.