Travelling Abroad with Cancer

So as a cancer patient, what should you consider before you travel?

• Discuss your travel plans with your cancer doctor - they will know if you are fit to travel
• Get suitable travel insurance - goodtogoinsurance.com specialises in providing tailored travel insurance for those with medical conditions. Make sure you state that you have cancer when you book.
• Consult your doctor about travel vaccinations. During chemotherapy, or six months after treatment, your immune system will be weak. During this time you cannot receive vaccines for the following diseases:
  • Measles
  • Rubella
  • MMR (triple vaccine for Measles, Mumps and Rubella)
  • BCG (Tuberculosis)
  • Yellow fever
  • Oral typhoid
• If you have been receiving radiotherapy, your skin might be more sensitive to the sun, so take extra care - apply sunscreen, wear a hat and avoid the hottest parts of the day
• If you have recently undergone surgery, you might not be able to fly - ask your doctor for more information
• You could be more prone to blood clots as a cancer patient so it's best to avoid long journeys
• Chemotherapy can leave you feeling tired, so ensure the facilities in your chosen resort are in close proximity to one another
• Carry enough medication to last your whole trip, plus spares in the event of flight delays. Store all medication in its original packaging and accompany it with a letter from your doctor
• If you are travelling for longer than three months, check that the country you are visiting supplies the medication you will need, as there is a limit to the amount your doctor can prescribe
• If you require oxygen, find out if you need to make special arrangements for your journey

Travelling abroad can be the adventure of a lifetime and having cancer shouldn't stop you from enjoying your holiday.