Traveling With Cancer: What to Know

Here are some useful tips for when you are planning to travel during cancer treatment

Having Cancer and undergoing cancer therapy is strenuous on it’s own, and matters are even worse if a patients decides to travel during these times. But, this does not mean that having cancer means the end of traveling experiences.

There’s always plenty to think about for cancer patients before going away on holiday; having cancer means that there is a few extra things to consider – to make sure that to have an enjoyable and restful time during the trip, being it long or just a few days. Cancer affects each person in a different way, so knowing what to expect and planning ahead can help. People often worry about how they will cope away from home. Cancer patients may be worried that travelling, especially during long journeys, will be too demanding, exhausting or difficult. And they might feel anxious about managing to keep up with medication schedule while away.

Planning Ahead

Traveling with cancer, whether for treatment or for pleasure, can be safe and enjoyable if carefully planned ahead. Patients may consider traveling to take part in a clinical trial, or perhaps, they have been putting off that trip of a lifetime and have decided the time is now.

The first step is to make an appointment and discuss travel plans with the doctor. When is the best time to travel? Many physicians recommend not flying for 10 days after surgery, and for up to a month after chest surgery. Are there destinations  fit to recommend?

Consult Your Doctor

Dr. Singhal always advises patients to consult with their medical team. Also, they should communicate with oncologist and other health care providers about all the travel plans before leaving. It is important to include family members and other travel companions in these discussions so they can ask questions, understand  potential needs, and feel comfortable about traveling. Patients on the go should take along the phone numbers of their health care providers in case they have to reach them while on their trip, and make sure to carry a complete list of all medications they are taking, including the dosages, schedules, and the generic names, to avoid possible confusion with different comercial naming in other countries.

Travel In Company

It's a good idea to bring a copy of  most recent medical records when traveling. Asking the doctor to complete a summary of received care before leaving can make it easier for a physician unfamiliar with disease and treatment history to get on board quickly if needed. If patient  has been treated with chemotherapy, they could bring a copy of their most recent lab tests. If a patient is using oxygen, a copy of latest oximetry readings would help. One thing to keep in mind: it’s good to travel in company, with someone who knows all this information. If not, patients can consider purchasing a medical alert bracelet with information on their diagnosis, and numbers to call in case of an emergency.

Vaccination While On Therapy

Cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and steroid therapy sometimes weaken the immune system and limits the effectiveness of vaccinations received while the cancer patient is receiving treatment and for some time after. In some cases, people with weakened immune systems are advised against receiving vaccines. Traveling can make things worst, by adding stress to already weakened organism. But, if done right, it can bring many benefits, too. Traveling to some parts of the world requires vaccinations for diseases that are prevalent in particular regions. For example, when traveling to Brazil, Peru, or Venezuela, the yellow fever vaccination is recommended. Patients need to research whether vaccinations are required for their travel destination and speak with the doctor about whether their body can handle those vaccinations.

A List Of Generic Names Of Drugs Included In Therapy

Patients should make sure to bring enough medications to last the duration of the trip, and ask their physician to prescribe a few extras for backup in case of any delay.

It would be smart to pack  medications in a carry on bag in case the luggage gets lost. Medications should be kept in their original packaging. A list of all of medications should be kept handy at all times. If traveling internationally, patients should make sure to have the generic name of drugs listed as well as the brand name, since these can vary from country to country.

Reach Out For Help

There are multiple organisations to help cancer patients get to and from treatment centers when traveling. Dr. Singhal recommends patients to research this, and find organisation in their area, that can provide them with help. Having cancer and undergoing cancer therapy does not mean we have to stop having new, positive experiences, something to help us learn and grow. Life is worth living, always.

With this in mind, Dr. Singhal selected a line of cosmetic products for Hope & Beauty, specially designed for cancer patients and their specific needs.