Traveling with Cancer
August 15, 2010
Before taking that much-needed vacation, seeing family or friends or consulting with specialists at a renowned cancer center, make sure you’ve spoken to your doctor about your medical condition to know if and when it’s safe to travel.
Air Travel can be Tricky
Depending on the type of cancer you have, it might not always be safe to fly. Oxygen levels and air pressure change at high altitudes. If you’ve got a brain tumor, you might be at risk for developing increased swelling in the brain. For patients whose lymph nodes have been removed, changes in air pressure during the trip can trigger swelling of the arms and legs. A compression garment can reduce this risk. And, while all airline passengers have an increased risk of developing blood clots, people with cancer, particularly bowel, stomach, or lung cancer, are especially susceptible.
Consider Your Needs — and the Destination
First and foremost, wherever you go, remember that traveling can be exhausting. Since chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause a person to tire easily, schedule plenty of rest periods to help reduce fatigue.
If you’re traveling to a beach or expect to spend a lot of time outdoors, even in the mountains, where sun reflects off snow, remember that chemotherapy and radiation treatments can make skin more sensitive to sun damage.
Many of the common cancer treatments weaken the immune system. This, in turn, may limit the value of vaccinations that are required to travel to some international destinations. For example, people with weakened immune systems may be advised against receiving live vaccines, such as yellow fever. Even inactivated vaccines, such as cholera, may be less effective.
As long as you plan sensibly consulting with your doctor, listening to your body and taking it easy, you’ll be fine. Remember, you can this. You’re the one in pilot’s seat; the cancer doesn’t define you.
