Traveling as a Cancer Patient: 4 Tips to Help You Prepare

Just because you have cancer doesn’t mean you should put a pause on your traveling plans. Traveling with cancer might appear daunting, but it isn’t as difficult as you think. If you feel fine, you can plan a vacation with your family or a short trip with your friends. 

Cancer Research UK states that most cancer patients travel without any problems. However, traveling as a cancer patient is different from typical travel and requires some additional planning and precautions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.

Here, we’ll share some tips to help you prepare for your trip so that you can enjoy it to the fullest. 

#1 Check in With Your Doctor

Before anything else, discuss your travel plans with your doctor well in advance. Tell them about the destinations you’re planning to visit as well as the duration. Your doctor can assess potential health risks and provide personalized recommendations. 

People who take flights that last for eight to ten hours are at risk of DVT, a blood clot that forms in the deep vein, usually in the legs. However, the risk of DVT is high among certain cancer patients. Your doctor can determine if you’re at risk of this condition and advise you on the precautions you must take to minimize your risk. 

Your oncologist might adjust your medication schedule as per your itinerary and even prescribe medicines to manage pain or nausea during travel. They might also prescribe vaccinations to protect you against infections, depending on where you’re traveling. Take them before you leave to be on the safe side. 

#2 Know Where to Find Medical Care Throughout Your Trip

Most cancer patients can tolerate the changes in oxygen levels and cabin pressure without developing any medical issues. Some, however, become sensitive to those changes, so they are acutely affected. That is why it’s best to research and make a list of medical centers and healthcare providers in your destination. Should there be any emergency, you will know where to head. 

Keep a list of contact numbers and addresses easily accessible in case of need. Consider carrying a medical alert card specifying your condition and any pertinent information about your treatment.

You may have a port implanted under your skin as a part of your chemo regimen. Port catheters make it easy to administer fluids and antibiotics and draw blood, significantly reducing the need for repeated needle sticks. They minimize discomfort and lower the risk of vein damage, which is especially beneficial if you anticipate frequent medical procedures or treatments during your travels.

Avoid Bard, though, when it comes to ports. The manufacturer of Bard power ports, Bard Access Systems Inc., a subsidiary of Becton, Dickinson and Company, is facing lawsuits from patients who had the port implanted to administer medicines. 

The Bard Power Port lawsuit claims that manufacturing defects resulted in serious injuries and complications. Some of those include DVT, arterial puncture, hematoma or hemorrhage, pulmonary embolism, and stroke. 

Per TorHoerman Law, a polyurethane material called Chronoflex AL, comprising a mixture of barium sulfate and polyurethane, is used to manufacture Bard power ports. This material causes the catheter to migrate or fracture. 

The settlement amount for Bard Power Port is hard to determine since the litigation is in its early stages. But lawyers estimate that it could exceed $250,000, depending on the damages of the individuals. 

For your safety, avoid Bard power ports and opt for safer alternatives. Your healthcare professional can guide you in this regard. 

#3 Know Your Body’s Limits

You might have planned fun activities with your family. Go ahead with those plans, but don’t overdo them. Listen to your body’s cues. Or, you might experience fatigue—one of the most common side effects of cancer. 

Even seemingly minor activities can quickly deplete your energy reserves, so pace yourself throughout your journey. Take breaks whenever you feel exhausted. Just sitting or lying down for 20 to 30 minutes can help you build energy for the rest of the activities. 

#4 Protect Yourself From the Sun

Radiation and chemotherapy can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. This might result in burns. Thus, it is important to protect yourself from the sun. 

Make sure you use sunscreen every time you step out in the sun. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Such a sunscreen will protect you against both UVA and UVB rays. Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and lightweight pants or skirts. Tightly woven fabrics provide better protection from the sun, so go for them.  

To wrap things up, traveling with cancer might stress you out, but it isn’t that difficult. You can have a smooth and enjoyable trip by following the tips discussed above. Remember to prioritize your health and well-being throughout your travels, and don’t hesitate to seek support from loved ones and healthcare professionals when needed.