Travel and cancer - What to know before you go

5 minute read time.

14 Aug 2018

It's summer, and everyone loves going on holiday. A holiday can improve your mood, make you feel relaxed and allow you to spend quality time with your family and friends. This can be especially important if you have cancer.

There’s a lot for anyone to think about and plan before a holiday. There can often be more if you have cancer. In this blog, information development nurse Richard runs through a few last-minute tips and offers some advice to help make sure your holiday goes off smoothly.

Last-minute preparations
After weeks of waiting, your holiday is nearly here. You’ve arranged insurance and asked your neighbour to feed the cat, but have you:

sorted enough of your regular medicines and medical supplies to last the whole time you’re away – and a bit longer, just in case?
got a letter from your doctor to carry with your medicines if you’re going abroad? Not all medicines will need this.
thought about medical care while you are away? If you’re holidaying in the UK, this will not be an issue. But if you are going abroad it’s a good idea to know how to get help if you need it.

If you’ve had your spleen removed, you may be at more risk of getting an infection. Your doctor can give you some antibiotics to take away with you – just in case.

At the airport
Did you know that some cancer treatments can set off security radiation alarms at the airport?
If you’ve had any internal radioactive treatments in the last 6 months, such as radioactive-iodine for thyroid cancer, ask your doctor for a letter explaining about the treatment.

Some tests and scans, such as a bone scan, involve injections of a radioactive substance that may set off the security alarms for up to 30 days. Ask your doctor if this affects you. If you’ve had external beam radiotherapy, you don’t need to worry.

We have a load more great tips on our travel planning checklist.

Planning for the journey
Travelling to and from your holiday can be a problem if you have cancer or are living with side effects. Whether you’re going to be sitting in a car for a few hours, or on a long-haul flight, it is a good idea to plan ahead.

People with lymphoedema may find that travelling makes their symptoms worse. It can help to:

wear comfortable, loose fitting clothes
avoid sitting in one position
keep the affected area moving – your lymphoedema specialist can give you some gentle exercises
wear a compression garment for very long journeys.

If you have a stoma, or problems with your bladder or bowels, you might want to:

try to book an aisle seat closer to the toilet
carry some supplies in your hand luggage
find out where the toilets are in any UK towns or cities on your route
carry a Toilet Card, which helps you get access to a toilet more quickly.

While you are away
You’ve arrived safely and looking forward to a relaxing break. Here are a few tips to make sure you stay safe while there!

Be careful what you eat and drink – as some infectious diseases are carried by contaminated food and drink.
Take care in the sun – protect your skin with a SPF 30 sun cream, a wide brimmed hat and light, cotton clothing.
Avoid the sun at the hottest times of the day – usually 11am to 3pm.
Use an insect repellent to avoid bites.
Be careful around animals that may seem harmless – bites and scratches can be dangerous.

There’s more information about travel and holidays on our website. Or order our free booklet Travel and cancer. And our travel insurance blog shares Online Community members' tips and recommendations for getting travel insurance when you have cancer.

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We're with you every step of the way

The Macmillan team is here to help. Our cancer support specialists can answer your questions, offer support, or simply listen if you need a chat. Call us free on 0808 808 00 00.

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Keep in touch Follow Macmillan’s cancer information team on Twitter @mac_cancerinfo

FormerMember over 6 years ago

I am looking for advice regarding travel insurrance. I have avoided travelling abroad as the cost is far greater than the holiday ! I was diagnosed with Adrenal Coerticol Carcinoma in Sept 2008 resuling in an Open Adrenalectomy ( removal of Tumor of 9.8cms, an adrenalectomy, nephrectomy and splenectomy ) I I went into remission but relapsed Jan 2015 with lung mets . I have had EDP chemotheraphy 18months ago ) previous radiotheraphy of lung, continuing Mitotane (oral chemo), replacement steroids and prophylactic antibiotics. I am currently on 3 monthly scans and disease has currently remained stable.However, 5 years after primary diagnosis I experienced a TIA and since EDP have had admissions (4 last winter only one this winter , last one in Jan this year ) with sepsis and PE. I am also on prophylactic anti-thrombolitics, Rivaroroxaban. My history is very complex but I have retired form work and am well. Sorry this is like a thesis ! I wish to travel to Prague , in EU, I have an EHIC card and I am sensible enough that if I felt unwell I would cancel the trip. It is only a 3 night stay. Please can you advise re cheapest travel insurrance. My bank will cover me for everything except medical. The DVT nurse has said I am safest person flying in plane, the asthma nurse recently undertook an asthma review ( never been admitted for that) and my peak flow has raised from 200 , 2 years ago, to 370, predicted 390, my Oncologist reviewed me last week and has given me additional antibiotics incase I become unwell. Thank you for any advise
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FormerMember over 6 years ago

My trip is in a month.
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Liza - Macmillan over 6 years ago

Hello ,

Thanks for your comment. Sorry to hear you're finding travel insurance so tough. We know it can be difficult, and you aren't the first person to experience this. If you're feeling frustrated by the process, remember our support line is open 9am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, on 0808 808 00 00, if you want to chat.

It looks like you've already found our Travel insurance group which was going to be my first suggestion for finding tips and potential insurance options. I hope you've found it helpful to look at the discussion threads and ask other Online Community members for their recommendations. You may find this list helpful? You have been tagged in it so you may have spotted it already!

There's also our round-ups on the Travel insurance blog, which may have some more insurance suggestions for you to try. And we have our general information on Travel insurance online, which might be helpful too.

I hope these suggestions are of some help, and that you are able to get to Prague for your holiday.

All the very best,
Liza
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FormerMember over 6 years ago

Hi.qll.

I am.lookomg for some advice or suggestions...

I was diagnosed with a grade 4 glioblastoma muktiforne *brain tumour) in March of this year and have since been having radiotherapy and chemotherapy and at present going through 6 nothing chemo..

I unfortunately also recently split from my partner too. So, now find myself atvthe age of 46, living alone and now stressing about how i will ever go on holiday again? I am used to going 4 times a year and that is what kept me going.. friends say "people will go with you blah blah blah... but they all have their own famiky committments and if course each thibk the other willl go with me..

I need something to look forward to but pkease need sone suggestions as u feel like all I have done since beibg diagnosed with this horrendous "thing" is be at home, in hospital or coffee shops??

Any suggestions pleaseeeeeeèee

Thank you.

X
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Liza - Macmillan over 6 years ago

Hi Sorry to hear that you’re worried about getting on holiday as often as you used to. The cancer diagnosis and separating from your partner must be a big adjustment. Thanks for your comment, and we’re pleased you’ve found the Online Community to get support. You might want to post your question in the <a href="/cancer_types/brain-cancer/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Brain cancer group</a>, the <a href="/cancer_types/glioblastoma_multiforme_brain_tumour/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Glioblastoma group</a> or the <a href="/cancer_experiences/chat/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chat group</a>. You may find other people in these groups who feel the same way and can give you some advice.   It also might help to check whether there are any support groups in your area. You can do this on our website at <a href="www.macmillan.org.uk/.../strong>. You can talk about how you’re feeling and get support from people who understand. Support groups aren’t for everyone, but many people find them really helpful. It sounds like you are worried that friends won’t be able to go on holiday with you. This is very understandable. Perhaps you could talk to some of your close friends about how you feel? Being honest and open might help them understand how much this matters to you. Even if it is just a short stay somewhere close by, or a day doing some of your favourite activities, you could try telling them how much you would like to have something to look forward to. We have some <a href="www.macmillan.org.uk/.../friends-and-family.html rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">practical tips</a> for talking to family or friends that you might find helpful. If you do find yourself able to plan a trip, our free<a href="be.macmillan.org.uk/.../p-287-travel-and-cancer.aspx" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Travel and cancer </a>booklet has lots of information and tips for planning a holiday. Remember if you want to chat to someone about how you’re feeling, you can call us free on 0808 808 00 00, Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm, except bank holidays.  All the best, Liza
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