Can Cancer Patients Fly? Vacation and Travel Recommendations

Can cancer patients travel? What problems might air travel pose? What should be considered?..

Cancer patients may have vacation plans, want to spend time with loved ones living far away, or need to travel for medical treatment or other business. Traveling entails certain risks and difficulties for a patient with cancer. What can be done about these challenges?

Assess the Situation Together with Your Doctor

1. Is your physical condition suitable? For example, if you have a symptom, how severe is it?
2. Does your medical treatment allow this? For example, how often do you receive chemotherapy?
3. Is your planned destination suitable? Its distance and the possibilities of adverse effects on your immune system are important issues. 
4. Is there a facility at your destination where you can access any medical intervention you might need? Who should be contacted in a possible emergency?

All these important issues need to be discussed and assessed with your doctor.

Air Travel Should Be Suitable for You

Air travel may entail certain risks for cancer patients, and medical intervention options on board are more limited; unexpected landings or delays may also occur. We need to consider all circumstances and possibilities.

Can You Move Independently?

Before, during and after the flight, you may need help with boarding and leaving the aircraft, using the toilet and taking medicines. Cabin crew may not always be able to help beyond assisting you into the aircraft and your seat. Traveling with a loved one or helper can therefore allow you to meet your needs without difficulty and feel more comfortable.

Oxygen

Oxygen concentration decreases inside the cabin. When the ability to use oxygen from the air decreases, blood oxygen levels also fall. If you have anemia, a heart or lung problem, or a vascular problem, this may affect you more severely and cause dyspnea (shortness of breath) . You can bring your oxygen level to an adequate level with an oxygen cylinder. You can go to the flight with your portable oxygen cylinder, or oxygen can be supplied from the emergency medical kit on the aircraft. If you provide this information beforehand, staff can assist you more easily during the flight or when transferring at terminals.

Cabin Pressure

Barotrauma, meaning discomfort caused by pressure, may occur. Pressure decreases as altitude increases. At low pressure, gases inside the body expand and may cause various problems.

For example, headache, abdominal pain, earache and toothache may occur.

Some precautions that can be taken include:

1. Do not consume carbonated drinks before or during the flight,
2. Do not eat gas-producing pulses such as dried beans or chickpeas before the flight,
3. The Valsalva maneuver, meaning closing the mouth and nose and breathing air in and out through the ears, needs to be performed correctly and at the right time. Breathing in with the mouth and nose closed as the aircraft climbs, and breathing out with the mouth and nose closed during descent, is one of the methods that provides relief.
4. Swallow frequently
5. You can chew gum.

Humidity

Humidity is also very low inside the cabin. This may cause dry mouth and eyes, fatigue and similar problems. The best approach is to drink plenty of water before and after the flight. You can carry eye drops for dry eyes. Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic drinks.

Immobility

Sitting in a cramped position and being unable to move can cause leg swelling, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (blockage of a lung blood vessel). To prevent this:

1. You can use elastic compression stockings after consulting your doctor.
2. You can regularly perform small exercises while seated 
3. If possible, place your legs above floor level while seated, 
4. Try to take regular walks in the aisle
5. Drink plenty of fluids other than alcohol.
6. Discuss with your doctor whether you need treatment to prevent clotting (anticoagulant therapy).

The Immune System of Cancer Patients on International Flights

Depending on your planned destination, you may need certain vaccinations, particularly for international travel. These vaccines provide a high level of protection against specific infections. You should consult your doctor and receive the vaccines you need at the correct time and in the correct way.

Look After Your Health During Your Trip

1. Limit your activity in a region with an extremely hot climate; do not exercise excessively,
2. Drink sealed bottled water and also use this bottled water to brush your teeth,
3. Do not use ice you have not made yourself in your drinks,
4. Avoid uncooked foods such as salads and fruits eaten without peeling,
5. A hat and sunscreen should be used,
6. Watch out for mosquitoes and use repellent spray. You may also choose to prepare natural mosquito repellents yourself from plants such as lavender and eucalyptus and take them with you.

Conclusion

As a cancer patient, you may be hesitant about traveling. It is important to communicate well with your doctor and plan a trip considering the appropriate timing, duration and destination. Whether you travel for medical treatment, vacation or another reason, it is also important to us that you return in the best possible physical and emotional condition.

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