After going through treatment for cancer, many people would like to have a holiday. However, it is possible that you may run into one or two problems when planning your trip. Luckily these problems can usually be overcome.

Getting travel insurance

This can be difficult after a diagnosis of cancer. Always read the small print, even if your travel insurance was purchased before your diagnosis, or you may find that there are exclusions for any illnesses diagnosed before the date of travel. It can be especially difficult to obtain insurance for travel to the USA and Canada where healthcare is particularly expensive. Before travelling to European destinations you can obtain an E111 form from the post office or by ringing the Health Literature Line on 0800 555777. This will make it easier to get emergency treatment in EU countries. It comes with a useful guide, Health Advice for Travellers.

In some circumstances air travel is not recommended. Always check with your specialist to see if it is safe to fly.

Taking medicines abroad

You will need a letter from your doctor explaining what the medicines are and what they are for. It is sensible to carry them in your hand luggage and keep them in their original packaging. There may be restrictions on taking certain drugs into some countries. Check this out with the relevant embassy before travelling. For some medicines you will also need a licence to take them out of the UK. This can be obtained from The Action Against Drugs Unit, The Home Office, 50 Queen Anne’s Gate, London SW1H 9AT.

Vaccinations

You may need vaccinations before you travel. If your immune system is not working properly because of your cancer or recent treatment, live vaccines may not be recommended, and others may not be fully effective. Again, discuss with your doctors which vaccinations you can have, and whether it is safe for you to travel to countries where infectious diseases are a problem. Vaccinations and precautions against infectious diseases are especially important if your spleen has been removed.

Sun protection

It is always a good idea to protect your skin against the sun. Following radiotherapy and some types of chemotherapy your skin may become more sensitive to the sun’s rays, so it is important to stay in the shade when you can, use a high factor (SPF) sun cream, and wear sun hats and clothing that keep you covered. The sun is at its hottest and most harmful between 11am and 3pm, so be especially careful at these times.

We can send you a factsheet about travel insurance, and our guidance for health professionals when they are advising their patients about travel will soon be available.
Martin Ledwick

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

The national charity Holiday Care Service (HCS) is the UK’s central source of holiday and travel information and support for disabled people. It has a computerised database covering all aspects of tourism and and holidays, both in the UK and abroad, and can provide information on transport, accomodation, attractions, holiday centres and activity holidays. In addition it has a database of respite care facilities.

HCS also aims to create a tourism environment in the UK which is accessible to all, regardless of age or disability. It therefore works closely with major hotel groups to encourage accessibility. In 2009 it will be launching isnpections of caravan holiday parks and visitor attractions.