Travel and holidays

Travel tips for people with blood cancer

Many people with blood cancer think they’ll be unable travel. Sometimes it isn’t advised with certain treatments and conditions. But in many cases travel is possible with planning.

There are useful tips below to help plan your trip. Remember, you must always talk to your doctor first if you are considering any type of travel.

Before your trip

• Talk to your doctor about your plans. Find out if, when, and where you can travel. They may advise you don’t go overseas at certain times.
• Check if any of the medications you are taking are restricted (like some pain medications). In some countries, there may be legal limits for these medications.
• Make sure you have enough medication for your trip. And plan in case of any delays.
• Ask for a letter from your doctor to take with you. The letter should include your medical condition and treatment history, including medications.
• Check your vaccination record. If you’re traveling to another country check the vaccination recommendations. Ask your doctor what vaccinations you need or are unable to have. Live vaccines are not recommended during chemotherapy.
• Look into travel insurance. Finding travel insurance that covers a pre-existing condition like blood cancer is difficult. Some companies may cover you depending on your general health, blood counts and treatment. You can get travel insurance to cover other problems that are not related to your cancer. For example, if your flight gets delayed, or if the airline loses your luggage.

During your trip

• Get moving! If you’re going to be sitting for long periods you should take action to prevent blood clots. Some people with a blood cancer have an increased risk of developing blood clots. Take regular short walks and do leg exercises in your seat. Wear fitted compression stockings and keep hydrated.
• Be sun safe. Your skin can be sensitive and dry after treatment. Some people with blood cancer are more likely to develop certain skin cancers. It is important for you to protect your skin from the sun. Wear sunscreen, loose cotton clothing, and a wide brim hat.
• Protect yourself from infection. Some people are at a higher risk of infection after a diagnosis and/or treatment for blood cancer. Hand washing, eating safely prepared, freshly cooked food, are steps you can take to keep yourself safe. In some countries, it may be advised to drink bottled water.

Watch our webinar on Travel and blood cancer.

Having a holiday or travel to look forward to can boost your overall wellbeing. Talk to your treatment team to plan and take steps to look after yourself while you’re away.

Download our checklist for any travel you have planned.

More information:

• Food safety – Leukaemia Foundation
• Immunisation for travel | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
• Immunisation for people with medical risk conditions | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
• Immunisation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
• Travel insurance | Smartraveller

References

• Table. Recommendations for vaccination in people who have received chemotherapy | The Australian Immunisation Handbook
• Traveling With Cancer: A Guide for Oncologists in the Modern World | JCO Global Oncology
• Vaccination of Adults With Cancer: ASCO Guideline | Journal of Clinical Oncology