Difficulties with travel due to cancer treatment

Treatments that are commonly used for people with cancer include surgery|, radiotherapy|, chemotherapy|, and hormonal therapy|. Treatment may be aimed at curing a cancer, or at controlling it for as long as possible to give the best quality of life.

Cancer treatment may also have effects on the body and can cause short-term problems such as sickness|, diarrhoea or sensitivity to the sun. Occasionally, treatments can cause long-term physical problems, such as swelling of a limb|.

Some treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy can cause extreme tiredness| (fatigue), both during and after treatment. The tiredness may limit the type of travel you can do, or the amount of activity you can manage while you are away.

Some types of surgery for cancer may cause a permanent physical change to the body, for example:

• removal of part of the bowel and creation of a colostomy or ileostomy
• removal of a breast (mastectomy)
• removal of another part of the body.

Your stoma care nurse specialist can give you advice regarding travel insurance, certificates, supplies and dietary issues while you are away.

If you have any kind of disability, there are many organisations| that offer help and support.

Sometimes it’s possible to have a holiday while you are still in the middle of treatment – for example, between courses of treatment. In this situation it’s very important to discuss things with your doctor beforehand, so that you can plan the best time for your holiday. You can take this chance to talk through any possible problems and how to deal with them if they occur.

You may only be able to travel within the UK during treatment, and for some time afterwards, as it may be difficult to get insurance for a holiday abroad at this time. This may affect your choice of destination. See travel insurance| for more information on finding travel insurance.