Travel and medical conditions

Low immunity Back to top

If you have a weak immune system| due to leukaemia|, lymphoma| or recent cancer treatment|, you may need to take a supply of antibiotics with you. You can get a prescription from your GP.

In England, anyone being treated for cancer can apply for an exemption certificate. You can also apply if you have finished treatment but need medication for the ongoing effects of cancer or its treatment. You can apply for this by collecting form FP92A from your GP’s surgery or oncology clinic. This certificate entitles you to free prescriptions.
In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, prescriptions are free for everyone.

Air travel Back to top

Some people with cancer may be advised not to travel by air under particular circumstances, as oxygen levels and air pressures change at high altitudes. You may be advised not to fly if you:

• are breathless
• are anaemic (have a low number of red blood cells)
• are at risk of developing an increased pressure or swelling in the brain (cerebral oedema) due to a brain tumour
• have recently had surgery or a medical procedure, as this can introduce gas into the body that may expand to cause pain and stretch your wound - speak to your doctor about how long you should avoid air travel for after surgery
• have recently had surgery to your chest 
• have recently had surgery to your brain
• have problems with your ears or sinuses - pressure changes may make symptoms worse.

Blood clots Back to top

Travelling, especially flying, can increase the risk of developing a blood clot. Some people with cancer have a higher risk of developing a blood clot (deep vein thrombosis or DVT). There are a number of possible reasons for this.

People with cancer often have slightly higher numbers of cells in their blood that help it clot (platelets). People with cancer may also have slightly higher amounts of clotting factors. Clotting factors are proteins that are produced naturally in the body and work with the platelets to form blood clots and prevent bleeding. People with cancer also sometimes have lower levels of natural blood thinning proteins (anticoagulants), especially if the cancer affects the liver.

The risk of developing a blood clot is higher in people with particular types of cancer. Some types of lung|, stomach| or bowel| cancers produce a substance called mucin, which can raise the risk of clots. People with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)| or cancers of the pancreas|, ovary| or lining of the womb| have a slightly raised risk too.
Some cancer treatments can increase the risk of blood clots. Some examples of this are certain types of hormonal therapy|, such as tamoxifen| for breast cancer and Stilboestrol® for prostate cancer.

Tips to prevent blood clots

If you’re worried that you may be at risk of developing a blood clot when you travel, it’s best to discuss this with your cancer specialist. They can advise on whether you need to have treatment that can help prevent blood clots.

• Ask your doctor whether you should wear special compression socks during your travels.
• Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing.
• Drink plenty of water during flights and limit your intake of caffeinated or alcoholic drinks so you don’t become dehydrated.
• On any type of journey, it’s helpful to walk around or do leg exercises regularly.

Lymphoedema Back to top

People with lymphoedema| (swelling of a part of the body) may find that travelling temporarily makes it worse. This is thought to be due to low cabin pressure, poorer air quality and keeping still for long periods during the journey.

You can get a leaflet with more detailed information about travel and lymphoedema from the Lymphoedema Support Network|.

Tips for travelling if you have lymphoedema

Before you travel:

• Don’t have vaccinations in a limb that’s affected by lymphoedema.
• Talk to your doctor about taking antibiotics with you in case you develop an infection.

During your journey:

• If you plan to wear a compression sleeve or stocking, have it checked to make sure it fits properly and wear it throughout your journey.
• If you have lymphoedema in a leg, wear well-fitting, supportive shoes and don’t take them off during the journey as this can increase swelling.
• Wear loose clothing that doesn’t restrict the affected limb.
• Don’t wear tight belts.
• Gently exercise the limb and move around as much as possible while you’re travelling.
• If you do lymphatic drainage massage, try to do this frequently during the journey.
• Drink lots of water to prevent dehydration.
• Don’t use an affected arm to carry heavy luggage - use a luggage trolley or ask a porter for help.

Once you’ve arrived:

• Avoid strenuous exercise that you’re not used to. Gentle, repetitive exercise of the affected limb (such as tennis or cycling) can be helpful.
• Try to avoid extreme temperatures - stay cool if possible.
• Avoid sunburn - don’t forget you can burn even through compression garments.
• If you have lymphoedema of the leg, never go barefoot. Always wear some sort of footwear - even in the sea.
• Protect against insect bites during the day and at night by using insect repellent spray or cream.
• Keep your skin clean and check it for any sign of infection.
• Treat any cuts, scratches and bites quickly with an antiseptic such as Savlon® or TCP®.