Can You Go on Vacation During Cancer Treatment?

During cancer treatment, sometimes it seems like life is on hold. It can be hard to know how many of your usual activities are OK to do, including going on vacation. But is traveling while on cancer treatment safe?

“For the most part, my answer to a patient or family question about travel is: Let’s figure out how we can get you to whatever life events are important to you. However, let’s talk about the best timing and how to make it as safe as possible,” said Vicki Keedy, MD, MSCI, an American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) expert and Associate Professor of Medicine in Hematology/Oncology at Vanderbilt University.

Taking a trip when you have cancer can benefit your overall well-being. By continuing to do things you enjoy, you can help avoid common issues people face during treatment, like anxiety, depression, and feeling isolated or lonely.

“In general, I encourage patients to travel when they want to. Trips to visit family or take a vacation are important aspects to help patients maintain some normalcy in an otherwise tumultuous time of their lives,” said Ryan Gentzler, MD, an ASCO expert and Associate Professor in Hematology/Oncology at the University of Virginia.

Is it safe to travel during cancer?

As long as you get the green light from your cancer care team, traveling is generally safe. However, your doctor will consider certain factors when discussing travel with you. For example, they’ll think about the goal of your treatment, whether the treatment you’re on is meant to cure or control the cancer, or make symptoms of cancer better.

“For curative treatment, we try to stay on the treatment protocol timing as much as possible,” said Dr. Keedy. “But changes can be made. If the treatment is not meant to cure the cancer but to extend the patient’s life, my answer is often this: You are doing treatment to give yourself more time to live. So, let’s prioritize the living part.”

Your doctor will also consider:

• The type and number of treatments you’ve received
• The side effects you’re experiencing or could be expected from treatment
• The location and distance you’re planning to travel
• How long you’ll be away

Typically, your doctor will advise against traveling for a long period, such as several months. “In some instances, though, when the cancer is well controlled and treatment is an oral medication or less frequent infusions, longer trips may be possible,” said Dr. Gentzler. For example, if you plan to travel to a warmer location for the winter, your doctor may be able to refer you to a local treatment center so you can continue receiving care.

Can I travel between cancer treatments?

Whether you can travel between cancer treatments varies based on the type, schedule, and goal of your treatment. “There are times within a treatment cycle that travel is safer,” said Dr. Keedy. “Between cycles, blood counts may be lower and risk of infection may be higher, while toward the end of a cycle, risk of infection may be lower.”

For patients receiving chemotherapy or a combination of treatments that includes chemotherapy, the risk of infection can be particularly high between treatments. “In these cases, it would be better to plan travel during a different week or plan travel that is relatively close to home or other medical centers,” said Dr. Gentzler.

Ask your doctor if it’s possible to adjust your treatments to fit your travel schedule. But be sure to ask about any related risks, too. “Your doctor can help estimate your risk and advise you on specific times when it would be safest to travel,” said Dr. Gentzler.

Finally, talk with your doctor about vaccines. Being up to date on vaccines is especially important if you plan to travel outside the U.S. or to an area experiencing a disease outbreak. Your doctor can offer advice on specific shots you might need before a trip.

Precautions to take when traveling during cancer treatment

If you’re planning to travel, be sure to:

• Bring a copy of your medical records. Carry a record of all cancer treatments you’re receiving, your current medications, and your most recent test results. “This would help the clinicians at your destination have a comparison for any imaging or lab tests you may need,” said Dr. Keedy. Keep your doctor’s contact information handy, too.
• Keep cancer medications and devices with you. These should always be available to you. For example, if you’re flying,  pack these items in your carry-on.
• Pack extra cancer medications. Bring each medication in its original container with the dosage amount listed. Before your trip, talk with your doctor about when to fill your prescriptions. You might need a prescription earlier than usual so you don’t run out during your trip.
• Know where to find medical care. Look up where medical facilities are located along your route, such as any planned stops or layover cities. “Doing research in advance about where to seek medical care while traveling can alleviate stress,” said Dr. Gentzler.
• Move your body. If you’ll be sitting in a plane or a car for hours, be sure to get up and move as often as possible. “Travel, having cancer, and cancer treatments can all increase the risk of blood clots,” said Dr. Keedy. “Get out of the car or walk around the plane every hour. If that’s not possible, do calf raises.”
• Avoid infection. Wear a mask on planes or in crowded spaces. When you eat out, avoid buffets and dishes that contain raw or undercooked meat or fish.
• Prepare for longer stays. If you’ll be gone for a while, talk to your doctor about options for continuing care near your destination. They can help you make arrangements, including connecting you with a local oncologist to oversee your care while you’re away from home.

Before your trip, consider getting travel insurance. “When taking trips with significant expenses, patients in cancer treatment should strongly consider travel insurance in case there is a change in their medical situation that prevents them from going,” said Dr. Gentzler.

Additional resources from the American Cancer Society:

• Coping and Living Well During Cancer Treatment
• Cancer Care Toolkit: Use these worksheets and tracking forms for medications, side effects, and test results.

Dr. Gentzler and Dr. Keedy are members of ASCO’s Patient Information Editorial Board.