8 Tips for Traveling With Cancer

Check With Your Doctor
According to Michelle Badash, MS, the first step to ensuring a safe trip is to make sure you're cleared for traveling by your doctor. Discuss your travel plans with your doctor, especially if you're experiencing side effects from your treatment.
Research Important Phone Numbers
This is especially important if you're traveling abroad. Badash says that you should have emergency numbers for each city you'll be visiting, as well as numbers for the American consulate and embassy.
Check Your Health Insurance
According to CancersAndCareers.org, your health insurance may not cover costs outside of the U.S., or even in certain states. If that's the case, consider purchasing travel insurance before you leave for your trip.
Do You Have All Your Medications? Before you leave, Badash recommends that you make sure you have sufficient supplies of your medications, along with any side-effect medications.To prove that the drugs you're carrying are for your cancer treatment, keep your medication in the original prescription bottles. Keeping a list of all your medications on you -- including dosages and dosing schedules -- will help your travel companion know to help you in case something happens.
Stay Mobile
Cancer patients have an increased risk of getting blood clots. According to Michelle Badash, they can form in the lower part of your body and can migrate to the heart, lungs and even the brain. To prevent blood clots from forming, Lynne Eldridge, MD, of About.com advises those traveling with cancer to get up and walk around at least once an hour, and to stay hydrated. Talk to your doctor to learn more about blood clots if you're planning on traveling.
Schedule a Post-Travel Appointment One of the first people you see when you return from your trip should be your doctor. Who knows what kind of pathogens you may have picked up during your travels? CancerAndCareers.org recommends seeing your doctor as soon as possible so you can make sure your treatment is still on track.