Tips from an oncologist

What cancer patients should bear in mind when traveling

Despite having cancer, you don't have to miss out on vacation fun.(Bild: Kirill Gorlov - stock.adobe.com)

Vacations are also important for people with cancer. An oncologist explains what patients should know and bear in mind, especially when traveling abroad.

As a general rule, all travel plans and wishes should be discussed with the doctors treating you. This primarily concerns issues such as the type and duration of the vacation, necessary and sensible vaccinations, fitness to drive and the planning or rescheduling of treatment appointments.

"Traveling with cancer is not a contradiction in terms. However, how and where you can travel depends heavily on the phase of the disease and your general condition. First and foremost, patients need to make a critical self-assessment," explains Prim. Priv.-Doz. Dr. Holger Rumpold, oncologist at the Ordensklinikum Linz (Upper Austria).

Traveling with cancer is not a contradiction in terms. However, how and where you can travel depends heavily on the phase of the disease and your general condition.

Prim. Priv.- Doz. Dr. Holger Rumpold, Onkologe

Bild: foto katharina stögmüller

The necessary supply of medication should also be well planned. If cancer patients need to carry a certain amount of opiates or substances that fall under the Narcotics Act, they will need a corresponding medical certificate. Internationally valid forms, which are filled out in advance by the attending physicians, prevent difficulties from arising.

Checkliste für Betroffene

Vor der Reise:

•  Wie ist der Versicherungsschutz im Ausland?
• Sind alle Medikamente im Reiseland erhältlich?
• Bin ich flugtauglich? (MEDA-Formblatt durch Ärzte ausfüllen lassen)
• Brauche ich Unterstützung seitens der Fluggesellschaft?
• Muss ich Impfungen auffrischen, oder brauche ich zusätzliche Impfungen?

Bei der Reise:

•  Medikamente sowie sonstiges medizinisches Material ins Handgepäck packen.
• Auch Arzneimittel für die ersten Tage nach dem Urlaub mitnehmen.
• Versicherungskarte nicht vergessen (inklusive Europäischer Krankenversicherungskarte oder Anspruchsbescheinigung).
• Dokument über Diagnose und Therapie sowie Kontaktdaten der Ärzte mitführen.
• Bescheinigungen für Ports, Stomas oder Implantate dabeihaben.

Anyone with stents or implants should have their ID with them, especially when traveling by air. Checking insurance policies or taking out repatriation insurance is an issue that needs to be considered.

From a medical point of view, a vacation with cancer is generally a positive experience, as Prim. Rumpold emphasizes: "It is important to make such time off as possible. It definitely improves the overall situation and the patient's mental state."