Travel Tips for Colon Cancer

Whether you have to travel away from home for treatment or you’re taking that well-deserved vacation, traveling with colon cancer is possible.

By planning ahead, you can travel safely. “Cancer treatment is a part of life, but shouldn’t be your whole life,” says Michael Foote, MD, a gastrointestinal medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. “It’s important to spend time with family and friends, and you can optimize this experience by planning in advance with your care team so you can enjoy the trip.”

By talking to your medical team, packing what you need, knowing how to manage your medications, and planning for emergencies as much as possible, you can set yourself up for a safe, fun trip or stress-free travel for treatment.

Pack a Colon Cancer Travel Kit

Packing the essentials will ensure you have everything you need while you’re away.

Medications and Medical Records

Pack all your prescription medications. Writing out a list to cross-reference can make it easier to be sure you remembered them all.

Dr. Foote recommends keeping medications in their original packaging with your prescription information on them, plus a list of your prescriptions, in case the TSA has questions. And if you’re flying, it’s best to keep your medications in your carry-on or personal item in case your checked luggage gets lost or damaged.

Before you leave, check whether you’ll need to refill any prescriptions while you’re away, including those that help you manage symptoms like pain and nausea, advises Foote. You’ll want enough medication to last your entire trip, with extra on hand in case your travel plans change.

Emergency Contacts

Travel with a copy of your medical team’s contact information. You’ll know how to reach them if you have questions. And if you need to see a provider while traveling, they’ll be able to connect with your regular team. “It's good to imagine what could go wrong and anticipate this in advance so you’re not having to do tough mental calculations in a stressful moment,” suggests Foote.

• Anyone on your personal support team, such as friends or family members
• Your pharmacy
• Insurance contacts
• A list of medical facilities in the location you’re traveling to

Having these readily available can help ensure that you receive smooth, efficient care if you need it.

Personal Protective Equipment

• Medical Mask When traveling in crowded places like planes, trains, or tourist attractions, wear a medical mask.
• Hand Sanitizer Carry hand sanitizer with you to use in public places to help keep the germs at bay.
• Disinfectant Wipes These can also keep airplane tray tables and other public surfaces clean.

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Ostomy Supplies

If you have an ostomy bag, Foote suggests making sure you have enough supplies for your entire trip. Talk to your medical team about how to care for it during the specific activities you’re planning.

Manage Medications on the Move

Even though getting out of your normal surroundings can be fun and enriching, certain parts of your routine will need to stay in place if you’re partway through cancer treatment. This includes your medication regimen.

Here’s how to make sure you’re well prepared and able to keep taking the medications your body needs to fight colon cancer.

Talk to Your Physician First

If you’re currently receiving treatment, Foote advises giving your medical team as much advanced notice as possible. “Most medications for colorectal cancer are IV medications that need to be scheduled two or more weeks in advance, so it will be difficult to request last-minute treatment,” he says.

Know When to Take Your Medications

Plan ahead for any medications you need to bring on your trip so you have enough in case your travel plans are disrupted. Foote says you shouldn’t worry about adjusting your medications for new time zones.

“Typically, you’d take medications in the morning or night or both, so you’d readjust to the time zone you are traveling to when you arrive,” he says. “Unless it’s a very dramatic shift, efforts such as tapering or spacing out meds are typically not necessary.”

Make Remembering Medications Easy

Optimize Nutrition and Movement On the Go

Stay Hydrated

Stick to an Anti-Inflammatory Diet if Possible

If your cancer care team has advised that you stick to anti-inflammatory foods to support treatment, it’s important to follow their advice whenever you can. You may be keen to try new foods on your trip, but try to incorporate as many of the following items as possible.

• Leafy green vegetables, such as spinach and kale
• Orange vegetables, including sweet potatoes and carrots
• Fruits
• Whole grains, such as quinoa and oats
• Lean proteins, including chicken and fish
• Healthy fats, such as those found in avocados, nuts, and olive oil
• Coffee or tea

“Many people with gastrointestinal cancers can have diarrhea or difficulty digesting raw vegetables, so consider going with cooked vegetables,” suggests Foote. And while lean proteins are healthiest, he says, “eating some fattier meat every now and then is not a big deal.”

Get Moving

Avoid Alcohol

Some people drink more alcohol than they usually would as a way to unwind while they’re on vacation. But it’s vital to talk to a cancer care professional before you do.

Caring for Your Ostomy Bag

Some people living with colon cancer have an ostomy bag. Foote recommends talking to your wound care or ostomy nurse before your trip to get any extra supplies you might need and learn specific care tips for your trip, particularly if you’re around water or planning water-based activities.

Emergency Care and Other Considerations When Traveling

Being prepared for your trip also means having an emergency plan. It’s better to have a plan in place so you don’t have to figure out complicated details during a stressful situation. Here are some things you can do in advance.

• Consider travel insurance. Your medical situation may change before your trip. Travel insurance can protect you in case you have to cancel or adjust your plans. As existing health problems aren’t usually covered in a travel policy, you may need to get specialist insurance.

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• Research medical facilities at your destination. Foote recommends having a game plan in case you get sick while you’re away. Find a good medical center at your destination before you get there. If something happens while you’re on your trip, knowing where to go ahead of time means you’ll get better care faster.
• Wear medical identification. A medical bracelet or necklace that clearly notes your condition can help emergency providers safely treat you if something happens.

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  Keep a copy of your medical records with you in case they come in handy.