Warm weather is just around the corner, and although traveling during or after breast cancer treatment may not be the first thing that comes to mind, it can be safe and even beneficial for your mental wellbeing. Depending on your treatment plan and how your body responds, travel might be possible; however, some individuals may need to wait until their treatment is complete. The key is to consult your healthcare team to ensure travel aligns with your treatment plan and take these tips into consideration.
If you have metastatic breast cancer, uninterrupted treatment schedules can make planning trips more challenging. Work closely with your doctors to adjust your schedule if you’re planning travel to attend a wedding or other important event.
Travel After Surgery
- Lumpectomy: Typically, doctors recommend waiting about four to eight weeks to heal before starting radiation therapy. If no infection or hematoma is present, this recovery period may be an ideal time to travel, if you’re feeling up to it.
- Mastectomy: Traveling post-mastectomy is more complex and often requires clearance from both your breast surgeon and, if applicable, your plastic surgeon. If you have drains installed, flying is generally discouraged. When traveling by car, ensure there is ample padding between your chest and the seatbelt to prevent irritation of the incision site.
Travelling soon after surgery is not for everyone. Since travel can be physically draining, it’s important to take time to heal and regain your energy.
Hormone Therapy and Blood Clot Risks
Extended sitting—whether on a plane, train, or in a car—can raise the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or blood clots. If you are taking hormone therapy like tamoxifen, be aware of the increased risk of blood clots, particularly during long periods of inactivity. This condition can be life-threatening if a clot detaches and travels to the lungs.
Consult your oncologist about wearing compression stockings or taking other preventive measures. During travel, try to move around every 2 to 3 hours. If walking is not possible, perform seated exercises such as:
- Raising and lowering your heels
- Rolling your ankles
- Tightening and releasing your leg muscles
Seek medical help immediately if you experience DVT symptoms such as:
- Swelling in the legs
- Pain or tenderness
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Rapid heart rate
- Light-headedness
Immune System Concerns
Certain cancer treatments, particularly chemotherapy, can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections. While travel is often possible, consider how you feel and be mindful of potential treatment side effects and how they could impact your trip.
Vaccinations and Immunizations
International travel may require you to be immunized against certain local diseases, which may not always be possible depending on the type of vaccination. Ensure your immunizations are up to date and consult your doctor about any additional vaccines you may need. Live vaccines, which contain small amounts of live virus or bacteria, should be avoided during chemotherapy and for up to six months afterward. Examples of live vaccines include:
- Measles
- Rubella
- Yellow fever
- Typhoid (oral tablets)
- Tuberculosis (BCG)
Inactivated vaccines are generally safe post-treatment, though they may be less effective if your immune system remains weakened within the first six months after chemotherapy. Always confirm with your healthcare team before planning your travel.
Travel Insurance Considerations
If you plan to travel outside of Canada, be sure to review the travel insurance coverage you have with your group benefits or private insurance prior to travelling. If you do not have private insurance coverage, explore obtaining travel insurance for your trip. This will help to ensure that you’re protected in the event of medical emergencies while you are away.
Many policies offer travel insurance coverage, but policies will differ on the inclusion of pre-existing conditions and often require a period of disease stability. Stability can include having no progression of disease, no new diagnoses, and no recent changes in treatment or medicine. If you are in active treatment or living with metastatic breast cancer, obtaining travel insurance could be challenging, as ongoing treatment may not be considered stable under a policy. Be sure to define what stability means for your insurance provider. Ask lots of questions and be honest and up front about your circumstances. The Government of Canada’s travel insurance guide offers advice on what to look for in your policy regarding travel insurance and pre-existing conditions.
If you’re facing challenges getting adequate travel insurance coverage, consider travelling within Canada, where your provincial health insurance will apply. Inquire with your province on proper procedures for accessing care outside of your province and be sure to bring your provincial health card with you while traveling.
Practical Preparation Tips
Preparation is essential when traveling during breast cancer treatment. Make sure to:
- Bring extra medication and copies of your prescriptions
- Carry relevant travel and health insurance documents
- Plan ahead and communicate with your healthcare team
With the right precautions and guidance, you can still enjoy fun and fulfilling travel experiences during your treatment journey.
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