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Travelling Abroad with Breast Cancer

If you have had a diagnosis of breast cancer it is essential that you disclose your condition to Direct-Travel Insurance before embarking on the journey, so we can be sure you have the right cover in place.

In the UK today, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer and one person is diagnosed with the illness every ten minutes, according to Breast Cancer Care. It also says one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

However, just because you have, or have had, breast cancer doesn’t mean you can’t fly off for a break in the sun. But first, talk to your medical team to ensure it won’t affect either your treatment or recovery.

If they decide it’s all systems go, check out our travel tips for those living with breast cancer:

  • Give yourself enough time to establish whether the medication you are taking with you is legal in the country you are visiting.
  • Take enough medication with you to last the whole trip.
  • If you have received radiotherapy your skin will be more delicate and likely to burn, even years after the treatment, so wear a high sun protection factor cream.
  • Don’t go in swimming pools during and immediately after treatment as your immune system will be lowered and you are more susceptible to any germs that might be in the water.
  • You may need vaccinations to enter your destination country, but before booking, check out whether you should receive them because some live vaccinations are not recommended during chemotherapy or for six months after.
  • If you have lymphoedema make sure you wear your compression garment on the journey, keep your hand luggage light and try to wear it on your back and not your shoulders.

Please discuss with us anything you need but most of all enjoy this break, you deserve it after what you’ve been through.