Vacationing with Cancer

Are Beach Vacations Safe with Cancer During a Pandemic? Here are the Answers.

With summer months approaching, cancer patients should take extra precautions when
vacationing, particularly amid a global pandemic. Cancer is not an autoimmune disease, but it
affects the immune system, making cancer patients at a higher risk for contracting the novel
coronavirus. Traveling to the beach may be intimidating with so many possible altercations. For
your convenience, the National Foundation for Cancer Research has gathered tips and
recommendations for vacationing safely.

Research and Educate

Many beaches are beginning to open across the US, including Florida, Delaware and the
southern parts of California. Although many beaches are opening, it is important to research a
specific beach that might be the best option. It is also important to if at all possible, not fly.
Flying increases risk for COVID-19 so wherever vacationing, driving is always recommended.

Safety and Medications

During any time of year but most importantly during a pandemic, the first thing NFCR
recommends is to find care for wherever you are going. This could include checking hospital
hours and locations and researching which hospitals have specific care for cancer patients.

Doctors recommend having the proper medication and carrying all medical records. If flying, ask
a doctor or research if specific medications are allowed on a plane and are legal in certain
locations. A common misconception is that hospitals are connected through the internet. A safe
way to travel without relying on this is to bring a list of current and past cancer treatments, a
copy of an electrocardiogram (EKG) and notes from your most recent doctor visit. If possible,
vacation with original prescription bottles that have all of the important information. Give a
family member access to these medical records as well and list this person as your emergency
contact in your cell phone.

Hydration

Specifically, when traveling to beaches, dehydration may be the number one danger for cancer
patients, as dehydration is the number one side effect of chemotherapy. It is important to be
aware of this and continually drink water throughout the day and eat foods with high water
content. Doctors recommend drinking up to 2 liters of water a day on an average day, but, when
in hot climates, it is important to drink more. Cancer patients are more susceptible to sun
exposure as well, so try to stay out of the sun or wear a hat or hair scarf.

COVID-19 and Traveling

All of these steps are to protect cancer patients from vacationing at beaches during normal times.
But what about during a pandemic? It is important to remember to pack all personal protective
equipment including face masks, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes. Even though beaches and
restaurants are beginning to open up across the US, there is no guaranteed sanitation or
protection anywhere you travel. If flying, make sure to wear a mask and touch as little as
possible. NFCR suggests using more personal protective equipment and wiping down your seat
and anything you touch with a disinfectant wipe.

Another tip to keep safe is minimizing stops to reduce risk when traveling by car. Be prepared
with sanitizer and disinfectant wipes before and after gas stations. To minimize risk completely,
take as few breaks as possible. Pack lots of food to reduce food trips, and if stopping for gas, go
to the restroom as well to minimize germ exposure.

Talk to a doctor and take additional safety measures than you might when vacationing normally.