Do you have cancer and you are traveling abroad? On this page you will find information to take into account before and during the trip.
Traveling with cancer
There are many different types of cancer, which are treated in different ways. Certain medications can affect the immune system, but some surgeries can also affect the risks you might have during your trip.
Depending on your treatments and medication, additional advice or vaccinations may be required when you travel. There is medication that causes the immune system to work less well, which increases the risk of certain infectious diseases. This may mean that other or additional vaccinations are recommended.
Cancer and vaccinations
Some cancers and/or some cancer treatments can affect the effectiveness of vaccines. Live attenuated vaccines cannot always be given just like that. In case of mastectomy and/or axillary lymph node removal, vaccination is not allowed on that side in the arm. There are also treatments that affect immunological memory. This means that the immune system no longer recognizes certain diseases. In that case, you sometimes have to be vaccinated again.
Cancer and Malaria
There are many types of medication used in the treatment of cancer. If you are advised to take malaria tablets preventively for your travel plans, it is important to check that these tablets do not interact with your medication.
Cancer and traveler’s diarrhea
Some medications work less well when you have diarrhea. That is why you should consider taking antibiotics with you when you travel to certain countries.
Cancer and antibiotics
In addition to antibiotics against diarrhea, you can also consider bringing an antibiotic against respiratory and skin infections. The advice to take these antibiotics with you depends on your treatment process and the medication you use.
Tailor-made advice
Traveling can increase the risk of infectious diseases. It is wise to check whether you have been vaccinated against flu and pneumococci. If not, this can be done in consultation by vaccinatingcentrum.nl. Other vaccination advice depends on your destination, the duration of your trip and your personal health situation.
In all cases, it is important to consult your doctor carefully. You can do this yourself, if you wish, our travel nurses will contact your treating doctor to coordinate vaccinations and medicines.
Questions or book an appointment?
Do you have any questions or would you like to book an appointment for personal (travel) advice? Use the button below, email us at info@vaccinatiecentrum.nl or call 085-9020303.