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Traveling During Cancer Treatment
Traveling during cancer treatment is possible. It just takes some planning and support. You still might be able to travel safely to visit loved ones, take a relaxing trip, enjoy new sights, and create memories. Cancer and cancer treatments may change how you travel. But if you want to travel, it can be meaningful and a way for you to keep your sense of adventure.
Is it safe for me to travel?
People with cancer should first talk with their cancer care team to see if or when it's safe for them to travel. Traveling might not be safe if they have a medical condition, like a recent blood clot, heart problems, breathing problems (shortness of breath) or have had recent surgery. If someone has one of these conditions, they might need to talk with the cancer care team and take special precautions before it’s safe to travel.
Getting ready to travel
Travel needs to be carefully planned with your cancer care team and family. It’s important for you to review dates you want to travel and dates that you get treatment. You might have to travel before treatment starts or between treatments or wait until after you get treatment.
Plan ahead
- Use a calendar to mark treatment days and plan for when you might expect side effects.
- Find out if the place you’re traveling to has access to medical facilities, pharmacies, and any other health-related services you may need.
- Have an emergency plan in case something does not go as planned.
- Make sure you know your passwords to the patient portal (if your cancer team offers this) and know contact numbers for the on-call cancer care team.
- Carry copies of your records, just in case you don’t have portal access.
- Ask your cancer care team for a doctor’s note that explains why you need to travel with certain medicines or devices. It might not be needed but it’s helpful to have .
- See if special vaccines are needed in the area you’re traveling to. You might not be able to get some vaccines during cancer treatment. This might alter your travel plans.
- Look into getting a medical alert bracelet or necklace. It might be helpful in case of an emergency.
- Consider getting travel insurance in case something comes up and you have to cancel or interrupt your trip.
What to pack and how to pack it
In addition to the regular items you pack (personal care products, clothes, and shoes), plan to pack medicines and medical devices. Comfort items (heat or cold packs, a neck pillow) can help your travel go smoothly and comfortably.
Check for restrictions on what you can take into the state or country you are traveling to.
Separate medicines and medical devices from the rest of your luggage. It helps when you go through the checkpoint at the airports.
All prescription medicines should be labeled and packaged according to special storage like ‘keep medicine cold’ or ‘keep medicine at room temperature’ to limit delays. This helps you to stay organized. Follow the airlines guidelines for carrying medicine on a plane. Also, it should be in a carry-on and not in a checked bag.
Vitamins and supplements do not need to be in their own bottle. It can be helpful to pack them in a pill organizer.
Liquid medicine should be 3.4 oz or 100 ml or less based on Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rules if you fly.
Tell the TSA officer if you have devices like a glucose monitor, nebulizers, oxygen tanks, CPAP’s or others in or on your body, and follow their guidelines.
There may be some restrictions on thermometers. Digital thermometers are usually okay, but check TSA for clearance on others like those with mercury.
Cannabis products would be screened by TSA; check for laws and restrictions where you are traveling.
Tips for traveling
Test travel. If you’re traveling for a long distance, try taking a short trip first to see how you feel. You can prepare better for the longer trip based on how well you do on the short trip.
Timing is important. Double check dates for treatments and recovery time for blood counts to make sure you’re traveling at times that are best for how you feel and reduce the chances of infection.
Check for cancer care access. Ask if your cancer care team might know of a cancer care team where you’re going, just in case you have any needs while you're there.
Avoid infection. Protect yourself from infections by washing your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer. Think about covering your mouth and nose with a face mask . Make sure the food you eat is prepared safely. Learn more about avoiding infections.
Move. Move as much as possible to prevent prolonged immobility (like sitting). Get up and move around when it’s allowed on the plane. Make stops to stretch and walk around when on long care rides. Movement reduces the chance of developing blood clots.
Look out for swelling. When flying in an airplane, the pressure in the cabin can cause swelling (fluid build up), in lower legs, ankles, and feet. Also, riding or sitting anywhere for long periods of time can cause swelling. Compression socks, sleeves, or stockings can help reduce swelling. Learn more about preventing swelling.
Protect your skin. If your travel includes being outside in the sun, use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), cover your skin with clothing, and limit the time you’re in the sun.
Keep hydrated. When flying or riding, drink small amounts of fluids, unless you have restrictions. Learn more about dehydration.
Plan rest periods. You might get fatigued (tired) while traveling and rest is important. You can plan to rest with short breaks, getting naps and restful sleep, Learn more about managing fatigue.
TSA Cares. TSA provides services to assist you when you travel. They can help you through the in the airport. Find more information on traveling at
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- References
Developed by the American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team with medical review and contribution by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Travelers with weakened immune systems. Accessed from wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/weakened-immune-systems on December 1. 2025.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA). 2025. Medical. Accessed at https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/medical on November 26, 2025.
Williams Veazey L, Kenny K, Broom A. ‘It's very hard to have a future when you can’t travel’: Meaning, mobility and mortality after a cancer diagnosis. Journal of Sociology. 2025 Mar;61(1):20-39. https://doi.org/10.1177/14407833241251496
Last Revised: December 17, 2026
American Cancer Society medical information is copyrighted material. For reprint requests, please see our Content Usage Policy.
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