If you have health conditions such as cancer or recently had surgery, you may be wondering if air travel is safe. Even minor health issues and minor surgical procedures present a certain amount of risk. But it’s also true that many people travel great distances to and from medical treatment without any incident. 

Flying after minor surgeries is rarely dangerous and pose little risk of post-surgical complications. Traveling shortly after a more significant or major surgery by air can be detrimental.  Many people indeed travel great distances to and from medical treatment without incident. The fact is, there’s no one-size-fits-all recommendation on flying after surgery.  Every person and every type of surgery is different, so you will decide based on what you feel is suitable for your circumstances.

Flying is potentially dangerous for anyone because of lower oxygen levels and lower barometric pressure. It’s not always an issue if you’re healthy or not.  However, if you’ve just had surgery or have compromised health, such as the list below, it puts you at a greater risk than a healthy individual.

• Previous blood clots or a family history of blood clots

• Recent or current cancer treatment

• Obesity

• Limited mobility

• Varicose veins

• A catheter or port in a large vein

• Cancer

• Pregnancy and up to 3 months postpartum

• Recent hospital stay with extended bed rest

• Pregnancy and up to 3 months postpartum

• Heart or lung disease

• Anemic

• Diabetes

• Smoker

• Use of oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy

• And numerous other health conditions or disorders

• Advanced Age

Other General Risks Associated With Flying 

 Here are some examples of other health risks due to flying due to lower air pressure at higher altitudes, which means your body takes in less oxygen. Airlines “pressurize” the air in the cabin, but not to sea-level pressures, so there's still less oxygen getting to your body when you fly, which can make you feel drained or even short of breath.

Even in the absence of overt disease, advanced age passengers may be vulnerable aboard aircraft. Medical scientists acknowledge that advanced age presents a general decline in organ function, such as the function of the heart or lungs.  The risk of developing blood clots also increases with age, so each individual must weigh those risks. For example, Blood clots are most likely to form in deep veins in the legs, a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If you don’t have other risk factors, it’s not always dangerous to fly after surgery.

What can you do to lower your risk for complications if you have a diagnosis of cancer while traveling?

Every health situation is different, so it’s important for you to communicate with your physician about when it will be safe to travel, especially if you have had surgery or are just finishing treatment. Use good judgment because you are the decision-maker in your travels!

Your oncologist or surgeon can evaluate your personal risks if you travel. Be sure to discuss:

• Your risk for blood clots

• Anemia

• Medications you’re taking, such as blood thinners, over the counter, etc and whether adjustments are necessary

• Supplies you should have, such as graduated compression stockings or supplemental oxygen

If you’ll need special equipment or assistance on your flight, you should also check with the airline before booking your trip.

To schedule a video consultation with Dr. Payan at CMN Hospital please contact us.