Airline Travel and Risk of Lymphedema

It is important to know that air travel is possible for persons at risk for lymphedema following breast cancer treatment, as well as those diagnosed with lymphedema. It is not completely clear if air travel triggers or worsens lymphedema. However, there are precautions that you can take which are believed to lessen the risk of lymphedema.

Tips on traveling:

• Wear loose, layered clothing and be comfortable.
  
• Don't lift heavy luggage with the affected arm (the side of your surgery). If both sides are affected, don't lift.
  
• Some aircraft, especially those traveling to remote regions, may not be pressurized to International Aircraft standards. Wear compression garments or bandages to keep adequate pressure on your limb. (If you do not have garments, see a lymphedema therapist.
  
• Don't remove shoes in the plane if your legs swell; decreased cabin pressure may make it difficult to put shoes back on.
  
• In-flight exercises, such as gently squeezing your calf, foot, arm and hand muscles, and walking around for at least 10 minutes every hour of flight will help stimulate lymph flow.
  
• Drink more (non-caffeinated/non-alcoholic) fluids than usual before and during flight.
  Guidelines adapted from www.cancersupportivecare.com

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