Medical flights to/from the US for cancer patients: safe flights for your cancer treatment

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Traveling can be both enjoyable and rewarding, but things are a little different if you are afflicted with cancer. That being so, being diagnosed with cancer or undergoing cancer treatment does not inevitably preclude you from travelling long distances. Flying between chemotherapy courses, for example, may be possible. However, it is critical to assess your physical fitness to fly. Consult your doctor or a cancer specialist if you have any concerns about long-haul flights. They should also be able to advise you on any supplies you might need or any dietary issues you might have.

The key points to remember about flying long distances with cancer:

  • In many cases, it is not advisable to fly commercially if you have cancer. This is due to the fact that the unfamiliar cabin environment, which contains low oxygen and humidity levels, can cause serious health problems. Cancer patients' health concerns include deep vein thrombosis and respiratory distress.
  • An ambulance jet is frequently the preferred option for transporting cancer patients safely and on time over medium and long distances. They have cutting-edge medical technology and are staffed by experienced and specialized health care professionals.
  • Contact Medical Air Service right away if you need to charter a private air ambulance. Our representatives are available to advise you and provide you with a free, non-binding quote 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

A perspective of the quality care in cancer treatment in America

Lung, breast, bowel, and prostate cancer are the four most common types of cancer. Cancer affects approximately 1.7 million Americans and 17 million people worldwide each year, increasing the demand for high-quality cancer care.

cancer cells

You've just received life-altering news and must now decide how to handle it. We understand how difficult it can be to select a hospital for medical treatment in the USA. To assist you in making a better decision, the top three hospitals that accept patients from all over the world, according to News & World Report's 2021-22 Best Hospitals for Cancer ranking, are listed below:

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston)

As one of the world's largest cancer centers, the infrastructure has established itself as a pioneer by translating today's most promising laboratory findings into more effective, and less traumatic treatments. New and innovative therapy options for tumours that are difficult or aggressive are available there.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (New York City)

As the world's oldest and largest private cancer center, it has devoted more than 135 years to outstanding educational programs, exceptional patient care and innovative research. It has embraced cutting-edge science in order to develop more effective strategies for preventing, controlling, and ultimately curing cancer in the future.

Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minn.)

Every year, over 150,000 cancer patients visit the Mayo Clinic. They find professionals with deep expertise in virtually every type of cancer diagnosis and treatment, as well as the resources to provide excellent care tailored to their specific needs.

Mayo clinic

What is the cost of cancer treatment in America?

According to a new study published in JAMA Oncology, prices for dozens of cancer treatments were drastically higher in the United States when compared to markets in Germany, England, and Switzerland. To put that in perspective, it is recorded that the median monthly cancer treatment costs per patient in the United States were $11,755, compared to $8,300 in Germany, approximately $6,950 in Switzerland, and $7,355 in England. The study also noted that Medicare, the nation's largest payer for cancer treatments, is barred from negotiating prices.

Where do Americans travel for cancer treatment?

Europe, known as the birthplace of modern and advanced medicine, is a popular destination for Americans seeking less expensive yet sophisticated cancer treatment. The top European cancer treatment centers concentrate on the detection, treatment, and aftercare of malignant tumors.

The three most popular medical tourism destinations in Europe are as follows:

The United Kingdom

The Royal Marsden Hospital in Kensington and Chelsea, Europe's largest comprehensive cancer center, treats over 60,000 cancer patients each year. It is a world leader in cancer research, with an international reputation for pioneering cutting-edge cancer treatments.

Germany

The University Hospital rechts der Isar (located to the right of the Isar river, Germany) welcomes patients from all over the world, thanks to its highly skilled team of dedicated scientists, physicians and nurses. It stands for cutting-edge medicine, research, and advancement, and is perfectly situated and equipped to provide first-rate medical care to international patients in accordance with the most recent scientific standards.

Switzerland

The Hirslanden Klinik Im Park in Zurich is a leading medical center network with 18 clinics spread across the country. They have advanced facilities that allow for better disease treatment using cutting-edge approaches. Brachytherapy is an example of an experimental form of radiation therapy in which a tumor is only irradiated locally. In other words, the radiation source is directed toward cancerous tissues while avoiding other organs.

Is it safe for cancer patients to fly commercially?

While cancer can be overwhelming and drastically alter our lives, it is not completely crippling. Patients can fly without difficulty depending on their physical condition. However, they should consult their doctor first to determine if they are fit to fly without putting their health at risk, especially if they have recently had or are currently undergoing certain treatments.

commercial flight

When is it dangerous for cancer patients to fly?

Certain medical conditions preclude cancer patients from flying due to the increased risk to their health. They are as follows:

  • Anemia (low RBC count), which increases the risk of hypoxia.
  • Recent surgery, which raises the likelihood of deep vein thrombosis.
  • A low platelet count, which raises the possibility of hemorrhage or severe bleeding.
  • A bone marrow or stem cell transplant within the previous 6 to 12 months of flying. The chances of contracting an infection are increased.

Why is it dangerous for cancer patients to fly commercially?

Though air travel is one of the safest modes of transportation, it does not apply to those with a compromised immune system or terminally ill patients, such as cancer patients. They may encounter three major risks while flying commercially:

Air pressure changes: Flying in an airliner involves changes in air pressure due to the increased elevation in flight. As a result of this change, gas in body cavities tends to expand. This can cause incisions to break open in cancer patients who have recently had surgery, as well as brain swelling or swelling in the hands and feet.

Risk of infections: The cramped plane cabin, combined with an average of 200 passengers seated close together, increases the risk of infection levels significantly. As a result, cancer patients are more vulnerable to contaminations and respiratory infections ranging from the common cold or flu to COVID-19 or dengue fever.

Oxygen and other medical equipment onboard: Most airlines will not allow portable oxygen or other medical equipment onboard, which is a critical consideration for cancer patients. Remember to contact your airline ahead of time and inquire about their medical equipment regulations if you require additional oxygen or other medical equipment.

How does Medical Air Service help cancer patients travel safely?

Given the conditions that preclude commercial flights, medical flights area safe option for cancer patients, those undergoing chemotherapy or even those who have recently recovered from cancer, especially if they want to benefit from cutting-edge technology in the United States or elsewhere around the world.

We make it possible for cancer patients to travel safely, whether they are entering or leaving the United States. Our air ambulances are outfitted with the most advanced medical equipment to meet the needs of even ICU patients. Specialist doctors and paramedics on board our medical jets monitor and treat patients as they travel.

ambulance jet interior

Let us show you how we deal with the challenges that cancer patients face while flying:

Air pressure changes: Because an air ambulance is a private aircraft, the cabin pressure can be adjusted to meet the needs of the patient. These medical flights can fly at sea level, where the air pressure is adjusted to be closer to that at sea-level, always ensuring the patient’s safety.

Risk of infections: Aside from a loved one and two medical professionals who fly alongside the cancer patient, there are no other passengers on board an air ambulance because it is a chartered plane. Furthermore, prior to the flight, our team takes all necessary precautions, such as performing tests, disinfecting, and preparing with appropriate protective clothing and equipment, to avoid any risk of infection. We even have portable isolation units for coronavirus infected patients.

Oxygen and other medical equipment on board: Our air ambulances are outfitted with cutting-edge technology and can even accommodate more specialized devices depending on the patient's condition. As a result, portable oxygen and other equipment should not be a problem.

Furthermore, the benefits that entice our customers are as follows:

  • Competitive prices with no hidden costs
  • High-quality service and personalized patient care
  • A 24-hour service available every day of the week, including holidays
  • A global presence, with offices in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America
  • All-inclusive medical flight services, including commercial medical escorts
  • Cutting-edge medical technology on sophisticated fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft

Finally, we'd like to highlight our extensive experience organizing medical flights for cancer patients of all ages. There was the case of Agata, a seven-year-old girl from Katowice who was diagnosed with a brain tumor. She required specialized radiotherapy, which is only available in a few hospitals worldwide. She was transferred quickly and safely to Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego, California, for medical treatment. We organized everything needed for the patient's safe transport onboard a Bombardier Learjet 45 ambulance aircraft. This modern jet, outfitted with cutting-edge medical equipment, had enough room for the medical team as well as Agata's mother, who, understandably, did not want to leave her daughter's side.

Contact us for an air ambulance today!

If you require an air ambulance for a long-distance patient transportation from anywhere in the world to the US, please contact our friendly and multilingual team at any time of day or night. We are here to help you and organize your medical flight. We only require an initial contact and will handle the rest.

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