Health when she was travelling for three months in Europe, began having bowel changes which she attributed to various restaurant foods. When finally investigated several weeks after her return, she was diagnosed with bowel cancer which had now spread to her liver. She died 18 months later at the age of 53. Early detection quite likely would have resulted in curative surgery before it had time to spread. In the many years I’ve spent assisting travellers with their medical problems, the most common example of this delay is from a snowbird with a newly developed suspicious skin lesion. The traveller notices a new skin spot that may be growing, ulcerated, looking black but causing no pain or other symptoms. So instead of seeking attention, he or she chooses to wait for three to five months before returning home to have it checked. This is not wise. In seniors especially, new or changing moles or skin lesions may be cancerous and should at least be examined by a physician sooner rather than later. Although basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are less malignant, the diagnosis of malignant melanoma requires immediate specialist care because of its more aggressive behaviour. Several years ago, my friend George spent four months in South Padre Island, Texas and early on in his stay, developed increasing indigestion. After notifying the assistance side of his group travel insurance, he attended a physician and received a prescription for antacidmedication. After a week and noticing no improvement, he contacted the insurance assistance personnel again and was advised to see the physician once more. After this visit, the doctor quite rightly ordered further investigation – including a gastroscopic examination by a specialist. He advised his insurance carrier and was told that this further ongoing investigation and treatment would not be covered under the terms of the policy and that he should consider going home. Not surprisingly, this news was upsetting and, instead of proceeding with further investigation to establish an exact diagnosis and receive proper treatment either there or after his immediate return home, he decided to wait – taking his medication and over-thecounter antacids until his vacation was over. After his return three months later, when the diagnosis of stomach cancer with metastases (spread) was made, it was too late for possible successful treatment. It’s not just cancer which can lead to less than optimal treatment if a diagnosis is not made early. A good example of that is a growing health threat in many parts of Canada, especially Manitoba and Eastern Canada. Ticks of the black-legged (deer tick) type can transmit the bacterium that causes the dreaded Lyme disease. Those who live near woods or frequent wooded areas have to be especially vigilant in helping to prevent ticks from attaching, and in knowing what to do if this occurs. Early medical attention is extremely important, as persons having a tick attached for more than 24 hours are CSANews | SUMMER 2018 | 35
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