I was asked if I would agree to a full body scan about two years ago at Heathrow (much to the hilarity of the rest of my party) having had many operations following my diagnosis which culminated in a DIEP .The process was uneventfull though I did feel a bit disconcerted that I had to walk quite a long way to the scanning booth with two complete strangers. HOWEVER I wish I had said no as I really do not want any additional X-rays /scans at this stage in my life.
Hello I went through a full body scanner at Manchester airport last summer (I didn’t have to this summer). It was only a few weeks after I had finished six weeks of rads and had an isotope injection and a body scan so i was a bit concerned about even more exposure to radiation but I didn’t say anything I just complied as I was travelling with my teenage son (embarassment factor for him) and we really needed a holiday!
hope this helps
Heather
I have just been on holiday to Iceland and Canada and I am undergoing a reconstruction with a tissue expander fitted with a magnetic port. I got a letter from my doctor explaining this so I wouldnt set off the scanners. I have a variety of reactions from security. Britain didnt look like they had ever encountered this. I was asked to go through a full body scanner but was treated sensitively. Bit of a palaver though.Iceland were not phased and were very matter of fact. Canada were really lovely, they gave me a pat down by a very nice lady who asked me first off if I was ok and asked if I was at all tender or sensitive. I did not mind the scanner but do feel a little self concious that security know such an intimate thing about me.
Don’t have any problem with being scanned and am glad of the extra security for all our sakes.
Only two issues occur to me.
One is that all relevant staff are properly trained so that they recognise implant reconstruction for what it is - without the necessity of any explanation. Also, a failed implant reconstruction, as I have, feels pretty hard and unnatural and is also misshapen compared to the other side. I want airport staff to recognise this for what it is without me having to face questions about it.
Second issue is that when I was due to go through the Manchester Airport scanner, I was concerned that I’d be selected and would then have to verbally explain that I had reconstructive implants (with concern that the staff member might not know what these were - plenty of M&S bra fitters don’t know what they are yet!). Because of this, I asked my GP to provide a letter of explanation so that I had something I could hand over (rather than having to verbally explain which would have reduced me to tears). GP declined to do so unless I paid a charge for the letter which I didn’t think was right.
EDIT - perhaps a standard letter/form could be produced - for breast clinics to easily give out so that an explanation of individual circumstances can be provided i.e. this lady has a right/left reconstructive implant following breast cancer diagnosis, a right/left metal this/that/the other etc etc. If it was in a standard form that airport staff recognised then it would take away the need to individually explain what unusual bits we have and where. A standard format would make it easy to train and prepare airport staff for different presentations.
It’s ridiculous that your dr. wanted payment just to supply a simple letter - it’s not as if they don’t get more than adequately remunerated already!
I shall be avoiding Manchester Airport because I don’t want to be exposed to any more radiation for a while.
Angielav the staff at the airport should help you retreive your luggage off the carousel if you tell them you are disabled and need assistance. It might not hurt to ring ahead of time to find more.
Overhead lockers for your hand luggage is more of an issue, the general rule is you have to be able to cope by yourself but I think it’s worth asking, you are usually allowed use the floorspace under the seat in front as an alternaive provided you don’t have the seat with the emergency door. You wont be able to use that seat as the person in it needs to be able to open it and throw it out in an emergency
Other passengers are usually very good about puting up and taking down overhead luggage if you ask them. The stewardesses will often put it up but won’t be there to take it down.
In the last year I have experienced the scanners at Manchester Airport.
Having had a mastectomy and wearing a prosthesis I was concerned. The very well known travel company I booked with on both occasions could not offer me any advice that made me feel comfortable. That said I also contacted the Airport and was told “dont worry”. I was concerned with both my prosthesis as it has liquid in and the fact all and sundary would see my shape from the scanner.
At manchester both males and female security seem to “crowd” around for a viewing when anyone scanned or generally checked.
They also have the box type cage you have to stand in for a few seconds which I found awful as I have suffered panic attacks since my cancer.
When I arrived at the airport I found I was extremley nervous and worried, the checking in staff was male and everyone was around, I did not want to shout out my business to all and sundry. I had to walk over to a lady on the checking desk who was about to move off. I whispered to her about my concerns she was fabulous checked me in and took me through to the security checking area and spoke to a senior female member of staff who put me through the process. The second occasion at the airport I was not so lucky and the check in person shouted to a colleague whats a mastectomy!
I did ask the airport staff if anyone who had a false arm or leg was asked to remove for security to check, as I would find it difficult to do this in public and as I am a single mum of two boys, would not want to be away from them and them being worried about me. I realise their is security to be done but anyone with a disability needs to have their area and with staff sensitive to any disabled persons needs.
I have a tissue expander with a magnetic port. Went to Nepal through Heathrow, didn’t set off any alarms at Heathrow. At Delhi all women are taken into a little cubicle and have a hand held device run over them, set the alarm off and tried to explain to the woman what it was, she didn’t understand so I offered to show her (it’s very prominent because I’m so slight) and she waved me through. Same on the way back through Delhi but didn’t set it off in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Then went to Switzerland through Manchester in November this year. When selected for the full body scanner I told the guy I had a “medical device” which would set off the alarm, he said let’s see what happens, it did and he told me it was all OK. Very painless.
I am a bit scared about going through one as I not only have had a mastectomy with reconstruction but also had titanium pins inserted into my femur and pelvis a few months ago.
I do think it is comforting that they are so thorough and so make flying safer but I wish there was some sort of official card we could have that would explain that implants/mastectomy had been carried out and signed by a doctor perhaps? I don’t mind bearing my all in a private room but I do not want to answer personal questions in public.
Do BCC have any thought on the matter? Val
Hi Scottishlass,
If you would like to talk openly about the body scanners, could we ask if you wouldn’t mind emailing the moderator please at <script type=“text/javascript”>eval(unescape(‘%64%6f%63%75%6d%65%6e%74%2e%77%72%69%74%65%28%27%3c%61%20%68%72%65%66%3d%22%6d%61%69%6c%74%6f%3a%6d%6f%64%65%72%61%74%6f%72%40%62%72%65%61%73%74%63%61%6e%63%65%72%63%61%72%65%2e%6f%72%67%2e%75%6b%22%3e%6d%6f%64%65%72%61%74%6f%72%40%62%72%65%61%73%74%63%61%6e%63%65%72%63%61%72%65%2e%6f%72%67%2e%75%6b%3c%2f%61%3e%27%29%3b’))</script> and we will make sure this gets to someone in our policy team to have a look at and respond to.
Many thanks,
Jo, Facilitator
Posted on behalf of the Breast Cancer Care Policy Team
In our response to the Government’s consultation on this issue (which was informed by the views and experiences of our Breast Cancer Voices), we recommended that people affected by breast cancer should have the option of (prosthesis) disclosure to be done in written form, not verbally.
We also recommended that there should be an option to have a thorough pat-down search instead of going through a security scanner.
The Department for Transport (DfT) have decided against offering an alternative in the form of a pat-down search, on the grounds of security. The DfT explain this in their FAQs document on their website. The document also includes a note about the visibility of implants and prostheses and highlights that ‘security officers are trained to deal with issues of this nature in an appropriate manner’. Not all passengers are screened but if you are selected for screening you may request that the screen reader (the person who sees the scanned image of you) is of the same sex.
The DfT have also released an updated Code of Practice for the use of security scanners. You can read this document here
I’m a frequent flyer, usually on domestic routes, and the main “problem” I have had at airport security is being asked to remove my hat at security - especially at the stage where they take your photo. It isn’t a problem for me, but it has occasionally been awkward or embarrassing for staff or those around me. Obviously, I don’t think I’d have asked to remove a wig! Just something for people to consider when travelling, if that would be something that might upset you…
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Hi.
just got back from a holiday in spain, i had no problem with security at manchester or malaga airport i even had my swim body form in my hand luggage.
I went through a full body scanner at Gatwick twice this year with no problems until I had to explain the"BOX" I was carrying. The only questions I had about my prothesis was at Enfidha aiport in Tunisia, but it was only a case of him not understanding. Egypt was no problem at all.
I had a pat-down in Milano Linate a few weeks back and the woman ran her finger around my the inside of my jeans on the other side of the belt and the back of her knuckle was pushing in on my DIEP incisional scar and I felt it. I had nver had that included in a pat-down and found it somewhat intrusional and on to our flight to Gatwick we went.
Hi
I was chosen for the pat down at Heathrow shortly after having surgery for mx and was wearing a prosthesis. I was also wearing my hat as my hair had not grown back. Whilst I did not mind the scanner I did mind being patted down and told the security woman I had bc and was wearing a prosthesis. They were very sensitive and gentle - it was when they asked me to remove my hat that I felt a sudden panic as I did not want the whole queue looking at me. When I explained this to them - they were very kind but still asked me to very quickly raise my hat a little. I did so as fast as possible and they seemed ok with that. Whew! I know it seems strange after everything one goes through to care about a little thing like that - but perhaps it was just the intrusiveness of it all in front of so many strangers.
I’ve been through security with a magnetic port in England, Nepal, India, Thailand , Europe and Bali, it all went ok. I have been xrayed and patted down. did not encounter any problems. Ok I understand it can feel invasive, but it only lasts a few seconds and then you are on your way, on holiday. After all you have been through its nothing, although I would like a decisive answer regarding X ray rads. There will be loads of us ladies taking off with missing and ’ fake’ parts. The important thing to remember is that you are able to get away at last. Enjoy it !!