Cancer and tourism

Research exploring the relationship between health and tourism is limited. In particular the effects of illness, prior to and unconnected with tourism, have been infrequently considered. This paper reports the empirical findings of a qualitative study undertaken to explore this. The tourism propensity of patients treated for cancer, a population largely neglected by researchers, provides the focus of enquiry. The role of health as a motivator or inhibitor is questioned and patterns of participation pre- and post-diagnosis/treatment are explored. Building upon this and earlier related research, a model is developed to more readily reflect and explain the vacation needs of patients at different stages of illness.