Cancer Survivor Details Humiliating Airport Encounters Over Stoma Supplies
A charity is advocating for better training for airport staff to ensure passengers with stomas are treated with dignity and respect.
Paul Scanlon, a cancer survivor who uses a stoma, has described experiencing "degrading" and "humiliating" treatment at UK airports, including being "screamed at" by security staff when attempting to retrieve his stoma supplies.
Scanlon, who has had a stoma for nearly four years following a stage three bowel cancer diagnosis, recounted an incident at Cardiff Airport where a security officer shouted at him for trying to access his luggage containing stoma supplies. He was subsequently escorted into an interview room and searched, which he felt made him "feel like a criminal." Scanlon stated that while he understands the need for security, he believes there is a lack of "dignity, compassion and empathy" in such interactions.
These experiences have significantly impacted Scanlon's willingness to fly, leading him to opt for a cruise for his next holiday to avoid the associated stress. He expressed a desire to still enjoy travel as part of his life, especially as he anticipates being cancer-free.
The Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Association (IA) reports that Scanlon's experience is not isolated. The charity has received 70 responses to a survey, identifying negative stoma-related incidents at 16 different UK airports. IA chief executive officer Lisa Barker stated that individuals with stomas are often forced to choose between managing their condition and traveling, with airport security procedures causing considerable stress and anxiety. The IA provides travel certificates to explain passengers' conditions, but Barker emphasized the need for improved understanding among airport staff to ensure a dignified process for passengers.
Emma Greenwood, an internal pouch nurse specialist who also has a stoma, shared similar concerns, noting that abrupt or aggressive interactions with airport staff can be upsetting and negatively affect a holiday. She highlighted that individuals with stomas may be self-conscious and particularly vulnerable to embarrassment during security checks, suggesting that basic kindness from staff would be a significant improvement.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) stated that airports are obligated to provide disability awareness training for their staff and that security officers are expected to interact with passengers in a "sensitive and understanding manner."