1. Society for Oncology Massage
The adaptation of massage to safely nurture the body, mind and spirit of anyone diagnosed with cancer.
Society for Oncology Massage
massage_for_people_with_a_history_of_cancer.pdf

2. Oncology Massage
Skilled touch is beneficial at nearly every stage of the cancer experience, during hospitalization, the pre- or post-operative period, in the outpatient clinic, during chemotherapy and radiation, recovery at home, remission, or cure and in the end stages of life.
Gayle MacDonald, MS, LMT, Author of “Medicine Hands: Massage for People Living with Cancer”

3. Oncology Massage: A Recognized Modality
Recommended by:
American Cancer Society
Society for Integrative Oncology
LiveStrong
Offered at many cancer centers:
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Oregon Health & Science University
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
And other cancer centers across the US and abroad

4. Massage Benefits during Treatment
Reduces short-term pain, anxiety, fatigue, feelings of isolation
Enhances mood
Contributes to better rest
Improves perception of treatment

5. Research Studies and Results
Safety and Efficacy of Massage Therapy for Patients with Cancer (2005)
MEDLINE and CINAHL database study showing strongest evidence for stress reduction with trends toward pain reduction
Massage Therapy for Symptom Control: Outcome Study at a Major Cancer Center
Memorial Sloan Kettering observational study of 1,290 patients
Rated symptoms (pain, nausea, fatigue, anxiety, and depression) pre- and post- massage with immediate reduction in all areas
Massage Therapy May Have Immediate Positive Effect on Pain and Mood for Advanced Cancer Patients (2008)
NIH funded study
Randomized trial of 380 advanced cancer patients at 15 US hospices
Improvement in pain and mood following massage compared with simple touch

6. Massage Benefits Post Treatment
Restores a feeling of wholeness to the body
Increases range of motion and suppleness to areas affected by surgery and radiation
Stress reduction/ restorative rest
Pain reduction

7. The Case for Oncology Massage Training
People living with cancer are medically complex with with unique considerations
Most therapists don’t receive training to help them understand the complexity of people who have had treatment for cancer

8. Oncology Massage
Common modalities used for cancer patients are comfort massage, reflexology, and acupressure done with light pressure
Comfort-oriented bodywork provided by a trained oncology massage practitioner

9. Typical Oncology Massage Training
The importance of being “present” for the client
Benefits and precautions for cancer patients
The biology of cancer; how it starts, how it spreads and its effect on the body
Types of treatment and common side effects

10. Typical Oncology Massage Training
How to do a thorough assessment/intake
Utilizing critical thinking skills to provide a beneficial and safe massage session
Supervised sessions with guidance from an experienced instructor

11. Massage in a Less Demanding Way
Less is more
Inch forward (or backward)
Slower strokes
Shorter sessions
Checking in with clients the day after massage

12. Tailoring a Session for the Individual
Oncology massage plan considers:
Pressure moderation
Position adjustments
Site restrictions
Lymphedema risk
Session length

13. Pressure Moderation Required always, especially:
Immunosuppression
Extreme fatigue
Nausea
Lymphedema/risk of lymphedema
Bone fragility/metastases
Medical devices
Fragile skin
Peripheral neuropathy
Pain
Pain medication

14. Position Adjustments May be required:
Tumor/metastases
Constipation
Reconstruction
Expanders
Ascites
Incision tenderness
Medical devices
Shortness of breath
Pain
Mucositis

15. Site Restrictions Always: Perhaps: Tumor Radiation skin reaction
Medical devices
Skin fragility
Perhaps:
Peripheral neuropathy
Hair loss
Bone metastases

16. Lymphedema Risk
Surgery or radiation to cervical, axillary or inguinal nodes puts patient at increased risk of lymphedema
Oncology trained therapists will often have knowledge of:
Lymphatic system: quadrants
Modifications for comfort based massage
Less pressure, less time, stroke direction
Bolsters/position
Sentinal node biopsies

17. A trained therapist should easily be able to answer the following questions:
Have you received training in how to work safely with people diagnosed with cancer?
What kind of modifications would you make based on my current status?
What do you know about massage for people at risk of lymphedema?

18. For Further Information …
See “Medicine Hands: Massage Therapy for People with Cancer”, 2nd Ed. (2007, Findhorn Press)
Visit the S4OM website at
your questions to
Contact a member of S4OM.