Oncology Massage

What is Oncology Massage?


Oncology is the branch of medicine that deals with cancer – prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Oncology MASSAGE does not involve prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of cancer at all, but it is simply the term used to describe the style and recipient of the massage itself. Just as Pregnancy or Prenatal Massage do not have any effect on the baby or the progress of the pregnancy, the terms simply describe the fact that a pregnant lady is having a massage.


Unfortunately, it’s not possible to treat cancer with massage, and that’s important to understand. However, massage is an absolutely wonderful therapy for the symptoms, treatment side-effects, and stresses of the person suffering with cancer.

Does massage spread cancer cells?


No. This is a question from years ago, but research now shows that this simply isn’t how it works. Increasing blood circulation is actually encouraged in cancer patients, as in any person! Even light exercise will get the blood flowing more than massage anyway, so massage is by no means a concern.


It’s not advised or typical for a massage therapist to work directly over a tumour site (it would likely be painful), and if the area is massaged, the pressure is not great enough to forcibly break cells off the tumour and push them to other parts other body.

“Cure sometimes, treat often, and comfort always.”  ~ Hippocrates

Comfort. This is the very main point of oncology massage. The approach is always gentle, and caring, with a goal to ease pain, stress, and tension.


Cancer patients are dealing with an enormous load of stress on many levels. Emotionally, there is often fear, anxiety, denial, depression, and grief. Mentally, there is a lot of new information to process and there are important choices to make. Physically, the body is weakened, struggling, and often in pain. Overall, the experience is usually new, scary, and the future is unknown.


There is huge variation of cancer stages, pain levels, personalities, you name it! Some are fit and fighting, and are on their way to remission. Others are very ill, frail, and coming to the end of a long battle. And then there’s everyone in between. Just as with healthy people, it’s always necessary to adjust the massage to whatever is appropriate for that individual person and their needs and wishes.

Does a Remedial Massage Therapist treat cancer patients?


Yes. All remedial massage therapists have some level of training to effectively massage people with cancer. Remedial massage therapists have a minimum of a diploma qualification. Any lower qualified therapist may not have sufficient knowledge or training to treat those who are very ill, so use caution. As every therapist is different, with different experiences and levels of training, you will need to explain more about your condition with some therapists than with others. It’s important for your therapist to know:


  • What type of cancer do you have?
  • What treatment are you undergoing/have you had?
  • Where is your pain if you have any?
  • Are there any areas of pain, discomfort, or recent surgery that you need your therapist to avoid?
  • Feedback during the session on comfort of position and pressure etc.

So, why are there specialised oncology massage therapists?


For the same reason there are any specialists. There’s so much to know! Someone who claims to specialise in oncology massage should:


  • Be familiar with the different types of cancer and the current treatments
  • Be aware of the side-effects for different treatments
  • Be well prepared with First Aid training and be able to recognise contraindications and signs of adverse reactions to massage therapy
  • Have appropriate equipment for maximum comfort
  • Have undergone specific training for oncology massage therapy

The Bottom Line


Oncology massage is normal massage, just with extra care and consideration, and a little more information is required. If you have been diagnosed with cancer, please be encouraged that massage is absolutely an option for you, and a very good one.


If you know someone else who suffers with cancer and you’d like to offer them some comfort, sending them for a massage is a beautiful and thoughtful way to help them.