Myths/Truths About Oncology Massage

No massage during cancer.   Massage therapy can be given safely during cancer therapy with appropriate precautions.

Everyone can benefit because “it feels good.” Safe practices and precautions must be understood so a patient will not be harmed.

Oncology Nurses are knowledgeable of Massage Therapy.  Nurses may be as unaware of many complementary therapies as patients are.

Patients always discuss with their doctors what complementary care they are receiving.  Patients do not always tell their doctors what complementary therapies they are receiving, believing that it is not necessary. If there is no communication between the patient and their doctor, this may place patient “at risk” for injury with a general wellness massage.

As massage is becoming more acceptable in the oncology setting, it is important for the patient to know what is safe during and after treatment.  Doctors and Nurses need to understand the pros and cons of massage during cancer treatment, and be able to communicate the information comfortably with their patients. Patients need to discuss with their physicians the complementary therapies they believe will be beneficial to their treatment.

Tracy's Waltons response to the concern of massage spreading cancer and my 2 word reply "Lance Armstrong."  Can massage spread cancer

10 Breast Cancer Myths Debunked