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Yes to Life's website content is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, nor is it intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. The information is for educational and informational purposes only and has not been reviewed by medical doctors or oncologists. Cancer is a highly complex group of diseases, and it is known to manifest differently in different people, often responding more favourably to individualised approaches to treatment and care. Yes to Life advocates that any person diagnosed with, or suspected of having, cancer, consults with a suitably qualified and experienced medical professional before initiating any type of therapy or supportive treatment. Click here to read our full Disclaimer.
Oncology Massage
Summary:

Massage is the practice of manipulating, applying pressure, and rubbing or stroking soft tissue and skin to promote physical and mental relaxation, well-being, and circulation. Its purpose is to relax the soft tissues, increase delivery of blood and oxygen to the massaged areas, and release toxins from the muscles. Generally, cancer patients of all ages report that massage (with or without aromatherapy oils) helps them to relax, reduces some of the symptoms of the illness and leaves them feeling more positive and better able to cope with the illness. It may also boost the immune system, enhance lymphatic drainage (see safety/precaution) and encourage self-healing.

Description:

There are many different types of massage. Some are gentle, others are more vigourous. Some are based on traditional techniques and theories – others are modern in their approach. Massage may be applied to the whole body, or to just a part of it. The therapist often uses a base oil or blended oils which will nourish the skin. Generally, massage given to patients with cancer should use only very gentle touch techniques, as gentler types may be safer. People with cancer should avoid very deep massage.

On your first visit, the practitioner will discuss symptoms, medical history and the desired results. Oil or powder help reduce friction on the skin and the therapist may use other aids, such as ice, heat, fragrances, or machines. During massage, you can expect to feel relaxed, comfortable and supported physically and emotionally. You will be asked to undress in a private room (removing as much or as little clothing as you feel comfortable with) and to lie on a treatment couch under towels. No body part will be massaged without your consent. The massage will be gentle and soothing and the room warm and peaceful. Treatment will last for up to an hour. Some clinics/individual practitioners offer home visits so do check this when you first contact them.

History:

Therapeutic massage dates back thousands of years to ancient cultures of Arabia, Rome, Greece, and Japan. The ancient Chinese, Indian and Egyptian civilisations used massage to prevent and cure disease, and had a good working knowledge of the healing properties of certain oils (see aromatherapy). Now, in the 21st century, there are many different kinds of massage therapies available, each of which offers specific benefits to the mind and body.

Notes:

Safety/Precautions

You should check with your doctor before having massage therapy as massage is not suitable for people with certain medical conditions, and may not be suitable for all cancer patients. It is also important to choose a qualified massage therapist who has undertaken all the necessary training to understand the theory and practice of massage therapy. This is especially important if you are having cancer treatment, are very weak, have bone fractures, have heart problems, suffer from arthritis, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you are having radiotherapy you should avoid massaging the treated area. And don’t have massage to any area of your body where the skin is broken, bleeding or bruised. You should also avoid general massage therapy to your arms or legs if they are swollen because of lymphoedema. However, there is a particular type of massage used for lymphoedema called manual lymphatic drainage (MLD).

This is a very specialised treatment and people who need MLD are referred to a lymphoedema specialist by their doctor or specialist nurse. Some people worry that having a massage when you have cancer may make the cancer cells travel to other parts of the body. There is no research to support this concern. Several reviews of the scientific literature have attributed numerous positive effects to massage, including improvements in the quality of patients relaxation, sleep, and immune system responses and in the relief of their mood disturbance, fatigue, pain, anxiety, anger, depression, stress, and nausea resulting from chemotherapy treatments.

Some people worry that massage could cause cancer cells to spread to other parts of the body. Research has not found any evidence of this happening, but massage therapists will avoid any areas affected by cancer, such as tumour sites or lymph nodes.

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Practitioners
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Altair de Almeida
Worcester, UK - England (Midlands)

Altair de Almeida has been training in Holistic Medicine since 1975 including Feng Sui, Meditation, Nutrition and Spiritual Healing ...
Jayne Doyle
Manchester, UK

Jayne is the founder of The Quiet Way – a unique therapeutic approach including Oncology Massage, Full Body Massage, Indian Head and Shoulder Massage, Reflexology, Thai Foot Massage, Aromatherapy, Flower Remedies, Energy Healing, Yin Yoga, Meditation. ...
Claire Forrester
Cambridge , UK

Claire Forrester is an osteopath working in the field of gynaecology and obstetrics at the Form Practice Cambridge ...
Vicky Fox
Vicky Fox teaches weekly yoga for cancer classes and training courses to help other yoga teachers work with anyone living with cancer ...
Serena Morgan
Serena is a Soft Tissue Therapist, Sports Massage and Integrative Oncology Therapist working in London ...
Lisa Steele
Lisa Steele is anaccredited counsellor and Chief Executive of Chai Cancer Care ...
Clinics
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AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center
Johnson City, USA

AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center offers traditional, integrative, alternative, complementary, herbal, nutritional, stem cell, hormone, holistic and diagnostic medical methods and technologies ...
Action Cancer
Action Cancer is a Northern Ireland cancer charity, established in 1973 by cancer specialist Dr George Edelstyn. Services include counselling and support services for cancer patients and their families. ...
AcuMedic Clinic
London, UK - England (South East)

The oldest and largest Chinese Medical Clinic in the UK. Established in 1972, AcuMedic has treated over 50,000 people using Acupuncture and Chinese medicine. ...
Arcadia Health Centre (The)
Arcadia, Australia

Established in 1961, the Arcadia Health Centre provides a beautiful setting for unique and personal care. Procedures include fasting, diet, activity, ...
Arcturus Clinic (The)
Totnes, UK

The Arcturus Clinic has been running for over 15 years and aims to treat the holistic needs of the individual using complementary medicine. It offers ...
Aurora Beauty and Holistic Therapies
Worksop, UK

Aurora is a cancer charity established in Doncaster, to support and help local people and their families who have been diagnosed with cancer. Cancer patients receive 6 free treatments. ...
Ayrshire Cancer Support
Kilmarnock, UK

Ayrshire Cancer Support has operated in Ayrshire since 1982, providing emotional support and practical help for cancer patients, their families, carers and the bereaved. ...
BASIC (Brain and Spinal Injury Centre)
Salford, UK

Since its inception in 1994, BASIC has been providing counselling, information and support services for patients and their families following a brain or spinal injury. ...
Big C Cancer Support and Information Centres
Norwich, UK

The Big C is a cancer charity that has Support Centres in Norwich, Great Yarmouth and King’s Lynn, as well as a smaller Support Hub in Gorleston. ...
Bracken Trust Cancer Support Centre (The)
Llandrindod Wells, UK - Wales

The Bracken Trust supports those who are coping with cancer, their families and the bereaved. They are about empowering people to live with, through and beyond cancer. ...
Bury Cancer Support Centre
Bury, UK

Bury Cancer Support Centre offers support, information and complementary therapies in an informal atmosphere. Therapies include relaxation, massage, aromatherapy, Bowen Technique, healing, reiki, and counselling. ...
CLAN Cancer Support
CLAN Cancer Support is an independent charity for anyone affected by any type of cancer at any time from diagnosis onwards. ...
COPES Gynae Cancer Support
Essex, UK

COPES support group was launched for patients affected by gynaecological cancers where free complimentary therapies are provided. ...
CREST Cancer Support
Staines-upon-Thames, UK

CREST is a local charity run entirely by volunteers who give their time and expertise for free to support cancer patients and their families ...
CYANA (Cancer You Are Not Alone)
London, UK

CYANA provides cancer support for the residents of Newham and surrounding boroughs. Qualified and experienced Counsellors offer one-to-one, couple and facilitated group support sessions and telephone counselling or advice. ...
Cancer Aid Merthyr Tydfil
Merthyr Tydfil, UK

Cancer Aid Merthyr Tydfil Ltd is a registered charity that provides a free service to those whose lives have been touched by cancer living within the Merthyr Tydfil Borough. ...
Cancer Connections
South Shields, UK

Cancer Connections is a charity thatd provides many services including counselling and complementary therapies, completely free of charge ...
Cancer Help
Preston, UK

Cancer Help was formed by Margaret O Donoghue in 1989 and now has two fully staffed day centres, bringing invaluable benefits to countless thousands of cancer patients in the Preston and Garstang areas. ...
Cancer Lifeline
Belfast, UK

Cancer Lifeline provides a welcoming home from home for individuals and their families living with cancer. The organisation was set up in October 1999 by a group of women all of whom are living with cancer themselves. ...
Cancer Support Centre Sutton Coldfield (The)
Birmingham, UK

The Cancer Support Centre Sutton Coldfield work alongside the local health services, hospices and other cancer charities for people affected by cancer and their carers, in Birmingham and the West Midlands ...
Cancer Support Scotland
Glasgow, UK

Cancer Support Scotland (formerly known as Tak Tent) deliver high-quality counselling, complementary therapy, podiatry and stress management services to promote mental and physical wellbeing ...
Cancer Wise
Chichester, UK - England (South East)

CancerWise is a registered charity offering support and information to anyone concerned about cancer in the Chichester area. ...
CancerCare
Lancaster, UK

CancerCare help families affected by cancer and other life-limiting illnesses in North Lancashire and South Lakeland, with centres in Lancaster, Kendal and Barrow. ...
Cherry Lodge Cancer Care
Barnet, UK

Cherry Lodge Cancer Care is an independent charity committed to improving the quality of life for people living with cancer, their carers and families. ...
Coping With Cancer North East
Annitsford, Cramlington, UK

Founded as a support group, Coping With Cancer North East exists to offer emotional support, practical help and information to those in the region with cancer, together with their friends and family. ...
Coping with Cancer in Leicestershire and Rutland
Leicester, UK

Coping with Cancer has a team of therapists who are experienced in treating those affected by cancer ...
Derry Well Woman
Londonderry, UK

Derry Well Women is a not-for-profit centre which offers health and social care services to women of all ages in a welcoming, relaxed, safe and confidential space ...
Elysia Therapeutic Centre
Stourbridge, UK

The Elysia Therapeutic Centre is a complementary health clinic providing a broad range of therapeutic practice, including Mistletoe Therapy. ...
FORCE Cancer Support Centre
Exeter, UK

The FORCE Cancer Support Centre (Friends of the Oncology and Radiotherapy Centre, Exeter) offers practical and emotional support ...
Five Seasons Health
Scottsdale, United States

Five Seasons Health offers a wide variety of services provided by Robert Ellsworth NMD and Jeffrey Lee NMD, Serena Clark LPN, and Valerie Hall LMT, as well as Kathleen Northrop RN. ...
Fountain Centre (The)
Guildford, UK - England (South East)

The Fountain Centre works in partnership with the Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and their aim is to complement the medical treatment provided. The centre is fully equipped with treatment and counselling rooms. ...
Gentle Approach to Cancer Association
Preston, UK - England (North)

The support centres at the Gentle Approach to Cancer Association, offer a holistic approach to the treatment of cancer. ...
GlosO2Therapy
Gloucester , United Kingdom

GlosO2Therapy is a Gloucestershire based clinic offering Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, acupuncture and massage. The clinic is primarily focused on supporting patients with Multiple Sclerosis and neurological problems but also supports cancer patients. ...
Harbour Cancer Support Centre
Hampshire, UK

The Harbour Cancer Support Centre offers support and information for people affected by cancer – the patient, their families, carers and friends, ...
Harmony Hill of Union
Union, United States

Harmony Hill offers cancer retreat programmes at no cost to participants. Cancer retreats can also be offered virtually via Zoom. ...
Helen Rollason Cancer Support Centre
Helen Rollason's vision to provide better emotional support for cancer patients has led to the foundation of the Helen Rollason Cancer Support...
Holistic Medical Clinic
London, UK - England (South East)

The Holistic Medical Clinic is a privately run clinic run by Dr John Moran for over 30 years ...
Hospice of St Francis (The)
Berkhamsted, UK

The Hospice of St Francis strongly believes that complementary therapies can work together with medical and nursing care to improve a patient’s well-being, reduce anxiety and to help cope with their illness. ...
Macmillan Cancer Resource Centre (The)
Macmillan Cancer Resource Centres provide a safe and welcoming environment for people affected by cancer. Services for people with cancer and their families ...
National Centre for Integrative Medicine
Bristol, UK - England (South West)

The National Centre for Integrative Medicine (NCIM) champions an Integrative Medicine Model, combining conventional, lifestyle and holistic approaches ...
Painease Naturopathic Clinic
Milton, Canada

Painease Naturopathic Clinic operates a cancer care system based on the importance of patients receiving the very best in supportive and integrative cancer care ...
Rosa Medica Clinic
Cheddar, UK - England (South East)

Rosalind Blackwell is a doctor of naturopathy, medical herbalist and clinic director at the Rosa Medica Clinic ...
Roswell Park Cancer Institute
Buffalo, United States

Roswell Park helps set international standards in cancer care through its role as a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network ...
Stram Center for Integrative Medicine
The Stram Center for Integrative Medicine offers an array of healing-oriented services combining the best of western scientific medicine with the wisdom of complementary practices ...
The Holistic Cancer Centre at Wirral Holistic Care Services
Claughton, UK

The Holistic Cancer Centre at Wirral Holistic Care Services is a nurse-Led therapeutic cancer support centre for people who have a cancer diagnosis ...
Urban Wellness Group
Portland, USA

Urban Wellness Group is an integrative medical clinic focusing on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease ...
Verita Life
Bangkok, Thailand

Verita Life’s individualised alternative treatment approach ensures that the treatment you receive is entirely tailoured to your individual condition ...
Information & Advice
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Cancer Information and Support Society (CISS)
St Leonards, Global (ie: web based)

CISS promotes non-toxic holistic medicine. The educational organisation promotes prevention, self-help and freedom of choice in therapies for cancer...
Cancer Options Ltd
Nottingham, Global (ie: web based)

Led by Patricia Peat, an experienced oncology nurse, Cancer Options offers support and information on orthodox treatments, clinical trials and developments worldwide. ...
Canhelp Inc
Livingstone, United States

CANHELP serves patients and/or family members who wish to take an active part in the healing process and are willing to think outside the conventional medical box. ...
Yes to Life
London, UK - England (South East)

Yes to Life is a charity that offers support to people with cancer in the UK who want to take a proactive role in their treatment ...
Organisations
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Acorn Cancer Support Group (The)
UK

Acorn Cancer Support Group’s aim is to alleviate the physical and emotional distress of cancer patients and their carers. ...
Associazione Ricerca di Terapie Oncologiche Integrate
Rome, Italy

The ARTOI is a non-profit and multidisciplinary professional organisation that studies, researches and applies treatments for cancer ...
Callanish Society
Canada

Callanish creates a healing space for people who have been irrevocably changed by cancer. At the heart of Callanish is a weeklong retreat ...
Cavendish Cancer Care
Sheffield, UK

Cavendish Cancer Care are an independent charity which was established in 1991, and gives free emotional support and complementary therapies to families affected by cancer in Yorkshire and Derbyshire. ...
Chai Cancer Care
Chai Cancer Care is the Jewish community’s national cancer support organisation, enabling patients, family and friends to manage the impact of a cancer diagnosis. ...
Circle of Comfort
Fife, UK

Circle of Comfort is a registered Scottish charity which offers reflexology, massage or aromatherapy treatments to people in Fife and Perthshire ...
Integrated Cancer Therapies
UK

Integrated Cancer Therapies is a registered charity specialising in delivering complementary therapy to people with cancer living in Northamptonshire. ...
Liverpool Sunflowers
Liverpool, UK

Liverpool Sunflowers is a charity providing support to local people following a diagnosis of cancer or other life changing illness ...
Penny Brohn UK
Bristol, UK

Penny Brohn UK is the cancer health and wellbeing charity with a wide array of services free and online ...
Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre (The)
Tunbridge Wells, UK - England (South East)

The Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre provides complementary therapies, such as reflexology, reiki, healing and massage, along with nutritional advice, yoga and counselling, free of charge ...
Purple House Cancer Support
Bray, Ireland

Purple House Cancer Support is a registered charity providing all services for free and supports families affected by cancer nationwide in Ireland ...
Rotherham Cancer Care Centre
Rotherham, UK

Rotherham Cancer Care Centre services are free and there is no need for an NHS referral ...
Royal Marsden (The)
Sutton, UK

The complementary therapy team working at The Royal Marsden Hospital are experienced in working with patients undergoing cancer treatment ...
South East Cancer Help Centre
South East Cancer Help Centre aims to give any person affected by cancer an opportunity to explore ways which may help them to cope with their situation ...
Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice and Community Services
UK

Sue Ryder provides Day Service treatment across Berkshire in Newbury and Wokingham, where they support patients with practical advice, useful services and complementary therapies ...
Thames Hospice
Windsor, UK - England (South East)

Thames Hospice is an independent charity, offering free counselling and complimentary therapies for cancer patients ...
The Sara Lee Trust
The Sara Lee Trust supports people in Hastings and Rother who have been diagnosed with cancer or other life threatening illnesses by providing free counselling, complementary therapies and group activities ...
Together Against Cancer
UK

Together Against Cancer provides a range of free cancer support services, including complementary therapies ...
Triangle Drop-in Centre
Triangle Cancer Support Centre is staffed by experienced cancer nurses, therapists and trained volunteers, to help cancer patients and their families ...
Wessex Cancer Trust
Wessex Cancer Trust offers free, local and personalised emotional and wellbeing support for anyone affected by cancer in Wessex ...
Weston Park Cancer Information and Support Centre
Sheffield, UK - England (North)

Weston Park Cancer Support offer 4 free Complementary therapy sessions to cancer patients in their region to help ease the side effects of cancer treatments ...
White House Cancer Support
Dudley, UK

White House Cancer Support provides practical help, emotional support and information to people with cancer, their families, friends and carers in the borough of Dudley ...