Monday
Aug172009
Mon, August 17, 2009 | Lisa Barger Is Massage Safe for Cancer Patients?
“My daughter is going for a massage this week and I’m worried because she has cancer. I had always heard massage wasn’t safe when you have cancer. Is this something she should look into?”
While only your daughter’s doctor can give her medical advice, there are some general guidelines about getting a massage when you have cancer. Right now, it seems that certain forms of massage may help alleviate some of the symptoms that come along with cancer and some of the side efects of cancer treatments. But it’s not safe for every cancer patient. The American Cancer Society, for example, has this to say:
I’m adding some links from legitimate medical experts to, hopefully, help ease your fears. Of course the only person who can give you medical advice about this is her doctor so don’t be afraid to give him a call, either.
Resources:
American Cancer Society. (2009). Massage.
Corbin, L., (2005). From the Moffit Cancer Center: Safety and Efficacy of Massage Therapy for Patients With Cancer.
While only your daughter’s doctor can give her medical advice, there are some general guidelines about getting a massage when you have cancer. Right now, it seems that certain forms of massage may help alleviate some of the symptoms that come along with cancer and some of the side efects of cancer treatments. But it’s not safe for every cancer patient. The American Cancer Society, for example, has this to say:
- People with bone cancer should avoid deep pressure massage to reduce the risk of bone fracture.
- Massage should be avoided over any area that is swollen until cancer in the area is ruled out.
- Massage in the immediate area of a tumor could, at least potentially, help the cancer spread and should be avoided.
- Massage on cancer patients should only be done by a massage therapist trained in working with cancer patients.
- Massage oils, butters and lotions can greatly increase the risk of a serious skin reaction during radiation treatment.
- Chemotherapy patients may find they bruise more easily during massage, especially if their platelet counts are low or if they’re taking blood thinking medications.
- Massage should never be used in place of legitimate cancer treatments.
I’m adding some links from legitimate medical experts to, hopefully, help ease your fears. Of course the only person who can give you medical advice about this is her doctor so don’t be afraid to give him a call, either.
Resources:
American Cancer Society. (2009). Massage.
Corbin, L., (2005). From the Moffit Cancer Center: Safety and Efficacy of Massage Therapy for Patients With Cancer.
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