Massage During Cancer Treatment: Supportive, Evidence-Informed Care for the Whole You
Massage isn’t a treatment for cancer — but it can help you feel better while you’re going through it. Facing cancer treatment is tough. Between appointments, scans, treatment, surgery, side effects, fear and exhaustion, your body and mind are carrying more than most people will ever know. That’s why supportive care, care that helps you feel more like yourself — matters. Massage can be one part of that journey.
What the evidence shows:
There’s a growing body of clinical research exploring massage during cancer care, not to cure the disease, but to support wellbeing in real, measurable ways:
Pain relief and physical comfort
Multiple studies and meta-analyses have found that massage therapy can reduce cancer-related pain compared with no massage or standard care. This includes general pain and discomfort associated with surgery, treatment, or musculoskeletal tension.
Reduced anxiety and stress
Massage has been shown to lower anxiety levels and promote relaxation in people undergoing cancer treatment. This is one of the most consistent findings across the research – even where studies are small or varied.
Better quality of life
Systematic reviews show improvements in overall quality of life scores for people receiving massage alongside conventional cancer care, including measures of mood, comfort, and emotional functioning.
Enhanced sleep and rest
Some randomised trials report that massage can help improve sleep quality in cancer survivors and people in treatment, an often-underappreciated benefit when fatigue and insomnia are common side effects of treatment.
Support after surgery and for recovery
For breast cancer survivors, especially after surgery, gentle massage techniques like lymphatic drainage and myofascial release have been linked with reduced swelling, improved range of motion, and better comfort during recovery. I also specialise in ScarWork so if surgery is or has been part of your treatment I can help relieve any tension or discomfort around the scar sites.
What will your session entail?
Each session is unique to you. No two peoples journeys are the same, so my oncology treatments are not either. We start with a detailed consultation form before the session to ensure that massage is right for you, in the appointment we discuss your treatment, how you are feeling, what side effects you are experiencing and then I can tailor the session to your individual needs. I will use soothing massage techniques, lymphatic drainage and fascial techniques where needed to get you feeling better in your body. Communication is key with oncology massage to ensure we don’t ‘do too much’ but also to ensure we actually focus on the areas where you need the most relief.
If you have any questions about Oncology massage then drop me an email on pentony@pamofit.co.uk and I will be happy to answer any queries or concerns you may have.
