Cancer and massage

Yes you were right Hun, although very upsetting for her and prolly just wanted a bit of a feel good treatment, massage can spread the cancer cells through the blood stream accelerating it and moving it to new places. Xx

Yeah hun. Course you were right. I know it hard to refuse treatment. Especially when she prob needs it more than most. But you are doing it for her benefit. Xxxx

Sent from my GT-I9100P using SalonGeek

She may be on all manner of drugs too which can be affected by massage... you are shifting a lot of lymphs around and digging deep in the muscle tissues - depending on her drug combo she may bruise very easily, she might have very fragile skin and she might even develop brittle bones. Unless her GP says you're ok to massage her then do NOT do it! We were told cancer is a contra indication and even terminal patients will need a doctors note to state they are allowed to have a massage... It MIGHT be great for them, but you need to make sure that there aren't any issues which you could be making worse...

Hiya, it's no longer considered that massage spreads cancer cells due to increased circulation. If this was the case then a person with cancer couldn't have a hot bath or go for a walk as that also increases circulation. However, there are a lot of do's and don'ts when it comes to treating them so you do need a course that teaches how to adapt treatment for those living with cancer.

You definitely did the right thing if you've not done any training in this area. Maybe you could do some research so if this happens again you could explain how whilst you couldn't give a treatment there are some people who've specialised in treating patients living with cancer and give the name of someone who's local to you.

Big hugs to you - can't have been nice for you x

You should read the article called Bridging the Gap in this months "International Therapist" magazine. It covers the complementary therapies that can be used on people with cancer.

I hope this helps?

You probably did the right thing if you are unsure. It is better if somebody used to doing cancer patients dose any sort of massage, especially if they are receiving treatment. Different if they are in remission. You could always point her in the direction of someone who is experienced in dealing with cancer patients or volunteer at the local oncology department for experience. Here is a good link about cancer patients and massage.
Massage for Cancer Patients: Indicated or Contraindicated?