Because there is no proof that massage spreads cancer i think that is a strong enough reason to completely avoid it on cancer patients as we dont know of we are spreading it or not !!! Facials are fine on cancer patients as long as ther is no massage involved, very light movements on the face with the cream will be fine and no harsh scrubs, im sure your mother in law would benefit from the relaxation instead of making her unhappy and stopping them.

I think the advice will vary hugely depending on the patient, the location of the cancer, the stage and various other things.

I have several cancer patients and will only perform treatments with the consent of their consultant or their specialist cancer nurse.

Many treatments will have huge benefits for most clients, but there will always be the exception.

My mum had throat cancer and any facial was a no-no for about a year. She can now have them but I'm not allowed to do any massage other than a light pressure point on her face, and this instruction is from her onchologist.

Her care team will be used to answering theswe types of questions, thats what they are there for, so get her to ask amd check that a facial would be ok.

In speaking to medical practitioners over the last few years it seems the idea that massage spreads cancer is generally thought of as a myth. It used to be the notion that as massage increased circulation, blood & lymphatic, it would therefore spread cancerous cells. However, exercise & exposure to heat etc also do this to a far greater extent, yet are recommended due to the positive effect they have.

I remember being told that you can't massage people with cancer but things change all the time, having cancer is a stressful time as it is, having a massage will help withe the stress and tension. Nurses and doctors are the professional's on this, ask her doctor and get a letter in writing. I would have thought she could have a facial but without the massage as surely she can still cleanse, tone and moisturer her skin, surely that would be something the doctor would have mentioned to her.
I think some people are scared of people with cancer, maybe the woman that said you can't have a fcaial went to a salon for a facial and was told she couldn't have one, without the salon looking in to it.
Because massage is stimulating i would have thought aswell that it depends on the area that is affected. Deffo best to talk to the doctors, professional's wouldn't be doing massage if it wasn't ok.

If this is the case then you better not even move out of your chair, cos movement even having a bath helps the lymph move around the body.

I volunteer at a hospice and I offer Aromatherapy, Reflexology and Massage. Give your M-I-L the facial, it's not just about having nice skin, but the therapeutic touch Yes check with your insurance, I'm with FHT and have medical malpractice insurance but then I work with drug and alcohol abusers too. I am also covered under the hospices insurance, but I still needed my own to prove to them.

P.S If anyone is worried about it, read Patricia McNamara, Massage for People with Cancer, very interesting.

This is very valid advice. It is not a case of one size fits all. Sometimes the benefits can outweigh the risk and this has to be a consideration. Especially in the case of terminal illness, there is a lot of research to support the benefits of massage therapies in improving quality of life. As a medical professional, I can make that decision and I understand perhaps this may be a difficult dilemma for non medical professionals. As has already been said, palliative care nurses offer this treatment to patients in their care, with great success. They certainly would not be doing anything to cause harm. Look holistically.

Hi,
treatments and cancer is always a bit of a minefield, as people have already said there is no evidence to suggest that massage will spread cancer. Generally the rule of thumb is that any massage should be light pressure, not over the tumor/growth site. The main consideration has to be the effect that providing a treatment will have on the body's internal systems processing any medications. Dont forget that any massage will boost the effects of the circulation and effectively speed up the metabolism, you will also encourage detoxification. Then you have the external effects as has already been mentioned making the tissues more delicate and sensative, dont forget the effect that radiation has on the sebaceous glands, let alone what the hormones are doing. I know that this all sounds like too much to take in but if you refer back to your a&p then really understanding how the body works will be really helpful in allowing you to way up the possible outcomes for your client, and as always if in any doubt or you are not happy ask for a referal form their GP or consultant. There is nothing more comforting and soothing in times of such high stress thatn that of another humans touch. HTH

Helen

Im afraid its the world of Health and Safety gone mad again. Some cancer sufferers would want nothing more than a massage to help them relax. If its been cleared by the nurses/doctors then there shouldnt be a problem. It matters for us though to insurance problems etc. A shame really...

Hi everyone. I found this website today and I thought it may be of some help...

Massage for Cancer Patients: Indicated or Contraindicated?

Thanks everyoen for the advice. She was supposed to be coming in for a fascial today but she wasn't feeling well so she stayed at home. I can't remember who asked, but yes, it is terminal. She loves facials but I spoke to my therapist today and just adivsed to go easy on scrubs and massage and she said she will. Its primarilly bowel cancer, but has spread to liver now. Feel bad cos she wanted a purpley bit in her hair and she one scan away from the all clear so i said when she had the all clear we'd think about it and now its spread and...argh. Just think its such a shame when they feel so rubbish about everything else without being told dont colour your hair or get massage or the a million other things we are advised not to do!!!

I'm very sorry for you and your MIL. But now that it is terminal she can basically have any treatments which will make her feel better, albeit temporarily. Pamper her as much as you can now and make the most of spending time with her.